First Camp makes major investments
Scandinavia’s largest campsite chain, First Camp, plans to pursue large investments ahead of the 2021 season. Recently Frigård camping in Denmark was acquired, which becomes First Camp’s 45th destination. Furthermore, large investments are planned to upgrade First Camp’s existing campsites. The total investment amount is approx. 130 MSEK.
The Covid-19-pandemic affected First Camp and the camping industry negatively in 2020, primarily due to a significant loss of international guests which normally account for approx. 25 percent of guest nights in the Swedish market. However the Covid-19 effects are substantially less severe on First Camp than on other players in the travel industry. According to preliminary figures, total proforma turnover of First Camp in 2020 was 15 to 20 percent lower than 2019.
”2020 was an odd year also for us and our colleagues made great efforts to manage the pandemic. We remain convinced that the long-term prospects for the camping industry are very attractive. We are now planning large investments to continue to improve the guest experience at our destinations. Furthermore, we’re adding our 45th destination through the acquisition of Frigård Camping in Denmark,” says Johan Söör, CEO of First Camp.
Frigård Camping is located in southern Jutland, just north of the German border and the city of Flensburg. The campsite has more than 700 camping pitches and some 30 cabins. The parent company of United Camping AB, United Camping Holding AB, acquires the campsite and the transaction will be financed through a capital injection from the group’s existing shareholders. Operationally Frigård Camping will be part of First Camp. Closing of the transaction is expected on February 1, 2021.
In addition, First Camp plans to pursue an upgrade and investment program for its existing destinations. Also, 8 new cabins at First Camp Stensö – Kalmar and a new camping area at First Camp Åhus – Kristianstad are part of the investment plan.
The total investments for 2021 are planned at approx. 130 MSEK, including the acquisition of Frigård camping, with flexibility to deal with possible changes during the year. Financial results for 2020 will be presented in the beginning of February 2021.
For further information, please contact:
Johan Söör, CEO, First Camp
+46 766 411 825
johan.soor@firstcamp.se
About First Camp
First Camp is Scandinavia's largest and leading campsite chain. The business is currently conducted at over 40 destinations från Luleå in the north to Danish Lakolk in the south.
