# Eurazeo

Eurazeo is a French private equity and investment group headquartered in Paris, managing €35 billion in assets across more than 600 companies. It focuses on diversified investments, including technology and artificial intelligence sectors.

Eurazeo is a French private equity firm and investment group headquartered in Paris. It manages a diversified portfolio of €35 billion in assets under management, including €23 billion from third parties, invested in more than 600 companies. The firm operates across multiple segments, including mid-market buyouts, growth capital, and infrastructure, with a notable focus on technology and [artificial intelligence](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/artificial-intelligence)-related investments in recent years.

## History

Eurazeo traces its origins to Gaz et Eaux, founded in 1881, which specialized in water and gas distribution in western and northern France. After the nationalization of gas in 1945, the company retained its water activity until 1976, gradually transitioning from a portfolio company in the late 1970s to a pure investment company in the 1990s. It was renamed Azeo in 1999.

Eurafrance, founded as an investment company in 1969, became a shareholder of Azeo in 1985 and increased its stake until a full takeover bid in late 2000. In April 2001, Eurafrance and its subsidiary Azeo formally merged to become Eurazeo. Between 2001 and 2005, Eurazeo completed three major mergers: absorbing Azeo in 2001, Rue Impériale in 2004, and Ateliers de Construction du Nord de la France (ANF) in 2005. In May 2001, it disposed of holdings in Generali and Mediobanca.

## Expansion and Diversification

In 2003, Eurazeo acquired Fraikin Group and a 23% stake in Eutelsat from France Telecom, as well as Buffalo Grill at €20 per share. With The Carlyle Group, it invested in Terreal. In 2004, Fraikin Group was securitized to repay acquisition debt. In 2005, Eurazeo took full control of Rexel with mandatory delisting, sold its stake in Lazard, and acquired initial stakes in Accor and B&B Hotels. It also sold Terreal, IRR, and BBS Capital during this period.

In 2006, Eurazeo acquired Europcar, Europe's number one car rental company, and in 2007 acquired APCOA Parking, the European leader in parking lot management. In 2006, it acquired 20% of Banca Leonardo and created Euraleo, a 50/50 joint venture. Eurazeo Co-Investment Partners was also created, and Fraikin Group was sold to CVC Capital Partners in 2006.

## Recent Developments

In 2009, Eurazeo sold its Danone shares through exchangeable bonds. In 2010, it acquired Fonroche Énergie and sold B&B Hotels to Carlyle. Through OFI Private Equity Capital, it created the Eurazeo PME division. Jointly with Bridgepoint, it acquired Foncia, and later acquired 3S Photonics and Moncler. Between 2012 and 2014, Eurazeo sold Rexel in stages, and in 2013 sold its entire holding in Edenred.

In 2016, Eurazeo acquired confectionery brands including Carambar, Terry's, Kréma, La Pie qui Chante, Malabar, Vichy Pastilles, Suchard chocolates, and Poulain chocolate from Mondelez International, grouping them under Carambar & Co. On 29 November 2017, Eurazeo invested close to €100 million in Rhône Group for 30% of its capital. On 29 December 2017, it acquired a 70% interest in Idinvest Partners, doubling assets under management from €8 billion to €16 billion. These acquisitions coincided with Virginie Morgon's assumption of leadership on 19 March 2018, succeeding Patrick Sayer who had led the firm for fifteen years.

In 2017, Eurazeo acquired Dominion Web Solutions, IberChem, and a majority interest in Nest Fragrances. Its subsidiary Novacap acquired Chemoxy and Produits Chimiques et Auxiliaires de Synthèse (PCAS). In December 2021, Eurazeo acquired majority ownership of Beekman 1802, a consumer goods firm founded by Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, who retained creative and brand control.

## Investment Strategy and AI Focus

Eurazeo's strategy has evolved from selling historical investments to acquiring companies across diverse sectors, including technology. The firm has increasingly emphasized [generative artificial intelligence](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/generative-ai) and [machine learning](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/machine-learning) as key investment areas, aligning with broader trends in [deep learning](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/deep-learning) and [large language models](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/large-language-model). This focus supports portfolio companies in adopting [neural networks](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/neural-network) and other advanced technologies, though specific AI investments are not detailed in public sources as of 2025.

The firm's diversified approach includes mid-market and growth investments, with a presence in Europe and North America. Its headquarters remain in Paris, and it continues to manage a substantial portfolio across more than 600 companies.

## Governance and Leadership

Virginie Morgon has served as chief executive officer since March 2018, leading the firm through its expansion into new markets and asset classes. The leadership transition marked a period of significant growth, including the Idinvest acquisition. Eurazeo's governance structure supports long-term value creation across its portfolio, with a focus on operational improvements and strategic guidance for its investments.

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Source: https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/eurazeo
License: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
Last updated: 2026-09-12T22:22:36.224702+00:00