BA Capital Partners Europe has joined a number of private equity buyers swooping on bargains in the European automotive industry, with its acquisition of Enricau, a French specialist manufacturer of vehicle parts.

BA Capital Partners Europe, previously known as Banc of America Equity Partners, has bought a majority stake in the family-owned company for an amount believed to be under €50m ($55m). It will work alongside the existing management, led by Laurent Pin, the chief executive. Henri Caux, the founder, has retained a small stake and will continue as a senior adviser.