The French group Petit Forestier, European leader in refrigeration solutions rental, announces its acquisition of a stake in the Camions Laguë group, a leading Quebec-based player in the transport and rental of specialized vehicles.
Two family histories, one shared vision
Founded in 1907, Petit Forestier is a French family-owned group operating in 21 countries with more than 130,000 refrigeration units available for rental. Its integrated model—from design to maintenance—is based on high operational standards, constant innovation, and close customer relationships.
Camions Laguë, led by Jean-Philippe Laguë, is a family-owned company based in Quebec, recognized for the quality of its fleet of more than 900 vehicles, its responsiveness, and its technical expertise in the field of specialized vehicle rental. With its strong regional roots, Camions Laguë has established itself as a key player in technical transport in Canada, capable of responding to complex needs with rigor and adaptability.
A natural alliance, designed to last
This partnership goes far beyond a capitalistic logic: it is a convergence of industrial and human ambitions.
The French group’s North American network and the corporate culture shared with Camions Laguë—without language barriers, with the same customer-focused and family-oriented approach—have made it possible to envision a clear and ambitious common future.
A complex operation, skillfully managed by I-Deal Development
The transaction was marked by several challenges that the I-Deal Development teams successfully overcame:
- Identifying an international industrial partner with a family DNA and an ambitious project for North America;
- Enabling the Laguë family to realize a significant portion of its assets;
- Convincing certain members of the Laguë family to reinvest in the operation alongside the new shareholders.
I-Deal Development was able to highlight the strengths of Camions Laguë and steer the project towards a strategic European player in line with the company’s culture.
I-Deal’s mission: to create connections… and make them last
In such a sensitive transaction, people were at the heart of the operation. I-Deal Development not only recommended an effective capital structure, but also provided ongoing mediation, a constant presence, and ensured that the connection created between the two groups would lay the foundation for a shared history.
“This project reflects I-Deal Development’s mission: to connect leaders, histories, and visions in order to bring about transformative projects. Mutual respect and the commitment of the teams were the keys to this success.”
Frédéric Bonan, President of I-Deal Development
