Zadig & Voltaire to Partner with TA Associates

Zadig & Voltaire, one of the most successful French brands in the new luxury ready- to-wear market, known for its Parisian-chic and rock and roll inspiration, announces that TA Associates, a leading global growth private equity firm, has signed an agreement to acquire a 30% stake in the company. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed.

Zadig & Voltaire was founded in 1995 and has grown consistently since. Today, it operates approximately 200 boutiques and shop in shops over 20 markets around the world, generating in excess of €200 million in revenues. Following the transaction, founder and controlling shareholder Thierry Gillier will continue to develop the operations of the company with the support of his management team, who will now join him and TA Associates as shareholders.

Thierry Gillier said: “We are delighted to have found a great partner in TA Associates whose expertise with international consumer businesses will help us further build our brand elsewhere in the U.S. and Asia. Our brand still benefits from an exceptional development potential. We look forward to working with TA Associates to continue to develop Zadig & Voltaire worldwide.”

Patrick Sader, a Senior Vice President of TA Associates who will join the company’s Board of Directors, said: “Zadig & Voltaire’s distinctive DNA has commanded a loyal following in the French market for nearly two decades. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Thierry and his team to foster the ongoing growth and success of the company in both existing and new markets.”

Chris Parkin, a Director of TA Associates who will also join the company’s board, further commented: “Zadig & Voltaire’s operational and financial profile is a perfect fit for TA’s growth-focused consumer investment strategy. This increasingly global company is well-positioned to capitalize on its already impressive international footprint.”

Zadig & Voltaire represents TA’s third investment in France since 2009 following investments in fund manager DNCA Finance and in a leading provider of online stock photography, Fotolia.

Compagnie Financière Edmond de Rothschild acted as financial advisers, and Praxes Avocats provided legal counsel, to Zadig & Voltaire on the transaction. Rothschild & Cie. acted as financial advisers, and Latham & Watkins LLP provided legal counsel, to TA Associates.

About Zadig & Voltaire

Zadig & Voltaire is a pioneer of the new luxury segment of the fashion market in Europe. The company was founded in 1995 by Thierry Gillier and is one of the most distinctive and influential brands to emerge from France in recent years. The brand has created a strong identity based on the knitwear, cashmere and luxurious materials. It currently operates approximately 200 boutiques and shop in shops over 20 countries throughout Europe, Asia and North America. In addition, Zadig & Voltaire is increasingly active across channels, with a successful e-commerce platform and a broadening wholesale effort, which spans product licensing (including childrenswear, watches and sunglasses) as well as partner-led retailing in a further 20 countries in Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The combination of high brand equity, strong customer loyalty, and increasing internationalization has been a key ingredient in the ongoing success and growth of the business. More information about Zadig & Voltaire can be found at www.zadigetvoltaire.com .

About TA Associates

Founded in 1968, TA Associates is one of the largest and most experienced middle-market growth private equity firms. The firm has invested in over 400 companies globally and has raised more than $16 billion in capital. With offices in Boston, Menlo Park, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong, TA Associates leads buyouts and minority recapitalizations of profitable growth companies in the healthcare, technology, financial services, business services and consumer industries. More information about TA Associates can be found at www.ta.com .

Contact:

For Zadig & Voltaire:
Carol Gerland, +33 (0) 1 42 21 88 88
Communication Director
Cgerland@hotmail.com
or
For TA Associates:
BackBay Communications:
Philip Nunes, 1-617-556-9982, x227
phil.nunes@backbaycommunications.com
or
Toby Mitchenall, +44 203 440 2942
toby.mitchenall@backbaycommunications.com