Three Hills in exclusive negotiations with independent supplier of specialty surface solutions

Three Hills is pleased to announce that it entered into exclusive negotiations to lead a consortium for an investment in Socomore (the “Company”), a global leader in high-performance surface treatment solutions for the aerospace industry. The transaction is expected to close upon customary regulatory approvals.

Founded in 1972 and based in Vannes, France, Socomore delivers mission-critical, certified chemical products used in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. The company operates in a resilient and growing €2.3 billion aerospace surface chemicals market, underpinned by the strong recovery in global aircraft production and the recurring demand for maintenance-related chemical solutions. The market is characterised by long product qualification cycles and strong demand visibility driven by global aircraft delivery pipelines and maintenance cycles.
Socomore’s product portfolio spans surface preparation and treatment, coatings, sealants, and non-destructive testing solutions. With over 80% of its revenues generated from the aerospace sector, the company also serves adjacent high-tech and low-impact industries, such as wind and nuclear energy, automotive, and rail. Its global footprint includes nine industrial sites across Europe and North America, supported by local partnerships in Latin America and Asia.

The investment will result in the acquisition of a significant minority stake in Socomore, with Three Hills acting as lead investor in a consortium that includes Bpifrance as the main co-investor, alongside Crédit Mutuel Equity and a new investment from Société Générale. The transaction structure includes a combination of preferred and ordinary equity, reflecting Three Hills’ strategy of providing tailored capital solutions that align with long-term value creation. Thanks to Three Hills’ preferred capital investment, the Group composed by Socomore’s Founder and President Frédéric Lescure and the existing management team, will retain the majority stake and continue to ead the company. This transaction also marks the exit of Raise Invest, which had been supporting the group since 2018.

This investment aligns with Three Hills’ strategy of supporting resilient, innovation driven businesses with strong market positions and international growth potential. It will enable Socomore to accelerate its international expansion, pursue strategic acquisitions, and deepen its innovation capabilities, as well as to provide liquidity to existing shareholders. The partnership will also support the company’s ambition to further strengthen its position as a trusted supplier to leading aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers globally.

Pauline Ammeux, Partner at Three Hills, said: “Socomore is well positioned to benefit from a long-term growth in a resilient aerospace chemicals market through its unique offering. It is a rare example of a company that combines deep technical expertise, a global reach, and a strong culture of innovation. We are excited to support the next phase of its growth journey and to partner with a management team that has consistently demonstrated strategic vision and operational excellence.”

Frédéric Lescure, President of Socomore, added: “We are proud of the journey Socomore has taken over the past five decades. Partnering with Three Hills marks a new chapter in our development, one that will allow us to accelerate our international expansion and continue investing in innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”