German perfumery chain Douglas is planning a return to the stock market this year, after its acquisition by US buyout firm Advent International Corp in 2012.
According to a statement released by the retailer, existing shares held by Advent and up to €70m in new stock will be sold, together representing a third of the total shares valued at up to €1bn. The Kreke family are expected to retain a stake in the business, although the exact percentage is yet to be disclosed.
“Since our de-listing, we’ve successfully transformed from a diversified retailing group operating mainly in Germany into an international chain focused on perfumes,” said Henning Kreke, Chief Executive Officer. “Douglas is poised to profit from further growth in the high-end beauty market.”
Douglas reported sales in the first half of its 2014/15 fiscal year reached €1.5bn. Since the buyout, the company has become Europe’s biggest high-end beauty retailer, thanks in part to the acquisition of French perfumery chain Nocibé. The company aims to expand its international business in growth markets as well as develop new products and strengthen its sales through multiple channels.