Equistone Partners Europe

Equistone is pleased to announce the completion of its €520m sale of COURIR, a leading French retailer of sneakers, to JD Sports Fashion Plc. Since carving out the company from Groupe Go Sport in 2019, Equistone has worked closely with the Courir management team on realising an ambitious growth strategy. During the investment period, Courir continued to expand its footprint across Europe and, with Equistone’s support, acquired Denmark-based online retailer Naked in July 2021. Since 2019, the business has significantly developed its revenue from €390m to €735m in 2023. Equistone deal team: “We are proud to have worked so closely with Courir’s management team on building a company which has become a leading European retailer in sportswear. The company’s growing omnichannel approach, pan-European expansion and consistently strong financial performance is testament to the effectiveness of our partnership. In JD Sports, Courir has the ideal partner for the next stage of its growth journey, and we wish the team all the best.” Press release (English): https://lnkd.in/ekzYVV8w #privateequity #equistone

We are pleased to announce that Equistone-backed BUKO Traffic & Safety (BUKO), a leading provider of outsourced traffic and safety management solutions, has acquired Hooke Holdings Limited, parent of operating subsidiary and brand Hooke Highways Ltd, one of the largest providers of traffic management in the South of England. This follows BUKO's acquisition of Scunthorpe-headquartered Road Traffic Solutions Ltd (RTS) earlier this year and builds on the company's growing presence in the UK market. BUKO CEO, Robert Emmerich: "We are excited to partner with Hooke Highways and strengthen our foothold in the attractive UK market. There is strong synergy between RTS and Hooke Highways in terms of geographic presence, culture and ambitions for the future. Together, we're committed to deliver an even stronger and versatile service to our customers and expanding our impact across the UK in the years to come. Equistone Partner, Hubert van Wolfswinkel: "After successfully entering the UK earlier this year, Hooke Highways represents an important next step towards expanding BUKO's presence in the UK and realising its ambitions of becoming a leading player in the market." Press release (English): https://lnkd.in/eRwRRQji Press release (German): https://lnkd.in/evWaazdQ #privateequity #equistone #TrafficSafety #mergersandacquisitions BUKO Verkeer & Veiligheid BUKO Infrasupport

We are delighted to share that Richard Segal has joined Equistone-backed Virgin Experience Days as Chair of the Board. https://lnkd.in/ejfYdijV

Equistone's Yushra Raheem recently spoke with The Drawdown as part of its regular series profiling operational leaders working in the private equity industry. In the feature, Yushra outlines her approach to leading Equistone's legal function, underlines the importance of general counsels developing a commercial mindset and explains why working closely with different teams across the firm is fundamental to ensuring success. Read the full feature here: https://lnkd.in/eKjvS44e #privateequity #equistone

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of bringing together the management teams from our UK portfolio companies, at the historic Tower of London, for an engaging forum on technological evolution and AI’s practical applications in business. Hosted by Equistone Director Chris Candfield, we were joined by industry experts David Fellows, Former CTO at Acuity, Peter Ennis at CTO at Nexus, and Anthony Plummer, CTO at Ligentia. They shared insights in a lively panel discussion, exploring how evolving technologies and AI impact business strategies. The forum continued with an eye-opening presentation on the potentials of generative AI to create significant business value, delivered by Shahbaz Alam, Head of Private Equity EMEA at AWS. The afternoon concluded with an inspiring talk from Rory Lawson, former Scotland Rugby Captain, broadcaster, and business coach, who spoke on effective leadership styles. The day concluded with drinks and dinner at the iconic White Tower, giving attendees the opportunity to share insights and continue conversations sparked throughout the forum. The evening was wrapped up with an engaging talk by Matt Dawson MBE RWC, England Rugby World Cup Winner. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to such an insightful day! Acuity Knowledge Partners, adm Group, BFT MASTCLIMBING, Ligentia, Nexus Rental, Nylacast Group, QuestGates Ltd, rge services, Talon, Virgin Experience Days, WEALTH at work, WHP Telecoms Limited, Willerby Ltd

Congratulations to catworkx, one of Europe’s largest Atlassian Platinum and Enterprise Solution partners and part of Equistone-backed TIMETOACT GROUP, following the acquisition of EverIT Kft., a specialised Hungarian-based Atlassian Partner. “The fact that the long-standing partnership between catworkx and EverIT has evolved into catworkx Hungary shows that we offer IT service providers an attractive home and ideal partner for developing their business going forward. We look forward to growing our presence in the CEE market and working together on joint projects globally.” Frank Fuchs, Co-Managing Director, TIMETOACT GROUP. “With this acquisition, the ninth since Equistone funds acquired a majority stake in the business, TIMETOACT GROUP continues its strong growth trajectory. This partnership with EverIT marks an important step for the group – not only in terms of providing access to the fast-growing Central and Eastern European market but also in its development into a leading global Atlassian player.” Moritz Treude, Director, Equistone. Press release (English): https://lnkd.in/ewwYkHbD Press release (German): https://lnkd.in/eMDi_vrJ #privateequity #equistone #mergersandacquisitions

Equistone’s Chris Candfield recently spoke to Private Equity International for its Investing in Technology Special Report, sharing insights on our investment strategy while shedding light on the challenges and exciting opportunities within the tech landscape. To read the feature visit: https://lnkd.in/eH3XYB2G   #technology #privateequity #privatemarkets #equistone

Congratulations to Equistone portfolio company BUKO Traffic & Safety following the acquisition of BVT Bremer Verkehrstechnik. This acquisition marks BUKO's expansion into Germany and follows the company's entry into the UK market earlier this year through the acquisition of Road Traffic Solutions Limited. "We are excited to partner with BVT for our entry into the German market. There is a strong fit between BVT and BUKO in terms of strategic focus, culture and shared ambitions for the future. This partnership marks our entry into Germany, and we are determined to significantly expand our presence over the coming years." Robert Emmerich, CEO, BUKO. "After successfully entering the UK market earlier this year, BVT represents an ideal partner for BUKO as it now enters the German market. We are excited to help BUKO realise its international growth ambitions via a targeted buy-and-build strategy, which will enable the company to replicate its exceptional track record in the Netherlands in new markets." Tanja Berg, Director, Equistone. Press release (English): https://lnkd.in/ec2NeJ6q Press release (German): https://lnkd.in/eKBnGU-C #privateequity #equistone BUKO Verkeer & Veiligheid BUKO Infrasupport BUKO Waakt

Congratulations to Equistone portfolio company SF-Filter Group following the acquisition of two further add-ons: Filter Center, one of Italy’s largest independent wholesalers in the mobile and industrial filtration market, and Filter Agri, a start-up specialising in agricultural filter solutions.   "SF-Filter has developed excellently since the Equistone funds acquired a majority stake two years ago and has continuously expanded its international position as a pre-eminent distribution platform specialising in filtration through targeted acquisitions. With the two most recent acquisitions, SF-Filter has not only successfully entered the Italian market but is also significantly driving forward consolidation as an important player in the highly fragmented European filtration market." David Oliver Zahnd, Partner, Equistone. Press release (English): https://lnkd.in/eJUHebRf Press release (German): https://lnkd.in/eUu8dJGa #privateequity

We are delighted to share that Equistone portfolio company Nexus Rental has rebranded its business. This transformation reflects Nexus’ continued commitment to leading the way in corporate mobility and vehicle rental. The rebrand helps reinforce Nexus as market leaders, with a renewed focus on innovation. Powered by tech and delivered by people, Nexus is poised to drive even more value for its customers and partners. Visit the new website: https://lnkd.in/egXZEzA