Bever Zwerfsport “We share the same
common vision for Bever’s future.”
Profile
Summary
Bever Zwerfsport is the specialist and market leader in the
Netherlands for outdoor sports articles and accessories. The
outdoor chain sells a wide range of clothing, footwear and other
articles from internationally reputed brands for outdoor activities
like expeditions, mountaineering and camping. In 35 years the
company has, with about 30 stores, acquired a leading position
on the Dutch market. Bever’s cast iron concept of offering a wide
range of quality articles with good value for money and a
customer-directed approach, has made the outdoor market
accessible to a broad Dutch public.
Deal type
Gimv’s added value
Country
In 2004, the founder and CEO Fred van Olphen retired and sold
the company to Gimv. Under the ownership of Gimv, the new
management retained the organizational stability and the culture
that was so specific for the outdoor business and
Bever Zwerfsport. At the same time, thanks to the close partnership between the MBI-manager and the management team, it
realized significant improvements concerning working capital,
supplier relationships, organic sales and margin growth, financial
indebtness,… After having facilitated growth and supported the
management team, Gimv sold its shareholding to the Belgian
company AS Adventure in 2007.
gimv.com
Management buyin
Date of investment
September 2004
Date of divestment
September 2007
Activity
Specialist outdoor sports
equipment
the Netherlands
Website
www.bever.nl