Houlihan Lokey Advises Bruynzeel Storage Systems

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that it has advised Altor Funds on the sale of Bruynzeel Storage Systems (Bruynzeel), the European market leader in mobile storage systems, to Gilde Equity Management (GEM), a Dutch independent private equity firm. The acquisition of GEM allows Bruynzeel to execute its growth strategy in various international markets. The transaction closed 16 September 2021.

Bruynzeel is the market leader in the European market for intelligent and space saving storage systems in the archive, library, and museum segments and is also growing rapidly in storage solutions in pharma, horticulture, industry, retail, urban farming, and hospitals. Each Bruynzeel storage solution is designed and based on the client’s specific needs. Bruynzeel Storage Systems was founded in 1953 as part of the Bruynzeel group that grew into bathrooms, doors, cabinets, kitchens, floors, and pencils. Bruynzeel Storage Systems has been privatised since the 1980s. With its “best-in-class” production process, it is able to realise storage systems with high-quality design and quality within the fastest production and delivery times.

In addition to its own offices in Europe and the United States, the company operates through an extensive network of distributors in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, North America, Australia, and Asia. All systems are produced in the factory in Panningen, the Netherlands. The company has more than 200 employees and often collaborates with architects and designers to design custom-made mobile and fixed storage systems for each application.

Since inception, the family of Altor Funds has raised some €8.3 billion in total commitments. The funds have invested in excess of €5 billion in more than 75 companies. The investments have been made in medium-sized, predominantly Nordic companies with the aim to create value through growth initiatives and operational improvements.

GEM is an independent private equity firm with €1.5 billion in committed capital. With roots dating back to 1982, GEM is a leading investor in medium-sized companies across various sectors and has helped many of them to realise international growth.

Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor to the sellers. This transaction highlights Houlihan Lokey’s deeply rooted local presence as well as strong relations with Scandinavian investors from the Benelux office.