Founded in 1896, SGD is a world leader in the production of glass bottles for the fragrance, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
The company also holds strong positions in a number of fast-growing niche markets.
SGD operates in markets that benefit from solid growth fundamentals and very high technological, marketing and financial barriers to entry. In each one, it has developed unrivalled competitive advantages by leveraging its product skills and widely recognized capacity for innovation and creativity, as well as its unique worldwide sales and manufacturing organization.
Key financials:
SGD has approximately 6,000 employees and reported 2008 revenue of €631.2 million.
Management:
SGD is led by Thierry Dillard. He is supported by a team of talented, experienced managers who are responsible for implementing the company’s strategic growth plan.
Sagard’s position:
Sagard and Cognetas acquired a majority stake in SGD in March 2007 with Saint-Gobain, SGD’s historical shareholder, retaining a 20% interest. The management team also invested in the acquisition vehicle.
Investment rationale:
A global leader with recognized product, manufacturing and marketing expertise and sound growth fundamentals.
A strategic vision aligned with the bottle industry’s specific needs and opportunities, which has driven a significant improvement in margins.
A solid platform for industry consolidation that will enable the management team to take advantage of the many acquisition opportunities it has identified in new markets and strategically related businesses.