S3K

Case Study

HLD Group acquires S3K and raises growth capital

Founded in 2019 and based in Rome, Italy, S3K, Security of the Third Millennium S.p.A, is a leading provider of IT solutions with a focus on security and intelligence, critical infrastructure protection and cyber security.

At a Glance

Financing an acquisition and providing committed capital

We were contacted by an Italian intermediary with a long calling relationship to fund HLD Group's leveraged buyout of S3K in late February 2021. HLD Group preferred an insisutional investor who could support the acquisition at close and provide committed capital for the M&A strategy.

Relationship since 2021

Transaction details:

Senior Secured Notes
Delyaed Draw Term Loan
Sponsored by Group HLD

“We chose to partner with PGIM in light of its long term approach, the ability to sustain Company’s growth over the time, having found a fruitful dialogue and common approach to the investment. We also valued the ability to provide precise feedback and execute within a tight deadline.”

Alessandro Papetti Partner, Group HLD

<p>“We chose to partner with PGIM in light of its long term approach, the ability to sustain Company’s growth over the time, having found a fruitful dialogue and common approach to the investment. We also valued the ability to provide precise feedback and execute within a tight deadline.”</p>

The Full Story

Facilitating a Leveraged Buyout

We were engaged early on in HLD Group’s purchase process. Although the alternative approach was to finance the deal with S3K’s relationship banks, HLD Group preferred an institutional investor who could support the acquisition at close and provide committed capital for the M&A strategy. HLD Group’s decision to partner with us was a result of our speed of execution, certainty of closing, and ability to provide committed capital.

In July 2021, we closed on a €26.0 million senior secured term loan and a €36.0 million delayed draw term loan. Proceeds were used to fund HLD Group’s leveraged buyout of S3K and the delayed draw term loan will finance future acquisitions and capital expenditures.

We are a proud partner of S3K and HLD Group and look forward to supporting their ongoing business objectives and growth.