Brussels, 21 June 2024 – The Belgian investment company Akiles, which specializes in growth capital and owner buy-outs for SME’s, announced today its investment in Emmers Equestrian.

Chris Emmers and Dirk Schreurs founded specialty retailer Emmers Equestrian in 2002 and built out the brand with a leading reputation, attracting customers from all over the world.

In parallel with the world renowned and growing equestrian scene in Flanders, Emmers Equestrian invested in an unrivalled high-end range of equestrian fashion, equipment, bespoke services in saddle fitting and personalization for a demanding customer base of passionate equestrian enthusiasts and professionals.

During the pandemic, the founders’ daughter Lisa Schreurs initiated and scaled an important e-commerce channel to leverage the global reputation, leading the group to a surpass revenues of €15 million.

Whilst transitioning the shareholding to the next generation, the family has attracted Akiles as a financial minority investor, allowing further support for the retail and e-commerce activities. The entry of the evergreen private equity fund facilitated manager Sophie Kessels to invest along with majority owner Lisa Schreurs. The financial and structural backing will help execute the retail and e-commerce strategy internationally, through organic growth or partnerships within the sector and by attracting talent with long term incentives along with the founding family.

« Emmers Equestrian is a well-known brand in the Belgian landscape for more than a decade thanks to the entrepreneurship of the family Emmers – Schreurs. Chris, Dirk & Lisa have demonstrated such an expertise in this industry that we are thrilled to be part of this success story. Emmers Equestrian has a strong organic growth potential, and we are welcomingexternal opportunities to grow even faster. » states Christophe Rousseaux, Founder and Managing Partner of Akiles.

« We were particularly attracted to Akiles thanks to its entrepreneurial focus and long-term evergreen investment strategy. The focus of a minority financial investor with vast experience in growing organizations and e-commerce, will bring our family business to a next level while protecting our brand identity and family values. » complete Chris Emmers and Dirk Schreurs, founders of Emmers Equestrian.

The advisors involved in the transaction were EY and Moore as financial advisors of the family, FOUR & FIVE and Simont Braun law firms, BDO for financial due diligence and Braintower for commercial due diligence.