BackWerk

About BackWerk

EQT invested in BackWerk in January 2014 by acquiring a majority stake from the founders who kept a minority stake. The value creation plan centered around strengthening the organization with a strong second level management team, expanding the store network and fostering same store sales growth through a continuous shift from simple bakery products into snacks, hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and other convenience food offerings.

During EQT’s ownership, BackWerk’s management, the supervisory board and EQT worked together to accelerate the strategic repositioning from a bakery chain to a leading German quick-service convenience food concept with a high and growing share of out-of-home sales. It was supported by a new brand strategy, a revitalization of the store concept as well as a strengthened product offering focusing on out-of-home products. BackWerk grew its store footprint from some 300 to over 340 locations and successfully expanded into the Netherlands. Under EQT’s ownership, BackWerk was transformed from being a founder-led company to having a strong corporate governance model with an independent management team leading the business.

In October 2017, EQT sold BackWerk to Valora Group in a transaction valuing BackWerk at approximately EUR 190 million.