Investor consortium lead by family-owned publishing house Herder buys out the former owners of bookstore chain

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The Background  Advent International realigned the leading retail bookseller, Thalia, and has now sold it. The new owners, in the form of a consortium led by the family-owned publishing house, Herder, have already stepped in to provide the finance.

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The Deal  A consortium of banks, including IKB and DZ bank, in addition to an insurance company, will take over the three tranches. High demand enabled the cost of financing to be reduced. IEG – Investment Banking Group acted as exclusive financial advisor to the buyers.

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The Prospect  The intention is to enable Thalia to become synonymous with reading culture in the digital age. The aim is that investments in omni-channel trade and in the area of eReading should also strengthen the company's position as a market-leader.

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