Nordic Capital Fund V is to sell Danish-based Kompan, a manufacturer of outdoor playgrounds and playground equipment, to a group of Danish investors.
Under Nordic Capital’s ownership, Kompan has been transformed from a dispersed European player into a global company and has completed 14 add-on acquisitions. Revenue has almost doubled reaching DKK1.3bn in 2013 while operating profits have more than tripled.
The new owners are Kompan CEO Connie Astrup-Larsen (10 per cent), supply chain director Jesper Egelykke Jensen (5 per cent), PFA pension fund (28 per cent) and private investor Christian Dyvig (57 per cent). Shares will also be offered to other executives in Kompan.
PensionDenmark and Nordea contribute with long-term loan and bank financing respectively.
Michael Haaning, principal at NC Advisory, advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds, says: “The original goals for the investment have been achieved. Kompan is in every aspect a stronger company today with strengthened geographical presence and the best sales and supply chain functions in the industry. The company has gained significant market share – particularly during the last years of Nordic Capital’s ownership – and is now a truly global market leader. I would like to thank Kompan’s management and skilled staff for their hard work and excellent cooperation."
Astrup-Larsen says: "In recent years, we have focused on a number of initiatives that will strengthen our global competitiveness in the future. With these new owners, Kompan will continue to have a good framework to further boost the company’s growth.”
Dyvig will become the new chairman of Kompan, a position he also held between 2009 and 2011.
