NicLen is the leading European provider of prime dry hire services. The Company rents out lighting, audio equipment and related accessories for a broad range of events in Germany and over 20 other European countries, as well as selling used equipment. Founded in 1992, the Company has over 60 employees. Under the stewardship of the Valasik family, the group has since grown very successfully both in Germany and abroad.
NicLen offers a highly specialized portfolio of over 36,000 premium lighting and audio products as well as accessories which it rents out to over 700 professional clients from the event industry. Events equipped by NicLen include exhibitions and trade fairs, corporate events, concerts and festivals, as well as a variety of other private and public events. In addition to the most extensive premium rental park in the industry, a unique logistics concept represents one of the key differentiating factors, whereby equipment is delivered with highest reliability by the Company’s own truck fleet.
Invision invested in NicLen to support its future growth. The aim is to systematically continue internationalization, further expand the rental portfolio and strengthen all processes along the value chain. Furthermore, Invision is keen to support strategically attractive add-on acquisitions with additional capital.
With Invision’s investment, the family succession from its founder Bodo Valasik to his son Nico will be completed. Nico Valasik and Jörg Stöppler, will continue to head the Company as Co-CEOs with a respective focus on operations and sales. Both have been running the Company in executive roles for many years.
Bodo Valasik, founder and former shareholder of NicLen, explains his rationale for choosing Invision as a new shareholder: “As a retiring shareholder, I was looking for an investment firm, willing to fully commit to the unique culture of the company, able to swiftly execute a transaction on fair terms, and capable of recognizing and appreciating the inherent value of the business.”
Nico Valasik, CEO and significant shareholder: “With Invision we have found a partner as convinced of NicLen and the dry hire industry as we, the management team, are. The continued emphasis on our strengths will be at the centre of our joint strategy.”
Peter Kroha, Partner and Managing Director of Invision in Germany:“We are delighted and proud to become NicLen’s partner and to participate in developing this exciting company together with Nico Valasik, Jörg Stöppler, as well as the entire NicLen team. NicLen is Invision’s third investment in a family business in North Rhine-Westphalia within the last 2 years. It underpins our focus on being a pragmatic and solution-oriented investor, especially for succession situations.”
Rautenberg & Company acted as an advisor to the seller on the transaction.
Invision Capital Partners V Ltd was advised by Rödl & Partner (financial & taxes), Hogan Lovells International LLP (legal) and Codex Partners GmbH (commercial).
Contacts
Invision AG:
+41 41 729 01 01, info(at)invision.ch
About NicLen
NicLen Gesellschaft für Elektronik, Handel und Vermietung mbH with headquarters in Dortmund was founded in 1992. It is the leading provider of prime dry hire services in Europe. The Company rents out high quality equipment through its own, integrated logistics network to a large number of diverse events. The highest level of customer satisfaction is at the core of NicLen’s values, supported by over 60 dedicated employees.
For further information, please visit: www.niclen.de
