Plantagen Completes Reconstruction with Legal Approval in Norway and Sweden

Deal News | Feb 18, 2025 | Ratos

Plantagen, operating under Swedish private equity firm Ratos, has successfully completed its reconstruction process approved by courts in Norway and Sweden. Initiated on 22 August 2024, the reconstruction sought to ensure long-term sustainable operations and financial stability by lowering costs, debts, and capital requirements. Key measures included the closure of underperforming stores, significant downsizing of employees, and extensive cost-saving initiatives, resulting in a substantial annual cost reduction estimated at SEK 400 million. The reconstruction facilitates Plantagen's focus on meeting customer demands and maintaining its market-leading position in Norway and Sweden, while addressing financial challenges posed by high inflationary pressures. Overall, the measures are anticipated to cultivate a more financially stable company poised for future successes.

Sectors

  • Retail
  • Private Equity

Geography

  • Norway – The restructuring plan was approved by Norwegian courts and involved store closures within the country.
  • Sweden – Swedish courts approved the restructuring, with Plantagen also reducing operations within Sweden.
  • Finland – All of Plantagen's stores in Finland were closed as part of the restructuring efforts.

Industry

  • Retail – Plantagen operates in the retail sector, involving a network of physical stores across Nordic countries.
  • Private Equity – Ratos, a Swedish business group, specializes in private equity, investing and supporting companies like Plantagen through strategic restructuring.

Financials

  • SEK 400m – Estimated annual cost savings resulting from the reconstruction and cost-saving programs.
  • SEK 500m – Reduction in turnover due to cost-saving measures, including store closures.
  • SEK 1,500m – Reduction in liabilities for future leasing commitments due to shorter lease terms and store closures.
  • SEK 260m – Total payment of the composition dividend.
  • SEK 220m – Write-down of external debts and realization of composition gains, reported as extraordinary income.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
RatosParent CompanyCompanyA Swedish business group specializing in technological and infrastructure solutions, owning Plantagen.
PlantagenTarget CompanyCompanyA leading garden center chain in Nordic countries, focusing on achieving sustainable and profitable operations.
Jonas WistrmCEOPeoplePresident and CEO of Ratos, overseeing the successful implementation of Plantagen's restructuring.
Josefine UpplingVP CommunicationPeopleVice President of Communication at Ratos, serving as a point of contact for further information.