A Plus Finance stake in Hydrelis: a natural stake

A Plus Finance acquires a stake in Hydrelis

Hydrelis, based in Lille, designs and manufactures water circuit breakers capable of detecting and shutting off water leaks in homes, businesses, and communities. The company announced that it has successfully completed a €3.8 million funding round, including €2.7 million from A Plus Finance and €1.1 million from existing shareholders.

The company started its commercial activity in 2007 with the launch of its water circuit breaker, the Clip-Flow. Highly innovative, the Clip-Flow is a stand-alone, easy-to-install product that continuously monitors the water flow rate of the pipe on which it is placed, and can automatically shut off the water in the event of an anomaly: leak or pipe rupture. It is designed for small-diameter pipes.

The investment in A Plus Finance should now allow the company to accelerate the marketing of its products to various targets (local authorities, industry, residential), via installers and via water distribution companies. The company, which currently has 10 employees, forecasts a 2010 turnover of more than 1 million euros and the doubling of its workforceFrance alone offers the potential for around 35 million water points to be equipped.

Thierry Sartorius, President of Hydrelis: "We are pleased with the confidence that investors have shown in us through this investment. This transaction highlights the company's level of technological expertise. Hydrelis will now be able to strengthen its technical teams and at the same time accelerate its commercial efforts both in France and abroad, particularly in Spain where ambitious projects are underway."

Jean-Michel Pimont, Associate Director of A Plus Finance: "Hydrelis water circuit breakers offer real environmental benefits, allowing us to control our water consumption. In addition, they offer a return on investment that can be very rapid. After years of R&D, the company now offers a complete range capable of meeting the needs of both individuals and major accounts. This offering, enhanced by the development of remote management software, appealed to us. Hydrelis has reached a stage of technological maturity, and we now want to support it in marketing its products on a larger scale."

Operation tips

Hydrelis SAS was advised in this transaction by Chausson Finance (Sabine Fillias) and the HPML firm (Vincent Libaud).

A Plus Finance (represented by Jean-Michel Pimont, Alexandre Villet and Romain Svartzman) was advised by Gide Loyrette Nouel (Pierre Karpik and David Sebban), Oderis (Julien Passerat) for the financial audit and Grand, Auzas & Associés (Sigmund Briant) for the legal audit.

www.hydrelis.fr