Gorinchem (The Netherlands) – Gilde Investment Management has reached an agreement with Retail Network Company B.V. to acquire the shares of Optische Exploitatie Maatschappij (“OEM”) together with current management.
OEM is the number one optical retailer in the Dutch market with two distinct formulas, one in the value-for-money segment (Hans Anders) and the other in the higher end segment (Het Huis). In the optical market, OEM operates 317 own stores and 102 franchised stores. OEM is also active as a retailer of hearing devices through the ‘Hans Anders Hoortoestellen’ and the ‘Hoorwinkel’ formulas. In the hearing devices market, OEM operates 101 shop-in-shops and 26 own stores. OEM employs 1,240 people.
Since its foundation in 1982, Gilde has invested in more than 150 companies. Gilde is located in Utrecht, Paris and Zürich and is a leading private equity player in continental Europe. Gilde operates with specialized funds; the OEM transaction is managed by the Gilde Buy-Out Fund.
Advisors involved in the transaction were Loyens & Loeff, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and OC&C Strategy Consultants.
Contact:
Optische Exploitatie Maatschappij B.V.
Johan Creemers CEO
Phone: +31 (0) 183 69 75 71
Gilde Investment Management
Robert Thole / Martijn Schreurs
Phone: +31 (0) 30 219 25 35