JUNE 25 2015
Nordic Capital Funds VI and VII ("Nordic Capital") have reached an agreement to sell Brink Group B.V. ("Brink"), a leading manufacturer of towbars, to H2 Equity Partners Fund IV ("H2"). The new owners will continue to support the company's growth and strategy.
Brink is one of the global market leaders in towing systems. Brink develops, manufactures and sells fixed, detachable and retractable towbar systems in all major Western European aftermarkets and internationally to all major car manufacturers. Brink has approximately 600 employees in seven countries and five manufacturing locations in the Netherlands, France, UK and South Africa.
"During Nordic Capital's ownership Brink has continuously invested in innovative projects as well as in expansion and renewal of the production setup. Since the spin-off from Thule Group, Brink has been able to continue developing its operations with full focus on its core business, which has benefitted the company", says Hans Eckerström, representing Nordic Capital and Board member of Brink.
Gerrit de Graaf, CEO of Brink Group, comments: "We are pleased with this important step in the history of Brink Group. H2 is a leading European investment company with a hands-on attitude, connecting well with our ambition. The direction of the company set in the recent years, to provide and support our OE and AM customers with a 'perfect fit', will be rolled out further. I would like to thank Nordic Capital for their continuous support in the rollout of our strategy and accompanying investments during their ownership."
Harmen Geerts, partner of H2: "The investment in Brink Group fits in the strategy of H2. Brink Group is a strong company, expanding and strengthening its leading role in the European tow bar market through a focus on innovation, marketing and product development. In line with this direction, substantial opportunities are apparent to further develop Brink Group."
Brink Group is a spin-off of the towbar division from Thule Group. The spin-off took place in September 2014, and was in line with the strategic direction to allow both companies to continue with full focus on their respective core businesses.
The transaction is subject to fulfilment of various conditions, including clearance of relevant competition authorities.
Press contacts:
Nordic Capital
Katarina Janerud, Communication Manager,
NC Advisory AB, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds
Tel: +46 8 440 50 69
e-mail: katarina.janerud@nordiccapital.com
Brink Group
Gerrit de Graaf, CEO
Tel: +31 (0)522 469999
e-mail: Gerrit.de.graaf@brink.eu
H2
Harmen Geerts, Partner
Tel: +31 (0)20 679 08 22
e-mail: h.geerts@h2ep.com
About Nordic Capital
Nordic Capital private equity funds have invested in mid-market companies primarily in the Nordic region since 1989. Through committed ownership and by targeting strategic development and operational improvements, Nordic Capital enables value creation in its investments. Nordic Capital Funds invest in companies in northern Europe and in selected investment opportunities internationally. The most recent fund is Nordic Capital Fund VIII with EUR 3.5 billion in committed capital, principally provided by international institutional investors such as pension funds. Nordic Capital Funds are based in Jersey, Channel Islands, and are advised by the NC Advisory companies in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany and the UK. For further information about Nordic Capital please see www.nordiccapital.com
About Brink Group
Brink Group is one of the global market leaders in towing systems with over 100 years of experience in the automotive industry. Under the tagline 'Your perfect fit' Brink Group offers a perfect and safe connection between practically any vehicle and whatever you want to carry or tow, supporting every day millions of users to travel safely to their outdoor activities.
Brink Group, headquartered in Staphorst, The Netherlands, has approximately 600 employees in 7 countries and state-of-the-art production facilities in The Netherlands, France, UK and South Africa. Between 2006 and 2014 Brink Group was part of Thule Group. For further information, please visit: www.brinkgroup.eu
About H2 Equity Partners
H2 Equity Partners is an independent private equity firm founded in 1991, active in Benelux, Germany and the United Kingdom. H2 has built an exceptional record of acquiring and growing fundamentally attractive businesses that have a combination of operational, financial or strategic improvement opportunities at the time of investment. H2 currently manages a portfolio of 14 companies generating over €1.5 billion in sales. Funds under management amount to ca. €500 million. For further information please visit: www.h2ep.com