Consumer
is a longstanding area of strength for Bridgepoint. We have invested consistently across the sector through the cycle, with a strong focus on the specialist retail, leisure and FMCG sub-sectors.Typically, we focus our investment activity on sub-segment, dominant companies with demonstrable track records and strong competitive positioning, essential in this sector's highly dynamic and cyclical environment. In retail and leisure, we have a strong track record of supporting established concepts and brands which provide clear perceived value and service to the consumer; we aim to work with experienced management teams to achieve superior growth via well-executed geographic or product extensions in particular. In FMCG, we look for consumer product companies with proprietary strengths providing a product or service with broad appeal to multiple groups of consumers.
| Deals that we have done in this sector include: | |
|---|---|
| A-Katsastus | Vehicle inspection group - Finland |
| Alain Afflelou | Optical retailer - France |
| Arco Bodegas | Wine producer - Spain |
| Fat Face | Active lifestyle retailer - UK |
| Forstinger | Automobile accessories/spare parts retailer - Austria |
| Golden Wonder | Savoury snacks producer - UK |
| Holmes Place | Owner/operator of health & fitness clubs - UK |
| IMO | World’s largest conveyor car wash business - UK |
| Jessops | Photographic retailer - UK |
| Kaffee Partner | Supplier of coffee and water dispensers - Germany |
| Limoni | Perfumery retail chain - Italy |
| JOAGroupe (formerly Moliflor Loisirs) | Casino operator - France |
| Molton Brown | Premium branded consumer products manufacturer - UK |
| Nocibe | Perfume group - France |
| Pets at Home | Pet food and product retailer - UK |
| Pret A Manger | Premium food & beverages retailer - UK |
| Principal Hotels | Hotel group - UK |
| Pubmaster | Independent pub chain - UK |
| Virgin Active | Health and fitness club operator - UK |
| Western Wines | Leading supplier of private label wines - UK |
| WT Foods | Ethnic & speciality food manufacturer - UK |
Case study
Nocibé
From its origins as a family business, the French perfumery and cosmetics retailer Nocibé had become the market number two when Bridgepoint acquired it from its parent Kruidvat, the Dutch retail chain, in October 2002 in a transaction totalling €302 million.
| Location | Acquired | Deal size |
|---|---|---|
| France | 2002 | N/D |
News & views in this sector
Rise of e-tailing (512.32 KB)
04.11.2009As large swathes of the retail sector struggle to combat the recession, one section of the industry remains relatively immune. Internet retailing - or e-tailing - has soared in the past decade and is forecast to double in size over the next five years.
Pets at Home sold to KKR
27.01.2010Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (together with its affiliates, “KKR”) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement with Bridgepoint and other co-investors to acquire Pets at Home, the UK’s leading retailer of pet food and pet-related services and accessories.
Pets at Home appoints financial adviser
01.10.2009Pets at Home, the UK’s leading retailer of pet foods and pet products, today announces the appointment of J P Morgan Cazenove as joint sponsor, joint bookrunner and joint global coordinator, to examine the options for a potential IPO of the company in 2010, subject to market conditions. Further appointments will be made in due course.