Winch Capital 3, run by Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners, has bought a 49 per cent stake in Thomson Video Networks. The Paris-based private equity affiliate of the Edmond de Rothschild Group specialises in asset management and private banking. It currently has close to €1.2 billion under management, primarily in life sciences, venture capital and growth capital.
Thomson Video Networks resulted from a spin-off from the Technicolor group in 2011, a deal led by the company’s executive management with the assistance of the FCDE investment company. Thomson Video Networks aimed to accelerate growth and bolster its leadership in its terrestrial and satellite TV markets while becoming a player in new segments like OTT video and IPTV. To achieve these goals, the company now boasts a revamped product offering, and a global sales and field services network.
To accompany Thomson Video Networks on this ambitious growth plan, WINCH Capital 3 was chosen to succeed FCDE after a competitive process organised by DC Advisory. Winch Capital 3 has been joined by CMC-CIC Private Debt and the company’s executive team has reinvested all its proceeds.
“This investment in Thomson Video Networks fully embodies our new WINCH Capital 3 fund strategy: to invest in an international, midsized company with an executive team that has increased its equity stake to roll out an ambitious development project with identified external growth opportunities,” said Sylvain Charignon, partner, Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners.
Christophe Delahousse (pictured), CEO of Thomson Video Networks, added: “We are delighted to have Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners on board. We are now fully equipped to accelerate growth and deploy our new ‘Behind Every Screen’ strategic approach, combining on-premises and cloud-based resources to help operators preserve video quality and control cost of ownership for broadcast and multiscreen services. Thomson Video Networks will be able to capitalise on its enlarged and innovative product and solutions portfolio, its global sales network, and the financial strength and expertise of Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners for external growth projects.”
