CapMan press release 5 March 2021 at 3.30 p.m. EET
CapMan Special Situations -fund acquires HopLop Group
The first investment of the CapMan Special Situations fund is HopLop, Finland’s largest chain of adventure parks.
CapMan Special Situations fund has acquired 100% of the equity and debt capital of HopLop Group. The transaction enables a critical restructuring of the balance sheet, secures the continuation of the business through the Covid-19 pandemic, and accelerates future growth.
HopLop is the first investment of CapMan’s newly established Special Situations fund that pursues event-driven investment situations by providing flexible capital solutions and strong operational expertise.
HopLop operates a chain of adventure parks and playgrounds for children. The company is a market leader in Finland and has taken first steps to expand internationally. Prior to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the business developed well. The company has taken many actions during 2020 to increase efficiency and adapt to the changing situation. With the support of CapMan, the business is well-positioned to focus on its core business and foster new growth.
“HopLop is the first investment for our fund and an important milestone for the execution of the strategy that we launched last summer. The now completed transaction enables the restructuring of HopLop’s balance sheet, the continuation of the business and securing future growth. HopLop’s internationalisation expansion will continue,” says Jari Vikiö, Partner at CapMan Special Situations.
“On behalf of the company, I am pleased with this excellent solution to the company’s challenging situation. CapMan Special Situations enables us to beat the Covid-19 crisis, further develop the company and drive new growth. With the support of CapMan’s experienced team, HopLop’s management is very committed to develop the business further following this transaction,” says Kalle Peltola, who will remain as CEO of HopLop.
CapMan Special Situations invests in event-driven opportunities across economic cycles and industry sectors. At the core of the investment area are demanding corporate restructurings and operational transformations. CapMan Special Situations is a responsible investor, and its mission is to contribute to societal wellbeing by ensuring that viable companies can successfully steer through demanding situations and once again thrive. Antti Uusitalo, Tuomas Rinne and Jari Vikiö serve as Partners of the investment area.
For additional information, please contact:
Jari Vikiö, Partner, CapMan Special Situations, tel. +358 40 505 0733
About CapMan
CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation. We offer a wide selection of investment products and services. As one of the Nordic private equity pioneers, we have developed hundreds of companies and real estate assets and created substantial value in these businesses and assets over the past 30 years. With close to €4 billion in assets under management, our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors. We have a broad presence in the unlisted market through our local and specialised teams. Our investment strategies cover Private Equity, Real Estate and Infra. We also have a growing service business that includes procurement services, wealth management, and analysis, reporting and back office services. Altogether, CapMan employs around 150 people in Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, London and Luxembourg. We are a public company listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001 and a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) since 2012. Read more at www.capman.com.
