Leading distributor ELFA sold for 130 MEUR

Headquartered in Stockholm (Sweden), ELFA was founded in 1945 by Nils Jensen and has since been owned and managed by his family for more than sixty years. ELFA markets, sells and distributes electronic components and other technical products to business customers in northern Europe. With over 51,000 customers, 130,000 catalogues distributed annually and 430 employees, ELFA is a leading distributor in the Nordic countries, Poland, the Baltic countries and Russia. ELFA is recognized for its exceptional service level, guaranteeing delivery of products within 24 hours to its customers. In 2005 the company achieved sales of €88 million (MSEK 815) most of which was derived from the maintenance, repair and overhaul segments. Other important end-user segments include production, R&D and education. ELFA also has a consumer offering through its e-commerce platform www.sovida.com. The Jensen family will remain as minority shareholders in ELFA. Ingvar Jensen, chairman of the board of ELFA Holding, said “The world and our market are changing rapidly with escalating international competition. In order to secure continued strong growth we have sought after a new owner with the resources and competence required to grow and develop the company. We are convinced that Industri Kapital is very well equipped to take ELFA forward.” Samir Kamal, Partner at Industri Kapital, said “We are thrilled over the investment in ELFA. ELFA's management has built a solid platform based on a state-of-the-art logistics hub in Veddesta, Stockholm, excellent product management and acquisitions in other Nordic countries. We believe there are great opportunities to develop the company further by strengthening ELFA's market position both organically and through selective acquisitions. The transaction is subject to customary merger control approvals.