Funds managed by private equity firm Sentica Partners have acquired a majority stake in Finnish pizza chain Kotipizza.
Following the closing of the transaction, Kotipizza Oyj, Helsinki Foodstock Oy, Domipizza Oy and Kotipizza Tilipalvelut Oy will form one single corporate group. The companies’ previous owner, Rabbe Grönblom, will remain a minority shareholder with around a 20% stake, with the remaining approximately 5% of the shares owned by the executive management team.
The investment will enable the Kotipizza Group to develop the business and expand abroad. Founded in 1987, the chain currently has more than 280 stores in over 150 towns and cities throughout Finland. Over 95% of Kotipizza’s retail sites in the country are independently franchised businesses.
Johan Wentzel, Investment Director at Sentica, has been appointed chairman of the board of the Kotipizza group of companies, whose combined turnover is around €40m.
FinSMEs
04/09/2011