Gradiente invests in surface treatments by creating Argos Surface Technologies Group

Third investment for private equity fund “Gradiente II”, managed by Gradiente SGR, which acquired a controlling stake of Argos Spa and Aalberts Surface Treatment Italy Srl (based in Opera, Milan) and signed a binding purchase agreement of Impreglon Italia Srl thus establishing Argos Surface Technologies group with the intention to become one of the key players in the Italian surface treatment market.

Thanks to the various and complementary technologies currently supplied – ranging from electroless nickel plating, to anodic oxidation and polymer and thermal spray coatings – and to the consolidated technical know-how, the group will be able to offer an integrated range of functional and aesthetic solutions to deal with demanding customers’ needs both in terms of process regulations and service quality standards.

The group will represent the platform on which Gradiente, flanked by Andrea Siano, Luca Garone, Paolo Grimaldi, Vittorio Sacchi, managers and project co-investors together with the new CEO Marco Winkler, will trigger an ambitious plan of acquisitions aimed at creating a structured, multifunctional operator with direct reach into all crucial Italian industrial districts.

Carlo Bortolozzo, Founding Partner of Gradiente SGR comments: “We believe that Argos Surface Technologies group has a strong potential to emerge as a leading Italian player in surface treatments, also through a well-defined plan of acquisitions that will consolidate a still quite fragmented market. Gradiente is pleased to support the management team in the growth process by making available not only its financial resources but also its experience in complex development projects“.

Gradiente was assisted by Grimaldi Studio Legale law firm, by Russo De Rosa Associati law and tax firm, by New Deal Advisors, by Epyon Consulting and by Golder Associates. Argos and Impreglon Italia were assisted by Dentons law firm. Aalberts was assisted by Gattai, Minoli, Agostinelli & Partners law firm.