Partners Group, a leading global private markets firm, acting on behalf of its clients, has agreed to acquire Velvet Care, Central Europe’s fastest-growing consumer tissue producer, from Abris Capital Partners and plans to build value through initiatives including expansion in Central Europe and beyond.

Velvet Care is one of the largest manufacturers of hygiene tissue products including moist toilet tissue in Central Europe, with more than 850 employees in Poland and Czechia. 

Abris’ divestment of Velvet Care takes place after five years of dynamic growth including investment in production technology, infrastructure and automation, which allowed a significant increase in the scale of production, making Velvet CARE the industry leader in sustainable growth.

In 2020 Velvet Care acquired Moracell, Czechia’s largest producer of toilet paper and paper towels, giving the group a strong position on the Czech market, an experienced team and new prospects in Czechia and Slovakia. Further investments in production in Poland and Czechia have strengthened Velvet CARE’s position as the industry leader in Central Europe.

“Our close working relationship with Abris over the past five years has allowed us to significantly strengthen our market position,” says Velvet CARE CEO Artur Pielak. “During this time Velvet CARE has grown stronger, going far beyond our initial ambitions. The management team and I can’t wait to begin working with Partners Group and continuing our mission of building a European leader in this sector. This is yet another era of new possibilities for us and we plan to accelerate our growth, actively participating in the further consolidation of the paper market and seeking opportunities to expand, including Central Europe and beyond.”

“Velvet CARE has a diversified product portfolio and a strong market position in its core markets,” said Ralph Schuck, Managing Director, Private Equity Goods & Products Industry Vertical, at Partners Group. “The Company differentiates itself through its superior production capabilities, best-in-class technology and deep relationships with retailers across multiple countries. We see Velvet CARE as a platform for further growth in Europe and look forward to working with the management team on our transformational value creation plan.” 

Velvet CARE received B Corp certification, the globally recognised accreditation for businesses that demonstrate the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, this year. Companies that are part of the B Corp community make commitments to uphold those priorities in their business model and work for profit, people, and planet at the same time. Earlier this year Velvet CARE also earned a Gold Medal from EcoVadis, the world’s largest provider of business sustainability ratings.

Velvet CARE’s products include toilet paper, paper towels, paper tissues and moist toilet paper. Its Velvet brand has enjoyed great popularity in Poland for the past 26 years, and the company also produces for private labels. Velvet CARE has two factories, in Klucze, Poland and Žabčice, Czechia, and sells its products on more than 30 markets, mainly in Europe.