IK-backed Questel acquires Brandstock

The company's founder will stay on to continue to manage Brandstock. The transaction will be funded by debt.

French GP Raise initially invested in Questel in 2015 in a deal that valued the company at €55m. A controlling stake was acquired by IK in 2018 using funds from IK VIII, which closed on €1.85bn. In 2017, Questel generated revenues of €45m and expected to reach an EBITDA of €18m in 2018. The firm's strategy for Questel is to build a one-stop-shop offering in IP services and implement an external growth strategy.

Since IK's intial investment, Questel has made three other acquisitions: Expernova, Multiling and Concur IP.

The combined company will generate a turnover of €150m and will employ 700 people globally. Brandstock plans to expand into the patent annuities business.

Previous funding
CFH Beteiligungsgesellschaft invested in Brandstock in 2001, though the company is no longer listed as part of the investor's portfolio.

Company
Founded in 1993 and based in Munich, Brandstock develops technology for trademark searches and filings, IP maintenance fee payments, cost benchmarking, data verification, brand protection and portfolio management. The company employs 140 people and claims to have 400 clients around the world. It operates offices in Italy, the US, France, Slovenia and Switzerland.

People
Brandstock – Volker Spitz (CEO, founder).
Questel – Charles Besson (CEO).

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