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After a two-year search, Dimitri Novikov, founder of Ulam Transmission, successfully acquired the French company SAMU (Soins des Arbres en Milieu Urbain) in December 2025, alongside the existing management team. Leading investors, including SFClub, Cabiedes, Legacy Partners, 9T Capital, Peter’s Troop and Artos, participated in the buyout. Following the retirement of its founder, Philippe Champeroux, this transition represents both continuity and ambition for this flagship pruning company.
Founded in 1986, SAMU has built extensive, recognized expertise in the management of tree assets and is one of France’s largest tree-pruning companies. Operating primarily in the maintenance segment, the company is renowned for handling complex projects with significant technical, environmental, and safety constraints for high-profile public and private clients, including the Louvre Museum, the Élysée Palace, and the Luxembourg Gardens.
SAMU combines expertise in high-value architectural pruning with precise, site-specific tree management, driving its multi-regional expansion beyond Île-de-France. With 15% annual growth over the past five years, The company generates approximately €16M in revenue and an EBITDA margin of around 20%, and relies on nearly 100 employees, qualified teams, proven methods, and a modern equipment fleet, enabling efficient operations across all its markets.
Dimitri Novikov stated that he intends to pursue long-term growth by combining operational excellence with targeted expansion, while prioritizing skills development, employee retention, and the transfer of expertise.
Philippe Champeroux, Founder of SAMU, commented: “After 39 years at the helm of SAMU, having founded it, I wanted to pass the company on to a leader capable of preserving its values and ensuring its future development. I sincerely believe that Mr. Dimitri Novikov represents this continuity, as he has the qualities necessary to support the teams in their evolution.”
“SAMU is a reference player in Île-de-France in both manual and mechanical pruning, with recognized expertise in architectural pruning. As President, my ambition is to continue the work already underway and structure a development trajectory based on both organic growth and targeted external expansion, alongside a committed management team and strong partners,” added Dimitri Novikov.
Legal: Bird & Bird / Finance : Squareness / Fiscal: Cezium Avocats
