On 18 October, retailer Hema announced that it was in talks with Boekhoorn to take over the chain, including debts, from the London-based Lion Capital, for an undisclosed amount. According to the ACM, the acquisition of the retailer will not result in competition problems for the Dutch market.Local media report that the new owner already took its first steps to reduce Hema’s debt. Following the acquisition, €100 million in loans were repaid and €40 million were put in the retailer’s own capital.
In addition to reducing the debt, Hema said earlier that together with Boekhoorn it will focus on further investments in the Dutch market, online growth, international expansion and the improvement of its profitability in the coming years. In order to develop itself into a global b…