THE BLOG

RAGNI Strengthens Its Presence in the European Market with the Acquisition of German Group Hess

The Ragni Group reinforces its European footprint with the strategic acquisition of Hess GmbH Licht + Form, a German specialist in public lighting.

The Ragni Group, a major French player specialized in public lighting solutions and connected technologies through its brands Ragni, Novea Energies, and SEV@, has recently acquired the German lighting group Hess GmbH Licht + Form.

This acquisition allows it to strengthen its position in the European public lighting market, particularly in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Hess GmbH Licht + Form is headquartered in Villingen-Schwenningen, Baden-Württemberg.

The acquisition also includes the traditional brand Vulkan, whose roots date back to 1898 and which is a pioneer in LED lighting for streets, traffic nodes, parking areas, pedestrian zones, and public facilities.

With a turnover of nearly 100 million euros expected for the fiscal year 2023, the Ragni Group is in full expansion.

This acquisition fits into the strategic vision of the French group to expand its European footprint and, more broadly, to consolidate its position as a leader in the public lighting and urban furniture sector. However, it is to be noted that the scope of the purchase includes the entire world, including the French overseas territories, except the Americas (USA, Canada, and LATAM) which remain under the management of Hess USA, still owned by Experience Brands.

Marcel Ragni, President of the Group, states : “Together with Hess GmbH Licht+ Form, we will form a leading group with about 400 direct and indirect employees, which makes us proud. We will be able to benefit from our reciprocal expertise and create industrial synergies that will benefit our customers, employees, and all our partners as we continue to develop.”

Jean-Christophe Ragni, Deputy CEO and Director of Export Sales, continues : “We chose Hess GmbH Licht + Form for its exceptional strengths and advantages in public lighting in Germany. The German company’s reputation for innovation, quality, and aesthetics perfectly matches the values and vision of the Ragni Group. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to the high-end sector and broadens our product range as a whole, allowing us to respond even more effectively to the varied needs of our European and international customers.”

The Ragni Group, led by the eponymous family, has a long history of commitment to innovation and quality in the field of public lighting, all in the service of humanity. With its family values, the group shares with Hess a common passion for excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Stéphane Ragni, Deputy CEO and Director of Sales in France, declares: “The Ragni Group is convinced that this union with Hess GmbH Licht + Form will create a stronger and more competitive entity, ready to meet market challenges.”

Ragni was assisted in this operation by Altios Corporate Finance, Alexandre Kaplan (Director M&A & Associate) & Camille Garbolino (Senior M&A Analyst).