goetzpartners advises EDITIS on the acquisition of Editions First

On the 2nd of November 2005, Editis Holding, a subsidiary of the Wendel Investissement, Group announced the future conclusion of an agreement to acquire Editions First 1). goetzpartners Corporate Finance acted as advisor to Editis in this transaction.

Editis, the second largest book publisher in France (le Robert, Nathan, Robert Laffont, 10-18, Plon-Perrin, La Découverte, etc…), has a strong footprint in the segments of literature, reference, education and games. Editis reported net revenues of EUR 717 million in 2004.

The acquisition of Editions First will not only help Editis to become the leading publisher of IT books but also help reinforce its position in the practical books segment.

Founded at the end of 1992 by Serge Martiano, Editions First rapidly became a success thanks to an editorial approach that targeted the specific needs of the market and of consumer distribution. Today the publishing house releases nearly 200 new titles per year, mainly in the fields of documents and essays, life practices, youth, tourism and IT for the general public and experts.

Editons First is the third editor of practical books in France and number one for IT books with a 40% market share (Visuel, Poche Micro and Pour les Nuls collections). In 2004, the publishing house recorded gross revenues of EUR 27 million (public price before tax).

goetzpartners (ex-CEA), with a team of 120 investment bankers and consultants in Germany, France, the UK, Spain and the Czech Republic, is a leading European advisory firm offering corporate finance (goetzpartners Corporate Finance) and management consulting (goetzpartners Management Consulting) services.

goetzpartners’ teams across Europe are particularly recognised as advisors on M&A transactions in the fields of Telecommunications, Media and Technology.

In France, goetzpartners consists of 10 investment bankers and Senior Advisors.

1) The transaction should be finalised by the end of the year.

For additional information, please contact :
Alexandra FORD
goetzpartners CORPORATE FINANCE
Tel : +33 (0)1 70 72 55 00
Fax : +33 (0)1 70 72 55 00
e-mail : ford@goetzpartners.com