Founded in 1956, the Durisotti group has established itself as a historic French player specialized in the transformation and fitting of utility and professional vehicles. Today, the company equips 10% of vehicles sold to professionals in France, particularly for essential public services such as firefighters, police, the army, and passenger transportation.
After experiencing financial difficulties and a transition under British ownership in 2019 (acquired by GFG Alliance), Durisotti returns to its French roots through this strategic acquisition by GTE Automotive. This operation preserved 191 jobs spread across three sites in France, located in Sallaumines, Agen, and Metz.
GTE Automotive, a French industrial group specializing in electrification and retrofit (converting thermal vehicles to electric or hybrid), supports ministries, local authorities, and companies in the energy transition of their vehicle fleets. Its model simultaneously reduces vehicle carbon footprints, extends vehicle lifespans, and addresses current budgetary challenges for local authorities and manufacturers.
This acquisition is accompanied by a recapitalization and an injection of €5.1 million for Durisotti, as well as obtaining key financing from banking partners, the State, the Hauts-de-France region, and the Lens Liévin Urban Community (CALL).
The takeover is followed by a three-year investment plan from GTE Automotive. This plan includes €20 million to modernize infrastructure and diversify Durisotti’s activities, with the creation of a European Decarbonized Mobility Center in Sallaumines. This center will host new production lines dedicated to retrofitting and electrifying buses and vehicles, as well as serving the defense sector.
With its now-stabilized financial situation, Durisotti aims for a turnover of €62 million in 2028 and the recruitment of around 100 employees. Meanwhile, GTE Automotive, which achieved a turnover of €65 million in 2024, aims to exceed €311 million in 2028, thus consolidating its leadership position in the decarbonized mobility market.
In this operation, a team from the Cornet Vincent Ségurel firm supported the Durisotti group in this acquisition.
Participants
Company: Durisotti Group
Acquirer: GTE Automotive Group
Advisors
Target Company Lawyers: Cornet Vincent Ségurel (Thomas Deschryver, Stéphanie Forest)
Judicial Administrator for Target Company: R&D (Gilbert Declercq, Hervé-Claude Candotti)
Target Company Advisor: ComC2 (Cédric Orban)
Acquirer Lawyers: Franklin Avocats (Numa Rengot, Fanny Attal, Yann Aubert)
Acquirer Advisor: KPMG (François Schotté, Clément Lefort)
Communication Agency: VP Strat (Véronique Pernin and Camille Rodot)
