Stibbe guides Bencis on sale of Rubio Monocoat
Rubio Monocoat, a Belgian manufacturer of sustainable wood protection solutions, has been sold to private equity firm Apheon. The deal marks a new chapter for the 118-year-old company, which has grown into a global leader in eco-friendly wood coatings under CEO Wim Maes. Apheon plans to accelerate Rubio’s international expansion and innovation efforts.
Founded in 1906, Rubio Monocoat has long been a trusted name in wood protection. Under the leadership of CEO Wim Maes, the company evolved into a recognised global brand, known for its high-performance, environmentally friendly products. Bencis, a private equity firm, worked alongside Maes and his management team to transform Rubio into an international player with a modern omnichannel sales model.
The sale process involved legal guidance from Stibbe law firm, with private equity partner Stefan Odeurs leading the advisory team. They supported Bencis, the Muylle family, and Rubio’s management throughout the transaction. Bencis expressed pride in Rubio’s growth and confidence in its future under Apheon’s ownership. Apheon, a pan-European mid-market private equity firm, has outlined clear plans for Rubio’s next phase. The firm aims to reinforce the company’s position as a sustainable, technology-driven brand in the wood coating industry. Apheon also intends to speed up Rubio’s innovation pipeline and expand its global market presence, aligning with the company’s ambition to become the world leader in high-performance, eco-friendly wood protection.
With the sale now complete, Rubio Monocoat enters a new era backed by Apheon’s resources and expertise. The company’s focus on sustainability and innovation remains central to its strategy. Apheon’s investment is expected to drive further growth and solidify Rubio’s standing in the international wood protection market.
