3i buys stake in Soya Concept womenswear

3i has bought a 45% stake in Soya Concept

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3i, the private equity firm, has bought a 45% stake in Danish womenswear brand Soya Concept.

Soya Concept has more than 1,000 independent retailer stockists across Scandinavia, Benelux and Germany. Soya Concept targets women aged between 25 and 40 and produces nine collections each year. The womenswear brand was founded in 2002 by Thomas Viller, Torben Broderson and Viggo Jensen.

The 3i deal follows the retirement of Jensen from the business.

3i said it would look to grow Soya Concept into new international markets.

Soya Concept managing director Torben Brodersen said: "It was very important for us to be able to accomplish a smooth generational shift while keeping a majority stake in the business, which is one of the reasons why 3i, as a leader in growth capital, is the perfect fit for us. Following years of strong growth, we now need to develop our business model further and accelerate our international expansion. 3i has tremendous experience in our sector and has helped to create numerous success stories, such as Gant."

3i director Morten Windfeldt said: "Soya Concept is an exciting and very well-run company with a strong management team, and we look forward to accompanying the business in its next stage of development. With our sector expertise and international network, we will help Soya Concept to achieve its ambitious growth strategy." 

3i is also an investor in womenswear retailer Hobbs and lingerie firm Agent Provocateur.