Eindhoven, the Netherlands – EDCO and the funds advised by Gilde Buy Out Partners (“Gilde”) today announced the signing of an agreement whereby Gilde will become a shareholder in the EDCO Group (“EDCO” or the “Company”). The Adriaanse family will maintain a significant interest in the Group and will continue to run the business together with the support of the current management team. Completion of the transaction is anticipated to take place in Q3 of 2021, subject to clearance by the relevant competition authorities. Further details of the transaction will not be disclosed.
EDCO is a leading and fast-growing distributor of value- and branded non-food FMCG products to a wide variety of retailers. Over the last years EDCO has transformed from a family led, trading business to a value-added (multicategory) distributor with a significantly increased focus on brands and retail concepts.
To support its next phase of growth, EDCO has partnered with Gilde, a well-established and Dutch based financial investor, with a strong track record in helping develop mid-market companies. EDCO sees Gilde as a dedicated investor that fully supports the growth strategy envisaged by the current management team. EDCO and Gilde share a joint vision that the fragmented European distributor market is set for further consolidation and are keen to play an active rol in this respect.
Statement by EDCO management:
“We are extremely proud of and grateful for the hard work of our 500 employees who have brought EDCO to where we are today. We look forward to jointly enter a new chapter in the EDCO success story. Gilde is a strong partner that can help us accelerate our growth strategy and fuel our global expansion.”
Tom Muizers, Partner at Gilde:
“We are impressed with EDCO’s track record of consistent growth, entrepreneurial spirit as well as its ability to adapt and cater to the demands of its wide range of customers. EDCO is uniquely positioned with its distinctive branded offering and has a leading position in a market that will see further consolidation. The management has truly created a unique company in the retail distribution industry, and we are excited to support the Company during its next phase of growth.”
About EDCO
Founded in 1978, EDCO is a leading value-added distributor of non-food FMCG products across a wide range of categories comprising over 20.000 different products and covering large retail assortments. Products and services are offered to a broad customer base (+3k customers) consisting of different archetype retailers including food discounters, discount non-food, super/hyper markets, small independents, specialists and e-commerce. Over the last decade the Company has successfully expanded its European presence, resulting in consistent (double-digit) growth rates. EDCO is headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, where it employs over 500 skilled employees, and operates additional warehouses in Deurne and Moerdijk.
For more information, please visit www.edco.nl
About Gilde Buy Out Partners
Gilde Buy Out Partners is a leading European private equity investor in mid-market transactions with operations in the DACH region, the Benelux and Italy. Gilde manages funds in excess of EUR 3 billion and has offices in Utrecht, Brussels, Frankfurt, Zurich and Milan. Since its inception in 1982, Gilde has supported more than 250 companies to realize their growth ambitions.
For more information, please visit www.gilde.com