London, 22 May 2018. Apera, a pan-European mid-market private debt investor, today announces that it has supported EMERAM Capital Partners (“EMERAM”) in the recapitalization of its portfolio company Boards&More.

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Molln, Boards&More is a global platform with market leading positions in wind water and mountain biking sports equipment which are distributed under the brand names Fanatic, ION, North Kiteboarding and NorthWindsurfing. EMERAM acquired the company in 2013 and is committed to supporting the company and its management through the next stage of growth.

Apera together with Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG (“Berenberg”) provided the financing, comprising a Unitranche loan in combination with a Super Senior Facility. The new financing structure has been tailored to provide the flexibility required for new strategic initiatives aimed at further strengthening Boards&More’s world-leading position in its markets.

Gregor König, CFO at Boards&More, said: “We are very pleased to be working with both Apera’s and Berenberg’s experienced investment teams who structured a financing solution which perfectly fits our operational needs and growth strategy.”

Volker Schmidt, Partner at EMERAM Capital Partners, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Apera and Berenberg to support our investment in Boards&More. Their responsiveness, flexibility and pragmatic approach allowed us to develop a tailored financing solution in a short time frame and we deeply value their support as a financing partner.”

Klaus Petersen, Founding Partner at Apera, said: “Boards&More is a world-leading platform for windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddle equipment. Backed by a strong management team and its well-known brand portfolio, the company has shown continuous growth over almost two decades. We look forward to supporting Boards&More in its further development.”

About Apera

Apera is a pan-European mid-market private debt investor operating in the DACH region, the UK, the Nordic region, France and Benelux. The firm develops long-term partnerships with private equity investors, SME borrowers, and advisors by providing tailored financial solutions that meet both the operational needs and growth objectives of clients, whilst producing attractive returns. Apera is focused on bringing a new standard of transparency to the private debt market.

About Boards&More

Boards & More is the world’s leading company for windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddle boarding equipment. In 2012, Boards&More enlarged its product range with mountain biking. Boards & More was founded in 2000 and designs and delivers products under its brands Fanatic, ION, North Kiteboarding and NorthSails Windsurfing.

About EMERAM Capital Partners

EMERAM Capital Partners was founded in Munich in 2012 as an independent partnership. With the aim of becoming a leading equity investment company for the SME sector in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, we not only invest in companies, but also actively support their further development. We support our portfolio companies with operational experience, strategic know-how and provide provide access to a high-profile network in the national and international business world.

About Berenberg

Founded in 1590, Berenberg is one of Europe’s leading privately owned banks today, with 1,600 employees in its Wealth Management, Asset Management, Investment Banking and Corporate Banking divisions. Headquartered in Hamburg and led by managing partners, Berenberg maintains a strong presence in the financial centers of Frankfurt, London, New York, and Zurich.

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