Houlihan Lokey Advises YKK

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that YKK Holding Europe B.V. (YKK Holding Europe) has agreed to acquire Bluclad S.p.A (Bluclad) from LBO France and other minority shareholders. The transaction was announced on 1 October 2025 and is expected to close in December 2025.

YKK Holding Europe, based in Sneek, Netherlands, serves as the regional head office for YKK Corp.’s (YKK) fastening business in the EMEA region. YKK, whose global headquarters is in Tokyo, Japan, is a globally recognised company that engages in the development, manufacturing, and sale of a wide range of fastening and architectural products. In the fastening sector, YKK offers an extensive lineup that includes zippers, buttons, snap fasteners, hook-and-loop closures, and other related components used across various industries, from apparel to industrial applications. In addition, YKK maintains a well-established presence in the architectural field, providing high-quality windows, doors, facades, and construction materials for both residential and commercial buildings.

Headquartered in Florence, Italy, Bluclad focuses on developing advanced galvanic chemical solutions and processes for metal components used in luxury goods—such as chains, zippers, buckles, and fittings for apparel, leather goods, and footwear. Over time, the company has broadened its portfolio to include varnishing products, further reinforcing its leadership in the Italian market and deepening its partnerships with top-tier international luxury brands.

Headquartered in Paris, France, LBO France is a private equity firm that invests across a broad range of asset classes, including private equity, real estate, and venture capital. While primarily active in the French market, the firm also makes investments in Italy through its local subsidiary. With a diversified and thematic approach, LBO France supports companies at various stages of growth across different sectors.

The acquisition of Bluclad strengthens YKK’s fastening business by integrating Bluclad’s advanced plating solution development technology, a key technical area that supports the business. This will enable YKK to offer fastening products with higher quality and more sophisticated plating finishes to customers worldwide, including those in the luxury sector, while also promoting further reduction of environmental impact.

Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor to YKK Holding Europe and assisted in initiating, structuring, and negotiating the transaction on its behalf. This deal highlights the close collaboration between the Tokyo team and the Milan team, as well as their excellent cross-border execution capabilities.

RELATED: Consumer Products, Mergers & Acquisitions