Sale of a minority stake in Petit Forestier to Sofina

08 August 2007 ---

On July 21, 2007, the Forestier family, which holds directly and indirectly 69% of the share capital of Petit Forestier, signed a binding agreement with Sofina who will indirectly become a shareholder of Petit Forestier. Following the closing of the transaction, a mandatory takeover offer will be launched in September 2007 for all remaining outstanding shares of the company. The transaction values Petit Forestier at €474m or €95 per share (enterprise value of €998m).
Listed on Euronext Paris, Petit Forestier is the leading European refrigerated vehicle rental company.
With more than €4.6bn under management, Sofina is a major holding company listed on Euronext Brussels.
BNP Paribas Corporate Finance acts as exclusive financial advisor to the Forestier family on this transaction.

Official date : 08/08/2007