Clearwater International France advises VMI-JOKON on its refinancing

VMI-JOKON is an automotive equipment manufacturer which generated €40m in revenue during 2018 and employs 250 staff in France and Germany. The group is comprised of VMI, which designs, develops and produces electrical connectors for the automotive industry, and JOKON, a German leader in the manufacturing of small series vehicle lighting.

The refinancing allows Marc Laisné, CEO, and the management team to obtain full control of the group and refinance its mezzanine debts. Marc Laisné became the majority shareholder in 2016 when Andera led a sponsorless transaction and acquired a minority stake in the group. As part of the transaction, Andera also provided mezzanine financing.

The transaction is financed through a pool of lenders composed of Crédit du Nord, Société Générale, LCL, Arkéa and Schelcher Prince Gestion.