Albelli (owned by Gilde Buy Out Partners) and Photobox (owned by Exponent) announced yesterday that they have joined forces. The goal is to establish a leading company in the European online market for photo products and gifts. Gilde and Exponent, along with the management teams of both companies, will retain ownership of the combined company.
The newly merged company will serve a pan-European customer base of more than 7 million customers, supported by 1,150 employees in the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Norway and Sweden. The merged company aims to benefit from streamlining within the sourcing and supply chain processes of a larger group.
The existing consumer brands, including Photobox and albelli, will be retained based on their strength in their respective markets. Over time, customers should enjoy an expanded product portfolio and an enhanced customer experience.
A new group board has been appointed to manage the merged company and ensure a smooth integration process, including Tristan Money (CEO albelli), Dan Mucha (CEO Photobox), Leon Kerckhaert (CFO albelli) and Jon Mitchell (CFO Photobox). Tristan Money will assume responsibility as group CEO, while Jon Mitchell will become group CFO.
Albelli, headquartered in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, with approximately 450 full-time employees, produces and distributes photo books and other related photo printing products such as wall decorations, cards, calendars and prints. The company has a strong market position in the Benelux, Scandinavia and other European countries.
Photobox, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with approximately 700 full-time employees, offers a wide range of photo gift items, including photo books, calendars, canvases and wall art, mugs, gifts, puzzles, prints and magnets. The company has a strong market position in the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Germany, as well as other European markets. Photobox serves its key geographic markets through three online brands: Photobox, Hofmann and PosterXXL.
