Actualités

Largillière Finance, the French investment bank, has been chosen by the Malaysian businessman, owner of Air Asia, Tony Fernandes, to orchestrate the sale of the Caterham car manufacturer, the sole heir of the mythical Lotus Seven, which he had owned for more than 10 years. This British jewel goes under Japanese flag but remains in the hands of car enthusiasts.

Thanks to the expertise of Largillière Finance, its new owner is none other than VT Holding, its largest importer in Japan. A historic transfer which offers a new future to the famous car created in 1957!

Carried out in an eminently international environment, in the heart of a particularly attractive sector, this transaction is historic for all motorsport aficionados.  Beyond the financial aspects, the preservation of a heritage and the creation of a future for the mythical Caterham brand are at stake.

An international transaction between car enthusiasts.

It is in a singular context that the Largillière Finance teams, led by Sébastien Aymard, Managing Partner of the Swiss subsidiary, worked to complete the transaction. Beyond the problems linked to the Brexit or the Covid-19 crisis, the manufacturer had to adapt to a more complex regulatory context: new anti-pollution standards.

Largillière Finance's added value consisted not only in its business expertise as an investment bank but also and above all in identifying and negotiating with a relevant player who already knew the brand well and was perfectly familiar with its client's market and its challenges.

Kazuho Takahashi, CEO of VT Holding, is not only passionate about motor sports but also a driver for about twenty years. As the first importer of the mythical brand in Japan, he understands the DNA of the Caterham brand and its heritage: "We are delighted to be able to write the new chapter of this very special brand" he declares.

List of Speakers

Sébastien Aymard, Managing Associate of Largillière Finance Switzerland:

"We would like to thank our client, Tony Fernandes, President of Air Asia, for entrusting us with the mandate to sell this emblematic brand and its heritage. This achievement is a perfect illustration of the proximity that we advocate in the way we accompany entrepreneurs in their transactions. We are proud to have successfully completed this transaction and to contribute to the perpetuation of the iconic image of Caterham Cars.

Paul Bougnoux, Founding Associate of Largillière Finance:

"Corporate culture is embedded in the DNA of Largillière Finance. We always go beyond the financial aspects of a transaction. It is important to us to create perspectives, in this case a future for our clients. This is how we intend to accompany them as best we can, as close as possible to their needs.