ESO Capital has lent €15.0m to 21sportsgroup, Mannheim and Munich-based multi-channel sports e-tailer.
Date November 21, 2016
The financing will enable further growth and supports the company’s aim to become the undisputed European leader in sports-related e-commerce. 21sportsgroup is present across Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, BeNeLux, Italy and Spain, and offers the advantages of ecommerce with the advice and services at the attractively positioned retail stores. The financing comes on top of a double digit equity raise from a consortium of existing and new investors.
Michael Burk, Chief Executive Officer of 21sportsgroup, stated: “We are delighted that we have won this high-profile group of investors supporting us on our way to expand our position as a leading European sports platform.” Dr. Henner Schwarz, Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer of 21sportsgroup, added: “ESO Capital is the right partner complementing our equity investors and helping us to execute our strategy combining organic growth with select acquisitions.”
McDermott Will & Emery acted as legal counsel for ESO Capital and King & Wood Mallesons supported 21sports group. Deloitte, Gordon Brothers, Ernst & Young and Drake Star Partners served as advisors on the financing.
About ESO Capital
ESO Capital (“ESO”) is an independent investment boutique with offices in London and Zurich. Founded in 2006, ESO has been consistently and successfully serving a diverse European SME market for more than a decade, providing flexible financing solutions across the capital structure, with focus on downside protection. ESO manages funds on behalf of institutional investors and provides companies with the comfort of a committed long-term partner investing capital from its sixth institutional fund.
With investments between €10m and €40m, typically over a two to five year horizon, ESO structures innovative, customised solutions for both corporate and real estate projects, enabling business owners and managers to reach their goals.
ESO Capital Partners UK LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).