HEMA to be acquired by Marcel Boekhoorn
The Dutch HEMA homewares retailer is to be acquired by Ramphastos, the investment company owned by Marcel Boekhoorn.
The Dutch entrepreneur will buy the business and its debt from Lion Capital.
Ramphastos said the new ownership will enable HEMA to fully focus on online growth, international expansion and improving profitability during the next few years.
Tjeerd Jegen, chief executive of HEMA, said: “This is the best scenario for HEMA, our customers, staff and franchisees. In recent years, Marcel Boekhoorn and his team have shown strong engagement with their portfolio companies, encouraged entrepreneurship and demonstrated a keen investment vision.”
HEMA is looking for opportunities to increase its number of international partners to accelerate expansion. It has also made new arrangements with existing franchisees regarding ecommerce and other initiatives.
Jegen added: “I would like to thank our franchisees for their commitment on reaching new future-proof arrangements. This paves the way to be working with our new owner and our franchisees on a stronger and more financially healthy HEMA.”
Boekhoorn said: “HEMA is an iconic brand with fantastic international opportunities, but there are also sufficient prospects for growth in the Netherlands. The acquisition fits my ambition to let businesses grow. Together with HEMA’s staff and its franchisees, I want to support HEMA in becoming a global brand.”
