Permira, the international private equity firm, announced today that a company backed by the Permira funds has entered into an agreement to acquire Vacalians Group (“Vacalians”), a major European campsite and mobile-home company operating under the Tohapi brand, for an undisclosed sum. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to complete in the 3rd quarter of 2015.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Sète (France), Vacalians is a major European campsite and mobile-home operator with consolidated revenues in excess of €140m. The Group operates 24,300 pitches, of which 17,500 are equipped with mobile-homes, on over 300 sites located mainly in France, Italy and Spain. In December 2014, the company strengthened its European position with the acquisition of Canvas Holidays, a significant player in the outdoor accommodation market in the UK and the Netherlands. The group continues to enjoy strong growth and launched its new TOHAPI brand at the end of 2014.
The European outdoor accommodation market offers attractive dynamics with steady growth through the economic cycle and accelerating consolidation. In that context, Vacalians Group has emerged as a major player of the sector in Europe. The Permira funds investment will support the management’s ambitious growth strategy, in particular its international expansion plans.
This latest investment by the Permira funds highlights Permira’s expertise in helping leading consumer and leisure brands, around the world to grow and realise their international ambitions. With Vacalians, the Permira funds are investing in a business well positioned to benefit from attractive consumer trends including the increasing demand for value for money and convenience as well as the growing popularity of outdoor living.
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