Equistone backs Unlimited Footwear Group

Equistone drew down capital from Equistone Partners Europe Fund IV, which closed on €1.5bn in January 2013.

Founder Bart van Helvoirt becomes chief executive of the business, with co-founder Igor Bechtold continuing to lead the company's product design and development.

Under Equistone's stewardship, the business will focus on the development of partnerships with third-party brands, and look to expand into North America, and central and southern Europe.

Company
Headquartered in Waalwijk, Unlimited Footwear Group is made up of Shoes Unlimited, Trend Design and Star Collections. The business sells its products across Europe and North America under private labels, as well as its proprietary brand Bullboxer and licensed brands including Bjorn Bord and Gaastra.

People
Philippe Studi is head of Equistone in Switzerland. He worked on the deal alongside Leander Heyken and Peter Hammermann.

Advisers
Equity – Vischer (Legal); Houthoff Buruma (Legal); KPMG (Financial due diligence, tax); Cubus Partners (Debt); Kurt Salmon (Commercial due diligence).
Vendor – Rockcliffe Partners (Corporate finance); Baker & McKenzie (Legal).

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• Topics
• Benelux
• Consumer
• Buyouts
• Netherlands
• Equistone Partners Europe