Bolster acquires minority stake in Infoplaza
The investment facilitates the acquisition of Weeronline creating the number one weather platform in the Benelux.
Bolster Investment Partners (“Bolster”) acquires a 42.5% stake in Infoplaza, a provider of weather forecasts and related content through various media and platforms, including Buienalarm and Weerplaza. With Bolster’s investment in Infoplaza, Infoplaza will simultaneously acquire Weeronline. The merger of Infoplaza and Weeronline creates the largest weather platform in the Benelux.
Infoplaza, founded in 2008 by Menno Bom and René Westening, provides meteorological information and analysis based on leading technologies, in which ease of use is key. This information is offered to consumers in the Netherlands and Belgium via well-known websites and apps such as Weerplaza and Buienalarm. In addition, Infoplaza offers tailor-made applications for companies and organizations active in the oil and gas industry, construction sector, public transport and events. Infoplaza is also a content supplier to various media partners, including DPG Media, Telegraaf Media Groep and NOS.
Weeronline, founded in 1995 by Gerrit Hiemstra, delivers its weather forecasts and weather-related content via websites and apps to consumers in the Netherlands and Belgium. In addition, Weeronline has partnerships with various media parties, including the Dutch news agency ANP. Weeronline has been part of the German listed HolidayCheck Group AG since 2012.
The acquisition of Weeronline by Infoplaza creates the largest weather platform in the Benelux. Collectively, the platforms inform over 10 million unique visitors per month via websites and apps and over 85% of Dutch media is provided with weather information. With the combined development power and the use of complementary knowledge, the merged company will be able to further strengthen its market leading position.
Menno Bom, co-founder and director of Infoplaza: “We are pleased to welcome Bolster as a long-term investor. Their expertise and network have been instrumental in realising the acquisition of Weeronline. With Bolster as a minority shareholder, we are in the optimal position to continue our course as entrepreneurs and to achieve our ambitions, with their support, capital and knowledge as an involved shareholder.”
René Westening, co-founder and director of Infoplaza, adds: “The acquisition of Weeronline is an important strategic step in realizing our ambitions. Our platforms require continuous development that we can accelerate together. Moreover, we can mutually benefit from each other’s specific expertise. Weeronline is a strong brand with user-friendly websites and clear apps. Infoplaza has advanced weather technology. By connecting these in the right way, our platforms become even more powerful and attractive.”
Mark van Rijn, partner at Bolster, further explains: “Due to the immediate connection between Bolster and Infoplaza and by communicating openly and transparently, we were able to complete this combined transaction in these challenging times. The logic of merging these two distinctive companies was immediately clear to all parties involved. In addition, we expect that the demand for accurate weather forecasts and related advice will increase further. Infoplaza knows how to translate these forecasts into powerful tools that are crucial for business operations of organizations where weather impact is significant, like ProRail or Mojo Concerts. With our long-term investment horizon and focus on market leaders in an attractive niche, this is an investment that suits us perfectly!”
For more information, please contact:
Bolster Investment Partners
Mark van Rijn +31 20 226 3088
Infoplaza
Menno Bom: + 31 85 210 3008
About Infoplaza
Infoplaza is one of the largest all-round meteorological service providers for media, consumers, governments and corporations. Infoplaza operates under various brands such as Weerplaza, Buienalarm and Infoplaza Marine Weather. The company delivers weather forecasts to De Telegraaf, AD, NOS, de Volkskrant, Nu.nl, etc. In addition, Infoplaza provides weather forecasts for many corporations and government agencies worldwide, active in various industries such as the construction, agriculture, oil and gas, event and transport sector. Infoplaza is a fast-growing company with more than 70 colleagues at the headquarters in Houten, the Netherlands and at the location in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.
About Weeronline
Weeronline is a personal online weather platform active in the Netherlands and Belgium. Weeronline provides a real-time weather forecasts every day, at any time and anywhere in the world. The site and apps are visited millions of times every month. With a weather forecast for every location in the world, weather figures, a rain radar, warnings, weather news and a 14-day forecast, Weeronline is a complete and leading weather platform in the Netherlands. At Weeronline, more than 25 employees are active at the head office in Amsterdam.
About Bolster Investment Partners
Bolster Investment Partners is a long-term investor specialized in minority interests. Bolster invests in exceptional Dutch companies with a keen focus and a proven business model. Bolster helps entrepreneurs realize their company’s full potential. By acting as equal partners and make a difference.
Bolster has a proven track record. As an investment firm Bolster has collaborated successfully with over 100 companies since 1982. Having previously operated under the name of Van Lanschot Participaties, in late 2017 the entire team became an independent investment company operating under the name Bolster Investment Partners.