Mettmann – Against the background of a further strengthening of Eismann’s international presence and the doubling of its product range to more than 700 frozen food items in Germany, funds managed by Gilde Buy Out Partners („Gilde”) have acquired the majority in the Eismann Group. Management, led by Dr. Frank Hoefer, will remain invested in the Company with a significant stake. The current minority shareholder Intermediate Capital Group will sell its entire shareholdings to the new investor. The parties have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transaction.
For the upcoming growth phase, management has selected Gilde, a well-established financial investor, with significant experience in the food sector and in particular in the frozen food segment. With the new shareholder, management gets an experienced partner on board that will guarantee the continued autonomy of the Company with a focused support on the growth strategy of Eismann that is centered around the strengthening of the home market Germany as well as the enhancement of Eismann’s international activities. Operational management of the Company remains with the current team.
Frank Hoefer, CEO of Eismann:
“With Gilde we have found a partner with a strategic focus able to support Eismann in its expansion plans. The current management team that remains in charge of running the business ensures continuity. In addition to its financial strength, Gilde gives us access to a broad network in the food industry.”
„We have closely followed the development of Eismann over recent years and we view our investment as commitment to the strategy outlined by management. Undoubtedly, Eismann represents the typical example of the kind of investment targets we focus on: solid results, excellent product offering, interesting opportunities for further growth and an outstanding management team”, says Ralph Wyss, Managing Director of Gilde Buy Out Partners. „We are proud to support management over the coming years to further penetrate the German market while enhancing the expansion of Eismann’s international operations through dedicated add-on investments”, continues Mr. Wyss.
Eismann
The Eismann Group, headquartered in Mettmann (Germany), was founded in 1974 and is today with c. two million households one of the largest worldwide players in frozen food home delivery. With four decades of success, Eismann offers exceptional services to its customers by delivering directly to households delicious premium quality products. With over 700 products, Eismann is leading in terms of product offering in the frozen food sector in Germany. Eismann’s workforce is composed of c. 4’800 employees and independent partners, thereof in Germany c. 1’200 independent sales agents, the so-called ‘Ice Men’ (or in German ‘Eismänner’). Frozen products are distributed in Europe and Brazil via a network of more than 220 distribution centers.
Gilde Buy Out Partners
Gilde Buy Out Partners is a leading European private equity investor for mid-market transactions with operations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and France. It manages funds in excess of EUR 2 billion and has majority shareholdings in, amongst others, Spandex, Gamma Holding, Teleplan, Roompot, Hofmann Menü, Powerlines and Plukon Royale. For more information, please visit www.gilde.com.
Contact details:
Eismann
Hubertus Menke
Public Relations
Tel: +49 2104 219 350
Gilde Buy Out Partners
Koos Teule
Director Investor Relations
Tel: + 31 30 219 2508
Eismann
The Eismann Group, headquartered in Mettmann (Germany), was founded in 1974 and is today with c. two million households one of the largest worldwide players in frozen food home delivery. With four decades of success, Eismann offers exceptional services to its customers by delivering directly to households delicious premium quality products. With over 700 products, Eismann is leading in terms of product offering in the frozen food sector in Germany. Eismann’s workforce is composed of c. 4’800 employees and independent partners, thereof in Germany c. 1’200 independent sales agents, the so-called ‘Ice Men’ (or in German ‘Eismänner’). Frozen products are distributed in Europe and Brazil via a network of more than 220 distribution centers.
Gilde Buy Out Partners
Gilde Buy Out Partners is a leading European private equity investor for mid-market transactions with operations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and France. It manages funds in excess of EUR 2 billion and has majority shareholdings in, amongst others, Spandex, Gamma Holding, Teleplan, Roompot, Hofmann Menü, Powerlines and Plukon Royale. For more information, please visit www.gilde.com.
Contact details:
EismannHubertus MenkePublic RelationsTel: +49 2104 219 350
Gilde Buy Out PartnersKoos TeuleDirector Investor RelationsTel: + 31 30 219 2508