Mister Spex
Country: Germany
Region: Berlin
Investors: Scottish Equity Partners (SEP)
From initial investment in 2013 Scottish Equity Partners (SEP) has supported Mister Spex in its transformation from a German eyewear retailer into Europe’s leading online optician. The company's largest investor, SEP has funded organic growth as well as acquisitions.
From its base in Berlin, Mister Spex has captured a significant share of the online eyewear market, increasing its customers fourfold and expanding operations into Sweden, Norway, Austria, Switzerland and Netherlands. It has partnerships with over 550 local high street opticians across Europe, regional websites, strong and efficient logistics and a product offering of 7,000 premium glasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear from 60+ well-known designers as well as established brands of contact lenses.
Dirk Graber
CEO - Mister Spex
We are replicating our successful model that we started in Germany across Europe, helped by SEP’s experience of building global high growth online businesses, and their long term and supportive approach to investment.
>2x
increase in turnover in 1 year to €65m
2m
customers, from 500,000 in 2013
What did the business need?
Investment in IT and to develop regional websites to support European expansion
Funding to acquire Nordic businesses
Investment for organic growth, including the opening of its first store in Berlin in 2016
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Enabled Mister Spex’s growth from German leader to Europe’s largest online eyewear retailer
Helped build the senior management team and board to position the company for growth
Provided funding for acquisitions to support the company’s rapid growth plans
Actively participated on the company’s board, contributing to its strategic development
Helped create a strong corporate structure and focus on financial performance
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
Supported M&A, including acquisitions of Lensit in 2015 and Lensstore and Loveyewear in 2013
Expanded customer base from 500,000 to over 2 million customers
Broadened product offering from 5,000 to 7,000 premium glasses, sports eyewear and contact lenses
Increased turnover from €26m in 2013 to €65m in 2014
Helped raise additional €32m of investment in 2014, including new investment from Goldman Sachs
Doubled the workforce from 170 in 2013 to 350 staff in 2016
Investors
