Clearwater International advises the shareholders of Schardt on the sale of the company to QVM

Clearwater International has advised the Schardt family on the sale of a majority stake in Schardt GmbH & Co. KG (Schardt), leaders in children’s furniture manufacturing, to QVM Privatkapital GmbH (QVM). The siblings Barbara and Philipp Schardt will remain as minority shareholders, and both will continue to manage the business.

Founded over 80 years ago, Schardt is one of the leading German manufacturers and suppliers in the children’s furniture sector with a strong focus on sustainability. Furthermore, the company’s product portfolio comprises textiles and other accessories and equipment for babies. Headquartered in Mitwitz, Germany, the family business is managed by the fourth generation, Barbara and Philipp Schardt, and currently employs approximately 80 professionals at locations in Bavaria and Thuringia.

Based in Hamburg, Germany, QVM is an investment company that is financed by a selected group of entrepreneurial private investors as well as the founders. A particular focus is on involvement in succession situations, growth projects and other changes in shareholder structures.

Together with QVM, Schardt will further promote the brand building and digitalisation of the company as well as its international expansion.

„We have reached our goal after a very professional and streamlined process, run by Clearwater International. The team made this possible and guided us with large respect for our expectations. With QVM, we have found a partner that fits our company also on a personal level. QVM is the right investor to continue working on Schardt’s strategy with respect for the employees and the foundation that the company’s success is built on.“ – Barbara Schardt, Managing Partner, Schardt GmbH & Co. KG
 
„We are pleased to expand our investment portfolio with this very interesting company, which is excellently positioned for further growth with a strong brand in an attractive market. We were particularly impressed by the strong focus on sustainability, which is consistently implemented in both procurement and production.“ – Victor Antunes, Managing Partner, QVM Privatkapital

„We are absolutely convinced that we have achieved an excellent result for the shareholders and Schardt as a whole. QVM is a perfect match for Schardt with high enthusiasm for the company and the ambition to significantly develop the company further. With the support from QVM, Barbara and Philipp Schardt will continue to actively lead the family business.“ – Axel Oltmann, Managing Partner, Clearwater International