• EQT VII acquires 75% of TOP-TOY, the market-leading toy retailer operating more than 300 BR and TOYS”R”US stores across the Nordics and Northern Germany
• EQT VII will support TOP-TOY in its ambition to become the undisputed No. 1 toy retailer in the Nordics, both online and in physical stores, selling products that make children happy
• EQT VII enters into a partnership with the founding Gjørup family, who will continue to have a strong representation in the company

TOP-TOY is the market leading retailer in the Nordics of toys and other children’s products. During the last 50 years, the company has established a comprehensive network of more than 300 retail stores across the Nordics and Northern Germany. TOP-TOY has recently launched a new and ambitious strategy with the aim of becoming the undisputed No. 1 retailer in the Nordics selling products that make children happy and offering customers great shopping experiences both in stores and online. In the financial year ending June 30th2015, TOP-TOY saw strong financial development with retail revenue of DKK 3.4 billion and an EBITDA of DKK 225 million.

“We are pleased to establish a strategic partnership with EQT and believe they are a perfect match for TOP-TOY with their solid experience in retail and a long-term view on sustainable value creation. EQT’s values and business ethics match well with ours, and we are confident that EQT’s competences and capital will support the future growth and success of TOP-TOY”, says Peter Gjørup, CEO of TOP-TOY.

“It has been important for us to find a partner, who shares our great ambitions for TOP-TOY. We have developed TOP-TOY as a family business for more than 50 years and it is important for us to keep developing and remain a key player in the toy industry for the next 50 years”, says Henrik Gjørup, chairman of the board of TOP-TOY.

“EQT has followed TOP-TOY for several years, and we are impressed by the quality of the organization, which has enabled the company to reach its strong market position in the Nordic region. We believe the company is well equipped for further growth and see significant opportunities in current markets, both online and in physical stores. We look forward to working with the management team and the Gjørup family in order to reach the full potential of TOP-TOY”, says Morten Hummelmose, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT VII.

The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities, and is expected to be closed in January 2016. The enterprise value is DKK 2,325 million.

The Gjørup-family has been advised by FIH Partners and Plesner. EQT VII has been advised by SEB Corporate Finance and Accura.

Contacts:
Morten Hummelmose, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT VII, +45 33 18 12 46
Kerstin Danasten, EQT Press Contact, +46 8 506 55 334
Liselotte Gjerdrum Carlsen, TOP-TOY Press Contact, +45 30 67 39 16

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 TOP-TOY
TOP-TOY is the leading retail company of toys and children’s products in the Nordic region, operating the two well-known retail chains BR and TOYS”R”US with more than 300 stores and 8 webshops. TOP-TOY operates the Nordic TOYS”R”US stores under a license agreement with TOYS”R”US Inc. TOP-TOY is built on strong values and a passion for play, a commitment to responsible business and a desire to meet and exceed customer expectations. Today, TOP-TOY employs approximately 4,000 employees.

For further information, please visit www.top-toy.com
       

EQT Services (UK) Limited, 15 Golden Square, W1F9JG London, UK. Phone +44 208 432 54 00
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 577156
EQT VII is part of the leading private equity group EQT (being existing EQT funds or any successor funds advised directly or indirectly by EQT Partners or its subsidiaries, collectively “EQT”).