Transaction summary

NETHERLANDS, April 16, 2021 – Forte Capital, together with W&O Products, acquires The Cookie Company Group as part of the strategy to become the One Stop Experience for mass- and value retail with the entertainment fast moving products.

Forte Capital teamed up with “W&O” CEO and co-shareholder Marc van der Koelen, and acquired 100% of the shares of The Cookie Company Group (“TCC”), leader in entertainment brands and concepts within the home and fashion industry within Europe and a frontrunner in sustainability within their segment.

This acquisition is the first add-on, following the recent acquisition of W&O and part of the strategy becoming THE branded concepts specialist for value and fast moving retailers within Europe.

Since 25 years, TCC is specialized in developing (sustainable) tailormade apparel, accessories, home textiles, plush toys, footwear collections and branded concepts for large European fast moving retailers. Over 60 clever and ambitious people at TTC’s head office located in Den Bosch (The Netherlands), work hard every day to live and sell the magic of its global entertainment brands portfolio. From TCC’s China and India offices local representatives are highly trained making sure production, fit, quality and labour- and environmental conditions meet both legal requirements and customers standards

This add-on represents a good strategic step for W&O to develop a unique complementary non-food experience for major European value retailers offering a fully co-ordinated product range in line with the latest market trends, with a focus on achieving sustainable goals. Private label, Global entertainment brands, in house developed IP, W&O and TCC together will be able to deliver.

“It will strengthen our position towards the large customers, broadens our product offering and brings significant synergies in areas such as cross-sell, supply chain, branding, logistics, etc.”, says Marc van der Koelen, W&O’s CEO.

For TCC we will continue to build on the strategy successfully implemented 25 years ago by Sabine Hulsman, Founder of TCC. We are proud to announce that Sabine will continue to support us on our journey to expand and to grow TCC to the next level. Managing partner Ron van Den Dungen, has recently succeeded Sabine as CEO and will remain in his key position and further guide TCC together with W&O becoming the standard within the global industry.

Forte Capital as majority shareholder will continue to allocate the necessary resources to grow the activities both in an organic way as via an active buy and build strategy.

Official press release Forte Capital

Emendo Capital acted as financial adviser to Forte Capital.

About TCC

TCC develops and supplies branded footwear, hosiery, home textiles and plush, apparel and accessories based upon uniquely created concepts and sells these into the European market. TTC’s head office housing all design & development, commercial and back-office activities is located in Den Bosch, The Netherlands. In addition, all activities related to quality control, production and supply chain are coordinated locally from TCC’s Chinese subsidiary.

For additional information on TCC, visit www.cookiecompanygroup.com

About W&O

W&O Products is an international trading company specialized in products (for children). Since 1992 W&O Products produces and imports a wide variety of products which are sold on to the European market. In addition to the well-known licenses, such as Disney and Nickelodeon, W&O Products also produces private label items for various large retail chain.

For additional information on W&O, visit www.wo-products.nl

About Forte Capital

Forte Capital Participaties, is an independent investment firm. Forte Capital focuses on medium sized companies in the manufacturing, technological, chemical and real estate market. Forte Capital offers these businesses the ability to accelerate growth and to realize untapped potential.

For additional information on Forte Capital, visit www.fortecapital.eu