European Capital invests in fabric supplier Eau Ecarlate
03 Dec '05
3 min read
European Capital S.A. SICAR announced it has invested euro 35 million in leading supplier of branded fabric care products Eau Ecarlate in French retail market.
European Capital's investment takes the form of mezzanine bonds and equity and supports Axa Private Equity's buyout of Eau Ecarlate. Eau Ecarlate management is investing in the equity.
"They are delighted to announce their Paris office's first mezzanine investment, quickly following its first buyout investment," said Ira Wagner, President of European Capital Financial Services Limited ("European Capital Services"), the investment sub-manager of European Capital.
"Eau Ecarlate is a 150 year old brand with strong recognition and a loyal customer base, and they are pleased to be supporting Axa's buyout."
European Capital has invested approximately euro 148 million in seven companies since its formation in August of this year.
"Eau Ecarlate is the clear category leader in the linen care products and eye glass cleaner markets in France, in addition to having established a strong track record of acquiring and relaunching brands," said European Capital Services Managing Director Jean Eichenlaub.
"The Company has experienced strong organic growth coupled with gains from product innovation as well as brand acquisitions, and is a solid investment."
"European Capital is supporting Eau Ecarlate's strong, experienced and well recognized management team," said European Capital Services Vice President Stephane Legrand.