3i partners with Soya Concept

3i, a world-leading private equity firm, announces that it has acquired a 45% stake in Soya Concept, a fast-growing women’s clothing company based in Denmark.

 The transaction facilitates a smooth generational transition following the retirement of Viggo Jensen from the business.

Soya Concept, founded in 2002 by Thomas Viller, Torben Brodersen and Viggo Jensen, sells fashionable, value-priced women’s clothing to more than 1,000 independent clothing retailers across Scandinavia, Benelux and Germany. Targeting fashion-conscious women between the ages of 25 and 40, the Sønderborg-based business produces nine clothing collections a year.

Soya Concept Managing Director Torben Brodersen commented on the deal: “It was very important for us to be able to accomplish a smooth generational shift while keeping a majority stake in the business, which is one of the reasons why 3i, as a leader in growth capital, is the perfect fit for us. Following years of strong growth, we now need to develop our business model further and accelerate our international expansion. 3i has tremendous experience in our sector and has helped to create numerous success stories, such as Gant. Thus, we really look forward to having 3i as a partner.”

3i Director Morten Windfeldt added: “Soya Concept is an exciting and very well-run company with a strong management team, and we look forward to accompanying the business in its next stage of development. With our sector expertise and international network, we will help Soya Concept to achieve its ambitious growth strategy.”

3i has a successful track record in the consumer sector. Its current investments include AP Bags, Agent Provocateur and Hobbs.