Tag Archives: Retail

Norvestor divests Life Europe AB

Norvestor

Norvestor IV, L.P. (“Norvestor”) has signed an agreement to divest Life Europe AB (“Life” or “the Company”),a leading specialist retailer of health and wellness products in Sweden, Norway and Finland, to Fairford Group.

Norvestor invested in Life in 2005. During Norvestor’s ownership, the company has become the clear market leader as a specialist health and wellness retailer in the Nordic region and one of the largest specialist retailers within its’ space in the world. Life currently has over 380 stores including own stores and franchise stores. The Company has above 600 employees and revenues of around SEK 1.2 billion in Sweden, Norway and Finland.

“For the Norvestor team, it has been an interesting journey building Life to the clear market leader in the Nordics together with all the competent people in the Company. We are happy to see Fairford coming on board to support further development for Life and expand their strong market position”, says Lars Grinde, Managing Partner in Norvestor.

“With Norvestor as the main shareholder, Life has over the last years built not only the biggest health and wellness retail chain in the Nordic region but also the two biggest health and wellness product distributers. With this distribution power we look forward to meeting new opportunities together with Fairford”, says Erik Frydenberg, CEO in Life. Norvestor was advised by Advokatfirman Lindahl.

The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2017, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from competition authorities. The parties have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transaction.

For further information:

Lars Grinde, Managing Partner in Norvestor Equity AS

Telephone: +47402 11 444

Email: lars.grinde@norvestor.com

Erik Frydenberg, CEO in Life

Telephone: +47 922 29 955

Email: erik.fryd enberg@lifeeurope.com

 

Life Europe AB is the leading specialist retail of health and wellness products in Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Read more at www.lifebutiken.se

Norvestor Equity AS is a leading private equity company focusing on lower mid -market buyouts in the Nordic region. The team has worked together since 1991 making it one of the most experienced private equity teams in Norway, having executed 66 investments with 260 follow – on M&A transactions, in addition to executing 43 exits including 14 IPOs.

Norvestor focuses on investment opportunities in growth companies, making platform investments principally in Norway and Sweden, with potential to achieve a leading Nordic or international position either through organic growth, through acquisitions or by expanding into new countries. Funds advised by Norvestor are currently invested in the following portfolio companies; Johnson Metall, Sentech (formerly Advantec Sensing), Apsis, Aptilo, Cegal, Marine Aluminium, Crayon, Robust, iSurvey, Future Production, Nomor, PG Flow Solutions, Roadworks, Permascand, 4Service, HydraWell, Eneas, Presserv, Nordic Camping & Resort, READ Cased Hole, IT Gården, NetNordic and Wexus.

Read more at www.norvestor.com

 

Categories: News

Tags:

Altor enters partnership with the founders of RevolutionRace

Altor

On October 18th, Altor Fund IV (“Altor”) has signed an agreement to acquire a significant minority ownership in the fast growing Swedish consumer brand, RevolutionRace, from the founders Pernilla and Niclas Nyrensten. The founders will remain as majority owners of the company and continue in their operational roles as CEO and Head of Product.

RevolutionRace sells outdoor apparel products through a direct to consumer model, with an innovative design, high quality & functionality at an affordable price point. The company was founded in 2013 and has grown at an impressive speed to a turnover of approximately SEK 120m for the fiscal year that ended in June 2017.

“When we started searching for a partner, we wanted someone that could complement us and contribute with relevant experience” says Pernilla and Niclas Nyrensten, founders of RevolutionRace. “Altor had two key attributes that appealed to us; they have relevant knowledge of the outdoor industry from Helly Hansen and Rossignol and they have put together a dream team that we believe will support us reaching our goal of making RevolutionRace the leading brand in the outdoor industry. We are super excited to make this journey together with Altor.”

“We are highly impressed with the growth, successful digital strategy and direct-to-consumer business model of the company. The outdoor apparel market is attractive and RevolutionRace is targeting an underserved segment through the affordable high quality product offering”, says Johan Blomquist, partner at Altor. “Furthermore, we actively look for partnerships with outstanding founders, which is something we have found in Pernilla and Niclas.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory requirements and approvals.

For more information, please contact:
Niclas Nyrensten, Co-founder of RevolutionRace, Tel: +46 10 155 63 30
Johan Blomquist, Partner at Altor, Tel: +46 8 678 91 00

About Altor
Since inception, the family of Altor funds has raised some EUR 5.8 billion in total commitments. The funds have invested in excess of EUR 3.8 billion in more than 40 companies. The investments have been made in medium sized Nordic companies with the aim to create value through growth initiatives and operational improvements. Among current and past investments are Helly Hansen, Carnegie Investment Bank, Dustin, Rossignol and SATS ELIXIA. For more information visit www.altor.com

 

Categories: News

Tags:

Verdane IX invests in Safira to boost international expansion

No Comments

Verdane

Fashionable Development Europe AB, online retailer of jewellery and accessories under the brand name Safira, today announced Nordic private equity fund Verdane Capital IX as a new investor. Together, they will build a fast fashion jewellery brand with international ambitions.

The Swedish online retailer of jewellery and accessories, Safira offers a variety of fashion and traditional jewellery products, including gold and silver rings, necklaces, bracelets and watches. The company has received a lot of attention for its partnership with Swedish fashionista Molly Rustas, and their joint collection Safira by Molly Rustas.

“People live much of their life online. Couples meet online, and then of course, the wedding ring is bought online. Safira and the products become part of people’s special occasions and everyday life as the online home of fashion accessories,” says Jeff Petterson, CEO in Safira.

So far, Safira has primarily focused on the Swedish consumer market, through Safira.se and its newly opened flagship store in Gothenburg. Following the investment by Verdane Capital IX, the company now targets expansion across the Nordics and beyond.

“Verdane has extensive experience building e-commerce successes in a broad range of industries, leveraging its leading online expertise and know-how. We look forward to working together with Verdane on taking Safira to the next level internationally, and offer fashion accessories online to many more markets,” says Pettersson.

In contrast to the fashion apparel industry, which has seen an influx of major e-commerce platforms in recent years, the movement towards bringing the jewellery industry online has been lagging. According to Staffan Mörndal in Verdane, this is about to change.

“Clearly, the jewellery market is a highly attractive space, and we expect strong growth in online penetration. We believe Safira is well positioned to take part in the offline to online transformation of the industry, and become a market leader within fashion accessories and gold and silver jewellery online,” he says.

For further information, please contact:

Staffan Mörndal, staffan.morndal@verdanecapital.com or +46 70 93 15 235

Jeff Pettersson, jeff@safira.se or +46 73 39 81 105

About Safira

Founded in 2012, Safira is a Swedish-based online retailer and maker of jewellery and accessories, offering a mix of its own and external brands of a variety of products, including gold and silver rings, necklaces, bracelets and watches.

About Verdane

Verdane funds provide flexible growth capital to fast growing software, consumer internet, energy or high-technology industry businesses. The funds are distinctive in that they can invest either in a single company, or in portfolios of companies. Verdane funds have €900m under management and have invested in over 300 holdings over the past 14 years. Verdane Capital Advisors has 25 employees working out of offices in Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki. More information can be found at: www.verdanecapital.com

Categories: News

Tags:

Helsport and Swix: Stronger together

Helsport and Swix: Stronger together

Swix Sport has acquired the entire share capital of the well-known company Helsport. The acquisition makes the Ferd-owned brand aggregator almost a complete supplier in the outdoor segment of the sports industry, which is to say a supplier of products for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Helsport is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of lightweight sleeping bags and tents. Now the company will join Swix, Ulvang, Lundhags, Hard Rocx and Toko as part of Swix Sport.

“In the outdoor segment, we already offer a wide range of equipment, footwear and clothing from Lundhags and Ulvang. We can now supplement this offer with tents, lavvus, sleeping bags, backpacks and mountain trekking equipment for the full range of users, whether they need equipment for extreme conditions or favour comfort and user-friendliness”, explains Tomas Holmestad, CEO of Swix Sport, in an interview with Ferd Magazine.

A good owner
Stein Helliksen, the owner and CEO of Helsport since 1974, emphasises that he regards Swix Sport as a good and reliable owner with regard to the company’s further development now that he is selling. He will continue, however, to serve as the CEO of Helsport, and there are no plans to move its head office from Melhus just south of Trondheim, which is where 16 of the company’s employees will remain. The company also has a marketing office in Oslo with a further two employees, who will now be moving to Swix premises.

Record profit
Stein Helliksen has decided to sell the company following a period of strong growth. With record turnover of NOK 120 million and its best ever profit, 2016 was the company’s best year ever. 2017 is shaping up to be even better in every way.

“Helsport has never been better positioned than it is today – and I see this as a good starting point for becoming part of a larger constellation in an industry that is facing both restructuring and challenges, but that also offers great opportunities”, he comments.

Stein emphasises that there is a clear trend towards bigger units and stiffer competition, and innovation is becoming increasingly important, while the industry will also have to meet new and stricter requirements in terms of environmental sustainability, fair trade and willingness to engage with corporate social responsibility. Like Tomas Holmestad, Stein Helliksen thinks there is the potential for significant synergies now that Helsport and Swix Sport are combining forces, with particularly sizeable opportunities in exports:

“We have a range of products that have features that make them the best in the world. With Swix Sports’ resources, international subsidiaries and distribution facilities, both parties will be able to reap significant benefits”, he explains.

The whole interview is available in the Ferd Magazine in Norwegian).Photo: Helsport

Categories: News

Tags:

Nordic Capital has sold its remaining shares in Tokmanni, the largest general discount retail chain in Finland

Nordic Capital has sold its remaining shares in Tokmanni, the largest general discount retail chain in Finland

September 13 2017
Nordic Capital has sold its remaining shares in Tokmanni, the largest general discount retail chain in Finland ImageNordic Capital Fund VII (“Nordic Capital”) has sold all of its remaining shares in Tokmanni Group Corporation (“Tokmanni”). Under Nordic Capital’s ownership, Tokmanni has grown substantially, reinforcing its leadership position in the attractive Finnish general discount retail market.

The remaining shareholding of 15.21 percent was sold on September 12, 2017, and the book-building generated large investor interest with the book multiple times oversubscribed.

“Tokmanni has accelerated its development under Nordic Capital’s ownership. The Company now has a strong track record of growth and profitability, and is flourishing despite a challenging Finnish economy and retail market. Tokmanni has continued the rollout of new stores, invested heavily in its capabilities and procurement whilst maintaining attractive market pricing. Tokmanni is now a strong, profitable, publicly listed company with a robust foundation for future growth,” says Robert Furuhjelm, Partner, NC Advisory Oy, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds.

During Nordic Capital’s ownership, Tokmanni’s revenues increased from EUR 650 mn (2011) to EUR 776 mn (2016). In the same period, the number of employees grew from 2,900 to 3,200 and Tokmanni opened 18 new stores.

“Since the acquisition in 2012, it has been inspiring to observe the strong customer appeal of the stores, driven by the outstanding execution of the team and manifested by the Company’s faster-than-market growth. The investment in Tokmanni illustrates how Nordic Capital, through its extensive retail experience, selective investment focus, and attention to operational improvements, effectively supports the development of market leaders, even in less than favourable market conditions. We would like to thank the management team and all employees of Tokmanni for all their hard work and collaboration”, continues Robert Furuhjelm.

After tracking the business for several years, Nordic Capital acquired Tokmanni in 2012 under exclusivity. The transaction was enabled by Nordic Capital’s local Finnish presence, knowledge and experience from previous Consumer & Retail investments. A well-prepared rigorous value creation plan was put in place including operational improvements and investment in direct sourcing supported by a Shanghai office which opened in June 2013. There was also significant investment in the store concept and strengthening of the Tokmanni brand, including repositioning from a mixed brand business to a segment-leading retail asset that could support a successful public listing and strong post IPO performance.

In April 2016, Tokmanni was successfully listed on Nasdaq Helsinki at an equity value of approximately EUR 394 million. The successful listing and strong subsequent share price performance reflect the strength of Tokmanni’s business and the significant improvements implemented under Nordic Capital’s ownership.

The Tokmanni shareholding divestment follows a period where Nordic Capital Funds have maintained a high level of transaction activity with twelve successful exits and seven new platform investments since the beginning of 2016. Nordic Capital Funds have a strong record of preparing companies for the public markets.  In addition to Tokmanni, the Funds have listed six portfolio businesses since June 2015. These include ConvaTec Group on the London Stock Exchange, the UK’s biggest IPO of 2016 and the largest European healthcare IPO in more than 20 years. In addition, Nordic Capital Funds have successfully listed air treatment specialist Munters, provider of traffic safety products and services Saferoad, pan European healthcare provider Capio, mixed discount retailer Europris and consumer financing business Resurs, all of which were floated on the Nordic stock markets.

Press contact:

Katarina Janerud, Communications Manager,
NC Advisory AB, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds
tel: +46 8 440 50 69
e-mail: katarina.janerud@nordiccapital.com

 

About Nordic Capital

Nordic Capital is a leading private equity investor in the Nordic region with a resolute commitment to creating stronger, sustainable businesses through operational improvement and transformative growth. Nordic Capital focuses on selected regions and sectors where it has deep experience and a proven track record. Core sectors are Healthcare, Technology & Payments, Financial Services, Industrial Goods & Services and Consumer & Retail, and key regions are the Nordics, Northern Europe, and globally for Healthcare. Since inception in 1989, Nordic Capital has invested EUR 11 billion through eight funds. The Nordic Capital Funds are based in Jersey and are advised by six advisory companies, which are based in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany and the UK. For further information about Nordic Capital please see www.nordiccapital.com

 

Categories: News

Tags:

EQT Credit provides financing to support Lion Capital’s investment in sports nutrition brand Grenade

eqt

EQT Credit announced today that it has provided an innovative and tailored financing solution to support Lion Capital’s investment in Grenade Holdings Limited (“Grenade” or the “Company”), a leading active nutrition brand based in the UK.

Grenade is a fast-growing international active nutrition company and lifestyle brand based in Solihull, UK. The Company was founded in 2010 by husband-and-wife team Alan and Juliet Barratt, following which it has grown at exceptional speed. Grenade’s success has made it one of the UK’s fastest growing companies. The Sunday Times has included Grenade in its Fast Track Top 100 for the past three years running and in February 2017, it was listed at number 40 in The Sunday Times’s SME Export Tracker.

In March 2017, Lion Capital, a consumer-focused private equity firm known for its experience investing in leading international brands, acquired a majority stake in Grenade. The transaction valued the business at GBP 72 million, with Grenade’s founders Alan and Juliet Barratt remaining meaningful shareholders and key managers of the business.

Andrew Konopelski, Partner and Head of EQT Partners’ Credit team, Investment Advisor to EQT Credit, commented: “Grenade has achieved phenomenal growth since its founding in 2010, driven by its strong brand and unique product offering. We are delighted to support Lion Capital, Alan and Juliet Barratt and management as they embark on the next phase of Grenade’s expansion.”

Alan Barratt, Co-founder and CEO of Grenade, also commented “It is an absolute honour to be partnering with EQT in addition to the recent Lion acquisition, considering Grenade is still such a young brand. The next few years promise to be extremely exciting as we develop our global lifestyle brand, and the experience and networks that EQT can bring will add significant value I’m sure.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Contacts:
Andrew Konopelski, Partner and Head of EQT Partners’ Credit team, +44 20 7430 5525
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT
EQT is a leading alternative investments firm with approximately EUR 37 billion in raised capital across 24 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

The EQT Credit platform, which spans the full risk-reward spectrum investing with three strategies: senior debt, direct lending and credit opportunities, has invested over EUR 3.6 billion in more than 136 companies since inception in 2008.

For more information: www.eqtpartners.com/Investment-Strategies/Credit

About Lion Capital
Lion Capital is a consumer-focused investor passionate about driving growth through strong brands. With offices in Los Angeles and London, the firm’s principals have led the investment of EUR 6 billion in more than 30 businesses and more than 100 consumer brands across North America and Europe. Lion’s focus on market-leading consumer-facing companies has led to investments in such well-known brands as Kettle Foods, Jimmy Choo, ghd and AllSaints.

For more information: www.lioncapital.com

About Grenade
Grenade is an innovative British company which has grown rapidly since its launch in 2010. Now selling Grenade products in over 100 countries, the brand has a huge following, spanning professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers worldwide. Grenade exhibits at the largest fitness exhibitions in the world and has a number of industry-leading products in major convenience stores and supermarkets. Supported by its ‘Team Grenade’ athletes Grenade is renowned for its highly distinctive branding and marketing strategies.

For more information: www.grenade.com

Categories: News

Tags:

Atlas For Men refinances its debt one year after its spin-off

Activa Capital

Paris, 12 September 2017 – Atlas for Men, the men’s outdoor clothing brand that became independent from Groupe De Agostini a year ago, following a spin-off organized by Activa Capital and the Management team, has refinanced its existing debt alongside an extended pool of banks, allowing the full reimbursement of the mezzanine debt and partial reimbursement of the shareholder funds.

Founded in 1999 within the Groupe De Agostini, Atlas for Men is a specialized men’s outdoor brand for clothing and accessories, sold online and by catalogue. The brand is present in 10 European countries and generates close to €160m in sales from 6 million clients.

In August 2016, Altas for Men organized a spin-off from De Agostini led by Activa Capital alongside the Management team, accompanied by Initiative & Finance and Indigo Capital.

During the past twelve months the company has become totally independent and successfully completed all the projects linked to the spin-off, as well as successfully implementing many of its growth initiatives. Atlas for Men continues its strong development strategy in Germany with a growth exceeding 20% per annum, while accelerating its e-commerce deployment via its commercial website (www.atlasformen.fr) and its marketplace. The year 2016 also marked Atlas for Men’s entry into the Czech Republic, which became the tenth country served by the Group.

Based on solid results and strong growth momentum, the company refinanced the mezzanine debt initially provided by Indigo Capital and partially reimbursed the shareholder funds.

The new financing is provided by the banking pool set up in 2016 (arranger: CIC Nord Ouest, participants: BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole Seine-Normandie), joined by Caisse d’Epargne Normandie.

For Marc Delamarre, President of Atlas for Men:

This refinancing reflects Atlas for Men’s strong growth momentum driven by the team’s commitment and the relevance of our positioning as a specialist brand. The renewed commitment of our banking partners allows us to consider more development projects, both digitally and internationally.

For Pierre Chabaud, Partner at Activa Capital:

This operation carried out with Atlas for Men’s banks one year after the spin-off, reflects the operational know-how of the management team and the company’s dynamism in its market. Atlas for Men is now in an even better position to implement its growth ambitions.

About Atlas for Men

Atlas for Men is specialized in men’s outdoor clothing and accessories distance selling. Since its creation in 1999, the company has witnessed a steady growth and achieved a turnover of more than €150m in 2016 in 10 European countries. Currently a leader in the distance selling market, Atlas for Men is also a major internet player with 9 e-commerce websites.

Learn more about Atlas for Men atlasofrmen.fr.

 

About Activa Capital

Activa Capital is a leading French mid-market private equity firm. Activa Capital manages over €500m of private equity funds on behalf of a wide range of institutional investors. Activa Capital partners with ambitious mid-sized French companies, valued at €20m to €200m, seeking to accelerate their growth and their international footprint. Learn more about Activa Capital at activacapital.com.

 

 

Categories: News

Tags:

Bricoprivé acquires Racetools

Ardian

Bricoprivé is 12 months ahead of schedule in reaching the ambitious target of €100 million in gross revenues per annum

Toulouse, 4 September 2017 – Bricoprivé, the leading website specialising in flash sales of DIY, gardening and home improvement products, today announces the acquisition of Racetools, a specialist distributor of portable electric tools to professionals. The deal was completed with the support of Bricoprivé’s minority shareholder, Ardian, the independent private investment company.

Founded in Nîmes in 2012, Racetools has established itself as the leader in portable electric tools for professionals. The company owns a major retail outlet and a 1000m² space dedicated to shipping, as well as an after-sales service counter. Over the last five years, the company has successfully formed partnerships with the largest professional tool brands across France, which has contributed to its strong growth and leading market position.

Bricoprivé.com offers a wide range of professional quality products at competitive discount prices. Since its founding in 2012, the Toulouse-based company has experienced rapid and profitable growth, with a gross revenues of more than €75 million in the last 12 months.

Over the last few years, Bricoprivé has established itself in France and southern Europe as the leader in flash sales among consumers and DIY sector customers. In line with its external growth strategy, this acquisition will strengthen its leading position in the power tool segment by giving it a foothold in the professional market.

Julien Boue, co-founder of Bricoprivé, said: “The relationship with leading brands in our sector is the fundamental pillar of Bricoprivé’s strategy. These partnerships provide access to exclusive offers in return for the media exposure and turnover we offer the brands. Racetools’ success in forging strong partnerships with professional brands which complement Bricoprivé’s existing partners was a major deciding factor for us.”

Nicolas Leron, founder of Racetools, added: “The merger with Bricoprivé takes Racetools to a new dimension. As well as expanding reach into two new countries, Spain and Italy, Bricoprivé’s infrastructure and logistical expertise will enable us to accelerate our growth and reinforce our range of products and services.”

Marc Leverger, co-founder of Bricoprivé, added: “This acquisition means we are 12 months ahead of schedule in reaching the ambitious target of €100 million in gross revenues per annum. This is crucial, since we believe that rapid development is vital to success online. The Racetools product offering complements ours well, particularly due to the company’s exposure to the professional power tool market. The technical knowledge of the Racetools teams, both in terms of products and after-sales service, will enable us to progress the business to the next level.

Furthermore, we will now have a physical retail outlet for the first time, and from the autumn, will be able to offer our partner brands access to new distribution channel.”

Romain Chuidini, Senior Investment Manager at Ardian Growth added: “This acquisition is the next step in Bricoprivé’s development. After strong organic growth and international expansion in southern Europe, the company is continuing its expansion via an active external growth strategy. This reflects the ambition expressed when we first acquired a stake in Bricoprivé of becoming the European leader in online DIY distribution.”

ABOUT BRICOPRIVÉ

Founded in October 2012 in Toulouse and managed by Julien Boue and Marc Leverger, Bricoprive.com is the leading website for flash sales of DIY, gardening and home improvement products. A major e-commerce player in the DIY sector in France, Bricoprivé organises private sales, of the main brands in the sector (Grohe, Bosch Legrand, Ryobi and Dewalt) for its five million members.

With the brands’ agreement, Bricoprivé holds nine to 10 flash sales each day of surplus stock and end-of-life products. Considered as a sales platform (three logistics platforms in France covering the entire country), the website is also an excellent communications platform for brands with its community of highly targeted members. After five years of strong growth, more than €75 million in gross revenues over the 12 last months and the recruitment of 130 staff, Bricoprivé is entering a new phase in its development with this new acquisition.

www.bricoprive.com

ABOUT RACETOOLS

Founded in June 2012 and managed by Nicolas Leron, Racetools has established itself as the leader in portable electric tools for professionals. Based in Nîmes, the company has a retail outlet and a 1000m² space dedicated to shipping as well as an after-sales service counter. After five years of steady development, Racetools is merging entirely into Bricoprivé.

www.racetools.fr/

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian, founded in 1996 and led by Dominique Senequier, is an independent private investment company with assets of US$62 billion managed or advised in Europe, North America and Asia. The company, which is majority-owned by its employees, keeps entrepreneurship at its heart and delivers investment performance to its global investors while fuelling growth in economies across the world. Ardian’s investment process embodies three values: excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship.

Ardian maintains a truly global network, with more than 470 employees working through twelve offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore and Zurich. The company offers its 580 investors a diversified choice of funds covering the full range of asset classes, including Ardian Funds of Funds (primary, early secondary and secondary), Ardian Private Debt, Ardian North America Direct Buyout, Direct Funds (Ardian Mid Cap Buyout, Ardian Expansion, Ardian Growth, Ardian Co-Investment), Ardian Infrastructure, Ardian Real Estate and customized mandate solutions with Ardian Mandates.

www.ardian.com

Categories: News

Tags:

Sunrise Capital II invests in El Dorado Group

No Comments

Tokyo ,Wednesday 21 June, 2017

– CLSA Capital Partners, the alternative asset management arm of CLSA, is pleased to announce the investment by Sunrise Capital II (“Sunrise II”) into Japan-headquartered El Dorado Ltd, Lcode Ltd, and Hong Kong-headquartered CANDY MAGIC International Limited (collectively the “El Dorado Group”), a group of companies specialising in the design, manufacture and sales of beauty contact lenses. Sunrise II is a CLSA Capital Partners’ fund that invests in established, mid -cap companies withstrong growth potential in Japan.

 

Since its establishment in 2007, the El Dorado Group has been credited with pioneering the Japanese beauty contact lenses industry and has played an iconic role in promoting the use of beauty contact lenses as a new style of “eye make-up”.

The El Dorado Group manages multiple brands such as “Candy Magic” and “ReVIA” which are positioned to accommodate the various fashion needs and styles of their consumers and are highly popular among all age groups of female users. The El Dorado Group established a Hong Kong presence in 2015 to pursue further growth through Asian expansion , mainly targeting Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Upon investment, Sunrise II and the El Dorado Group’s founder and major shareholder, Mr. Tomohiro Fujiwara, will jointly establish an SPC , CM Holdings Ltd. Following the transaction, the companies affiliated to the El Dorado Group will become 100% subsidiaries of CM Holdings Ltd. The El Dorado Group will retain the existing management team, company names, brand names and does not anticipate material changes in the business’ operations. Sunrise II will work closely with the El Dorado Group’s management team as a strategic partner to jointly pursue further growth both domestically and overseas.

About the El Dorado Group

The El Dorado Group specialises in the design, manufacture and sales of beauty contact lenses and related products. El Dorado Ltd is responsible for the design, manufacture and OEM contract manufacturing of the El Dorado Group’s products, Lcode Ltd handles the domestic sales of products and CANDY MAGIC International Limited handles the sales of products within the Asian region (ex-Japan), mainly within Hong Kong and Mainland China. The core beauty contact lenses business operates six main brands including “Candy Magic” and “ReVIA”, and distributes its products at nationwide beauty contact specialised stores, drug stores, discount stores and general merchandise stores in addition to distributing through various e-commerce channels.

About Sunrise Capital

Sunrise Capital is a Japan-dedicated private equity strategy, capitalising on opportunities in the mid-cap buyout sector. Sunrise Capital’s unique features include a hands -on approach, in assisting portfolio companies realise their growth potential, and support with overseas expansion through CLSA’s global network. Including the El Dorado Group, Sunrise Capital has completed investments in 11 companies since its establishment in 2006.

 

About CLSA Capital Partners

CLSA Capital Partners is the alternative asset management arm of CLSA, Asia’s leading and longest –running brokerage and investment group. CLSA Capital Partners has more than US$3 billion under management and offices

across the region, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. CLSA Capital Partners offers a diversified and increasing range of investment strategies managed by a diverse team of industry professionals with expertise in private equity, banking and finance, law and accountancy and various industry specialisations. For more information visit www.clsacapital.com

Categories: News

Tags:

Unison Capital acquires DINAMIX

Unison Capital

It is with great pleasure to announce that on June 1, 2017, Unison Capital Partners IV, LPS and Unison Capital Partners IV(F), L.P. (collectively, “Unison”) have acquired DINAMIX Co., Ltd. (“DINAMIX”).

DINAMIX operates 105 izakayas (Japanese-style bar and restaurant) under some 30 brands, mainly in bustling shopping and entertainment districts. Within the izakaya industry, characterized by a shrinking market due to demographic changes and intensifying competition, DINAMIX has achieved robust growth offering great value for money to customers.

In collaboration with the founder of the business, Unison aims to accelerate the growth of the unique multibrand restaurant operator by offering management resources and capital.

Unison Capital, Inc

Contact
Please direct all inquiries concerning this matter to:
Public Relations
Tel: +81-3-3511-3900

Categories: News

Tags: