Go to deals
Consumer & Retail | Private Equity | TMT

EMP Merchandising GmbH has been acquired by Sycamore Partners

The private and financial shareholders of EMP Merchandising GmbH (EMP) have sold the company to Sycamore Partners and to the management team for an undisclosed consideration.

EMP is a Lingen, Germany-based multi-channel retailer that has been selling rock music-inspired merchandise since 1986. EMP is a pan-European operation with a presence in fourteen countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the Nordic region. In addition to a prominent webshop, EMP operates four retail stores in Germany and Austria. More than 90% of orders come through EMP's website. Main product categories include textiles, street wear, fun products, music, posters and accessories. The company has secured the business model and their margins sustainability even against large market players such as Amazon, Ebay, etc. and has a high level of customer loyalty.

Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm based in New York specializing in consumer and retail investments. The firm has more than US$3.5 billion in capital under management. The firm’s strategy is to partner with management teams to improve the operating profitability and strategic value of their businesses.

Nearly 80% of the shares in EMP were held by the three founders of the business and the remaining 20% by a financial investor, who acquired the minority stake in 2011 in order to streamline operations and prepare the company for a professional sales process.

Oaklins' team in Germany initiated the transaction and advised the sellers in the process. In total, over 80 companies were approached via Oaklins' teams. After receiving 14 indicative offers, our German team, in a structured and competitive bidding process, was able to achieve a very attractive purchase price for the sellers. Oaklins Cavendish, based in the UK, supported the pitch and the drafting of the information memorandum.

Parties

Talk to the deal team

Dr. Florian  von Alten

Dr. Florian von Alten

Managing Partner
Hamburg, Germany
Oaklins Germany
Lord Leigh of  Hurley

Lord Leigh of Hurley

Principal
London, United Kingdom
Oaklins Cavendish
 John  Farrugia

John Farrugia

Managing Partner
London, United Kingdom
Oaklins Cavendish
 Jonathan  Buxton

Jonathan Buxton

Partner
London, United Kingdom
Oaklins Cavendish
 Christoph  Rummelt

Christoph Rummelt

Director
Hamburg, Germany
Oaklins Germany

Related deals

Perkbox has been acquired by Great Hill Partners
Private Equity | TMT

Perkbox has been acquired by Great Hill Partners

Molten Ventures has sold Perkbox to Great Hill Partners.

Learn more
Arculus Cyber Security has been acquired by Bridewell
Private Equity | TMT

Arculus Cyber Security has been acquired by Bridewell

The shareholders of Arculus Cyber Security (Arculus) have sold the business to Bridewell. The deal will bolster Bridewell’s growing roster of accreditations as well as strengthen its public sector footprint, enabling the expansion of its end-to-end cyber security offering for clients across the globe.

Learn more
PCI Pal has completed an equity raise
Financial Services | TMT

PCI Pal has completed an equity raise

PCI Pal has completed a fundraising. Funds will be allocated towards several key areas, with a significant portion directed towards supporting its continued expansion in the US, focusing on marketing efforts, product marketing and enhancing engagement with key partners.

Learn more