EMK Capital invests in the EyeCare Group

EMK Capital has acquired an interest in the newly formed EyeCare Group, a high-end optical chain with approximately 100 stores in the Netherlands.

The Group consists of a merger of eight independent family businesses, being Bril In Mode, Briljant Group, City Lens group, EyeCare, Iris Optiek, Saton Optiek, Van der Leeuw Optiek and Verhoeven Group. The individual companies within the Group will work together with the aim of further professionalising their companies and enabling them to grow more. The Group has the ambition to become the market leader in the higher segment of the Dutch optics and hearing industry. In addition to the synergy benefits to be achieved, the acquisition ensures that the EyeCare Group can make a professionalisation in the field of digitisation and innovation.

Rob van der Leeuw, previous owner of Van der Leeuw Optics and Non-Executive Director of EyeCare Group explains:
“I am very excited about the future collaboration between the joint optics companies, the management and EMK Capital. EyeCare Groep is the first major player in the higher segment of optical companies with national coverage. In addition, the Group has the financial resources to grow into a data-driven organisation with a fully integrated omnichannel strategy. Ultimately, we aim to provide our employees with opportunities to increase their professional knowledge, let our customers experience premium eye care and provide them with personalised and innovative products. In addition to organic growth, we also see plenty of opportunities to further expand the number of stores through acquisitions.”

Lindenaar & Co advised the shareholders of the eight companies throughout the acquisition process. The activities included drafting the information memorandum, structuring the transaction, assistance with the (vendor) due diligence investigation and the final negotiations with regard to the purchase and sale agreement.