Case studies

Merlin’s dose of fun shrugs off the gloom

Despite a worsening global economy, Merlin Entertainments, the world’s second biggest visitor attraction operator, has weathered the storm and grown.

Merlin’s world famous European brands include Legoland, Madame Tussauds, the London Eye, Sea Life, and Gardaland. Its unique mix of attractions appeals to millions of visitors of all ages with huge potential for further growth.

“As it has done with many other established brands, private equity breathed fresh life into Ducati. Bold marketing and fresh capital enabled us to rebuild our reputation for innovation and build great motorcycles”, Federico Minoli, Ducati CEO

New Look was acquired by private equity firms Permira and Apax in April 2004, since when it has added more than a million square feet of floor space. The company’s workforce has grown by 50%, from 12,400 people in 2004 to 18,600 by 2008.

Unleashing the potential of a global fashion brand

Since the Management Buyout of Tommy Hilfiger, an important part of the Group’s strategy has been to redefine the Group’s focus to reflect the brand’s global presence, premium brand image and positioning, and to improve operating efficiencies and eliminate loss-making activities.

The Group has undertaken a number of key initiatives including the revitalisation of the corporate culture in the US and the extension of successful European products into the US market. The tarnished US brand has been repositioned and the wholesale organisation has been rationalised.

Rabo Private Equity participates in IHC Merwede since 2005. IHC Merwede is focused on the continuous development of its design and construction activities for the specialised shipbuilding sector, in particular the dredging and offshore industries.

The acquisition of Van Gansewinkel complemented AVR’s waste management portfolio, adding Van Gansewinkel’s collection network to a prominent waste treatment operation across Benelux.

Backing best of breed in a challenging environment
Emap is one of the UK’s leading business information providers serving the retail/fashion, public services, construction, media and automotive industries. The company’s business model has evolved from being largely reliant on print advertising to being far more diverse and resilient and thus able to tap different corporate budgets other than advertising.

Apax Partners displayed the determination and relationship skills to win a highly coveted investment with good growth prospects. Through investment in product innovation and initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, the company is on course for growth in Iberia and beyond.

Farmafactoring S.p.A. is the leading provider of credit management services to suppliers to the Italian public healthcare system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (’SSN’).
The company was founded in 1985 by a group of Italian and multinational pharmaceutical and biomedical companies to alleviate the cash-flow difficulties of the SSN’s suppliers, who were affected by the traditionally long [...]

A strategic partnership for global growth
The growth achieved by Orascom and Wind in recent years is due in large part to the skills of the company’s management team in acquiring and integrating assets well and driving value. The current economic downturn provides both threats and opportunities for the group