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Symphony International Holdings Limited ("Symphony")
5 May 2016
Acquisition of the Christian Liaigre Group
Symphony International Holdings Limited (LSE: SIHL), a leading investor in consumer-related businesses, primarily in the healthcare, hospitality, lifestyle, and real estate sectors is pleased to announce today that it, together along with a co-investor, has entered into an agreement with Bridgepoint Development Capital ("BDC"), a leading European private equity fund, to acquire Financière CL SAS, the holding company of the Christian Liaigre Group ("CLG").
Since Christian Liaigre opened his design studio in 1985 in Paris, the Liaigre brand has become synonymous with discreet luxury, and has become one of the most sought-after luxury furniture brands, renowned for its elegant, minimalistic and discreetly luxurious design style. CLG has a strong intellectual property portfolio and provides a range of bespoke furniture, lighting, fabric & leather, and accessories. In addition to operating a network of 26 showrooms in 11 countries across Europe, the US and Asia, CLG undertakes exclusive interior architecture projects for select yachts, hotels, and restaurants and private residences.
The opportunity to acquire CLG from BDC was brought to Symphony by its business partner, Chanintr Sirisant, Chairman of Chanintr Living Limited ("CLL"). CLL is a Symphony portfolio company, focused on luxury and affluent brands and is headquartered in Thailand. It is the joint venture partner for CLG in Singapore and the exclusive distributer for Liaigre in Thailand.
Anil Thadani, Chairman of Symphony Asia Holdings Private Limited and a Director of Symphony, said:
"We are very excited with this opportunity to acquire one of the worlds leading consumer brands. It fits perfectly with our strategy to invest in businesses that are poised to cater to the demographic of rising affluence in Asia and indeed around the world. Symphony, looks forward to working with CLG and supporting Christophe Caillaud, President of CLG, and his team in building the brand with the Liaigre design DNA. We see significant opportunity to grow the brand and existing business, as well as expand into new complementary business areas"
For further information:
Anil Thadani +65 6536 6177
Symphony Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd.
About Symphony
Symphony is a London listed strategic investment company that invests in consumer businesses in the healthcare, hospitality and lifestyle ("HH&L") sectors (including branded real estate developments), which are principally in Asia. It offers a way for investors to gain exposure to the rising disposable incomes and wealth in fast growing economies. Symphony's objective is to provide superior capital growth by investing in high quality companies and forming long-term business partnerships with talented entrepreneurs. Symphony is managed by Symphony Asia Holdings Private Limited, which has a team of investment professionals with a broad range of expertise - many of them have been working in Asia for more than 25 years. For more information, please visit our website at www.symphonyasia.com
No representation or warranty is made by the Company as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this announcement and no liability will be accepted for any loss arising from its use.
This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction. All investments are subject to risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decisions.
This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The Company's securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States.
The Company and the Investment Manager are not associated or affiliated with any other fund managers whose names include "Symphony", including, without limitation, Symphony Financial Partners Co., Ltd.
End of Announcement