Success stories

Bever Zwerfsport: mountain high retailing

" Supported by Gimv, Bever has penetrated the Dutch market and bolstered profitability by optimizing its supply chain."

When he opened Bever Zwerfsport’s first store in The Hague in 1976, Fred van Olphen could not have anticipated that in less than 20 years, Bever would become the Dutch leader in outdoor retailing with over 25 stores in the Netherlands. A keen outdoorsman, Mr Van Olphen aimed for the high-end of a growing market by offering a comprehensive range of premium brands and knowledgeable service.

The management buy-in by Gimv (80%) and management (20%) in 2004 secured succession of management and ownership. Since then, Bever has penetrated the Dutch market with additional stores and bolstered profitability by optimizing its supply chain. Gimv exited this investment in 2007 through a trade sale to AS Adventure, the market leader in outdoor retailing in Belgium.
 

• Go to 'Bever Zwerfsport' in portfolio.