2PointZero completes majority acquisition in Italy-based ISEM

2PointZero Group, a next-generation investment powerhouse focused on energy and consumer sectors, announced that it has formally completed the transaction to acquire a majority position in ISEM, a leading European packaging group serving beauty, fashion, luxury, nutraceuticals and more, for Dhs704 million through a combination of secondary and primary capital earmarked to accelerate organic and inorganic growth.

2PointZero Group now holds 60.8% of ISEM, while Peninsula Capital and minority investors own the remaining 39.2%. This marks the start of a strategic partnership between 2PointZero and Peninsula. Together, the partners will reinforce ISEM’s leadership position with a focus on category and geographic expansion, embedding AI and digital technology across the business - from manufacturing to client operations - and supporting targeted M&A to extend ISEM’s industrial footprint and product capabilities.

Samia Bouazza, CEO of 2PointZero Group, said, "The completion of this transaction marks an important step in advancing our global growth ambitions and establishing a scalable platform in the packaging industry. Packaging will become our sixth consumer-focused vertical. During our visit to ISEM’s facilities, I was particularly impressed by the level of automation, advanced robotics assembly, and state-of-the-art facilities, which drive operational efficiency, consistency, and margin strength."

Bouazza added, "Our entry into packaging is due to the sector continuing to deliver strong CAGR growth across multiple sub-segments, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and luxury. With our track record in strategic M&A, AI deployment, and operational integration, we are well-positioned to support ISEM in accelerating its international expansion, while expanding across both primary and secondary packaging and delivering long-term returns for our shareholders.”

The closing of this transaction clearly represents an expansion into packaging by 2PointZero Group, establishing its sixth consumer-focused vertical whilst complementing its existing beauty and apparel businesses. The Italian-based ISEM Group, founded in 1949 and headquartered in Bologna, is a highly automated leader that reinforces the 'Made in Italy' brand hallmark. Globally, ISEM is recognised for its quality, innovation, and association with key luxury clients, including LVMH, Kiko, Gucci, L’Oréal, Puig, and Coty Lancaster. ISEM products include rigid boxes, folding cases, silk paper, and dust bags, with an industrial footprint comprising 11 manufacturing plants spanning more than 100,000 m².

Borja Prado, Founding Partner of Peninsula Capital commented, "Completion of this transaction marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for ISEM. The group has established itself as the packaging partner of choice for the world’s most demanding luxury clients, and this investment will provide ISEM with the capital, global reach, and strategic support to further accelerate its expansion. Partnering with 2PointZero brings complementary capabilities that we believe will be transformative - not only for ISEM, but for the clients it serves as well. We look forward to building the next chapter together.”

Francesco Pintucci, CEO of ISEM Packaging Group commented, "Today marks the start of a next chapter of the Group. The Group can now offer our clients: greater scale without losing the precision and personal commitment that sets ISEM apart. Group’s people, craftsmanship and relationships with the world’s leading luxury houses - those remain the heart of everything ISEM does. With 2PointZero and Peninsula, ISEM has the platform to take that offer global. I am proud of what we have built in a very short time and thank the entrepreneurs, my friends and part of our incredible journey, all Groups’ people and all our stakeholders, clients, suppliers, for their important support.”

Partners and senior associates from the leading global law firm, Hogan Lovells, advised 2PointZero and Peninsula Capital on buy-side M&A and FDI matters and antitrust matters. Legance assisted Peninsula Capital on its reinvestment in ISEM and the stakeholders’ agreements with 2PointZero Group, and Van Campen Liem advised [Peninsula] on deal structuring. At the same time, Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advised on the sell-side throughout the sale process.

Last month, 2PointZero Group announced its FY 2025 results, reporting revenue growth of 311 percent to bring group net profit for the year to Dhs3.6 billion, reflecting only one month of consolidation following the mega-merger with 2PointZero and Ghitha Holding.

The year also included the completion of the sale of PAL Cooling, which resulted in a net gain of Dhs2.7 billion on disposal.

Net profit from the group’s operating businesses increased by 158 per cent YoY, driven by the consolidation of Tendam, 2PointZero and Ghitha in addition to solid growth across all verticals.

Reported net profit of Dhs3.6 billion includes Dhs0.1 billion in unrealised revaluation gains arising from underlying investments and market fluctuations.

The group continued to advance integration and digital transformation initiatives across its verticals, driving operational efficiency and sustained revenue momentum.

Group revenue rose 311 per cent year-on-year to Dhs7.0 billion, fuelled by organic growth and the consolidation of Tendam, 2PointZero and Ghitha. The blended gross profit margin remained strong at 49 per cent, underscoring continued profitability across the core portfolio.

2PointZero Group’s balance sheet remains robust, supported by a cash position of Dhs9.2 billion and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. Execution of its long-term strategy continues to deliver results, as the group builds a diversified portfolio across core verticals and pursues high-return opportunities through its investment arm.

WAM