Eurocamp

Dec 1988

Consumer

Travel operator

Business
Eurocamp offered self-drive camping holidays with accommodation provided in pre-erected tents or in mobile homes. Primarily based in France, the company was the clear market leader in the UK for the provision of this form of family holiday. In December 1988 Eurocamp, which was a subsidiary of Next PLC, was sold to its management with the support of funding from Cinven.

Strategy
The strategy for Eurocamp was to expand the business by exploiting its dominant market position in France. Profit growth would be delivered from rationalisation of the operations of a competitor business that it had recently acquired, from further international expansion and through continued organic growth.

Outcome
The business progressed well under strong and able management. In July 1991 Eurocamp was floated on the London Stock Exchange and a year later Cinven’s investors fully exited the business.

Multiple returned on investment: 2.7x