MAY 24 2012
Nordic Capital Fund VII ("Nordic Capital") today announced the agreement to acquire the largest Finnish discount store chain Tokmanni from funds managed by CapMan and the other owners of Tokmanni Group.
Tokmanni is Finland's largest discount store chain with 144 stores across the country. The company has grown substantially over the last years and has a unique market position in a growing market. The turnover in 2011 was approximately EUR 650 million and the company has more than 2,900 employees.
"Nordic Capital is very impressed with the development of Tokmanni Group and looks forward to the company building on its successes and continuing to offer high quality products at affordable prices. With the support of Nordic Capital, Tokmanni Group can further strengthen its position as Finland's largest discount store chain", said Robert Furuhjelm, Partner, NC Advisory Oy, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds.
"Tokmanni's success is a testament to our commitment to doing the right thing for our business. We have completed significant strategic development projects under CapMan's ownership, of which one of the most relevant is the establishment of a new logistics centre. We have also expanded our store network, and today have some 50 million visitors in Tokmanni chain stores annually. In Nordic Capital we will gain a strong owner, who will support us in the ongoing development of our company", says Heikki Väänänen, CEO of Tokmanni Group.
Closing of the agreement is subject to approval by the competition authorities.
For further information, please contact:
Robert Furuhjelm, Partner, NC Advisory Oy, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds
Phone: +358 20 7433 250
Heikki Väänänen, CEO, Tokmanni Group
Phone: +358 20 7286 044 or +358 50 0401 362
About Tokmanni
The Tokmanni Group is the largest discount retailer in Finland. The group owns 144 stores operating under seven brands: Tokmanni, Tarjoustalo, Vapaa Valinta, Robinhood, Maxi-Makasiini, Maxi-Kodintukku and Säästöpörssi. The retail network covers the entire Finland; the northernmost outlet is in Kuusamo, while the southernmost outlet is in Hanko. In 2011, group turnover was EUR 653.9 million. The company currently has more than 2,900 employees. For more information, please see www.tokmanni-konserni.fi/english
About Nordic Capital
Since the start in 1989, Nordic Capital Private Equity Funds have invested in large and medium sized companies, primarily in the Nordic region. Nordic Capital creates value in its investments, through committed ownership and by targeting strategic development and operational improvements. The funds invest in companies in Northern Europeand in selected investment opportunities internationally. The most recent fund is Nordic Capital Fund VII with EUR 4.3 billion in committed capital, principally provided by international institutional investors, such as pension funds, asset managers and insurance companies. Nordic Capital Funds are based in Jersey, Channel Islands, and are advised by the NC Advisory companies in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germanyand the UK. Additional information about Nordic Capital is available at www.nordiccapital.com