Stemming from the Bonnet family business, which has been active for more than 125 years in the jewellery industry, Gold Service is a European leader in the trading of precious metals. Gold Service provides private individuals and professionals a complete offer consisting in buying, storing, and selling gold, in store or online. Based in Switzerland and France through a network of 26 agencies and 60 employees, Gold Service’s know-how and experience are internationally recognized. Gold Service has achieved revenues exceeded CHF 50 million in 2021.
Client:
Green Gold Group (Club deal)
Countries:
Switzerland, France
Sector:
Precious metals trading
Year:
2022
The project
Acquisition of 100% of Gold Service’s capital.
Firstly, Auraïa's involvement in this operation consisted in analysing the acquisition opportunity and then gathering investors likely to bring their experience and skills. Then Auraïa, which is also an investor in the transaction, organized and coordinated a comprehensive audit of the company and negotiated the entire transaction.
Auraïa has also organised bridge loan financing of the acquisition. The investors' plan is to support Gold Service in a new period of growth and development. The company has a significant growth potential in a fairly unknown and highly fragmented sector. A first development will consist in making the purchase and sale of precious metals environmentally responsible by promoting the importance of gold recycling. The investors also intend to double the amount of stores within Switzerland and France over the next 18 months, to accelerate its e-commerce business and to enhance customers’ experience. They are pretty convinced that this roadmap will cope with clients’ expectations.
Today
The Auraïa team was deeply involved all along the acquisition process and is keep supporting the Management team on several matters such as external growth, fund raising and strategic thinking. Hopefully a first new transaction might be announced within the coming months.
Auraïa's team held several roles in this transaction while ensuring a total alignment of interests between the investors. It is quite rare that an M&A advisor is also an investor, actively involved in the due diligence process and the execution of the development plan.
