I-Deal Development advised Business Village on its merger with the Sandaya group. This transaction will significantly boost Business Village’s visibility as it develops its events offering in Seine-et-Marne, while enabling Sandaya to expand its portfolio with a seminar offering that it will be able to roll out at some of its sites.
Business Village, a key and unique player in the Île-de-France region
Created by Philippe Marion, Business Village operates a domain of 400 exceptional cottages in the heart of Seine-et-Marne, dedicated to hosting seminars, professional events, and group stays.
In the Île-de-France region, Business Village is one of the few estates capable of hosting large-scale seminars in a natural setting that sets it apart from hotels.
With high-end services for events of all sizes and tailor-made support, Business Village offers companies an immersive experience that promotes cohesion, creativity, and sharing. This innovative concept is aimed at large groups as well as SMEs and associations looking to make a lasting impression by choosing an original and exclusive setting.
Sandaya, a European leader undergoing rapid diversification
Founded in 2010 by François Georges and Xavier Guilbert, Sandaya is now the European leader in high-end outdoor accommodation. The chain, which specializes in 4- and 5-star campsites, is supported by InfraVia, its majority shareholder.
Located mainly in seaside resorts and sites with strong tourist appeal, Sandaya stands out for its innovative, premium accommodation offering, complemented by modern leisure facilities tailored to travelers’ expectations.
As part of its merger with Business Village, the group has identified a strategic opportunity for diversification, perfectly in line with its DNA focused on leisure tourism.
After pursuing a dynamic external growth strategy, marked by more than €300 million in acquisitions in two years, Sandaya is now expanding its scope to include business tourism and corporate events, enriching and complementing its core business.
A new generation business village
Located two hours from Paris, the Louan-Villegruis-Fontaine estate is set to be transformed into the first new generation “nature business village.”
The plans include:
- 200 additional mobile homes,
- New modular rooms and two plenary rooms,
- A redesigned dining area,
- State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment,
- ISO 20121 certification dedicated to responsible events.
These investments will combine comfort, technology, and hospitality, backed by Sandaya’s expertise.
A shared ambition: broadening horizons
Business Village’s ambition is clear: to expand its capacity, consolidate its position in the business tourism market, and set its growth on a more ambitious path, particularly in the low and mid seasons.
For Sandaya, this partnership paves the way for a new business offering that will be gradually rolled out to the most suitable destinations in its network in France and Europe.
The key role of I-Deal Development
Finally, Business Village would like to highlight the essential role played by I-Deal Development, an investment bank specializing in supporting SMEs and mid-cap companies, which was able to mobilize its expertise, understand the strategic challenges, and structure a tailor-made transaction.
A new generation business village
Located two hours from Paris, the Louan-Villegruis-Fontaine estate is set to be transformed into the first new generation “nature business village.”
The plans include:
- 200 additional mobile homes,
- New modular rooms and two plenary rooms,
- A redesigned dining area,
- State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment
“Sandaya’s acquisition of Business Village marks a decisive step in our history. Thanks to this alliance, we have the opportunity to scale up and set our model on a much more ambitious growth path.
This merger paves the way for the further development of our seminar and events business in France and Europe, while creating new synergies with Sandaya’s expertise in accommodation and tourism.
We would like to highlight the essential role played by I-Deal Development, which supported us throughout this operation. Their in-depth understanding of the challenges facing entrepreneurs and their ability to structure a tailored transaction were decisive in enabling us to take this strategic step.
This merger will enable us to strengthen our resources, innovate, and better meet our customers’ expectations, while remaining true to our DNA of “heart in business.”
Philippe Marion Founder and CEO of Business Village.
