Conex backed by 21 Invest acquired Lector
Conex, a leading French provider of customs and security management software, acquired Lector, Denmark’s leading customs software publisher.
Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Lille, Conex develops and markets a range of software and collaborative tools for managing customs and security declarations. Its customers — importing/exporting companies, carriers, and RDEs (Registered Customs Representatives) — use its solutions and services to optimise and secure the entry, processing and electronic exchange of declarations for their international trade in goods. With its longstanding expertise, comprehensive solution range, and tailored offerings, Conex dominates the French market. The group already has an international presence with subsidiaries in Belgium, the UK, and Ireland, as well as a commercial presence in Spain. Conex has achieved remarkable growth with sales of nearly EUR 20 million with over 80% of revenue being recurring. Conex is backed by family owners and since 2023, by the private equity firm 21 Invest.
Founded by Alessandro Benetton, the 21 Invest group has been active alongside management teams for 32 years and has supported over 110 companies based in France, Italy, and Poland through local funds. In France, its investment strategy focuses on companies combining growth and recurrence in four sectors: healthcare, technology/software, education, and business services.
Based in Copenhagen, Lector’s software solutions focus on automation of customs processes and document/case management. The company is active in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Poland, servicing large and medium-sized business customers. Lector has a strong market position and currently employs 30 FTEs.
This acquisition allows Conex to further expand its European footprint and enhance its service offerings.
Clairfield International acted as exclusive financial advisor to Conex and its PE shareholder 21 Invest.
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