THE NETHERLANDS - ABN AMRO helps Bols return home in EUR 210m deal

Lucas Bols B.V. will be headquartered in Amsterdam and led by Huub van Doorne, who becomes chief executive officer. Under the terms of the purchase agreement Lucas Bols will take over the production, distribution, sales and marketing of a range of leading international spirit and liqueur brands, together totalling more than three million cases a year. The deal includes leading international spirit brands, Bols, Galliano, Vaccari Sambuca, Pisang Ambon and Damrak Gin, plus leading Dutch Origin spirit brands such as Bokma and Hartevelt Genevers and Coebergh. As a result of the buyout, ABN AMRO Capital will acquire a 75% stake in Lucas Bols. The new management, led by Huub van Doorne will hold 25%.

Huub van Doorne started a turnaround strategy for the Bols Brand Group in 2004 whilst still under Rémy Cointreau’s ownership. In 2004, Bols was awarded 'Best Brand Re-Launch' by the prestigious Drinks International Magazine. 'This buyout will allow the new company to continue the international rejuvenation of the Bols brand', said Huub van Doorne, chief executive officer of Lucas Bols B.V. 'Lucas Bols is a unique proposition. No other spirits company has both the production and distributor relationships and networks but also the flexibility and creativity which is needed to drive innovations. Our company, our brands, our strategy and our campaigns are underpinned by this distinctive model which strengthens our position in this industry yet sets us apart from the rest.'

'I am very pleased to have teamed up with ABN AMRO Capital. Their ability to successfully structure and finance this complicated cross-border transaction illustrates ABN AMRO Capital's leading position in the European mid-market buyout sector,' he added. Bols brands will continue to be sold in more than 110 countries worldwide, however, the strategy of the new company is to focus on four priority markets; Europe (with specific focus on the domestic market, The Netherlands), US, Japan and Australia. The normalised turnover amounts to circa EUR 95m (including activities currently under license) over 2005/06.

Marc Staal, managing partner of ABN AMRO Capital, said: 'As an independent company, Lucas Bols B.V. will have the freedom to pioneer a more dynamic, innovative and customer-focused approach to international brand development. This deal fits perfectly in our investment criteria. It has an experienced management team, a strong market position and an attractive growth profile. We are looking forward to forming a partnership with Huub and his team to accelerate the growth of the business.'

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Google plus  
• Send to  

• Topics
• Buyouts
• Benelux