Berlin, 2 September 2021 – Raue comprehensively advised the international e-commerce group Berlin Brands Group ("BBG") on the investment of private equity investor Bain Capital in BBG.
Private equity funds advised by Bain Capital acquire a minority stake in BBG and replace the previous investor Ardian. The founder and CEO of BBG, Peter Chaljawski, remains majority shareholder. The transaction is still subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities.
As a result of this acquisition, BBG becomes the latest European unicorn. As part of the transaction, the online retailer has secured $700 million of additional equity and debt financing for further growth and acquisitions.
Raue advised BBG as well as its founder Peter Chaljawski on all corporate, IP and employment law aspects of the transaction. Raue has a long-standing relationship with BBG and its founder. Already in 2015, the Raue team advised them on the investment by Ardian.
About Berlin Brands Group:
BBG was founded in 2005 by Peter Chaljawski. It is a global e-commerce company and one of the pioneers in the direct-to-consumer business. The Berlin-based Internet brand company currently sells over 3,700 products from various product areas, including home & living, garden, sports and consumer electronics, under 14 own brands on more than 100 channels in 28 countries. The company employs over 900 people in five countries and generated sales of more than €334 million in 2020 (2019: €217 million).
Advisor to Berlin Brands Group, Berlin:
Raue, Berlin: Prof. Dr. Andreas Nelle (Partner, Lead, Corporate/M&A, PE/VC), Dr. Jörg Jaecks (Partner, Corporate/M&A, PE/VC), Dr. Markus Plesser (Partner, IP/IT), Dr. Michael Bergmann (Partner, Antitrust), Dr. Friedemann Eberspächer (Partner, Corporate/M&A, PE/VC), Annette Feißel (Partner, Commercial Contracts), Tatiana Gushchina (Counsel, Corporate/M&A, PE/VC), Dr. Michael Gläsner (Counsel, Corporate/M&A, PE/VC), Dr. Jörg Adam (Counsel, Public Law), Xenia Knoll, Manuel Milde (both Senior Associate, Employment), Louise Fußy (Senior Associate, Corporate/M&A, PE/VC), Andreas Mondel (Senior Associate, Real Estate), Dr. Simon Biehl (Associate, Employment), Dr. Tim Engel (Associate, Corporate/M&A, PE/VC), Dr. Johannes Modest (Associate, Antitrust)