IMAP Portugal advises Patris Investimentos on the sale of Controlauto to Portobello Capital

IMAP Portugal acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Patris Investimentos, a Portuguese investment group, on the sale of a 26% stake in Portugal's largest operator of mandatory car inspection centres, Controlauto, to Portobello Capital.

This transaction will strategically align Portobello Capital with Brisa, a leading European player in mobility platforms and infrastructure that holds a majority stake in Controlauto. Furthermore, the partnership will enable Controlauto, which currently performs c. 1.6 million inspections every year in Portugal, to advance its developments in Spain, in line with its strategic growth plan.

Brisa is a leading European company with over 50 years of experience in mobility platforms and infrastructure. Operating five concessions in Portugal and managing 24 service areas, its activities include road services, mobility technology, vehicle inspections, and international ventures.

Portobello Capital is a Spanish private equity firm specializing in mid-sized companies. With over €2.1 billion of assets under management, they invest capital, provide strategic guidance, implement operational improvements, and aim for profitable exits, leveraging industry expertise to enhance the performance and value of their portfolio businesses. Notably, this acquisition marks Portobello Structured Partnerships’ inaugural investment in Portugal.

Patris Investimentos is a holding company in the insurance sector. With over €2.5 billion of assets under management, its activities also include the management of credit securitization funds, capital markets brokerage, investment funds management, and the provision of financial services.

The IMAP team in Portugal, comprising Gonçalo Botelho, Luísa de Castro Domingos, and Sofia Natário, advised Patris Investimentos throughout the M&A process, providing advisory services in all phases of the transaction.