The sell enables the group's president Sylvian Charlois to increase his majority stake from 51 per cent to 67 per cent.

Ardian's investment in Groupe Charlois, which specialises in oak selection and stave production, allowed the French company to merge with barrel-maker Saury Group to create a fully-integrated cooperage.

“Our partnership with Ardian has allowed the group to accelerate its changes from up to downstream, to cover the full value chain,” said Charlois in a statement.

“This transaction demonstrates clearly how Ardian works with companies to support their transformational growth strategies. We wish Sylvain and Groupe Charlois well for the future,” added managing director at Ardian's expansion team, François Jerphagnon.

Ardian currently manages and advises $50 billion in assets worldwide.