On January 16, Willkie client Weinberg Capital Partners announced the sale of its majority stake in REALEASE Capital to Qualium Investissement.

REALEASE Capital is the leading independent pure-player of the equipment leasing market in France. It offers tailor-made financing solutions through a complete and agnostic leasing offer (financial lease, operational lease, etc.) backed by a wide range of financing methods (contract assignments, credit structuring, self-leasing, etc.), and complemented by high value-added services (insurance, evolving contracts, etc.).

With an excellent reputation and more than 30 years’ experience, REALEASE Capital has well-established relationships with its pool of funders and its 800 selected suppliers serving more than 7,200 end clients. It currently finances €500 million worth of equipment through approximately 11,000 contracts.

The completion of the transaction is subject to approval by the competition authorities.

Since Weinberg Capital Partners’ investment in the company in late 2018, REALEASE Capital has doubled both its EBITDA and turnover, which is approximately €170 million. In addition, REALEASE Capital undertook a successful management transition and digitalized the full range of its service offerings and internal processes. Its workforce has grown by close to 40%, notably with key recruitments in the executive management and sales teams.

Willkie previously represented Weinberg Capital Partners in its acquisition of REALEASE Capital.

The Willkie team in Paris was led by partner Cédric Hajage and included counsel Georges Balit and associates Camille Barrabino and Eden Attias.