Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, ESB is a leading provider of donor sperm and related services to women and couples in more than 90 countries across the world. ESB was established in 2004 and has over the years, based on wide donor recruitment and rigorous testing according to the highest industry standards, built an extensive and diverse donor base from across Europe with superior-quality donor sperm and helped thousands of women and couples make their dream of a family come true.
Axcel acquired ESB in 2019 and has continued to further develop ESB based on the company’s core values, such as high ethical and quality standards and a strong focus on compliance and sustainability. Since Axcel’s acquisition, ESB has invested significantly in its operational backbone, including its organisation and digital presence. In addition, ESB has expanded its network of donor sites and laboratories in Denmark and the Netherlands, as well as strengthening its position in several new markets, all of which has resulted in significant growth.
Annemette Arndal-Lauritzen, CEO of ESB, says: “We’re grateful to Axcel for all its support in the past three years, successfully transforming ESB into a true market leader with an agile organisation and attractive customer offering, including long-term support of families and donor children. We now look forward to joining forces with Perwyn, an organisation well known for its professional and long-term development of businesses on a global scale.”
Thomas Blomqvist, Partner at Axcel and responsible for the investment in ESB, says: “During our ownership, ESB has further developed its leading position within donor sperm and related services. Annemette Arndal-Lauritzen and the entire ESB team have done an outstanding job in taking ESB to the next level, and Axcel is proud to have been part of that journey. We believe that Perwyn is a strong new owner and that ESB will continue to thrive under its new ownership.”
The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2022.
Axcel and ESB were advised by Deloitte and Kromann Reumert.