- Date:
Februari 2024 - Client:
Henra Aanhangwagens B.V. - Sector:
Automotive trailer industry - Service:
Sell-side advisory
Vaalon Capital participation Unitrailer Holding acquires Henra Aanhangwagens
On February 8 2024, Unitrailer Holding, Poland’s largest maker of commercial trailers, acquires leading Dutch producer Henra Aanhangwagens as the Vaalon Capital backed company seeks to grab at least 10% of a market worth up to 5 billion euros.
Unitrailer, the leading Polish producer of trailers with gross weight of up to 3.5 tonnes, acquired 100 percent of the Dutch company in its first transaction outside its home country, and is already in talks to acquire other European players. The company, which aims to become Europe’s biggest producer and triple its revenue in the next two years, makes trailers to haul cars, boats, motorsport equipment and general cargo, selling mainly to individuals and small businesses. Acquired last year by European Trailer Holding which is backed by private equity investor, Vaalon Capital, it has a presence throughout the European Union and in several other continents.
“We’re accelerating our growth with the support of our new investor, and we have very ambitious plans for the future,” said Unitrailer Founder and CEO Arkadiusz Marzec. “Henra is known for its outstanding quality and high-end trailers, providing the perfect complement to our product range, and we intend to develop the company and its brand across Europe and around the world. This transaction is the ideal start to our ambitious plan to consolidate the market, becoming Europe’s top producer through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth.”
Europe’s trailer market, estimated at 4 billion-5 billion euros, is highly fragmented, and Unitrailer plans to close further acquisitions outside Poland in the next few months. The company is targeting consolidated sales of minimum 300 million euros within two years, up from about 100 million euros today, and a market share of 10-13%.
“We see strong prospects for growth, thanks in particular to the growing demand for smaller trailers in Southern and Eastern Europe, where lifestyles are changing as societies grow wealthier,” Marzec said. “Bringing together treasured local brands in a larger group provides synergies from sharing know-how and R&D to procurement. Competitive markets and customers’ rising expectations for innovative products make consolidation inevitable.”
With a tradition stretching back more than 90 years, Henra makes products including trailers with reinforced structures and deeper load bays for transporting bulky equipment, as well as horse trailers. The acquisition will give the Dutch company access to new production methods implemented by Unitrailer and a broad distribution network, supporting its expansion in markets including Germany. Unitrailer’s current brands will strengthen their position in Benelux markets.
“Unitrailer is growing dynamically, and joining the group gives us the opportunity to reach new markets, accelerating our development,” said Henra CEO Rutger Poldervaart “Trailer sales have always been highly localized, but now customers all over Europe will have access to our high-quality products.”
Unitrailer, based in the Polish city of Świdnik, sees its growth accelerate after Vaalon Capital backed European Trailer Holding last year acquired a 70% stake in the company. Marzec controls the remaining 30%.
“We’re proud to be able to support Unitrailer’sEuropean growth ambitions,” said Vaalon Investment Director Daniel Brol. “Henra is a fantastic brand, and this transaction fits perfectly into the strategies of each of the companies.”
Orange Corporate Finance advised and assisted the sellers in the preparation up to and including closing of the entire transaction process.
Henra Aanhangwagens
Founded in 1932, is the Netherlands’ largest maker of trailers for companies and everyday use. Over the past few decades it has been developing on international markets, competing on high quality and user loyalty and offering both standardised and custom products. Its customers include construction, landscaping and cabinetry companies, as well as fans of water- and motor-sports, and horse breeders.
Unitrailer Holding
Unitrailer is Poland’s largest producer of trailers with gross weight of up to 3.5 tonnes, and one of the leaders on the European market. It includes three companies: Temared makes multifunctional professional trailers including plant trailers for construction equipment and containers, tipper trailers, trailers for cars, motorbikes, boats among other; Martz which produces trailers for motorsport enthusiasts and other recreational users; and Unitrailer which is an international online store that sells general-use trailers, parts and accessories. The group offers its products in 41 countries around the world, including all 27 EU member states.
Vaalon Capital
Vaalon Capital is an independent private equity firm founded in 2017, with offices in London, Rotterdam and Geneva. They primarily focus on making long-term investments in mid-market companies with significant growth potential. Vaalon Capital engages primarily with companies with an enterprise value range of between 100 million euros and 500 million euros with target equity ‘ticket’ sizes between 15 – 100 million euros.
