• EQT V to sell German based CBR Fashion Group to Alteri Investors

• During EQT V’s ownership, CBR has developed from a fast fashion company to a multi-channel fashion business with a bespoke e-commerce platform achieving double-digit annual growth rates

• Improved capital structure through successful bond issuance which significantly increases operational flexibility

EQT V today announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell CBR Fashion Group (”CBR” or “the Company”) to UK based Alteri Investors.

CBR is one of the top five women’s fashion manufacturers in Germany. It has over 1,200 employees and supplies more than 8,300 sales outlets in 19 European countries. It operates under two long-term established brands: Street One and CECIL. Since EQT V acquired the Company, it has significantly invested in the business and its IT, digital and logistic infrastructure. CBR has developed from a fast fashion wholesale retailer to a contemporary multi-channel women’s fashion provider with a strong e-commerce platform. With the introduction of an in-house retail business and e-commerce function, the Company is now present and well positioned throughout all important sales channels.

With a strategy of launching twelve new collections per year and a dedicated end customer focus, CBR successfully offers fashion at the right time and in line with ongoing trends. Thanks to efficient processes, stable relationships with wholesale partners and a steadily growing digital distribution channel, CBR is well positioned to capitalize on both online and offline sales opportunities.

Revenues for the last twelve months ending in June 2017 amounted to EUR 579 million. During recent years, CBR has shown a double-digit growth rate in the key e-commerce channel. In the fourth quarter of 2017, CBR significantly improved its capital structure through a successful bond issuance.

Matthias Born, CFO/COO of CBR, said: “Together with EQT, we have developed and professionalized our business model. Today, CBR is well positioned for the future in all important formats. We are prepared to meet the challenges within the fashion retail sector and committed to continue to strengthen our market positions.”

Marcus Brennecke Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT V, added: “We are impressed by the focused business strategy Matthias Born, Jim Nowak and their team have implemented. CBR’s offering has been sharpened and today supplies contemporary women’s fashion through a strong multi-channel platform. CBR is well equipped for future growth.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the first quarter of 2018.

Contacts:
Marcus Brennecke Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT V +49 89 2554 9959
EQT Press Contact, +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT
EQT is a leading investment firm with approximately EUR 38 billion in raised capital across 25 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtpartners.com

About CBR Fashion Group
Founded in 1980, CBR Fashion Group is now one of the major fashion manufacturers in the German mainstream women’s clothing market. With a broad geographical presence and two established brands, Street One and CECIL, CBR is one of the foremost suppliers of women’s fashion in Germany, employs over 1,200 people and is represented in 19 European countries.

More info: www.cbr.de