Global investment firm The Carlyle Group has sold its stake in Hermes Transportes Blindados S.A. to CVC Fund VII for an enterprise value of approximately $400 million. The transaction closed on January 7, 2020 after CVC Fund VII launched a tender offer on December 3, 2019. Carlyle invested in Hermes through its Carlyle Peru Fund and Carlyle South America Buyout Fund in 2015.
Based in Lima, Peru, Hermes is a leading provider of cash management services with a nationwide network of 18 branches, 228 armored vehicles and over 3,700 employees. The company offers valuable logistics, cash processing and custody services to a blue chip client base comprised of more than 1,000 active clients in the financial, retail, utilities and mining segments. Hermes is a mission critical partner to the largest financial institutions and retail organisations in Peru.
Eduardo Ramos, Managing Director and Head of the Carlyle Peru Advisory Team, said, "During our four-plus years of ownership, we are proud to have helped Hermes grow by identifying new revenue streams, increasing operational efficiencies and entering new business segments. We're confident the company is well positioned for continued growth over the long-term."
Sebastian Barriga, Director of the Carlyle Peru Advisory Team, added, "It has been a privilege to work alongside Hermes's world-class management team. Together, we have created long-term value by pursuing both organic and inorganic growth opportunities and are proud of the work Hermes has done to advance the cash management industry in Peru. We look forward to their continued success."
Mirella Velasquez, CEO of Hermes, said, "Eduardo and the Carlyle team have been outstanding partners. Today's announcement underpins the continued success of our company. We are extremely proud of our team and look forward to continuing to develop the cash management industry in Peru."
Jean-Marc Etlin, Partner overseeing CVC Capital Partner's Latin America private equity business said, "This is a unique opportunity to invest in a company with an outstanding track record and proven business model. We are very impressed with the quality of the management team and their ability to continue generating significant value for shareholders. We are looking forward to continuing to support the company and its talented management team in its next phase of growth."