Tag Archives: Consumer brands

Action ranked favourite retailer in France 2023

3I

Action, 3i’s largest portfolio company, was ranked first in EY-Parthenon’s annual study of France’s retail landscape.

The study was carried out in January 2023 in partnership with Dynata, an opinion polling organisation, and involved the interview of a panel of over 9,300 consumers in France aged 18 and over. It measures the percentage of fans among customers that made a purchase in the relevant category over the last 12 months.

Experts from EY-Parthenon explained the success of Action, which achieved third place in the rankings in 2022, as its “offer focused on very low prices, but also – and above all! – on a shopping experience considered among the most efficient and pleasant (small pleasures, treasure hunt)’.

Action had the strongest ‘fan rate’ of all retailers at 46%. The company also saw the best growth in fan rate over the year, with an increase of 8.4 points. This measurement has increased by 19 points in three years.

-Ends-

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3i Group plc
Kathryn van der Kroft
Media enquiries		 Tel: +44 20 7975 3021
Email: kathryn.vanderkroft@3i.com

Notes to editors:

About 3i Group

3i is a leading international investment manager focused on mid-market Private Equity and Infrastructure. Its core investment markets are northern Europe and North America. For further information, please visit: www.3i.com

Regulatory information

This transaction involved a recommendation of 3i Investments plc, advised by 3i Benelux.

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EQT Growth to acquire GotPhoto, a leading vertical software platform helping photographers spend less time behind their desk and more time behind the lens

eqt
  • GotPhoto is dedicated to making photographers’ lives easier and more efficient. The Company provides an end-to-end workflow and e-commerce solution enabling its customers to digitalize key parts of their workflow, from photo management to payment and marketing automation, to order fulfilment, combining high functionality with a user-friendly platform
  • With over 4,000 customers in the US, UK and DACH, GotPhoto is already one of the largest players in the workflow and e-commerce solution market for volume photography, which is expected to grow 24% year-on-year through 2027
  • EQT Growth, in partnership with GotPhoto’s founders and management team, will support the Company’s continued organic and inorganic growth plans in its core markets and expansion into additional verticals and geographies, while further investing in the Company’s platform, product and commercial excellence

The EQT Growth fund (“EQT” or “EQT Growth”) has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake of GotPhoto Company (“GotPhoto” or “the Company”) from its founders, existing angel investors, and management team, who will remain minority owners. GotPhoto’s management team, including its CEO, Benedikt Greifenhofer, will continue to lead the Company, building on its strong track record of growth. As part of the transaction, EQT Growth will also invest additional primary capital into the business to further accelerate the company’s organic growth, including product & tech investments, as well as capitalize on attractive inorganic opportunities in the market.

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, GotPhoto (and its German brand, fotograf.de) are dedicated to making the lives of photographers easier and more efficient, helping them spend less time behind their desk and more time behind the lens. By enabling photographers to digitalize key parts of their workflow, including photo management, photo editing, marketing automation, payment, and order fulfillment, GotPhoto effectively powers the daily operations of photographers, allowing them to save significant time and effort across photo shoots. The Company – which has over 4,000 customers, primarily SMBs and “solopreneur” photographers, across the US, UK and DACH – has managed to build a strong reputation as a leading vertical software solution within the people photography segment across its core markets, while being bootstrapped.

GotPhoto operates in a large but highly fragmented and antiquated market, in which digital services and products are not commonly used. As customers increasingly recognize the benefits of digital-native workflow management solutions like GotPhoto’s, it is expected that the underlying core market will grow 24% year-on-year through to 2027. Added to that, historically the volume photography market has proven to be more resilient than other parts of the wider photography market given people’s continued desire to purchase high quality photos as a way to “capture a moment” in time, like the first day of nursery or graduation day. GotPhoto is already well positioned in this market thanks to its seamless end-to-end functionality and user-friendly platform, which has allowed the Company to continue winning market share from legacy solutions, seeing consistent 50% year-over-year growth over the last five years.

EQT Growth will partner with GotPhoto’s founders and management team to further invest in the Company’s proprietary tech platform while it adds new product features. At the same time, as GotPhoto continues to build its commercial expertise it will benefit from access to EQT’s in-house digital team, EQT’s network of over 600 expert industrial advisors, and shared learnings across EQT’s global business, which is active in the Company’s core markets across in Europe and North America. With this support, GotPhoto plans to further expand its presence in areas such as sports and portrait photography as well as new attractive geographies, as it aims to strengthen its position as a leading global player in people photography. In addition to that, both EQT and GotPhoto believe there are a number of interesting M&A opportunities in the market, which should help complement the company’s organic strategy and accelerate the team’s ambitious growth plans.

Benedikt Greifenhofer, CEO of GotPhoto, remarked: “I’m very proud of everything that our team here at GotPhoto has achieved so far but, in many ways, this is just the beginning. Partnering with EQT Growth marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for GotPhoto. It will enable us to accelerate our mission of driving the digitization of the people photography market and allowing photographers to do what they do best: taking photos. We look forward to leveraging EQT’s digital expertise and sector experience, combined with their local presence across Europe, the US, and Asia and their broad network of industrial advisors, to successfully take this next step on our journey.”

GotPhoto Co-Founder and former CEO Markus Posselt, who will transition to GotPhoto’s Advisory Board, commented: “I’m very happy that with EQT Growth we have found an ideal partner for GotPhoto’s next stage of growth. Not only was EQT our preferred partner of choice given their global scale, strong value-add capabilities, and sub-sector expertise across software and prosumer technology investments, but also given the great cultural fit with the EQT team and their alignment of vision and values with ours.”

Dominik Stein, Partner in the EQT Growth Investment Advisory Team who will also join GotPhoto’s Advisory Board, concluded: “GotPhoto is a prime example of a technology company supported by long-term macro trends and led by an excellent management team that is ready to embark on the next phase of its growth journey. Benedikt and the entire GotPhoto team have accomplished so much, having to-date been entirely bootstrapped, and we are delighted to partner with them as we continue to build on GotPhoto’s market-leading position in the US, UK, and DACH.”

The transaction is subject to customary conditions and approvals. It is expected to close in April 2023.

BCG, PwC, Willkie, Awelin, Netlight, and Aon served as advisors to EQT Growth.
Stout, KPMG, and Springer Kuss served as advisors to GotPhoto.

Contacts

Finn McLaughlan, +44 77 1534 1608, finn.mclaughlan@eqtpartners.com
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT Growth
EQT Growth supports leading growth-stage technology companies as they take the next step to scale. The strategy seeks to invest around EUR 50 million to EUR 200 million, backing strong management teams of companies supported by secular macro trends primarily within four tech sub-sectors: enterprise, con/prosumer, health, and climate. Based in five countries across Europe, the EQT Growth team has extensive investing and operating experience that allows it to support its portfolio companies however called upon.

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 113 billion in assets under management within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com

Follow EQT on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

About GotPhoto
For the past decade, GotPhoto has been the leader in supporting high-volume photographers with its easy-to-use, comprehensive workflow and sales software. With a mission to make school, sports, and dance photographers more successful, whether you photograph 100 students or 100,000, GotPhoto can help you save time and increase your sales.

More info: https://www.gotphoto.com

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KKR and Gaw Capital Acquire Hyatt Regency Tokyo

KKR

Press Release

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KKR and Gaw Capital Acquire Hyatt Regency Tokyo

March 27, 2023

Transaction marks KKR’s first hotel investment in Japan

Builds on KKR’s strong momentum in Japan’s real estate sector

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR, a leading global investment firm, and Gaw Capital Partners (“Gaw Capital”), a leading real estate private equity firm, today announced the signing of definitive agreements under which funds managed by KKR and Gaw Capital will acquire Hyatt Regency Tokyo (or “the Hotel”), an iconic luxury hotel located at the heart of Tokyo, from Odakyu Electric Railway Company.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230323005830/en/

Built in 1980, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo is a 746-room luxury hotel located in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest business and retail districts, and adjacent to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government headquarters. The hotel sits in a prime location, among large-scale Class A office buildings and in close proximity to public transportation networks including Tochōmae and Shinjuku Stations.

Kensuke Kudo, Director, Real Estate, at KKR, said, “This investment is a rare opportunity to acquire an iconic hotel in one of the most energetic districts in the world. As Japan emerges strongly from the pandemic as a leading travel destination, and domestic and international business travel bounce back, we see great potential to refurbish and to enhance the Hotel’s offerings to both corporate and leisure guests while retaining its unique heritage. We are pleased to welcome Gaw Capital, with their hospitality expertise, as strategic partners here, which will enable us to tap into our collective strengths for the Hotel’s transformation.”

Isabella Lo, Managing Director, Principal – Investments and Head of Japan at Gaw Capital Partners, added, “We are delighted to collaborate with KKR in a rare opportunity to acquire the iconic full-service Hyatt Regency Tokyo in prime Shinjuku. With a full renovation of the hotel rooms and the public areas, the Hotel will enjoy the upside from the jump in the number of inbound travelers from overseas and its advantageous location in a global commercial hub.”

KKR is making its investment from Asia Real Estate Partners. This transaction marks KKR’s latest investment in Japan and the real estate sector in Asia Pacific. This builds on KKR’s continued activity and momentum in Japan’s real estate sector across different real estate investment strategies, including KJR Management (formerly Mitsubishi Corp.-UBS Realty Inc.), a leading Japanese real estate manager that oversees two Japanese REITS, a portfolio of multifamily properties in Tokyo, and office assets across Japan. Globally, KKR’s real estate team manages approximately US$65 billion in assets as of December 31, 2022.

Gaw Capital Partners entered the Japan market in 2014 through its first investment in Hyatt Regency Osaka and successfully exited as the second largest hotel deal in Osaka in 2016. Gaw Capital is currently managing properties of various asset class in Japan, including a logistics portfolio with seven fully-let assets across Greater Tokyo, Japan, a portfolio of multi-family residential assets in city center locations primarily in Tokyo and other major cities in Japan, a property in Fuchu Intelligent Park for redevelopment into a Tier III Data Center. In early 2022, Gaw Capital has also completed the US$3 billion privatization of Office J-REIT. As of Q3 2022, Gaw Capital commanded assets of US$33.6 billion under management globally.

The transaction is expected to be completed by Q2 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Further details of the investment have not been disclosed.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life, and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

About Gaw Capital Partners

Gaw Capital Partners is a uniquely positioned private equity fund management company focusing on real estate markets in Asia Pacific and other high barrier-to-entry markets globally. Specializing in adding strategic value to under-utilized real estate through redesign and repositioning, Gaw Capital runs an integrated business model with its own in-house asset management operating platforms in commercial, hospitality, property development, logistics, IDC and education. The firm’s investments span the entire spectrum of real estate sectors, including residential development, offices, retail malls, serviced apartments, hotels, logistics warehouses and IDC projects.

Gaw Capital has raised seven commingled funds targeting the Greater China and APAC regions since 2005. The firm also manages value-add/opportunistic funds in the US, a Pan-Asia Hospitality Fund, a European Hospitality Fund and a Growth Equity Fund, and it also provides services for credit investments and separate account direct investments globally. Since 2005, Gaw Capital has commanded assets of US$33.6 billion under management as of Q3 2022.

Media

For KKR:
KKR Asia Pacific
Wei Jun Ong
+65 6922 5813
WeiJun.Ong@kkr.com

FGS Global (for KKR Japan)
Samuel Brustad
+81 70 3853 3284
Samuel.Brustad@fgsglobal.com

For Gaw Capital:
Gaw Capital
Camille Lam
+852 2583 7717/ +852 9884 9198
camillelam@gawcapital.com

Citigate Dewe Rogerson (for Gaw Capital Japan)
Yas Fukuda
+81(0)3 4360 9241
gawcapital_japanpr@citigatedewerogerson.com

Source: KKR

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Bridgepoint announces strategic investment in Monica Vinader as Piper and Winona Capital exit

Bridgepoint
  • The renowned affordable luxury jewellery brand will leverage Bridgepoint’s global network, sector expertise and capital to further accelerate its international expansion
  • Sales for Monica Vinader have quadrupled to c. £100m since 2016, driven by a market-leading omni-channel platform and growing presence in the US and China
  • Bridgepoint estimates that the jewellery market is valued at £5bn in the UK, £52bn in the US and is growing at 2.3% per year, globally

Bridgepoint has today announced that Bridgepoint Development Capital IV (BDC IV), a fund focused on investing in mid-market growth businesses, has agreed to make a strategic investment in the renowned affordable luxury brand Monica Vinader.

As part of the transaction, Piper, one of the UK’s leading specialist investors in consumer brands, and Winona Capital, the US consumer specialist, will sell their stakes in Monica Vinader to Bridgepoint. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Monica (CEO) and Gabriela Vinader (MD), who hold a minority stake in the business, will continue to lead the business supported by their strong functional team.

Launched in 2008, Monica Vinader is an award-winning British demi-fine luxury jewellery brand, with sustainability and social responsibility at the forefront of its decision making. Its popular and affordable products are sold in over 70 countries and the company employs more than 350 people worldwide. The customer-centric brand is digitally led with a strong online presence, complemented by 19 international stores, concessions and partner network.

Monica Vinader has achieved strong growth in recent years, driven by a loyal following including celebrities and social media influencers. Overall sales have quadrupled to c. £100m since 2016 and the purpose-led brand has established positions in further global markets including China and the US.

The latest strategic investment builds on Bridgepoint’s growing track record and expertise in supporting entrepreneurs and founders of premium consumer and digitally led businesses, including Vitamin Well, the Nordic functional drinks business; Seraphine, the maternity wear brand; Groupe Thom, the leading French jewellery retailer and Molton Brown, the British fragrance brand.

In 2016, Piper invested £14m as part of a £20m investment into the business, alongside Winona Capital, to help the brand accelerate direct to consumer sales and grow its US operations.

Monica Vinader, CEO and founder, said:

“We look forward to the next chapter of our journey and working with the team at Bridgepoint to continue to grow and develop the brand. We would like to thank the excellent team at Piper and Winona Capital for all their support and expertise, especially during this extended period of unprecedented global challenges. We are grateful for all their hard work and guidance in helping us develop into a truly global brand legend.”

Troy Harris-Speid, Director at Bridgepoint Development Capital, said:

“Over the past 15 years, Monica Vinader has built a hugely impressive international and purpose-led brand with a loyal customer base at its heart. We share the leadership’s team ambition to grow their global community through a digital-first approach, complemented by an own-store and partner network to reach customers however they shop. We look forward to partnering with the Monica Vinader team during its next stage of growth.”

Chris Curry, Chairman and Manger Partner at Piper, said:

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Monica, Gabriela and their team and see the brand expand into new territories, while always retaining its focus on the high quality and sustainability of its products. Even in difficult times, the brand has continued to reach and delight new customers – testimony to the strength of its offering. We wish the team every success for the future.”

The transaction is expected to close on 31 March 2023. It marks the ninth platform investment by BDC IV, and its fourth in the UK.

The shareholders of Monica Vinader were advised by Houlihan Lokey (Financial Advisor), Pinsent Masons (Legal Advisor) and PWC (Vendor Due Diligence).

The shareholders of Bridgepoint were advised by Highstead (Financial Adviser), Ropes & Gray (Legal Advisor), OC&C (Commercial Due Diligence), 8Advisory (Financial, Tax and Operations).

ENDS

For more information

Bridgepoint: Nicole Gregory, Nicole.Gregory@Bridgepoint.eu, +44 (0) 7867 069 198

Piper: George Thwaites at Clearwood Media, george@clearwoodmedia.com +44 (0)7784 117534

About Monica Vinader

Monica Vinader launched her eponymous business in 2008 to provide customers with affordable luxury pieces that bridge the gap between costume and fine jewellery. The brand quickly became renowned for its highly desirable jewellery, including iconic bespoke chain links and pave diamond rings, and popular among a dazzling array of celebrities.

Backed by award-winning sustainability practices, Monica Vinader jewellery is handcrafted in 100% recycled gold and sterling silver with conflict-free diamonds and natural gemstones.

Monica Vinader is proud to be leading its category in sustainability and social responsibility – a focus which has resulted in it receiving the Butterfly Mark Award from Positive Luxury and being named 2021 Ethical Jewellery Business of the Year from Retail Jeweller.

About Bridgepoint Development Capital

Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC) is a dedicated team and fund focusing on buyouts and growth capital investments in businesses in the lower middle-market. These are typically growth companies operating in sectors experiencing structural growth and with the potential to grow revenues and profits.

BDC invests across six sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing & Industrials and Technology & Media with companies across Europe.

BDC has a strong track record of adding significant value to its portfolio companies, with more than 30 investments made over the last decade.

About Piper

Piper is a leading UK private equity firm specialising in investing in fast-growing consumer brands. Established by entrepreneurs in 1985, it has an enviable record of building iconic brands. Its investments have included Bloom & Wild, Mindful Chef, Orlebar Brown, Forthglade, PROPER, The Thinking Traveller, Loungers, Turtle Bay, Flat Iron, Bottlegreen, Boden, and Neom Organics. For more information, please go to www.piper.co.uk

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Donier Gastronomie Oy continues its expansion by acquiring Cheese Witches Oy

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Folmer

Donier Gastronomie Oy, a portfolio company of Folmer Equity Fund II Ky, has acquired its
long-term business partner Cheese Witches Oy. The deal implements Donier
Gastronomie’s growth strategy and brings more know-how and opportunities for the
specialty cheese segment.

Fast-growing wholesaler Donier Gastronomie Oy, which serves high-quality domestic and European food products,
expands its operations by acquiring Cheese Witches Oy. With the acquisition, Donier Gastronomie’s operational
capabilities in the specialty cheese market expand further. Donier Gastronomie’s current service offering and
networks will be supplemented, especially on the retail side, with possibilities to realize significant synergies. Cheese
Witches continues to operate as part of the Donier Gastronomie group. The transaction has no impact on the
companies’ employees or other relations.

Cheese Witches’ revenue is approximately EUR 3 million, and its employees have extensive experience of working
with special cheeses. Cheese Witches’ entrepreneur Merja Sydänmaa-Kaartinen continues to manage the company
and becomes a shareholder of the Donier Gastronomie group. After the acquisition, the revenue of the Donier
Gastronomie group is approximately EUR 16 million.

For more information:
Managing Director, entrepreneur Alexandre Donier, Donier Gastronomie Oy, tel. +358 44 033 0028,
alexandre.donier@doniergastronomie.fi (in English)
Merja Sydänmaa-Kaartinen, entrepreneur, Cheese Witches Oy, tel. +358 41 319 5672,
merja.sydanmaa-kaartinen@cheesewitches.fi

Donier Gastronomie Oy is a Finnish wholesaler of high-quality food products specializing in the import and
wholesale of dairy, meat, seafood and poultry products. www.doniergastronomie.com
Cheese Witches Oy is a full-service specialty cheese house. The company’s products are sold in more than 60 retail
stores.

Folmer Management Oy is a Finnish private equity company investing in Finnish SMEs. Folmer creates value
through active development work. Folmer provides companies with support and professional experience – a
requirement for success. www.folmer.fi
Folmer Equity Fund II Ky benefits from the support of the European Union under the Equity Facility for Growth
established under Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council establishing a
Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium enterprises (COSME) (2014-2020).
Businesses can contact selected financial institutions in their country to access EU financing:
www.access2finance.eu.

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AURELIUS portfolio company CTD Tiles Limited acquires 13 branches from Tile Giant

Aurelius Capital

Munich / Newcastle, February 13, 2023 – AURELIUS announces the add-on acquisition of 13 UK branches from Tile Giant to CTD Tiles Limited. The transaction will expand CTD’s nationwide network of branches and bolster its commitment to being one of the UK’s leading omni-channel specialist tile distributors.

CTD’s core philosophy of placing customer service at the centre of its business will be extended to these new branches. CTD, with AURELIUS´ support, will seek to manage the transition in ownership and rebranding with minimal disruption to customers.

CTD Tiles Limited is a UK-based specialist supplier of high-quality ceramic tiles operating across 89 branches and 4 trading distribution hubs. The company predominantly sells tiles, tile adhesives, grout as well as associated tools and consumables for the preparation, laying, cutting and drilling of tiles. CTD’s leading B2B market position is supported by strong brand awareness of its Gemini product line.

Tile Giant Limited is a multi-channel trade supplier and retailer of ceramic tiles, tools, accessories and underfloor heating products to both trade and retail customers through its network of branches and its website.

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BlueBrixx consolidates its strong position in the German building blocks market through the acquisition of Modbrix

Vendis Capital

BlueBrixx, the fast growing  German brand of building blocks for adults, has acquired Modbrix, a platform for building blocks enthusiasts served through Amazon and its own webshop

Modbrix, founded in 2018 by Ralf Brinschwitz and Michael Gassmann, designs, markets and distributes a broad range of building blocks sets under the own brand but also third party brands. The product portfolio covers attractive categories such as architecture, science fiction, cars and trains. Initially the company focused on selling its products  over Amazon; since 2021 it has also successfully built out its own webshop, which now generates the majority of the company’s revenues.

BlueBrixx is a direct-to-consumer brand, founded in 2017 by Klaus Kiunke with the idea to offer an alternative portfolio of building block sets, targeting an adult community of enthusiasts by covering multiple special interest themes. Under its own as well as third-party brands, BlueBrixx distributes its products mainly through its own webshop, alongside 22 own stores in Germany, supporting its omnichannel strategy. Driven by consistent product innovation and direct customer engagement via social media, the brand has created a strong community fanbase and delivered considerable growth since its inception.

Since the investment of Vendis Capital in September 2021, BlueBrixx has maintained its rapid pace of growth, driven primarily by continuous new product launches as well as store openings. The Modbrix acquisition will enable BlueBrixx to accelerate its strategic agenda particularly by i) leveraging the entry-level positioning of the Modbrix brand in its product architecture, ii) gaining additional product design experience and know-how, and iii) reinforcing its presence on additional sales channels (i.e. Amazon).

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Jobber Raises $100 Million Growth Round

General Atlantic

General Atlantic leads investment with focus on accelerating customer growth and product development

Toronto, ON and New York, NY—February 7—Jobber, a leading provider of operations management software for home service businesses, today announced it has raised $100 million USD in primary capital led by global growth equity investor General Atlantic. The Series D round also includes participation from Jobber’s existing investors Summit Partners, Version One Ventures, and Tech Pioneers Fund. The financing is anticipated to support the company’s continued growth through investments in R&D, sales and marketing, and new customer acquisition.

Jobber’s mission is to help small home service businesses modernize their operations, increase earning potential, and meet evolving consumer expectations. Jobber’s all-in-one SaaS and mobile solution supports businesses through the full customer lifecycle—from sending quotes to scheduling crews, dispatching jobs, invoicing customers, and accepting credit card payments. More than 200,000 service pros in 60 countries rely on Jobber to help improve customer experience and run a more efficient small business.

“While this is an important milestone for Jobber, what we care about most is the success of the small businesses we serve,” said Sam Pillar, CEO and co-founder of Jobber. “We’re committed to doing everything we can to help them transform the way they deliver their services and operate their companies. We’re thrilled to partner with General Atlantic as we continue to pursue our mission of helping the people in small businesses be successful, and further entrench our leadership position in this important and growing small business category.”

Aaron Goldman, Managing Director and Head of Enterprise Technology Investing at General Atlantic, has joined Jobber’s Board of Directors. Mr. Goldman commented, “We believe Jobber is bringing much-needed innovation to the small business segment, a category that has been traditionally underserved by technology solutions and is still in the early stages of digital adoption. With a platform that is purpose-built for the home service category, Jobber has an opportunity to continue deepening its value as the platform of choice with its customers. We are pleased to partner with Sam and the Jobber leadership team as they focus on strategic growth and continued product expansion.”

Jobber raised its last round of funding in January 2021, a $60 million USD growth equity financing led by Summit Partners. Since that time, Jobber has grown its revenue 3X and is now helping more than 200,000 home service professionals across 50 industries including HVAC, lawn care, plumbing, residential cleaning, painting, and more to deliver services to more than 27 million properties. These jobs resulted in over $13 billion USD in revenue in 2022 for Jobber’s customers. “Although we’re proud of our growth to date, the real opportunity lies ahead of us,” said Shawn Cadeau, Chief Revenue Officer at Jobber. “There are more than 6.2 million home service businesses in North America alone delivering more than $600 billion in services each year that can benefit greatly from using Jobber.”

Jobber has nearly 600 employees located across Canada, with some based in the U.S. and Latin America. The company is actively hiring across all areas of its business including sales, marketing, product, customer support, and business operations.

About Jobber

Jobber is an award-winning operations management platform for small home service businesses. Unlike spreadsheets or pen and paper, Jobber keeps track of everything in one place and automates day-to-day operations, so small businesses can run smoothly and provide service at scale. Jobber’s 200,000 home service professionals have served over 27 million properties in more than 60 countries. The company continually ranks as one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most innovative companies by Canadian Business and Macleans, The Globe and Mail, Fast Company, and Deloitte. For more information, visit: https://jobber.com.

About General Atlantic

General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm with more than four decades of experience providing capital and strategic support for over 445 growth companies throughout its history. Established in 1980 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and deliver lasting impact, the firm combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to scale innovative businesses around the world. General Atlantic currently has over $73 billion in assets under management inclusive of all products as of September 30, 2022, and more than 215 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Miami, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Stamford and Tel Aviv. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit the website: www.generalatlantic.com.

Media contacts

Sean Welch
PAN Communications for Jobber
jobber@pancomm.com
+1 407-734-7330

Elana Ziluk
Senior Public Relations Manager, Jobber
elana.z@getjobber.com
+1 416-317-2633

Emily Japlon & Gurion Kastenberg
General Atlantic
media@generalatlantic.com

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Sycamore Partners Completes Acquisition of Lowe’s Canadian Retail Business

Sycamore

NEW YORK – Feb. 3, 2023 – Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in retail, consumer, and distribution-related investments, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Lowe’s Canadian retail business, which will now operate under the name RONA inc. With headquarters in Boucherville, Québec, RONA operates or services approximately 450 corporate and independent affiliate dealer stores under several banners, including RONA, Lowe’s, Réno-Dépôt and Dick’s Lumber.

“We are excited to announce that RONA is once again an independent company headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec,” said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. “We are honored that Lowe’s has entrusted Sycamore Partners to lead RONA into its next chapter and build upon RONA’s 84-year history serving communities across Canada. We look forward to working with RONA’s 26,000 associates and over 200 dealer partners to meet the home improvement needs of Canadian families, builders, and contractors.”

“Today’s announcement represents the beginning of a new chapter in RONA’s long and rich history,” said Tony Cioffi, President of RONA inc. “With Sycamore’s support and expertise, we will continue to provide outstanding service and products for our customers’ home improvement and construction projects.”

About RONA inc.

RONA inc. is one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers and is headquartered in Boucherville, Québec. The RONA inc. network operates or services some 450 corporate and affiliated dealer stores under the RONA, Lowe’s, Réno-Dépôt, and Dick’s Lumber banners. With a long and rich history, RONA inc. has supported Canadians in their home improvement and construction projects since 1939. To achieve this, the company relies on a team of 26,000 employees, to whom it strives to provide an inclusive workplace where everyone is invited to contribute. RONA inc. is one of the Montréal region’s Top Employers since 2021. As a result of its ongoing efforts in sustainable development, the company was awarded the Stratégie de développement durable Mercure in 2022 and is recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. To learn more about the company, visit the website www.ronainc.ca.

About Sycamore Partners

 Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm based in New York. The firm specializes in retail, consumer, and distribution-related investments and partners with management teams to improve the operating profitability and strategic value of their business. With approximately $10 billion in aggregate committed capital raised since its inception in 2011, Sycamore Partners’ investors include leading endowments, financial institutions, family offices, pension plans and sovereign wealth funds. For more information on Sycamore Partners, visit www.sycamorepartners.com.

Contacts

Sycamore Partners

Michael Freitag or Arielle Rothstein

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

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media@sycamorepartners.com

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Sustainable soap brand Seepje receives capital injection from ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund and Fair Capital Impact Fund

Abn Amro Ventures

Seepje Handzeep met navulling 840x472

Sustainable detergent and soap brand Seepje from the Netherlands has raised 4.2 million euros from the ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund (ABN AMRO SIF) and Fair Capital Impact Fund. The rapidly growing company, based in The Hague, will use this capital to strengthen its position in the Netherlands and Belgium by expanding its range of sustainable soap products. Seepje also has plans to continue its international expansion and increase its social impact by marketing more innovative and truly sustainable products.

Over the past five years, Seepje has grown by a staggering factor of ten. This latest investment is aimed at recording a sustained annual growth of fifty percent or better. The company hopes that its mission of sustainability will be the deciding factor. “A clean future: that’s what we want, but it will be impossible unless we all work together now to become more sustainable. We want to get rid of pollution from housekeeping and personal care products, which are crammed full of unnecessary fossil ingredients. This capital injection will help us to become the world’s most impactful soap brand,” explains Seepje co-founder Jasper Gabriëlse. “Besides money, our investors will also provide input to make our supply chain more transparent, by increasing the professionalism of our impact measurements and reports, which will help us to make an even greater impact. We want to have a positive impact on everyone involved, for example by paying fair prices at the start of the supply chain. We’re challenging other operators to follow our example.”

Sustainable investments

Seepje’s track record shows how capable the company is of attracting leading impact investors, such as social investment company DOEN Participaties (founded by the Dutch National Postcode Lottery) and Muiden-based Fair Capital Impact Fund. The ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund is the latest to follow, at the same time as a new investment by Fair Capital Impact Fund. “For almost a decade now, Seepje’s founders, with their detergents and cleaning products, have been making a positive difference in the struggle to stop the planet’s natural resources from being exhausted,” comments Michelle de Rijk on behalf of Fair Capital Impact Fund. “We’re proud to help further boost the organisation and make a vital contribution to the company’s mission.”

Investment Director Erick Buckens of ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund adds, “Seepje is a real gamechanger, capable of substantially influencing the sustainability transition in the housekeeping and personal care market. The radical shift towards adopting natural ingredients and fair pay in the supply chain not only benefits the planet, it also fills the surging demand from increasing numbers of conscious and sustainability-minded buyers. This slots in perfectly with ABN AMRO SIF’s vision, which is to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and inclusive society. Our goal is to achieve both sustainable impact and financial returns.”

Consolidation and growth

Already Social Enterprise of the Year in the Netherlands, Seepje will now use this capital injection from leading impact investors to expand its position in its existing markets in the Netherlands and Belgium, and to further explore new markets. Following the company’s successful launch in Switzerland, for example, Gabriëlse foresees rapid growth there. “Our impactful innovations, such as the recent introduction of hand soap refills, will help reduce carbon emissions along the entire supply chain, for example, as well as reducing the volume of plastic waste. Coupled with the fact that 99.8% of the ingredients that we use are organic, this makes us the most sustainable product in the market. We’re going to make sure that even more people start moving towards a clean future with Seepje, in the Netherlands and beyond!”

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