H.I.G. WhiteHorse Finance Fuels CCE Group's Growth with New Credit Facility

### H.I.G. WhiteHorse Fuels CCE Group's Growth with New Credit Facility

H.I.G. WhiteHorse, a credit subsidiary of H.I.G. Capital, announces the provision of a significant first-lien, senior secured credit facility to the CCE Group, a newly formed entity following the spin-off of Driessen and AviusULD from Safran. Based in Paris, CCE focuses on niche markets related to cabin and cargo equipment. The financing marks a pivotal moment for CCE, providing the necessary capital to accelerate its strategic objectives and solidify its position as a market leader in the aviation equipment sector. CEO Klaus Hofmann and CFO Pierre Mazières emphasize that the facility will give CCE the flexibility required to expand and enhance its operational capabilities.

With this new financial backing, CCE is poised to leverage its established expertise in onboard kitchen solutions through Driessen, which is recognized globally as a leader in this domain. Additionally, AviusULD’s specialization in unit load devices positions CCE to meet the growing demands of the aviation sector efficiently. This strategic advantage is expected to facilitate CCE's ambition of becoming an integrated leader in cabin and cargo solutions. Barthélemy Grave, Principal at Hivest Capital Partners, expresses confidence in the potential of this partnership with H.I.G. WhiteHorse, highlighting that the credit facility will be instrumental in supporting CCE’s growth trajectory and external expansion plans.

Pascal Meysson, Head of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe, acknowledges CCE's remarkable standing in the market and expresses gratitude for the trust placed in them by Hivest and CCE's management team. Charles Bourgeois, Managing Director of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe, complements this sentiment by recognizing the efforts made during CCE's carve-out process. He believes that the collaboration between H.I.G. WhiteHorse and CCE will foster sustainable growth and innovation in the coming years, driven by strong structural dynamics in the aviation equipment industry. This partnership not only signifies financial support but also underscores a shared commitment to establishing CCE as a formidable player in a competitive landscape.

In related news, CCE's establishment and subsequent financing highlight the increasing trend of specialization within the aviation sector, where companies are focusing on niche markets to drive growth. As the industry evolves, partnerships like that of H.I.G. WhiteHorse and CCE are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiencies and market competitiveness. The collaboration is a testament to the confidence investors place in specialized firms that can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment.