Nordic Capital Fund VII acquires Britax Childcare
Nov 22, 2010
Chertsey, UK, November 22, 2010. Nordic Capital Fund VII
has acquired Britax Childcare Holdings Ltd ("Britax Childcare")
from Carlyle Europe Partners II.
Britax Childcare designs, tests, assembles and markets a range
of premium child car safety seats and wheeled goods. The company
has leading consumer brands in each of its principal markets
including Europe (Britax® and Römer®), Australia (Safe'n'Sound®,
Steelcraft®, Babylove® and others) and the US (Britax®). Britax
Childcare's products are distributed through independent specialist
retailers, multiple retail chains and vehicle OEMs. Britax
Childcare generated revenues of GBP 203m in 2009.
In recent years, Britax Childcare has realigned its organisation
to improve efficiencies, increase sales and continue its investment
in new products and safety technologies. Britax Childcare's
reputation for developing innovative, safety-leading quality
products is evidenced by the development and promotion of ISOFIX
and other technologies designed to address safety and ease of
installation of children's car seats.
"Nordic Capital funds have a great track record and long
experience in consumer investments and, with Thule in particular,
experience in mobility solutions for active families, which I
believe we will benefit from", said Karl Kahofer, CEO of Britax
Childcare.
"Car safety for children is an area where both individual
parents, regulators and the global auto industry are concerned to
provide a safe environment for children. Britax Childcare, with its
strong position in the retail market, is well positioned to play an
important role in this development", said Mr Kahofer.
"We are impressed by the way the management team has realigned
its organisation to improve efficiencies, increase sales through
the retail channels where consumers want to buy these types of
products, and continue its investment in new products and
technologies over the last couple of years. We see great potential
in supporting the company in the execution of its expansion
strategy, said Hans Eckerström, Partner, Nordic Capital, and head
of its consumer goods investments.
"It is a company with several strong consumer brands, a solid
local presence on all its key markets - in particular in Germany,
the UK, the US and Australia - and a well-consolidated management
approach in the branded consumer goods market that is totally in
line with Nordic Capital's investment philosophy", said Mr
Eckerström.
For more information, please contact:
Mikael Widell, Communications Manager, NC Advisory
Mobile: +46 703 11 99 60
Mikael.widell@nordiccapital.com
About Britax Childcare
Britax Childcare Holdings Limited is a global manufacturer of
premium branded child car safety seats and is a recognized
technological, safety and quality leader. Britax Childcare is
headquartered in the UK with manufacturing operations in Germany,
North America, Australia and the UK, and sales distribution in
another 40 countries.
About Nordic Capital Private Equity Funds
Since the start in 1989, Nordic Capital Private Equity Funds
have invested in large and medium sized companies, primarily in
Northern Europe. Through committed ownership and by targeting
strategic development and operational improvements, Nordic Capital
creates value in its investments. The funds invest in companies in
Northern Europe and in selected investment opportunities
internationally. They 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 through its corporate website, www.nordiccapital.com.
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