Aksìa Capital V, a fund managed by Aksìa Group, finalizes its ninth investment and announces its entry into the capital of ICAM, a company specializing in the design and production of innovative automated systems for the storage, retrieval, distribution and sale of materials and goods.
Founded in 1957 in Putignano (Bari, Italy) and controlled by the five heirs of founder Pietro Paolo Bianco, the company is now a leading player in Italy in the design and manufacture of next-generation automated storage and retrieval systems, with a focus on vertical multi-column warehouses that stand out for their highly customizable design, and the technological innovation of their numerous options and add-ons. ICAM's solutions enable remarkable improvements in warehouse functionality and productivity, with application in a wide and diverse range of end markets including Industrial, Fashion & Luxury, Aerospace & Defense, Logistics & Transportation, Automotive and Retail. ICAM has more than 60 years of know-how and innovation, with more than 100 active resources in the company and double-digit growth. The company invests about 9% of its annual revenue in R&D and has developed 4 patents on proprietary technologies over the years. In 2022, ICAM reported revenues of about 25 million euros, with sales growing 45% in the past two years, and aims to reach 30 million as early as 2023.
The Aksìa fund recognized in ICAM the structural characteristics to be able to grow in a fast-growing market such as logistics automation by leveraging its competitive positioning and unique business model characterized by: a high-profile customer base, an industrial footprint with a high level of automation, strong engineering capabilities, quality of solutions, know-how and constant focus on innovation. The transaction was carried out in collaboration with the Bianco family, which reinvests in the project while maintaining a minority stake. The entry of Aksìa Capital V into ICAM's capital will enable the company to consolidate its competitive positioning and accelerate business growth in both the domestic and international markets. The growth plan developed together with the fund also includes strengthening the sales and distribution network, strengthening the management team, and expanding the range of products offered. The goal will be to reach new targets and markets, particularly in the U.S., through targeted M&A activity and a buy-and-build strategy aimed at expanding the product portfolio.
Marco Rayneri, Founding Partner of Aksìa Group commented, "We are very proud of this new transaction, which brings to nine the number of investments made by the Aksìa Capital V fund. From the very beginning we recognized the development potential that ICAM presents in a very dynamic market where the company boasts a strong innovative capacity and a unique competitive positioning. Hence the willingness to support the family and management in their strategy of expansion in the international market through a growth plan both organic and by external lines." Roberto Bianco, CEO of ICAM said, "We are really happy to have chosen a partner with a strong industrial vision and proven experience in rapid business growth projects for the next chapter in ICAM's history. It now becomes more concrete to strengthen our presence in international markets, expand our product range and our team in order to have more strength to bring to success the innovative solutions that distinguish us. I would like to thank all employees, contractors, suppliers and our customers for their continued support and trust placed in us."