Capvis, the leading private equity firm in Switzerland, has acquired Hessnatur based in Butzbach, near Frankfurt am Main, Germany from its previous owner Primondo Specialty Group GmbH. The parties involved have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The acquisition is subject to approval by antitrust authorities.
Founded in 1976, hessnatur is a pioneer in natural clothing and focuses on designing and distributing organic and sustainable apparel and home textiles. The company is the market leader in natural clothing throughout German-speaking Europe and is recognized internationally for its commitment to the highest social standards and fair trade.
Today, Hessnatur has more than 330 employees and distributes its products through catalogues, three retail stores and an online shop. Apart from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, hessnatur's products are also available in the USA. With a customer base of one million, the company achieved a turnover of €73 million ($101 mm)in the 2011 financial year.
“As a market leader in its segment, Hessnatur fits perfectly into the Capvis portfolio,” said Daniel Flaig, a partner at Capvis Equity Partners AG. “We are delighted and proud to partner with hessnatur as we are convinced by the growing demand for responsible consumption, particularly in eco fashion and home textiles. We have the utmost respect for the vision created and lived by hessnatur's founder, Heinz Hess. We look forward to working with the company's employees and management in Butzbach and growing the business whilst preserving its very specific identity and values. This will give hessnatur the necessary continuity and stability to take the next step in its successful corporate history.”
