AXA Private Equity leads a minority stake investment in Bravofly

AXA Private Equity, the leading European diversified private equity firm, announces today its investment in Bravofly. With its acquisition of a 6% stake, it has led a group of private investors which, in aggregate, has acquired approximately 16% of Bravofly’s capital.

Launched in 2004, Bravofly is a major player in the European online booking market. With its user-friendly interface and advanced technology, the company offers its customers a powerful research and comparison engine to book flight tickets on low-cost and traditional airlines.

The company, owned by its founders, has experienced strong growth since its establishment and is today a major European online player with a turnover of €180 million and 6 million unique visitors every month. Bravofly today boasts one of the broadest offer ranges in flight and travel-related markets through its websites bravofly.fr, bravofly.de, bravofly.co.uk, bravofly.es, bravofly.com, volagratis.it and viaggiare.it.

AXA Private Equity has extensive experience of identifying talented management teams and working with them to help expand their businesses geographically via its international network of contacts. The firm will help to support Bravofly’s management team in accelerating its expansion and development plans.

Francesco Signoretti, Bravofly CEO: "Innovation was key in ensuring the growth of Bravofly in Europe. We are pleased to welcome AXA Private Equity as a new shareholder; the firm’s international dimension and responsiveness convinced us."

Laurent Foata, director at Axa Private Equity: "Bravofly’s managers have turned their company into a model of entrepreneurial success with international ambitions. We look forward to actively supporting them throughout this new phase of development".