Axcel invests in GUBI A/S

Axcel has entered into an agreement to invest in the successful Danish design company GUBI, which designs and sells furniture, lamps and other interior design products worldwide. Plesner has assisted Axcel with all legal aspects of the investment in GUBI.

GUBI designs furniture, lamps and interior products sold to consumers through leading retailers worldwide and its own webshop, as well as to offices, hotels and restaurants through the professional market. The business was founded in 1967 by current owner Jacob “Gubi” Olsen’s parents, Lisbeth and Gubi Olsen and has a strong portfolio of products that includes timeless and iconic designs such as the "Beetle" chair and the "Bestlite" lamp.

Axcel's investment is backed by co-investor Chr. Augustinus Fabrikker (The Augustinus Foundation) and with current owner, Jacob "Gubi" Olsen, as continuing shareholder and CEO. Plesner has assisted Axcel with all legal aspects of the investment in GUBI, including financing and handling of the co-investment.

GUBI is Axcel fund V’s fifth investment, and the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of June 2018.

About Axcel
Founded in 1994, Axcel is a Nordic private equity firm focusing on mid-market companies and has a broad base of both Nordic and international investors. Axcel has raised five funds with total committed capital of just over EUR 2.0 billion. These funds have made 51 platform investments, with almost 100 major add-on investments and 39 exits. Axcel currently owns 12 companies with combined annual revenue of around EUR 1.4 billion and some 6,300 employees.

About GUBI
Founded in 1967, GUBI is a leading Danish design brand focusing on furniture, lighting and interior products. GUBI designs, develops and markets products for both consumers and professionals, and the range includes a number of prize-winning designs such as the Beetle chair, the GUBI chair and the Bestlite lamp. Products are sold by leading online and offline retailers and to professional customers worldwide. In 2016/17, the company generated operating profit of DKK 88 million, and around three-quarters of revenue was generated outside Denmark. Its head office is in Nordhavn, Copenhagen.

Latest news on M&A

Mergers and Acquisitions