 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
| Gant |
|
|
|
| Business description: |
| Marketing and design of premium branded apparel |
|
|
|
| Country: |
| Sweden |
|
|
|
| Investment type: |
|
Buy-outs
|
|
|
|
In June 2003, 3i co-led the €109 million buy-out of Gant Company AB, an international marketer and designer of premium branded apparel. 3i, together with 3i Eurofund III, invested €13 million, taking a significant minority stake.
3i was introduced to Gant in late 2002 by a member of 3i’s Independent Directors Programme who was a deputy non-executive director on the board of Gant. The approach followed the abandonment of IPO plans due to adverse market conditions.
Insights gained from previous investments in this sector helped 3i to understand, contribute to and validate the value growth strategy for the business and gain exclusivity almost from the start of the process. 3i used its local presence in Stockholm, supported by colleagues from its Spanish, Italian and UK offices with sector specific knowledge, to ensure that it had the best “angles” for the opportunity. The transaction was complicated by the diverse vendor group which consisted of the three founders, a multi-national business and a private equity firm.
Exit plans are currently focused on achieving an IPO on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in two to four years’ time. |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
