HAGEN/FRANKFURT, 21 October 2013 – AI Perfume France SAS, a company controlled by the shareholders of DOUGLAS HOLDING AG, entered into exclusive negotiations with European financial investor Charterhouse Capital Partners to acquire French perfumery chain Nocibé. With this transaction, DOUGLAS Group, owned by Advent international and founding family Kreke, would further develop its position as a leading perfumery chain in Europe, as it is envisaged that Nocibé would be integrated under the roof of the DOUGLAS HOLDING AG by closing of the transaction.

Douglas and Nocibé are already today among the leading players and rank fourth and third in the French perfumery market. The acquisition of Nocibé by the DOUGLAS Group would create the largest perfumery chain in France, with 625 stores and about 4,000 employees. Together, Douglas and Nocibé would achieve a number two position in terms of turnover. The two companies both are selective perfumery chains. Customers in France would benefit nation-wide from significantly expanded and more attractive ranges of products and services, including a large variety of exclusive fragrances, cosmetic products and beautician boutiques.

Dr. Henning Kreke, representative of the Kreke family: “Following the delisting of DOUGLAS HOLDING AG by the Kreke family and Advent International, this transaction would represent a major milestone in the successful implementation of our joint growth strategy. As part of our corporate strategy we will continue to successfully expand the position of our perfumeries in Europe, in order to become one of the leading and most competent operators in each country in which we are active in.”

The proposed transaction will be conducted as a joint effort by the Kreke family and by Advent’s Frankfurt and Paris offices, with the Frankfurt team providing specific sector expertise and Advent’s Paris based team supporting with specific knowledge on the French market. Advent has completed over 60 investments in the retail, consumer goods and leisure industry throughout its 29 year history. Investments in the retail sector include French fashion business Gérard Darel, German value fashion retailer Takko, and leading French general merchandise retailer Stokomani.

The proposed transaction is subject to customary approvals, such as the completion of the consultation process with the workers’ councils and antitrust clearance.