Forte Capital acquires W&O Products

Transaction summary

NETHERLANDS, February 17, 2021 – Forte Capital Participaties (“FCP”) have reached an agreement on the acquisition of W&O Products B.V. (“W&O”), a leading provider of hobby, games and crafts products for children. The transaction has been successfully completed.

W&O is uniquely positioned to further grow its activities in a fast-growing European market for affordable Stationery, Hobby, Craft and Toys.

Together with W&O’s CEO and shareholder Marc van der Koelen we plan to accelerate growth and to develop the company into a distinctive market leader based on its own developed product offering and swift ‘product to market’ capabilities to respond to underlying trends and changing customer demand.

Marc van der Koelen, CEO W&O Products: “With Forte Capital on board we can further professionalize the organization, extend our product portfolio as well as consider inorganic growth opportunities in a highly fragmented market“.

The investment in W&O perfectly matches FCP criteria to invest alongside the management in young, fast-growing rising Dutch star companies, internationally active in attractive market segments with ample room to grow and perpetuating leading market positions.

John Huiberts, Managing Director Forte Capital: “We look forward working together with W&O’s management team and supporting them in the next growth phase of the company in a highly exciting niche market”.

Official press release Forte Capital

Emendo Capital acted as financial adviser to Forte Capital.

About W&O

W&O Products is an international trading company specialized in products (for children). Since 1992 W&O Products produces and imports a wide variety of products which are sold on to the European market. In addition to the well-known licenses, such as Disney and Nickelodeon, W&O Products also produces private label items for various large retail chain.

For additional information on W&O, visit www.wo-products.nl

About Forte Capital

Forte Capital Participaties, is an independent investment firm. Forte Capital focuses on medium sized companies in the manufacturing, technological, chemical and real estate market. Forte Capital offers these businesses the ability to accelerate growth and to realize untapped potential.

For additional information on Forte Capital, visit www.fortecapital.eu