Equistone acquires Group of Butchers

Equistone Partners Europe (“Equistone”), one of Europe’s leading mid-market private equity investors, today announces that it is acquiring a majority stake in Group of Butchers (or “the Company”), alongside its current management, from Nordian Capital Partners for an undisclosed sum. Group of Butchers is a producer of high-quality meat products sold at supermarkets and delivered to the out-of-home market.

Founded in 1997 under the name Dutch Grill Specialties and headquartered in Tilburg, Netherlands, Group of Butchers focuses on the production and distribution of high-quality meat products. The Company brings together several local butcher production sites, each producing their own specialties, to cultivate a diverse product portfolio ranging from cured beef to smoked sausages and filet américain to roasted and grilled meats.

Group of Butchers has 350 employees across six production facilities in the Netherlands and Belgium. Its broad customer base comprises both retailers, including large supermarkets, and the out-of-home market. The Company generates sales of over €125 million, having acquired five companies over the last three years to further strengthen its market position and broaden its product range. The founders and current management team of Group of Butchers will continue to manage the Company and remain committed co-shareholders alongside Equistone.

Nick Visser, joint CEO of Group of Butchers, commented: “On behalf of the entire firm I would like to express my gratitude to Nordian Capital Partners for supporting our growth since 2012. They shared our vision for the Company and accompanied us on our work to become a leading supplier of the very highest-quality processed meat products.”

Wilbert Wolfs, joint CEO of Group of Butchers, added: “We are looking forward to the partnership with Equistone, an experienced mid-market investor with longstanding expertise in the meat processing industry. Together we will take further steps to provide an even broader range of customers with our high-quality specialties.”

Dr. Marc Arens, Partner at Equistone, said: “Group of Butchers has developed impressively, establishing itself as a leading Dutch supplier of high-quality fresh meat products. This represents an excellent platform for further growth. Together with the Company’s management team, we plan to expand organically and drive consolidation in other geographies through strategic acquisitions.”

Ronald van der Heide, Partner at Nordian Capital, commented: "We are proud to have participated in the tremendous growth path of Group of Butchers over the past four years. We thank Nick Visser, Wilbert Wolfs and their management team for their leadership and commitment and wish them all the best for the future. We are sure that Equistone will be a solid shareholder supporting Group of Butchers in its next growth phase."

Dr. Marc Arens and Maximilian Göppert led the transaction for Equistone Partners Europe. Equistone was advised by PwC (Commercial Due Diligence), Deloitte (Financial Due Diligence), KPMG (Tax Due Diligence), HuZ (Operational Due Diligence), Alantra (Debt Advisor), and A&O (Legal & Legal Due Diligence).

The financial terms of the deal are undisclosed. The completion of the transaction is subject to competition authority approval.