Arena
Country: Italy
Region: Marche
Investors: The Riverside Company
When The Riverside Company ("Riverside") invested in athletic and recreational swimwear brand Arena in October 2010, it planned to make the company a global leader. Building on Arena’s reputation for product innovation, Riverside supported the development of new products and helped position the brand at the premium end of the market.
With Riverside’s assistance, over the next four years, Arena expanded into ten new countries, including the highly attractive US market, and substantially increased sales by developing an online platform. With Arena well positioned for further international expansion, Riverside sold the business in 2014 to Swiss private equity investor Capvis.
Cristiano Portas
CEO - Arena Group
Riverside was an ideal partner. They supported our growth and left us poised for more success in the future.
10
new markets entered in four years
>7%
increase in sales 2010-2014
What did the business need?
Growth capital to cement the company’s position as global leader
Help with building new sales channels
Support for globalising the business
Networks to establish US operations
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Created a roadmap for global growth
Built operations in the US that won Arena a new partnership with the US Swimming Federation
Expanded into nine additional new countries, including Canada and India
Enhanced the brand to address the premium end of the market
Improved Arena’s sourcing in the Far East
Developed an e-commerce platform to enhance Arena’s brand and drive online sales
Supported and increased product innovation
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
Increased sales by 7.7% between 2010 and 2014
Increased earnings by 12% between 2010 and 2014
Created a global premium swimwear brand
Enhanced Arena’s leadership in R&D, helping the company to outfit successful swimmers at the Olympics, World Championships and other elite events
Investors
