Mazarine founder takes 86% stake, targets $600M revenue in five years
What's the deal? Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers, founder and chief executive officer of French creative consulting group Mazarine, has increased his stake to 86%, ending 15 years of private equity backing. The buyout, completed in September, closed out investors LBO FranceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Mirabaud, and FG Bros, who had supported his return to a 54% majority in 2022.
The terms: Financial details were not disclosed. Jacques Veyrat joined as a minority investor through his Impala holding company with a 9% stake, while Mazarine's managing directors collectively hold 5%. The group posts annual revenue of around €300 million.
What's the endgame? Reiffers wants Mazarine to double revenue within five years while expanding abroad. "I want to build the company for the next 30 years and more, because my sons are now working with me," he said. His sons, Boniface and Stanislas, have joined the business in Paris and New York.
Where it's growing: The US is the main focus, with revenue there tripling over three years to around $70 million. Mazarine plans to open a Milan office in 2027 — adding to its existing base in Venice — and is eyeing an acquisition in China. Middle East expansion is on hold due to regional conflict.
What each side does? Mazarine works across luxury communications, creative services, events, media, and cultural production, with about 500 employees and clients including Tiffany & Co.Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Nike, and Apple. France still accounts for roughly 75% of its business.
Why now? Reiffers frames the luxury slowdown as a pause, not a structural downturn, and a chance to diversify. That push has included acquiring art producer ArterDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → two years ago and, in June, London luxury PR firm BacchusDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → to deepen access to ultra-high-net-worth clients.
The signal: By buying out its backers, Mazarine shifts from private-equity ownership to founder-led control — a bet that long-term, independent investment beats exit-driven timelines in a consolidating luxury communications market.
Read more: wwd.com
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
