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Unigestion, the independent specialist asset manager, has closed its investment in Zeit für Brot („Zeit für Brot“ or “the Company“) in a transaction alongside the existing owners – Afinum and the founder, Dirk Steiger. Unigestion is dedicated to support the further growth of the Company while maintaining its highest quality and sustainability standards.
Zeit für Brot is an organic premium bakery concept with numerous locations in major cities across Germany. The Company brings the bakery craft back into cities such as Berlin and Frankfurt, offering customers an authentic experience. Since 2009, it has developed a unique concept based on organic products, locally sourced ingredients, on-site open bakeries (“Backstuben”), craftsmanship and sustainability in combination with a modern appeal. The combination of these factors has led to ongoing high demand, strong customer satisfaction-ratings and loyalty.
Besides revenues from in-store consumption and takeaways, Zeit für Brot is also delivering its products to selected organic food retail chains, as well as to customers in the dynamic quick-commerce space. The Company has a strong track-record of superior growth and profitability, driven by existing locations as well as new openings.
Given Zeit für Brot’s growth prospects, Afinum and Dirk Steiger have chosen Unigestion as a strong financial and strategic partner. The joint strategy is to further roll-out Zeit für Brot’s unique concept by opening new locations in Germany and beyond. In addition, the Company sees tangible growth potential in its B2B business and screens selective acquisition opportunities. Unigestion will hold a significant minority stake and will join the Board of Directors, having co-controlling governance together with Afinum. Afinum is co-investing via its new fund “Afinum 9”.
Dirk Steiger, co-founder and co-owner of Zeit für Brot, said: ” Our aim and vision is to build, roll-out and internationalise our concept further, enabling more people to access our products and experience. We are extremely happy to gain a strong, international partner with Unigestion.
Philipp Scheier, Partner at Unigestion, said: “Zeit für Brot is a unique environmentally responsible and fully organic bakery concept and brand We are proud to participate in and support the Company’s further successful development.”
Afinum comments: “Since our initial investment back in 2018, we have seen the Zeit für Brot team grow and develop with so many talented and passionate individuals coming on board. We are proud of the team and the organisation that we helped building together with Dirk and look all forward to partnering with Unigestion to continue our growth path.”
The investment in Zeit für Brot underpins Unigestion’s active direct investment strategy in the German-speaking area, coming only months after Unigestion led the buyout of Home Instead in Switzerland. As for all Unigestion investments, ESG considerations were systematically integrated within the investment process, ensuring that the investment creates long-term, sustainable value for our clients, stakeholders and for society.
For further information please email us at: corporatecommunicationteam@unigestion.com
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