Founders, management and NextStage AM have sold Once For All to Fortius, a portfolio company of Warburg Pincus
Once For All
Started in 2012 under the name Attestation Légale and based in Lyon, France, Once For All (OFA) is a leading European compliance and certification Software as a Service (SaaS) platform for the construction and associated sectors. The group offers a one-time, one-place platform to manage administrative file of compliance data for each supplier, information being shared “once for all.” Acting as a trusted third-party, OFA has grown quickly to become the market leader with 62,000 clients in France. As well as developing this strong core business, the team’s entrepreneurial spirit has also created 10 spin-off businesses alongside Attestation Légale operations.
The Deal
After receiving unsolicited interests, OFA’s shareholders mandated Lincoln International to manage discussions with interested parties and conduct a tight process with a limited number of precisely selected parties. The process received high interest from a significant number of potential acquirers. Working closely with management, Lincoln’s industry expertise and nimbleness ultimately resulted in a smooth transaction from start to finish, within a tight window and during a historically busy deal market.
Backed by Warburg Pincus, Fortius specialises in verifying compliance data for UK construction, facilitates management, rail and energy suppliers and has over 60,000 clients. The combination of both leaders will create the European champion in SaaS supply chain management solutions.
Our Perspective
“Software for compliance and certification is a large, growing market that has attracted considerable attention from buyers and investors over the last few years across different verticals,” states Matthieu Rosset, Managing Director in Lincoln’s Paris office. “OFA management, with the support of NextStage and its shareholders, has managed to build a leadership position on the construction vertical in France, which holds a strategic position within Europe. Thanks to its extremely virtuous business model, which benefits from strong network effects and solid execution, OFA has been generating sustainable and profitable high growth for many years. This made the business very attractive and complementary to many potential acquirers, generating strong interest. We congratulate both companies on this landmark transaction and look forward to the future success of the combined group.”
Lincoln’s guidance and strategic advice throughout the process was key in helping us reach an outstanding outcome and find the right partner.
Meet our Senior Team
Each transaction is unique and requires a tailor-made approach. Providing honest and straightforward advice is instrumental to develop mutually trustful relationships and reach the best outcome.
Matthieu Rosset
Managing Director & Co-head of Technology, Europe
Paris
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