Canaccord Genuity is pleased to announce that its clients, Orium and Pechel Industries have agreed the sale of Groupe Eminence to French private equity houses LBO France and LFPI (La FinanciŠre Patrimoniale d'Investissement, sponsored by Lazard).

Groupe Eminence is a European leader in the men's underwear industry, benefiting from a portfolio of 3 complementary and differentiated brands that benefit from unique awareness, Eminence and Athena in France and Liabel in Italy. The Group offers its products through most distribution channels, including mass retail, wholesale and department stores.

Groupe Eminence generated 2010 net sales of c. €108m and experienced a growth of 5.0% over its previous year.

Canaccord Genuity was appointed as Orium and Pechel Industries' exclusive financial advisor in relation with the contemplated transaction and ran a highly competitive auction process involving a number of private equity potential purchasers as well as strategic buyers.