Resource Partners (RP) invests in COBI brick manufacturer and acquires 40% of shares.

Resource Partners (RP) invests in COBI brick manufacturer and acquires 40% of shares.

RP acquires a minority stake in COBI, a company specialising in the production of building bricks. Founded over 35 years ago by Robert Podleś, COBI has become famous for its wide portfolio of historical-themed bricks, gaining a large group of collectors and enthusiasts around the world. It has licensed partnerships with brands such as Boeing, NASA, Lockheed Martin, Top Gun, Maserati, Fiat, Opel, Citroen, Northrop Grumman ...

Thanks to a modern production plant and a talented team of designers, COBI products are distinguished by high quality and precision of workmanship, which translates into the company's sales success. Over 70% of revenues are generated on foreign markets, including Germany, the USA, Great Britain, France and the Czech Republic.

Robert Podleś, founder and CEO of COBI, will remain in his position, actively supporting the company's growth and global brand recognition. The strategy developed by COBI and Resource Partners assumes dynamic expansion both on the domestic and international markets, with an emphasis on direct-to-consumer sales, especially in the online channel, as well as the exploration of new niches and the use of the potential of the so-called "kidults" group. The investor, Resource Partners, will support the company in the implementation of these plans, offering its experience, resources and support in strengthening the global position of the COBI brand.

The transaction is awaiting approval from the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, after which it will be finalised.

I am proud that COBI have gained recognition and have become the favourite toy and passion of millions of adults and children around the world - says Robert Podleś, Founder and President of COBI. This is a huge achievement for me, and working with Resource Partners is a key step in the further development of our company. I believe that the experience and resources that Resource Partners brings will provide important support in achieving our common ambitions, allowing for even faster and more dynamic development of COBI, strengthening our position among the leading manufacturers of building bricks in the world.

The investment in COBI fits perfectly into the strategy of Resource Partners and is another example of our interest in companies that are building a strong position in niche market segments. We fully believe in the further development potential of COBI in the area of the historical niche, but we also see great opportunities brought by the transfer of experience and know-how from this segment to other niches with a large and engaged community of fans and enthusiasts. In addition, we see the growing potential of the 'kidult' market – adults who buy toys for themselves as a hobby, which is becoming a new, important category in the toy market. We are convinced that COBI fits this trend perfectly, and the brand's products are perfect for direct-to-consumer sales, especially in the online segment, which we see as a key development channel - Małgorzata Bobrowska, Managing Partner, Resource Partners.

We are impressed by COBI's achievements to date and the consistent vision pursued by the owner, and we are pleased to be able to support the company in the implementation of its ambitious strategy of further development. The COBI team already has a strong position in the building brick market, and we believe that thanks to our cooperation, the company will be able to achieve even faster development, and together we will strive to further strengthen COBI's presence in the global market - Wojciech Pociecha, Partner, Resource Partner.

Resource Partners was advised in the transaction process: Baker McKenzie, TS Partners, KPT, LANDSsellers were advised by: CMS, Deloitte.

About COBI

COBI is one of the leading manufacturers of construction bricks for children and adults, specialising in historical bricks, manufactured in its own production plant in Mielec, Poland. The company is also an importer and distributor of a wide range of toys.

About Resource Partners

It is an independent private equity investor founded in 2009 by a team of experienced managers who have previously made similar investments in leading regional and international financial institutions and funds. To date, Resource Partners has raised three generations of investment funds, which, combined with the possibility of co-investment for investors, have allowed the company to raise a total investment capital of more than EUR 500 million. Resource Partners invests in fast-growing companies with experienced management, which it supports with its experience in managing rapid organic growth, dynamic foreign expansion and through acquisitions.