Oderzo ( Italy ), April 11, 2008 – Nice S.p.A. has concluded the acquisition of a majority share in Apollo Gate Operators, Inc. Apollo Gate Operators, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas is US leader in the design, production and sale of solar-powered automated gate systems and amongst the key market players in North America . Nice S.p.A. operates in the home automation sector, and designs, produces and sells systems for the automation of gates, garage doors, road barriers, curtains, rolling shutters, and solar screens for residential, commercial and industrial buildings and from 2008 also wireless alarm systems.
Nice products are particularly known for their combination of technological innovation, design and ergonomics. Nice exports its products in more than 100 countries, achieving more than 80% of its consolidated revenues in other countries. Fredericks Michael & Co. of New York acted as financial advisor to Nice on this transaction. Lauro Buoro, President of Nice S.p.A. states: " We are truly proud to announce the acquisition of Apollo Gate Operators, Inc. This move allows Nice to acquire control of one of the most important operators in the North American gate sector, thereby strengthening our presence within the North American market, which accounts for approximately €810 million in Home Automation. Furthermore, this acquisition permits our group to strengthen itself within the significant business segment that utilizes solar energy for the automation of gate systems, estimated to show significant growth over the upcoming years, not only in the USA but also within Europe and in the rest of the world. Lastly, but surely not least, we are extremely satisfied that the Apollo management team has decided to remain with the company and to accept the new and important challenges together with the Nice group." Fredericks Michael & Co. serves as financial advisor to large corporations, private and family-controlled businesses, and financial sponsors seeking to execute cross-border mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and strategic alliances in Europe, the Americas and Asia . In addition to its extensive expertise in all aspects of cross-border transactions, Fredericks Michael & Co.'s private ownership, its commitment to service and confidentiality, its approach towards developing long term relationships are major factors in being selected as an advisor on M&A transactions. With offices in New York and London, Fredericks Michael & Co. offers clients the critical knowledge, cross-cultural understanding and industry relationships needed to carry-out transactions in a time-efficient, thorough and discreet manner.
