Berlin Brands Group becomes a unicorn

The private equity firm Bain Capital is investing a three-digit million sum in the online retail company. However, CEO and founder Peter Chaljawski and his team still hold the majority stake.

The Berlin-based e-commerce company Berlin Brands Group (BBG) can look forward to a gigantic capital injection. As the company announced, private equity investor Bain Capital is investing 700 million US dollars in the Brands Group. In return for the money, Bain is taking over the 40 percent stake held by previous investor Ardian. The Berlin Brands Group has thus reached a valuation of more than one billion US dollars and is now represented in the ranks of the unicorns.

Founded in 2005, the company sells its own developed brands via online channels. It is now also buying up existing retailers, such as those that operate successfully on the Amazon Marketplace. "With the commitment of Bain Capital and the additional funds, we have set the next milestone on our way to becoming a Global House of Digital Brands," says Peter Chaljawski, CEO of BBG. He continues to hold a majority stake in the company after the entry of the new partner, together with other executives.

BBG had already announced a financing round of 240 million US dollars at the beginning of the year. According to Chaljawski, the company has been profitable since its foundation. BBG is active in 28 countries and sells 3,700 products. The company employs 900 people worldwide.