Axcel has successfully agreed to sell Ball Group, a fast-growing plus-size women’s clothing brand, to a German private equity firm, marking the conclusion of its third fund.

Information on the Target

Ball Group is a prominent player in the European plus-size women's clothing market, founded in 1988. In 2007, the company was acquired by the Danish private equity firm Axcel. Following a strategic transformation initiated in 2016, Axcel refocused the business exclusively on its Zizzi brand, which caters to the plus-size segment, leading to enhanced brand recognition and market positioning. With over 100 concept stores across Northern Europe and a robust online platform, zizzi.dk, Ball Group has emerged as one of the fastest-growing entities in this niche, reporting nearly DKK 600 million in revenue in the last financial year.

Kuno Kildetoft, CEO of Ball Group, attributes the company's success to a strategic shift towards becoming a focused retailer with an appealing store environment and a strong e-commerce presence. This focused approach has resulted in a significant 70% growth in top-line revenues over the past three years, reflecting the effectiveness of their transformation strategy.

Industry Overview in Denmark

The fashion industry in Denmark, particularly the segment focused on plus-size clothing, has seen significant developments in recent years. As consumers increasingly prioritize body positivity and inclusive sizing, brands catering spe