Lékué
Country: Spain
Region: Catalunya
Investors: Espiga Capital
In 2005, Espiga Capital acquired a majority stake in Lékué, a Spanish kitchen products manufacturer, alongside the company’s CEO. Despite the recent economic turmoil in the country, Espiga has shepherded the company through a period of stellar growth.
Since Espiga’s investment, Lékué has developed strongly on the international stage, transformed its product positioning, reshaped its supply chain and invested heavily in R&D and marketing. If only more private businesses could show such inspiring expansion in today’s depressed environment.
Xavier Costa
CEO - Lékué
Espiga has supported us and worked hard to transform the company into a world leader. Without its perspective, candour and patience, our success would have not been possible.
23%
CAGR in revenues over 5 years
100
products launched in 5 years
What did the business need?
International expansion
Investment in R&D and marketing functions
Development of supply chain
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Creation of R&D department, allocating high-profile resources and allowing design process industrialisation.
Brand building process focused on positioning Lekue as a premium brand
Increased spending on marketing, advertising, media campaigns and packaging
Substitution of low-margin supermarket customers with specialised stores
Launch of an e-commerce platform
Development of the international commercial growth of sales force in France.
Partnership with the Japanese distributor, establishment of Shanghai manufacturing facility and agreements with local distributors in Germany and other European markets
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
Launched more than 100 new products in the last 5 years
Sales have seen 23% CAGR in the last five years, reaching 28m euro in 2010
Exports now account for 80% of turnover, with Japan making up around a third – up from zero five years ago
Investors
