Barclays Private Equity acquires OASE

Buyout of leading water garden and fountain technology company

Barclays Private Equity (BPE) Germany is acquiring OASE Holding GmbH (the “Company”), based in Hörstel in Westfalia, Germany, from Cognetas for an undisclosed sum. BPE has taken a majority shareholding in the Company, alongside the management team. Cognetas has held a majority stake in the Company since 2002 and is now selling its share as part of a secondary buy-out.  BPE’s investment will support OASE’s continuing product innovation and growth in an expanding market, and will help the Company to further consolidate its worldwide positioning. 

• Barclays Private Equity acquires a leading supplier of products and systems for water gardens, fountain technology and lake management
• Investment will support expansion into new regions, development of product portfolio and strengthening market position in existing markets
• Secondary buy-out of majority stake in OASE from Cognetas 

Founded in 1949 as a repair shop for agricultural machines, OASE has since become a market leader in Europe for water garden technology with a reputation for innovation and quality. The Company is known for its specialist fountain technology and lake management systems including energy-efficient pumps and water features, efficient filter systems and sludge removers, lighting solutions, as well as pond construction products and pond cleaning products.

As a global player, OASE successfully markets products and systems for fountains, swimming ponds and the improvement of water quality in larger stretches of water to domestic and corporate customers. Recent high-profile and large-scale projects include the world’s largest floating water organ on the River Neva in St. Petersburg, the multi-media fountain in Peking’s Olympia Park and the largest artificial waterfall at Banpo Bridge in Seoul.
OASE has around 600 employees and operates 11 branches across Europe, Asia and the USA, a second production site in China, and a worldwide sales network. The Company recorded a turnover of €101m in 2010 with exports accounting for over half of OASE revenues.

Michael H. Bork, Managing Director of Barclays Private Equity Deutschland, commented:
“OASE is an exciting and promising addition to BPE’s portfolio and is well positioned to grow further in the expanding market for water systems technology with our support. OASE has an excellent and varied product range, as well as highly-qualified and experienced employees who have deep knowledge of the market. This is apparent in its leading position in Europe and increasing sales in Asia and the Middle East. The company has an excellent management team and we look forward to working together in this next stage of growth".

Ansgar Paul, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OASE added:
"Barclays Private Equity is known for its systematic support and expertise in the development of medium-sized companies and is the ideal partner for OASE. BPE’s financial backing and know-how will enable us to expand further into new markets, and to exploit growth potential in Europe in particular."

The BPE team responsible for this investment consists of Michael H. Bork, Stefan Maser and Alexis Milkovic.