Nature of Business

Since its establishment in 1993, Benelux-based Action has grown into the leading non-food discount retailer in the region with more than 280 stores and over 8,000 employees. The business generates revenues of over €700m p.a.

Action’s business model is differentiated from the model of more traditional retailers because only 35% of its total product range is fixed. Action aims to surprise its customers with a constantly refreshed product range at amazingly low prices. The business model is summed up in the slogan: "Surprisingly comprehensive, amazingly affordable." Large-scale procurement, optimal distribution and a cost-conscious corporate culture ensure very low prices.

Core product assortment includes household goods and office supplies, cosmetics, personal care, snacks and food, toys, textiles, glass, porcelain and pottery, seasonal, decorative and DIY.

Investment Overview

Building on its past success, Action aims to accelerate its growth in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and potentially other countries, such as France. This will require management expansion and significant investments. Our extensive European retail knowledge will prove of great value in enabling Action to realise its ambitions more quickly.

Through our Business Leaders Network, the Action Management Board has been strengthened with the appointment of Ronald van der Mark. Van der Mark, previously a member of the Management Board of Maxeda, brings extensive financial and operational retail experience to the business.

In addition Marc van Gelder, CEO of Mediq, a Dutch publicly quoted pharmacy business, and Jos Simons, former CEO of BIM, Turkey’s largest and fastest growing discount retailer, have assumed roles as Non Executive Directors.

Our investment in Action was recognised as the Deal of the Year at the annual Dutch M&A Awards in December 2011.

_{Regulatory notice: This transaction involved a recommendation of 3i Investments plc, advised by 3i Amsterdam}