Paritee Acquires Majority Stake in LHLK Group as Part of Expanding Strategy

Deal News | Nov 07, 2024 | Explore Equity AS

Paritee Acquires Majority Stake in LHLK Group as Part of Expanding Strategy

Paritee, a holding company focused on creating a collaborative network of world-class agencies, has acquired a significant majority stake in LHLK Group, a leading communications agency in Germany. This acquisition aligns with Paritee's strategy to establish National Champion agencies in key markets and fortifies its presence in Continental Europe. The deal is expected to enhance Paritee's capacity by boosting its net sales to over 60 million euros and increasing its workforce to more than 400 employees across ten locations. The acquisition was backed by Explore Equity, a partnership equity growth fund that specializes in investing in Nordic companies with strong growth potential. Founded in 2021 by seasoned industry leaders, Paritee aims to revolutionize agency networks by retaining the entrepreneurial spirit of its acquisitions while ensuring collaborative partnerships. The purchase of LHLK Group is the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions, following previous successful acquisitions including Geelmuyden Kiese and Brands2Life, signaling Paritee's robust commitment toward expanding its footprint in Europe.

Sectors

  • Communications
  • Private Equity

Geography

  • Germany – The acquisition involves LHLK Group, a communications agency based in Germany.
  • Nordic Countries – Explore Equity, backing the acquisition, operates out of Nordic countries with offices in Oslo and Stockholm.

Industry

  • Communications – The acquisition involves Paritee, a holding company for communications agencies, acquiring LHLK Group, a German communications agency.
  • Private Equity – Explore Equity, a partnership equity growth fund, supports the acquisition, signifying involvement in the Private Equity industry.

Financials

  • 11 million – Combined net sales of LHLK Group in FY 2023.
  • 60 million – The annual net sales generated by Paritee's combined platform after acquisition.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
PariteeAcquiring CompanyCompanyA holding company focused on creating a collaborative network of world-class communications agencies.
LHLK GroupTarget CompanyCompanyA leading communications agency in Germany, comprising the agencies LHLK and PRpetuum.
Explore EquityPrivate Equity FirmCompanyA partnership equity growth fund investing in Nordic companies with solid growth characteristics.
Lars Erik GrnntunChairman of PariteePersonFounder of Paritee and former Global President H+K Strategies.
Jonas PalmqvistCEO of PariteePersonFormer COO Weber Shandwick EMEA.