EURAZEO_REGISTRATION_DOCUMENT_2017

GOVERNANCE Risk management, internal control and main risk factors

Risks related to the vetting 3.4.2.2 of investment projects Identification of risks

Risks relating to the geographic 3.4.2.3 exposure of the portfolio Identification of risks Generally speaking, adverse change in the economic environment and a deterioration in the business climate, particularly in Europe, can alter investment, transformation, enhancement and divestment conditions for Eurazeo’s investments. Unfavorable economic prospects are liable to have an adverse impact on the future performance of certain investments, potentially requiring Eurazeo to record an impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets in its consolidated financial statements (see also Section 3.4.2.8.6, p. 199). As regards the geographic spread of the current portfolio, historical investments operate mainly in Europe, making their performance particularly sensitive to the economic environment in that region. In addition to the economic environment, external factors such as terrorist acts can have negative consequences on consumer, savings and/or investment behavior in a geographic area (in the same way as the terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015 and 2016). Depending on their business model, the activities of Eurazeo’s majority-owned investments have differing levels of sensitivity to changes in the economic environment. Furthermore, political current events (notably the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union) create uncertainty in the economies of regions where certain Eurazeo investments operate. It is still too early to obtain a clear idea of the repercussions Brexit will have on the global economy and on the strategy, activities and organization of companies. Finally, the geographic location can involve geo-climatic risks (see Section 3.4.2.7). Risk management Eurazeo has elected to emphasize investment in growing companies with a resilient business model. Several avenues of growth have been identified: targets benefiting from major societal trends (aging population in Western economies, development of healthcare and renewable energies, rise of the middle classes in emerging markets, changing consumer patterns) such as healthcare, luxury and brands, technology and digital, financial services, the environment and energy transition. In addition, for several years now, Eurazeo has established a structure built around four teams dedicated to specific investment styles: Capital, Brands, Croissance, PME and Patrimoine. These dedicated teams enable Eurazeo to widen the conditions of doing its business. To support the international growth of its investments, Eurazeo opened an office in China at the beginning of 2013 and in Brazil in 2015. Acquisitions and build-ups over the last two years highlight the Group’s development across a range of geographic areas: Elis in Brazil, Asmodee in the United States and Neovia (Brazil, Mexico, Asia). Eurazeo’s desire to strengthen its international ecosystem and facilitate the acceleration of its investments internationally was highlighted in 2016 by the opening of an office in New York. Eurazeo PME’s strategy is also founded on diversification and a balanced portfolio, in terms of both geographical coverage and the sensitivity of its investments’ business models to the economic environment. With regards to Brexit, even if the UK contributes relatively little to the consolidated performance of the Group (see Section 3.4.2.8.3), Eurazeo remains extremely prudent in its forecasts and key assumptions. It will also pay close attention to future developments in order to factor in as early as possible any consequences likely to negatively impact the most exposed investments.

Making investments in target companies may expose the Company to a number of risk factors, potentially leading over time to a loss of value for the relevant investment. These risks include: the overvaluation of the acquisition target, due for example to: • the insufficient capacity of the target company and its • management to meet its business plan targets, the undermining of the target company’s business model (i.e. • technology break, adverse change in the regulatory environment, etc.) or any other unknown factor liable to lessen the consistency and reliability of management’s business plan, the failure to identify or under-estimation of a significant liability • or the incorrect valuation of certain assets; the lack of reliability of financial and accounting information on the • target company: erroneous information may be provided when prospective investments are vetted, deliberately or otherwise; litigation and disputes liable to arise with sellers or third parties: • these may relate to the insolvency of the seller and his or her guarantors when applicable (making it difficult to implement guarantees), or to a change in management (which may threaten contracts with key suppliers or clients). Risk management Eurazeo’s policies for managing these risks rely in large part on in-depth due diligence procedures and compliance with strict investment criteria. Prior to any acquisition, during the period when a prospective investment is vetted, Eurazeo performs a comprehensive analysis of the investment risks. In addition to the investment team responsible for the deal, the CSR, Risk Management, Human Resources and Legal Departments are systematically involved in this process under the supervision of the General Counsel (see Section 3.4.1.1, above). Based on this analysis, in-depth due diligence procedures are conducted in strategic, operating, financial, legal and tax areas, generally by third parties. This comprehensive work encompasses environmental, social and governance issues. On a case-by-case basis, risks identified can be covered by warranties negotiated with sellers or insurers. At the same time, in reviewing prospective investments, Eurazeo pays special attention to the following investment criteria: barriers to entry, profitability, recurrence of cash flows, growth potential and a shared investment vision with management. At the various stages of the vetting process, the risks associated with the target investment are assessed, documented and reviewed regularly during weekly meetings of the investment teams and at Executive Committee meetings, up until presentation to the Finance Committee, and/or the Supervisory Board. In addition, the fact that the teams dedicated to the various investment divisions (Capital, Brands, Patrimoine, Croissance and PME) are backed by the Eurazeo Development team further strengthens the quality with which investment projects are prepared. This approach makes it possible to conduct in-depth reviews of potential opportunities well in advance of a sale process and, importantly, to form an opinion about the vendor and the fundamentals of the target.

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2017 Registration document

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