Ratos has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Plantasjen, the Nordic region’s leading chain store for plants and gardening accessories from funds advised by Apax Partners, a leading global private equity advisory firm. The purchase price (equity value) for 100% of the company is approximately NOK 1.2 billion, corresponding to an enterprise value of approximately NOK 2.9 billion based on estimated net debt on completion of the transaction. The acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant authorities and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016.
About Plantasjen
Plantasjen is the Nordic region’s leading chain for sales of plants and gardening accessories, with a total of 124 stores in Norway, Sweden and Finland, and a primary focus on the consumer segment. The market for plants and gardening accessories is supported by stable growth and underlying positive trends in the form of increased interest in cultivation, plants and interior design. Since its founding in 1986 in Norway, Plantasjen has developed its operations, strengthened its brand and established itself broadly in the Nordic region, and it now holds a leading position in the market. Plantasjen has about 1,200 employees and generated sales of approximately NOK 3.7 billion in the last twelve months leading up to June 2016, with operating profit (EBITDA) of approximately NOK 370m.
Carnegie acted as sole financial advisor to Ratos in connection with the transaction.