Frankfurt. 3i, an international investor focused on Private Equity, Infrastructure and Debt Management, and funds managed by 3i are to take over Amor Group (Amor), the leading, vertically integrated supplier of affordable jewellery from Pamplona Capital Management (Pamplona).

 Both parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The conclusion of the transaction is subject to antitrust approval and is expected in the coming months.

Headquartered in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt/Main, Amor was founded in 1978 and acquired by Pamplona in 2006. Today Amor operates in 14 countries and is the German market leader for jewellery in the medium-price segment (€20 to €100). Via diverse distribution channels the company sells over eight million pieces of jewellery annually at over 1,400 points of sale. In addition to its own brand “Amor”, the company also markets its jewellery under private labels and partners with leading retailers such as department stores, jewellery retailers or shopping malls. Through an innovative and over the 30-year company history continuously optimised IT and logistics system, Amor is able to offer its retail partners a financially attractive value proposition combined with a full service for the point of sale.

Together with 3i, Amor will continue its global expansion strategy and strengthen its position in important international markets. 3i will also support the management in further strengthening the Amor brand.

The company has already set strong growth impulses in the last 3 years. Gaining new sales channels, developing a refreshed marketing strategy and establishing the model internationally were successful initiatives of a new management team. “Now it is time for accelerated growth! This concept fits perfectly into the current retail environment worldwide”, said the CEO of the company Marcus Hoffmann.

“Amor is a leading retailer in the precious jewellery industry and has experienced continuous growth over the years. We are delighted about this investment and are convinced of the great potential the company has for further growth. With our global network and our expertise in internationalizing companies we will partner with the experienced management team in driving the successful growth of Amor further,” said Peter Wirtz, Partner and Managing Director of 3i Deutschland.

“In the past few years we have together with Amor transformed a family-owned business into an important international company. We are delighted that together with 3i Amor will in the future continue to pursue the growth course adopted” said Markus Noé-Nordberg, Partner at Pamplona Capital Management.

“We are very much looking forward to the partnership with 3i. Our strong business model, our many years of experience in the jewellery sector and our international structure provide the optimum basis for further expanding our leading position in our market segment in the future. 3i will actively support us in the next stage of growth”, said Marcus Hoffmann, CEO of Amor.

For further information please contact:

3i contact – Germany, Austria, Switzerland:
Simon Steiner
Tel.:  + 49 69 921874 65 
E-mail: ssteiner@heringschuppener.com

3i contact – Great Britain:
Isabel Unsworth
Tel.:  +44 207 975 3190
E-mail: isabel.unsworth@3i.com

Pamplona
Peter Hewer
Tulchan Communications
Tel:  +44 20 7353 4200
E-mail: PHewer@tulchangroup.com

About Pamplona
Pamplona Capital Management is a London-based equity investor that provides a long-term private equity investment platform to its clients. Pamplona is currently investing out of its second private equity fund, which has total commitments of €1.3 billion.

About 3i
3i is an international investor focused on Private Equity, Infrastructure and Debt Management, investing in Europe, Asia and North America. Our competitive advantage comes from our international network and the strength and breadth of our business relationships. These underpin the value that we deliver to our portfolio, shareholders and fund investors. More information is available at: http://www.3i.com.

About Amor
The Amor Group is one of the most successful, vertically integrated suppliers of affordable jewellery in Europe. The company was founded in1978 and is headquartered in Obertshausen near Frankfurt/Main. The company sells over eight million pieces of jewellery annually at more than 1,400 point of sales in 14 countries. Amor’s product portfolio includes rings, earrings, chains, bracelets and charms. Amor sells its products via a diverse combination of sales channels.