Our Journey: From Startup to PLN 1 Billion in Investments
Twenty-five years ago, starting as a traditional startup, we were educating the market about Management Buy-Out (MBO) transactions. We were pioneers. We believed – and rightly so – that the magnetism of MBOs would also attract the best managers and entrepreneurs. There are many ways to make money, but this one is among the most fascinating.
The magic of MBO is reflected in principles that are in our DNA:
If you believe in something, invest your own money and energy, and act proactively. Become an entrepreneur, and after a successful exit, you will receive a reward commensurate with the risk and effort you have taken.
Ideas + skills > capital.
We build Polish capital by working with companies across the country, including those in smaller towns, always with a strong understanding of and respect for local specifics.
MBO is a discipline for experienced managers – for those who see a management buyout as the deal of a lifetime and are fully prepared, both intellectually and mentally, to see it through.
Over the past 25 years, evolving from advisor to investor, we have shown managers that a successful transaction is a path to “paradise” (in Celtic mythology, Avalon), through participation in highly profitable investments. In total, we have completed 150 transactions involving several hundred managers. To date, we have invested over PLN 1 billion in Polish companies, proving that good companies can become exeptional. We have contributed our part to the Polish economic miracle.
We know our value: we have built a highly professional team of nearly 20 people at Avallon, with an extensive network and unique expertise in business development. We are one of Poland’s leading private equity fund in a demanding and still relatively insular industry, often replacing the stock market as a channel for allocating capital to the most promising companies.
These 25 years have been successful, and the choice of our focus area has proven right. I am proud that starting from zero, we have not only endured but successfully transitioned from advisor to investor.
The next 25 years promise another leap in quality for Polish companies and the broader economy—a leap we aim to actively support by introducing technology into traditional businesses. Our goal is to remain the first-choice investor for managers planning buyouts, as well as for founders facing succession challenges or seeking partners for further expansion. Above all, we aim to continue doing what we do best—with passion, integrity, and commitment.
Stamirowski
Więcławski
Zawisza
Stamirowski
Polańska
Sobieszek-Krzywicka
It advised on approximately 80 projects, including:
Subsequent years included multiple conference editions and educational initiatives in collaboration with CMBOR, WSHE, and the University of Łódź.
Investors included international financial institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Swiss private bank LODH, and Scandinavian and American pension funds. The company also moves to a new headquarters at Al. Kościuszki 17, Łódź.
Over 12 years, the fund’s stake grows to 67%, and the company expands from EUR 8 million to over EUR 80 million in revenue through organic growth and international acquisitions, including the successful acquisition of German company Meyra.
2008 – 2010
Avallon MBO Fund I acquires 100% of AG FOODS Group a.s., a Czech family-owned leader in soluble beverages in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary.
2006 – 2010
Miller
Raj
Pakulska
Paśnicki
Wiśniewska
Mariańska
Truszkowski
Konarski
Janicki
Sekura
EBITDA doubled since investment.
The Avallon MBO Fund I acquires Ceko, a cheese producer from Goliszew.
Investors included prior fund participants, EIF, and BMO Global Asset Management funds.
Avallon together with managers acquires 100% of Kimberly-Clark Sp. z o.o. with managers, the owner of leading Polish hygiene brands: VELVET, Szast Prast, A’psik.
2013 – 2015
2012 – 2016
Kuźbik
Michoń
Kacprzak
Ciąćka
Brodziak
2017 – 2018
First investment of Avallon MBO Fund III – the acquisition of shares in Clovin, an independent manufacturer of cleaning products. Together with the company’s founders, the firm pursues its dynamic growth.
2021 – 2024
Ciarkowski
Laskowski
Olszewska
Jaskóła
Rudzka
Ogiński
Kożuchowska
Kubicki
2021 – 2022
The fund sold, among others, Zaberd S.A. to a group of managers involved in the company; EBS to the Lithuanian investment holding UAB Sevenways Group; MPS International to its long-standing management team; Ceko to the industry leader Polmlek, Stangl Technik to the French group SPIE, and Novo Tech to the Austrian company Isosport Verbundbauteile.
2021 – 2022
In December 2021, Avallon MBO Fund III invested in Norlys, an international manufacturer and distributor of outdoor lighting. In April 2022, Avallon MBO Fund III made an investment in Hortimex, a family-owned company operating in the food industry.
2022
The company specializes in geospatial software and IT solutions for network-based and telecommunications enterprises.
after the year 2023
In June 2023, together with Genesis Capital, Avallon MBO Fund III entered into an agreement to acquire TES Vsetín, a company operating in the advanced industrial solutions segment. In the same month, Avallon MBO Fund III invested in Letniskowo, a manufacturer of modern mobile homes, and in S’portofino, a premium brand in the fashion & sport segment. In December 2023, the fund invested in MPPK Group, a distributor of premium dog and cat food.
Since then, Avallon’s site has been the modern Monopolis complex in the heart of Łódź – a place associated with the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.
2024
In January 2024, Avallon MBO Fund II sold Wosana S.A. to the Japanese strategic investor DyDo, finalizing its investment in the beverages sector. In February 2024, the fund exited Marketplanet, selling it to the Swedish strategic investor Byggfakta (now Hubexo), a provider of technology solutions for procurement and e-procurement. In September 2024, Avallon MBO Fund III also completed its investment in Hortimex, selling the company to the international group Azelis.
Avallon obtained all necessary formal approvals and began the next phase of work on the new fund, Avallon MBO Fund IV, with a target size of between EUR 220 - 260 million. Avallon MBO Fund IV continues the strategy of the previous funds, focusing on management buyouts (MBO) and cooperation with management teams. The fund, with a local character, will focus on investments in Poland and Central Europe.
Currently, the Avallon team is working on the launch of the fourth fund, Avallon MBO Fund IV – on a significantly larger scale and with an opening to a new category of investors, namely family foundations.