VANERUM Group partners with capital investment group, Sofindev III
VANERUM Group partners with capital investment group, Sofindev III, to further support its international growth strategies.
To accelerate and support further international growth, Gert Van Erum, shareholder of the VANERUM Group, reached an agreement with Sofindev III for an entry into the capital of the group. Following this transaction, Sofindev III becomes shareholder of the VANERUM Group together with Gert Van Erum.
By partnering with Sofindev III, Gert Van Erum brings on board a strong financial and strategic partner. This will allow the VANERUM Group to accelerate the growth of its activities, in particular its unique i3 concept for educational environments, in new markets such as the United States, France and Scandinavia, and strengthens its position in the traditional markets of Belgium and the Netherlands.
Gert Van Erum, CEO VANERUM Group:
"The entry of Sofindev III in our capital is a milestone in the growth and development of the VANERUM Group. We are very pleased that we have been able to attract the right partner, with an attitude and vision to match the current needs and aspirations of our company. This was also the case in 2008 when the now outgoing minority shareholders came on board. "
Ghislain Thijs, Managing Partner Sofindev Management:
"Our goal is to work in a partnership with the management in order to further develop companies with a strong potential. We are very pleased to support and assist in the growth strategy of the VANERUM Group in this promising market segment."
Buyer and seller mutually agreed not to disclose information about the acquisition price.
VANERUM Group was advised by KBC Securities, Dumon, Sablon & Vanheeswijck and BDO. Sofindev III was advised by White & Case.
About VANERUM Group
VANERUM Group stands for total solutions for learning environments. This means a portfolio ranging from blackboards and school furniture developed and produced in-house, to the accompanying audiovisual products such as projectors, interactive whiteboards and solutions for internal and external signage. VANERUM Group has its headquarters and production unit in Diest, production units and sales organizations in France, the United States and Denmark and sales organizations in the Netherlands and Germany.
VANERUM Group has developed the unique i3 concept with an integrated range of furniture, technology and visual communication that promotes a contemporary way of teaching. With the i3 learning environment VANERUM makes classrooms ready for giving inspirational lessons through integration with the latest interactive technologies. When designing and developing furniture, some of the primary requirements are comfort, ergonomics, versatility of use and the flexibility and ease of maintenance. VANERUM considers its mission accomplished when children experience their compulsory education as a right to learn.
More information is available at www.VANERUMgroup.com
About Sofindev III
Since the early nineties, the Sofindev funds rank among the major investment funds that provides private equity and buy-out capital in the Belgian market. Sofindev III provides growth capital to medium-sized companies with significant growth potential and assists them in implementing long-term strategies aimed at value creation.
The shareholders of Sofindev III:
Sofina, listed Belgian holding company; August Private Equity, a Luxembourg investment group Colruyt, the Belgian listed distribution group, and Imocobel, family holding of the founders of the group Interparking.
More information can be found on www.sofindev.be