Bolster acquires 50% stake in Esschert Design
Bolster Investment Partners has acquired a 50% stake in Esschert Design, a leading global player in developing collections related to gardening and nature. Bolster Investment Partners will, as the first and only external shareholder in the family business, support Esschert Design in its further international growth ambitions.
Esschert Design has a leading position in Europe with its in-house designed collections, and is also active on the American market with Esschert Design USA. In addition, the company has a strong organization in China, which in addition to the procurement and worldwide distribution of its own products, also provides services to third parties. Esschert Design products are sold in more than 65 countries by a wide range of retailers, from garden centers to web shops. The company employs more than 120 people worldwide and has a turnover of approximately € 40 million on an annual basis.
Mark van Rijn, partner at Bolster Investment Partners, explains: “With its leading market position, a proven business model and a strong track record, Esschert Design fits well within our investment philosophy. Esschert Design distinguishes itself on the outdoor market by both its conceptual approach and its execution. Esschert Design understands the art of recognizing trends on time and translating them well into innovative collections that it puts on the market under its own and white label. Because of its own organization in China and the strong logistics platform, Esschert Design is able to distribute quickly, efficiently and broadly, which is of great importance in this market in which trends succeed each other quickly. We look forward to accelerating growth together with the management of Esschert Design in the coming years. “
The growth strategy of Esschert Design is focused on both organic growth and growth through selective acquisitions. In line with this strategy, Esschert Design recently acquired the Danish Garden Life, which, in addition to a strong addition of Danish design to its product range, also provides direct access to the Scandinavian retail market.
Arend Mosterd from Esschert Design adds: “The acquisition of Garden Life is a good example of the opportunities we see by, among other things, taking advantage of the wave of consolidation that is expected to continue in the coming years. Increasing scale enables us to continually invest in our collections and in our logistics platform and further professionalize our processes in order to stay ahead in our market. With Bolster Investment Partners, we have found a strong sparring partner who shares our vision and, in addition to capital, also contributes knowledge to realize our growth ambitions. An investor with a long-term horizon who wants to bring Esschert Design to the next phase together with us. “
Marktlink Mergers & Acquisitions advised Esschert Design during the transaction with Bolster and with the acquisition of Garden Life.
For more information, please contact:
Bolster Investment Partners
Mark van Rijn +31 20 226 3088
About Esschert Design
Esschert Design specializes in the development of collections related to gardening and nature. Esschert Design creates leading concepts in the industry that focuses on, for example, wild birds and animals, outdoor fireplaces, children’s gardening and working in the garden. All products are designed in its own design studio. For the production there is close collaboration with factories that produce a wide range of products especially for Esschert Design.
About Bolster
Bolster Investment Partners is a long-term investor specializing 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 to make the difference.
Bolster has a proven track record. As an investment firm we have collaborated successfully with over 100 companies since 1982. Having previously operated under the flag of Van Lanschot Participaties, in late 2017 the entire team became an independent unit operating under the name Bolster Investment Partners. Our former parent company Van Lanschot Kempen remains involved through a substantial minority interest in the fund, investing alongside a select group of current and former entrepreneurs.