Project: Acquisition of Questel S.A. By SG Capital Europe

Role: Advised the shareholders of SG Capital Europe

2007

Quayle Munro advises Questel on buyout by SG Capital

December 2007:

Quayle Munro, leading international corporate finance advisers in media, information and technology, is pleased to announce it has advised Questel S.A. (“Questel”), Europe’s leading intellectual property management company, on its buyout by SG Capital Europe for an undisclosed amount.  Quayle Munro was appointed by Questel’s shareholders to advise on strategic options for the Company, and led the negotiations and execution of the deal.

Questel has assisted corporations globally in managing their intellectual property for over 30 years.  Covering patents, trademarks and industrial design, the Company’s industry-leading products and services comprise databases, search and monitoring services, workflow solutions and docketing software.  Questel is headquartered in Paris, with offices in Sophia Antipolis, the high-tech centre in the south of France, Brussels and Washington DC.  www.questel.com

SG Capital Europe is a leading European mid-market buyout company with offices throughout Europe.  Other portfolio companies of SG Capital Europe include Gevers, a leading European provider of intellectual property services based in Brussels, and SVP, a leading French provider of advisory services and value-added information to small and medium-sized businesses.  www.sgce.com

Management and employees of Questel remain significant shareholders in the Company.

Philippe Renié, SG Capital Europe Director, Paris, said:
“We have been impressed by Questel’s high level of expertise and its management and employee commitment.  We believe strongly in Questel’s ability to capture new market opportunities and look forward to building on its current strategy.  SG Capital is proud to support management’s efforts to grow the Company."

Michael Doyle, Managing Director, Quayle Munro, said:
 “Questel’s leading position in intellectual property management provides a tremendous platform for growth.  Demand for patent and trademark information is extending well beyond the traditional realm of lawyers, and Questel is extremely well placed to capitalise on this trend.  We are delighted to have advised the Company’s shareholders on its sale to SG Capital.”