I-deal Development


Team

The key of I-Deal Development success lies in its team of experts, dedicated and efficient.

FREDERIC BONAN Founder

Frederic Bonan is a visionary leader and expert in corporate strategy, graduating from the École Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique et d’Aéronautique in 1986, followed by a Master’s degree in Marketing and Management from ESSEC in 1988. His impressive track record and noteworthy achievements make him a key figure in the field of consulting and business development.

Professional background

Frederic began his career as president of international deployment for the Confédération Nationale des Juniors Entreprises network. This experience enabled him to discover American, Asian and European markets, while leading the local network. As a project manager for the industrial marketing consultancy 2MI, he carried out strategic diagnoses that laid the foundations for his future career.

In 1987, he joined a well-known consulting firm as a business engineer, responsible for development and marketing. He held these positions for nine years before becoming Chief Operating Officer on the Group Management Committee and a member of the Board of Directors. Under his leadership, the Group experienced exceptional growth, increasing its workforce from 300 to 18,000, and growing its sales by a factor of 12. Frédéric expanded the company’s activities to 24 countries and over 15 French cities.

Founding of I-Deal Development

In 2005, drawing on his experience and success, Frédéric Bonan founded I-Deal Development. Since its creation, he has overseen over three hundred major operations. Among the most remarkable :

  • Sale of Filorga to Mr. Tabary in 2007: Frédéric orchestrated this strategic transaction, enabling Filorga to continue its expansion.
  • Sale of the Sobio group to Carrefour: This operation marked a turning point for Sobio, integrating one of the world’s largest retail chains.
  • Support for Walor International: Under his leadership, Walor International saw its sales rise from €25 million to €240 million, transforming the company into a major player in the sector

Skills and expertise

Frederic Bonan has unrivalled expertise in the following areas:

  • Corporate Strategy: Development of long-term strategies, strategic diagnosis, planning and implementation.
  • Marketing and Development: Creation and management of marketing campaigns, development of international markets.
  • Growth Management: Proven experience in managing rapid company growth, integration and expansion into new markets.

Approach and Vision

Freeric is recognized for his innovative approach and his ability to transform small companies into industry leaders. His strategic vision, combined with rigorous management and a commitment to excellence, has enabled numerous companies to realize their full potential. His passion for business development and leadership have made him a respected industry mentor and guide.

THIERRY BLOCH Managing Director

Thierry Bloch is a graduate of EMLV, and also holds a Master’s degree in Financial Engineering from INSEEC. He joined Frédéric Bonan in 2005 at the launch of I-Deal Development, after gaining international experience at Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking and a French digital start-up.

Skills and Business Expertise

Thierry Bloch is mainly involved in the following sectors:

  • Consumer goods
  • Agri-food
  • Healthcare
  • IT Consulting
  • Industry

Notable achievements

Thierry has been involved in over 100 transactions since joining I-Deal Development, with some notable successes. Among the most notable are

  • Sale of Laboratoires Filorga to Mr Didier Tabary in 2006, with the support of Initiative Finance, EdRIP (Andera Partners) and Edmond Rothschild.
  • Sale of So Bio to Carrefour.
  • Acquisition of ING SOFT by the Parthena Consultant group, which Thierry supports as part of a Build-up.

Approach and vision

Through his 20 years of experience, Thierry Bloch has developed invaluable know-how for his customers, who entrust him with their assets and trust, in order to best represent their interests at a critical time in the customer’s life.

“We play a key role in all transactions thanks to our strategic vision, our extensive network, and the trust our customers place in us.” Thierry Bloch

“I’m absolutely delighted with the work done by the I-Deal Development teams. From start to finish, they were perfect on a complex, long-term sale. Involvement, management of the process, research, proposals, intelligence in the transactions… they lifted every stone in search of the ideal solution without giving up until they found it. I was really impressed by the consistency and commitment of Thierry and his colleagues.” Etienne Jacquet, Econocom Corporate Finance Director.

IRVINN AUBERT Partner

Irvinn Aubert holds a diploma in international business from the Institut des Hautes Études Économiques et Commerciales (INSEEC), a master’s degree in corporate finance from SKEMA Business School, and training in corporate strategy from HEC Paris.

Career path

Irvinn joined the I-Deal Development teams in 2018, after gaining experience as a listed stock and investment analyst.

Notable achievements

With more than 30 transactions to his credit, Irvinn operates mainly in the industrial, consumer goods and services sectors. Among its most notable achievements are

  • Sale of the TCEM subsidiary (nuclear instrumentation) of the Finergy group
  • Takeover and subsequent merger of NETLON (outdoor equipment) with the Outside Living Industries group
  • Acquisition of LAFON (electrical engineering) with its historic managing director supported by an industrial holding company.

Approach and vision

Irvinn Aubert is renowned for its professionalism, versatility and commitment to its customers. Rightly so, the wide range of configurations in which he has been involved has enabled him to apprehend the management of varied shareholder contexts and the implementation of advanced financial engineering. His ability to understand the specific needs of his clients and to devise tailor-made solutions makes him a valuable asset for I-Deal Development.

His promotion to Associate Director in 2022 was recognition of his expertise, commitment and ambition. Irvinn continues to play a key role in the growth and success of I-Deal Development’s projects.

“This operation would not have been possible without the I-Deal Development teams. They are all-rounders who were able to provide me with financial and strategic support. They know their business inside out and have an extensive network, which helped enormously in completing the deal. On a more personal note, Thierry Bloch and Irvinn Aubert, who complemented each other very well, were with me every step of the way. It’s a pleasure to be able to work with this team.” David Lebargy, General Manager Netlon

Paul André Jouzel holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Financial Markets from the Catholic University of Lyon (ESDES) and an MSC in Finance from emlyon Business School.

Career path

Paul André joined I-Deal Development in 2019, after working in the finance department of the Synergie group in Barcelona, in M&A for the real estate group, and as an analyst with the Crédit Mutuel Equity investment fund in his native Nantes.

Paul André Jouzel operates mainly in the technology and consulting sectors, with specific expertise in the following areas:

  • IT consulting
  • Software
  • Data and Cybersecurity
  • Digital Marketing
  • Engineering

Notable achievements

Paul-André has more than 30 operations to his credit with digital services companies (ESN), including ten in Canada. Since 2023, he has contributed to the following transactions:

  • Acquisition of Lambda, a Canadian company specialized in cybersecurity
  • Acquisitions of ING SOFT and Igsi: Software development
  • Acquisition of Evisiance: Digital marketing
  • Sale of Canadian company Ciao Technologies to French group IT Link: Web consulting and development

In 2022, Paul-André was promoted to Associate Director, in addition to his role as head of I-Deal Development’s Canadian office in Montreal. This promotion reflects his commitment and success in developing the company’s activities in North America.

Approach and Vision

In summary, Paul André is recognized for his analytical mind, rigor and ability to develop solutions tailored to his clients’ specific needs. In addition, his strategic vision and leadership make him an essential asset for I-Deal Development and the companies he supports. He is also appreciated for his ability to manage complex projects and bring international transactions to a successful conclusion.

I-Deal Development’s support and involvement in this operation is a concrete expression of the partnership that has linked us for several years. As always, from research to transaction, we were able to count on the investment of I-Deal Development’s teams with their characteristic rigor. Together, we are already looking ahead to new operations, which will further strengthen our shared history. Many thanks to Paul-André and Thierry” Laurent Le Mercier, Chairman and CEO.

Marie Develay Senior Associate

Marie Develay holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Markets from ESDES – Université Catholique de Lyon. In 2022, she was awarded the title of Certified International Investment Analyst by the Société Française des Analystes Financiers.

Career Path

Marie joined I-Deal Development in 2020, in the midst of the health crisis, after gaining experience as a financial auditor at RSM France.

Marie Develay works mainly in the TMT and Industry sectors, with specific expertise in the following areas:

  • Digital Transformation
  • Engineering and Innovation
  • Aerospace industry

Notable Achievements

Since joining I-Deal Development, Marie has contributed to some fifteen transactions. In 2023, she was notably involved in the following projects:

  • Acquisition of ITI Industries (sales office & logistics department)
  • Acquisition of a group specializing in digital transformation in Singapore for the Alan Allman Associates ecosystem
  • Fundraising for WMH Group (expert in Spatial Design, Event & e-Event, Incentive & Travel and Public Relations).

Marie has been supporting ACI Groupe in its Build-Up project for the past 3 years, with 10 acquisitions. A native of Lyon, she has played a key role in numerous transactions, notably in the Rhône-Alpes region and in Belgium, where she has demonstrated her ability to manage complex transactions and create value for her customers.

Approach and Vision

Marie is recognized for her versatility, rigor and analytical approach. Her ability to operate in a variety of contexts and provide financial solutions tailored to the specific needs of her clients makes her an asset to I-Deal Development.

Jenny Potel Executive assistant

Jenny Potel, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in communications and a BTS in entertainment and tourism management, has built up a rich and varied professional career. In 2024, she joined the I-Deal Development teams, having accumulated over 10 years’ experience in demanding sectors, particularly in event project management and executive assistant.

Professional background

Her 2 years’ experience as an Event Project Manager enabled her to acquire solid expertise in the organization of large-scale events, where she demonstrated her skills in project management, team coordination, and meeting deadlines and budgets. Jenny Potel then spent 8 years as an Executive Assistant, including 5 years with the JCDecaux Group, a world leader in the advertising and outdoor communications sector. This immersion in a dynamic and demanding professional environment enabled her to reinforce her adaptability and organizational efficiency, as well as a heightened sense of confidentiality and discretion.

Approach and Vision

Thanks to her interpersonal skills and rigorous approach, Jenny Potel quickly established herself as a genuine strategic support for the management teams she accompanied. Her perfect command of communication tools, combined with effective priority management, makes her a key contributor to all the projects she takes part in.

Today, within I-Deal Development, Jenny Potel continues to use her skills and experience to support the company’s ambitions for development and innovation.

Florian Reynaud Associate

Florian Reynaud graduated from IAE Gustave Eiffel with a Master’s degree in Financial Engineering.

Career path

A native of the South-East of France, Florian joined I-Deal Development in 2022, after a spell with the Novarc Group, where he worked as Assistant Group Financial Director. This experience and his taste for business inspired him to pursue his career in the M&A sector.

Florian Reynaud has expertise in the following sectors :

  • BtoB Services
  • Energy Services
  • Traditional Industries
  • Nuclear

Notable achievements

Since joining I-Deal Development, Florian has been involved in almost a dozen transactions. Among these, in 2023:

  • Sale of Finergy group subsidiary TCEM (nuclear instrumentation)
  • Acquisition of the STEPC-STEPP group alongside 4M Investment (HVAC & electrical engineering)
  • Combination of the American company Vintech and the British group Molb at the beginning of 2024 (specialized in the design and production of unique designs and concept cars).

Approach and vision

Florian stands out for his expertise in the energy sectors and also for his self-sacrifice.

I would like to thank and express my satisfaction with the I-Deal Development teams, who were largely able to meet deadlines while demonstrating exemplary support and interpersonal skills “Pascal Morel, Finergy Group

Sonia Bakri Head of marketing and Communication

Sonia Bakri is an expert in communication and marketing strategies, and a graduate of PPA Business School, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Management of Communication and Marketing Strategies, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Operational Marketing. Her solid academic background has enabled her to develop an in-depth understanding of market dynamics and best practices in communications and marketing.

Career path

In 2023, Sonia joined I-Deal Development as Marketing and Communications Manager. Prior to this, she gained three years’ experience as Marketing and Communications Project Manager at LARCO, a company specializing in safety equipment for the oil and gas industry. During this time, she proved her ability to manage complex projects and run effective marketing campaigns.

Skills and expertise

Sonia Bakri’s diversified expertise spans several sectors, including :

  • Sustainable development
  • Healthcare
  • Events
  • Interior design
  • Fashion and Cosmetics

Her skills cover a wide range of fields, including :

  • Marketing & Digital Strategy
  • Communications
  • Press Relations
  • Event Planning and Management

Approach and Vision

Sonia is recognized for her ability to innovate and adapt quickly to market changes. Her strategic vision and creative approach reinforce the reputation and brand image of the companies she works for. She is also appreciated for her attention to detail and her ability to handle multiple projects efficiently.

Natty Bothereau Associate


Natty Bothereau is a specialist in mergers and acquisitions, with a Master’s degree in Financial Analysis and Strategy from IGR IAE Rennes. Her academic background and professional experience have enabled her to develop in-depth expertise in financial transactions.

Career path

Natty joined I-Deal Development as an M&A Associate in 2023, after two years’ experience as an M&A Analyst at Banque Populaire Grand Ouest and in a financial services firm. She has been actively involved in a dozen transactions in the real estate and industrial sectors, in France and abroad.

Skills and expertise

Natty Bothereau has solid expertise in the following areas:

  • Mergers & Acquisitions: valuation of target companies, financial modeling, management of acquisition and disposal processes.
  • Financial Analysis: Evaluation of financial performance, risk and opportunity analysis.
  • Investment Strategy: Development and implementation of investment strategies to maximize value creation.
  • Notable achievements

Thanks to her varied experience, Natty has been involved in several significant transactions, demonstrating her skills in mergers and acquisitions. His involvement in both domestic and international real estate and industrial projects attests to his ability to successfully navigate complex and diverse environments.

Approach and Vision

Natty is recognized for her proactive approach, rigor and commitment to excellence. Her passion for mergers and acquisitions is reflected in her dedication to delivering tailor-made, value-added solutions to her customers. She is appreciated for her ability to understand the specific needs of each project and to develop effective strategies to achieve the objectives set.

Jules Schoonberg Associate

Jules Schoonberg graduated from emlyon Business School with a Master of Science in Corporate Finance & Investment Banking.

Career path

Originally from south-west France, Jules Schoonberg joined I-Deal Development in early 2022, after gaining international experience in Corporate Development and Corporate Finance in Paris, Toronto and Frankfurt. Among his notable experiences, he worked for Sanofi’s European finance department in Frankfurt, as well as an analyst with financial consultancy firm IBI.

Jules works mainly in the consulting sector, notably in :

  • Strategy & Management
  • Engineering
  • Technology
  • Business Services

Notable achievements

Since joining I-Deal Development, Jules has been involved in some fifteen strategic transactions, ten of which were international. In 2023, he was notably involved in :

  • Winning: strategy and management consulting for the Portuguese and Spanish markets.
  • Data eXcellence: data migration consultancy in the Netherlands.
  • Excelsior: Web 3 & Metaverse consulting in France.
  • Humans4Help: AI, RPA & Data Science consulting in France and North Africa.

Approach and Vision

Jules has a global vision of markets. His commitment to excellence, his taste for international markets, his confidence and his availability make him a valuable asset for companies seeking growth and transformation.

I very much appreciated I-Deal Development’s M&A advice and support throughout the transaction. I would particularly like to thank Paul-André and Jules for their involvement and professionalism.” Jean Drouin, Chairman of Ciao Technologies

Victorien Nicolas Associate

Victorien Nicolas graduated from ESDES Lyon Business School with a Master’s degree in Finance and Markets.

Career path

In 2022, Victorien Nicolas joined I-Deal Development as an M&A Account Manager, after an initial experience at the Banque de France where he held the position of Financial Analyst. This experience at the prestigious financial institution enabled him to acquire an in-depth understanding of financial mechanisms and economic dynamics.

Victorien Nicolas has now moved on to the position of Business Manager, where he distinguishes himself by his appetite and expertise in several sectors:

  • Aerospace
  • Defense
  • Energy
  • Metalworking
  • Furniture

Notable achievements

Since joining I-Deal Development, Victorien has been involved in a number of successful transactions. In particular, he has contributed to :

  • Mecaphi’s acquisition of family-owned Lormedo for a Build-Up project (sheet metal work, stamping, robotized and manual welding, assembly)
  • Fundraising for Decotec (design and distribution of high-end bathroom furniture)
  • Industrial merger between Groupe Agostinelli & ACI Groupe (application of industrial paints and special processes). This is the 10th transaction Victorien has supported for the ACI Group.

Approach and Vision

Victorien is recognized for his analytical mind and his ability to provide pragmatic solutions to the challenges faced by his customers. He is particularly appreciated for his rapid comprehension.