Vendis Capital invests in Mazarine

Vendis Capital invests in Mazarine

Paris, 14 March 2013 – The communications agency aimed at the luxury industry, Mazarine, is joining Fondations Capital and its co-investor Vendis Capital following a secondary MBO transaction.

Aimed exclusively at the luxury consumer industry, Mazarine serves more than 80 of the most prestigious brands, including Chanel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Van Cleef & Arpels. Since its launch in 1992, the agency has gradually developed five business areas (starting with publishing, followed by design, events, digital and advertising) by setting up or taking over a dedicated entity. In the space of five years, its turnover rose from EUR 27 million to EUR 82 million in 2012, partly due to the acquisition of La Mode en Images in 2010, followed by that of Mademoiselle Noï in 2012.

Mazarine was founded and is led by Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers, who is re-investing in the business alongside Fondations Capital and Vendis Capital.

“Since 2010, our business has grown by more than 25% per annum, mainly driven by digital and events, especially internationally,” comments Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers. With offices in Beijing and Hong Kong since 2011, the Paris agency is planning to continue its expansion in Asia, aiming to set up offices in Shanghai within two years. “Asia is the largest source of growth for the luxury industry. Compared to Europe, the communication budgets there are very high,” continues the director. With 240 employees, Mazarine also has plans to expand into the United States and Brazil, and can rely on its new shareholders to finance its external growth.

Mazarine represents Vendis’ second equity participation in France in quick succession, following that of the Bailly Group, which owns Alexandre de Paris.