• EQT Mid Market has agreed to acquire the majority in kfzteile24, one of the leading full-range online retailers for automotive spare parts and accessories in Germany, from the founders Matthias Kieper and Torsten Hainke
  
  
• Matthias Kieper and Torsten Hainke stay on as substantial shareholders in kfzteile24 and maintain CO-CEO positions
  
  
• Strategy is to strengthen kfzteile24's market position as on of the leading full-range online retailers for automotive spare parts and accessories in Germany, in particular by developing and broadening the online offering and exploring further avenues of growth
  
  
• René Marius Köhler and Dr. Florian Heinemann to join the Board of Directors, bringing strong expertise in the areas of e-commerce and online marketing

The EQT Mid Market Fund (“EQT Mid Market”) has agreed to acquire kfzteile24 GmbH (“kfzteile24” or the “Company”) from the founders Matthias Kieper and Torsten Hainke. Matthias Kieper and Torsten Hainke will stay on as substantial shareholders in kfzteile24 and maintain their Co-CEO positions to continue driving growth and the development of the Company.

Founded in 2001, kfzteile24 is one of the leading full-range online retailers for automotive spare parts and accessories in Germany. In addition to its online shop, kfzteile24 has three retail stores with affiliated repair shops in Berlin to supplement the online distribution. Annual revenues of kfzteile24 amounted to EUR 114 million in 2014. The Company has around 500 employees.

EQT Mid Market’s strategy is to support the continued growth of kfzteile24 across both the online shop and existing store network. Particular focus will be on developing and broadening the Company’s online offering, by capitalizing on EQT’s strong experience in the e-commerce sector. In addition, the business plan includes investments in capacity expansion and operational efficiency.

The Board of Directors of kfzteile24 is planned to be strengthened with the e-commerce and online marketing expertise of René Marius Köhler (founder and CEO of Internetstores) and Dr. Florian Heinemann (Managing Director Project A Ventures).

“We have had many interesting discussions with a broad set of high profile investors. Given EQT Mid Market’s growth focused approach and strong Industrial Network, we are convinced that we have chosen the best partner for kfzteile24 and our employees. We look forward to working together with EQT Mid Market to further develop kfzteile24,” says Torsten Hainke, founder of kfzteile24.

“kfzteile24’s growth story is really impressive and Torsten Hainke and Matthias Kieper have built an excellent platform. We look forward to supporting the Company with EQT’s strong expertise in the e-commerce sector and together with the founders, bringing kfzteile24 to the next level of growth,” says Fabian Wasmus, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT Mid Market.

Blue Corporate Finance acted as exclusive financial advisor to the founders of kfzteile24.

The parties have agreed not to disclose details of the transaction. The acquisition is subject to merger control approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.

Contacts:

Kerstin Danasten, EQT Press Contact, +46 8 506 55 334

Fabian Wasmus, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT Mid Market, +49 89 2554 9950

Philip Schlüter, Partner at Blue Corporate Finance, +49 89 2000 3930

About EQT

EQT is a leading private equity group in Europe with approximately EUR 29 billion in raised capital. EQT has portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 17 billion and approximately 140,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

For further information, please visit www.eqtgroup.com

About kfzteile24

kfzteile24 is one of the leading full-range online retailers for automotive spare parts and accessories in Germany. In addition to its online shop, kfzteile24 has three retail stores with affiliated repair shops in Berlin to supplement its online distribution. Annual revenues of kfzteile24 amounted to EUR 114 million in 2014. The Company has around 500 employees.

For further information, please visit www.kfzteile24.de

About Blue Corporate Finance

BlueCF supports midcap companies with the acquisition and sale of businesses or business units, capital market transactions and funding issues as the temporary „external Corporate Finance Department”. Since 2001 BlueCF has been serving its clients in over 200 successfully completed transactions.

For further information, please visit www.bluecf.com