Following several years of rapid growth and in order to execute its future growth strategy and continued development, Becksöndergaard Copenhagen (“Becksöndergaard” or the “Company”) has established a strategic partnership with Valedo Partners Fund II AB (“Valedo”). The partnership secures additional resources and expertise in order for Becksöndergaard to achieve its long-term objectives and goals as a major international fashion accessories brand.
Becksöndergaard was founded in 2003 by Ms. Anna Søndergaard and Ms. Lis Beck as a women accessories brand, focused on scarves and leather bags to women between 20-50 years. The Company, which has seen rapid growth in the last few years, has strong international presence with approximately 80% of total sales being exported, primarily to countries in Western Europe. Based in Copenhagen with approximately 20 employees, the Company had sales in excess of DKK 100 million in 2012.
As a consequence of the strategic decision to bring in Valedo as a new majority investor, an internationally experienced board of directors has been established which includes individuals who have significant experience of successfully growing and developing businesses like Becksöndergaard. Joining the board of directors are among others: Mr. Danny Feltmann Espersen (previously at Bang & Olufsen and H&M) who will serve as Chairman of the Board, Mr. Søren Schriver (CEO of sport apparel brand Hummel) and Mr. Thommy Nilsson (former CEO of KappAhl and Chairman of the Board of Oscar Jacobson). In addition, in January 2013, the management team of Becksöndergaard was strengthened with the appointment of Ms. Lesia M. Zuk as Managing Director, with previous experience from Noa Noa, IC Companys and Rosendahl Design Group. The founders of Becksöndergaard, Ms. Anna Søndergaard and Ms. Lis Beck, will continue in their present positions as Sales Director and Creative Director, respectively, as well as significant shareholders in the Company.
As expressed by the founders, Ms. Anna Søndergaard and Ms. Lis Beck:
”We are extremely proud and excited about the expertise and opportunities that this new initiative brings to our company. After several years of strong growth and with an ambitious plan for the future, we believe that the partnership with Valedo can help us further realize our ambitions and goals along with our external partners, our customers and our valued team at Becksöndergaard. Our daily work will continue as it always has, spiced with the cooperation and energy from our new Managing Director, Lesia Zuk, and our dynamic board of directors and their international network and experiences. It has been extremely important for us in our search for a strategic partner to find understanding for our brand, our unique company culture and to find a partner that we feel has the same passion for Becksöndergaard as we do. We feel we have found this in Valedo.”
The terms and conditions of the transaction are not disclosed.
| For further information on Becksöndergaard, please contact: Mia Kvinderup Christiansen, PR/Marketing Manager+45 24 41 60 25 |
For further information on Valedo, please contact Valedo’s media contact: Hanna Gustafsson, Brunswick Group 07091 66866 |
About Valedo:
Valedo is an independent Swedish private equity group investing in high-quality small/mid cap companies in the Nordic region. Valedo is focusing on companies with clear growth and development potential where Valedo can actively contribute to and accelerate the companies’ development. Being an active owner and contributing both capital and industrial experience, Valedo ensures that a company can achieve its full potential.
www.valedopartners.com