Nordic Capital divests KOMPAN, the world’s leading playground equipment manufacturer
– New ownership group will continue to strengthen KOMPAN’s leading market position focusing on global growth
Nordic Capital Fund V, (“Nordic Capital”), has reached an agreement to sell Danish-based KOMPAN, the world's leading innovator and manufacturer of outdoor playgrounds and playground equipment, to a group of Danish investors. The new owners will continue to drive the company’s growth and consolidate its position as a global market leader.
Under Nordic Capital’s ownership, KOMPAN has been transformed from a dispersed European player into a truly global company and has completed 14 add-on acquisitions. Revenue has almost doubled reaching DKK 1.3 billion in 2013 while operating profits have more than tripled.
The new owners are KOMPAN CEO Connie Astrup-Larsen (10%), supply chain director Jesper Egelykke Jensen (5%), PFA pension fund (28%) and private investor Christian Dyvig (57%). Shares will also be offered to other executives in KOMPAN. As important financial partners to the company, PensionDenmark and Nordea contribute with long-term loan and bank financing respectively. As a result, KOMPAN will have continued strong long-term ownership and the financial basis for further development and growth.
Michael Haaning, Principal, NC Advisory A/S, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds, comments: “The original goals for the investment have been achieved. KOMPAN is in every aspect a stronger company today with strengthened geographical presence and the best sales and supply chain functions in the industry. The company has gained significant market share – particularly during the last years of Nordic Capital’s ownership – and is now a truly global market leader. I would like to thank KOMPAN’s management and skilled staff for their hard work and excellent cooperation."
KOMPAN CEO, Connie Astrup-Larsen, welcomes the new owners who will ensure continuity and contribute to the continued progress of KOMPAN: "In recent years, we have focused on a number of initiatives that will strengthen our global competitiveness in the future. With these new owners, KOMPAN will continue to have a good framework to further boost the company’s growth.”
Christian Dyvig will become the new Chairman of KOMPAN, a position he also held between 2009-2011. Christian Dyvig says: "KOMPAN has a clear mission and a unique concept that helps children to be more physically active through play and promotes their learning. It has great relevance to children all over the world. I look forward to being a part of the company again and to contributing to its continued development."
In 2014, KOMPAN expects growth in both revenue and earnings, powered by the new SMART Playground concept. This concept features playgrounds based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale themes, for the first time combining a digital platform with educational concepts and virtual games. KOMPAN is expected to continue increasing its market share in the main European markets, where the company today is the market leader and expanding further outside Europe, particularly in Asia, USA and the Middle East.
Contact information:
Nordic Capital
Michael Haaning, Principal,
NC Advisory A/S, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds
tel. (+45) 3344 7750,
e-mail: michael.haaning@nordiccapital.com
KOMPAN
Connie Astrup-Larsen,
CEO,
tel. (+45) 6362 1250,
e-mail: conast@kompan.com
About KOMPAN
KOMPAN is headquartered in Odense, Denmark, with sales and representative offices in 20 countries in Europe, North America, Asia/Pacific and the Middle East. The production and logistics centre is located in the Czech Republic, and the company also has facilities in Germany and Sweden which produce special products. KOMPAN products are sold to child care centres, schools, international fast food chains and public services in more than 60 countries. The Group has approx. 750 employees. www.kompan.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. Additional information about Nordic Capital is available at www.nordiccapital.com.