Yards advises NextStage AM in connection with its acquisition of a majority stake in Société des Eaux Minérales d’Arcachon.

Yards law firm advises NextStage AM in connection with its acquisition of a majority stake in Société des Eaux Minérales d’Arcachon.

NextStage AM is an independent asset management company based in Paris, regulated by the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), and one of the pioneers and leading specialists in innovative growth capital in France. NextStage AM invests in innovative and high-growth French and European SMEs and mid-sized companies, providing them with entrepreneurial investment expertise and operational support to drive their transformation.

Established in 1925, SEMA (Société des Eaux Minérales d’Arcachon) operates and owns access rights to two natural mineral water sources located in Arcachon: Source Sainte Anne, drawn from a depth of 472 meters, which supplies Abatilles water; and Source des Pins, drawn from a depth of 330 meters, which supplies Source des Pins water.

This strategic transaction, carried out through the NextStage Evergreen vehicles and the “Pépites & Territoires by AXA et NextStage AM” FPCI, marks a new stage in the development of SEMA and its flagship brands, notably Abatilles and Source des Pins.

With the support of NextStage AM, SEMA intends to accelerate its development across France by strengthening its presence in the foodservice and mass retail sectors, while capitalizing on the premium image of its waters.

The Yards team comprised:

• Corporate: Igor Doumenc and Julien Brouwer (Partners), Ghita Bouzoubaa (Associate);
• Financing: Igor Doumenc (Partner), Maud Gendron (Counsel) and Laurie Martel (Associate);
• Tax: Dorothée Traverse (Partner) and Marin du Repaire (Associate);
• Employment: Marion Ayadi and Christine Hillig-Poudevigne (Partners), Raed Kacem (Associate).