Meridia backs Futbol Emotion

The GP bought a 45% stake in the company, Unquote understands.

With the fresh capital, the company intends to bolster its growth and expansion, both in Spain and internationally.

To finance the transaction, the GP deployed capital from its Meridia Private Equity I fund, previously known as Meridia Growth I, a €100m vehicle launched in 2016 that targets companies headquartered in Spain.

Futbol Emotion is the third deal made by the fund, following the acquisition of a minority stake in restaurant chain and hotel operator Grupo Andilana in 2017 and the acquisition of a majority stake in food ingredients producer Sosa Ingredients in 2016.

Company
Founded by former professional goalkeeper Javier Sánchez Broto in 2001 and headquartered in Zaragoza, Futbol Emotion is a football equipment retailer. Its products are sold both via its website and its network of 18 stores located across Spain. The company operates in 50 countries around the world, including Portugal, France, Italy, Mexico and the US, and employs 100 staff.

In 2017, the company generated revenues of €17m and Meridia expects the business to reach a turnover of €23m in 2018, Unquote understands.

People
Futbol Emotion – Javier Sánchez Broto (founder).
Meridia Capital – Javier Faus (founding partner, CEO); David Torralba (partner).

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• Topics
• Buyouts
• Southern Europe
• Consumer
• Spain