Bosan B.V. acquires Dutch sports equipment specialist
The Dutch manufacturer of sports equipment Bosan B.V. is acquired by ABEO S.A., a French, publicly listed competitor. The family-owned business develops, manufactures and distributes sports equipment and sports installations for indoor accommodations focused on physical education and (top) sports. The company serves its international clientele from its head office in Haaksbergen (Netherlands) and its office in Melle (Belgium). The company has 75 employees.
Selling the company is a strategic decision
In a market that, in absolute terms, has shrunk over the past years, Bosan managed to maintain solid growth rates and in doing so, managed to conquer a larger ‘piece of the pie’. Richard and Marieke Ten Bos, the management team of Bosan add: “In the long run, it pays off to join forces with a larger, internationally well-established group to benefit from its network and distribution channels. Selling the company was therefore not financially motivated, but rather a strategic decision.”
A team of Baker Tilly Corporate Finance, led by partner Lorijn van Leersum, has advised the shareholders of Bosan B.V. throughout the process. Richard and Marieke: “We are delighted with this merger, which ensures the future of Bosan for both its customers and employees. This transaction, with a group the scale of ABEO, will enable Bosan to enter new markets.”
Buy-and-Build
ABEO is global market leader in sports- and leisure equipment and is specialized in the production and sale of sports articles. ABEO has 1.700 employees, of which 400 in France, spread over 50 locations. 30% of ABEO’s revenues are obtained in France, 52% in other European countries and 18% in the rest of the world. After going public in 2016, ABEO has actively engaged in a buy-and-build growth strategy, increasing revenues to € 167m. The acquisition of Bosan offers ABEO to further improve its market leading position in the Benelux market.
Throughout the sale process, Bosan B.V. was advised by a team of Baker Tilly Corporate Finance. The process was led by partner Lorijn van Leersum.
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