Defense & Security - small cap & growth capital
WCP Eiréné Development builds fully on the expertise and long-term relationships established by WCP Eiréné within the defense ecosystem, to support smaller companies, which are numerous within the French defense industrial and technological base (BITD). Together, the two funds form a coherent and complementary offering, covering the full spectrum of financing for BITD companies, from small-cap to mid-cap.
Approach Supporting BITD SMEs
With WCP Eiréné Development, Weinberg Capital Partners addresses a growing financing need among SMEs in the sector, while bringing its recognized sector expertise to accelerate their development. These companies have significant equity requirements to fund their R&D, international expansion, industrial scale-up, and generational transitions.
Investment criteria Targeting LBO and growth capital transactions
The fund targets 10 to 15 investments in France and Europe, focusing on small-cap LBO transactions, growth capital, and minority stake acquisitions. Target companies have a dual profile, operating in both defense and commercial markets. They are profitable, with strong development potential in terms of both organic and external growth. The fund covers all segments of the sector: aeronautics, naval, land, space, security, cyber, and more.
WCP Eiréné Development targets investment tickets of between €5 million and €15 million.
Investment cycle Fostering the emergence of French and European leaders
The fund is managed by a dedicated investment team led by Lionel Mestre and David Lebain.
Following the same approach as WCP Eiréné, WCP Eiréné Development will act on four value creation levers:
- structuring and developing management teams;
- supporting technological and industrial development;
- accelerating organic growth (capacity development, strengthening of duality and internationalisation);
- external growth in France and Europe.
In brief Investment profile
| TARGET UNIVERSE | SMEs/mid-caps |
|---|---|
| SECTOR SPECIALIZATION | Defense & Security |
| TARGET ENTREPRISE VALUE RANGE | Between €15 million and €20 million for majority transactions |
| GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS | France and Europe |
| INVESTMENT TYPE | Majority & minority |
| INVESTMENT HORIZON | 4-6 years |