EcoOnline is a leading provider of workplace safety software which focuses on reducing the negative impact chemicals can have on humans and the environment, enabling its customers to easily comply with complex regulations
Founded and headquartered in Oslo, EcoOnline serves over 6,000 customers and employs over 230 employees in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, UK and Ireland
EcoOnline is experiencing rapid growth and increased demand for its services in all markets
Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division, the primary center for Goldman Sachs Group’s long-term principal investing activity, is one of the leading private capital investors in the world with investments across private equity, infrastructure, private debt, growth equity and real estate
Founded in 2016, Summa Equity is a Nordic private equity firm investing in companies within resource efficiency, changing demographics and tech-enabled businesses primarily in the Nordics. The firm has €1.4bn in AUM and is amongst the first private equity firms to commit to the UN sustainable development goals and its investments are aligned with these
Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division and Summa Equity Fund II have each acquired 33% ownership of EcoOnline from selling shareholders, which include Summa Equity Fund I and Viking Venture, who will both continue to retain a portion of their investment in the company
The investment case is underpinned by the following thesis:
Attractive underlying market with increasing drive towards safer and more sustainable workplaces
Continued growth and market share gains in current markets
Accelerated internationalisation of the business, both organically and through M&A
Goldman Sachs will contribute by financial resources and expertise to support EcoOnline in its vision of becoming the clear European leader within chemical management and occupational safety solutions
Arma acted as exclusive financial advisor to EcoOnline and the selling shareholders in securing a successful investment by Goldman Sachs and Summa Equity Fund II
Arma supported EcoOnline and the selling shareholders on a variety of activities including the strategic positioning of the business, buyer access, preparation of a detailed financial model and marketing materials, coordination of the sale and associated diligence process, Board advice and negotiation of the key transaction terms
The transaction underscores Arma’s unique ability to support high-growth SaaS businesses in their strategic ambitions and adds to our consistent track record of successfully executing co-investment transactions