Bolster launches Bolster fund II
After the successful introduction of the first Bolster fund in 2017, Bolster Investment Partners has launched Bolster fund II. Due to the great interest, the second fund already exceeded the target size of €200 million at launch. The fund invests in unlisted Dutch companies with a proven business model, convincing growth strategy and strong management team.
Mark van Rijn, partner at Bolster Investment Partners: “We are very satisfied with how the fundraising is going. Our target in terms of size has already been achieved and a substantial amount is expected to be added during the final closing in a few months. We are proud that almost all investors from fund I are participating again and that several wealthy families and (former) entrepreneurs are joining our group of investors. Bolster Investment Partners’ successful investment strategy with a long-term focus and specialization in minority interests will be continued with this fund.”
The investor base of fund II has a large overlap with fund I and, in addition to Van Lanschot Kempen, consists of more than forty wealthy families and (former) entrepreneurs, who participate with at least €2.5 million. Partner Joost Bakhuizen of Bolster Investment Partners: “It is great for investors that our pipeline for new investments is well filled. We therefore expect to complete two new investments in the last months of this year, whereby part of the committed capital will be quickly invested in distinctive companies.”
Success of fund I
Bolster fund I raised €160 million in 2017. This capital has now been invested in eleven businesses and thirteen add-ons. Nine of these eleven investments concern a minority interest.
Bolster Investment Partners uses ‘urgent patience’ as its investment philosophy. Partner Michiel van Wissen: “This means that we feel the urgency to achieve goals every day, but at the same time have a realistic view of the time it takes to flourish. With our long-term investment horizon, we like to enter into partnerships with entrepreneurs and family businesses. The goal is not to quickly resell the companies, but to help extraordinary companies move forward and to realize real value creation. Our capital structure has a duration of 18 years which gives us the space and flexibility to really focus on the long term. We typically invest in companies that require growth capital, where management succession has to take place or full or partial monetisation is desired.”
In addition to Bolster fund I, Bolster Investment Partners also manages the Van Lanschot Participaties portfolio. This portfolio consists of five minority investments. Notable examples are Movares and Tecnotion, in which investments have been made for 15 and 22 years respectively.
For more information, please contact:
Bolster Investment Partners
Mark van Rijn: +31 6 2060 1305
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.
The Bolster Investment Partners team was spun off in 2017 from Van Lanschot Kempen NV, where it has been running Van Lanschot Participaties since 1982. Bolster’s three partners have been working together for more than ten years. The Bolster team has further developed into a committed and attuned team of twelve professionals. Bolster has a proven track record; since 1982, we have successfully collaborated with more than 100 companies.