CapMan acquires 76% in Solera AS.

CapMan, a Helsinki, Finland-based private equity company, announced that it has agreed to acquire a majority holding in Solera AS.

Headquartered in Oslo and led by CEO Stefan H. Norberg, Solera is one of the leading alcoholic beverage importers and distributors in the Nordic region.

The acquisition, made through CapMan Buyout IX, will lead an ownership of approx. 76% of ordinary shares of the company, while the remaining 24% of ordinary shares will be held by co investors and the management.

CapMan will support Solera in increasing its market positions especially in Sweden and Finland.

Solera acts as an importer and distributor of primarily wine to the three Nordic alcoholic retail monopolies. In addition, the company is active in import and distribution of beer, cider, mineral water and soft drinks through its subsidiary Multibev AS. Solera has grown 20% annually over the past four years and is one of the leading wine importers and distributors in the Nordic region.

In 2010, Solera had a net turnover of approx. €130 million and employs 110 people in Norway, Sweden and Finland. The Nordic wine market is expected to develop favourably during the following years and Solera is well positioned to capitalise on this growth.