RP invests in construction blocks manufacturer COBI
Resource Partners has acquired a 40% minority stake in COBI, a company renowned for its production of toy construction blocks.
Founded over 35 years ago by Robert Podleś, COBI has gained international recognition for its extensive portfolio of historical construction blocks sets, attracting a large community of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The company has also partnered with iconic brands such as Boeing, NASA, Lockheed Martin, Top Gun, Maserati, Fiat, Opel, Citroen and Northrop Grumman.
With a state-of-the-art production facility and a talented design team, COBI stands out for the high quality and precision of its products, driving the company's commercial success. Over 70% of its revenue is generated in international markets, including Germany, the USA, the UK, France, and the Czech Republic.
Robert Podleś, COBI’s founder and president, will continue to lead the company, actively supporting its growth and global brand expansion. The strategic plan developed by COBI and Resource Partners envisions dynamic growth in both domestic and international markets, emphasizing direct-to-consumer sales - particularly through online channels - and exploring new niches in the growing "kidults" segment. As the investor, Resource Partners will support the company in executing these plans, leveraging its experience and resources to strengthen COBI's global position.
The transaction is currently pending approval by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection and will be finalized upon receiving consent.
"I am proud that COBI blocks have gained recognition and become beloved toys and a passion for millions of adults and children worldwide," said Robert Podleś, Founder and President of COBI. "This is a significant achievement for me, and our partnership with Resource Partners marks a key step forward for our company. I believe their experience and resources will play an essential role in achieving our shared ambitions, enabling even faster and more dynamic growth for COBI while solidifying our position as a leading manufacturer of construction blocks globally."
“The investment aligns well with Resource Partners' strategy and reflects its focus on companies building strong positions in niche market segments. We are confident in COBI's potential for continued growth in the historical niche, as well as in leveraging its know-how and experience to expand into other niche markets,” said Małgorzata Bobrowska, Managing Partner at Resource Partners. "We also see significant potential in the growing 'kidults' market - adults purchasing toys for themselves as a hobby - a trend COBI is perfectly positioned to capitalize on. Furthermore, COBI’s products are ideally suited for direct-to-consumer sales, especially online, which we consider a crucial development channel."
“We are impressed by COBI's achievements to date and the consistent vision pursued by the founder. We are excited to support the company in implementing its ambitious strategy for further development. With a strong position already established in the construction blocks market, we believe our collaboration will enable COBI to achieve even faster progress and strengthen its global presence." - Wojciech Pociecha, Partner, Resource Partners
Resource Partners was advised by: Baker McKenzie, TS Partners, KPT, LAND
The Sellers were advised by: CMS, Deloitte
About COBI
COBI is one of the leading manufacturers of construction blocks for children and adults, specializing in historically themed blocks, manufactured in its own production plant in Mielec. The company is also an importer and distributor of a wide range of toys.
About Resource Partners
Resource Partners is an independent private equity investor founded in 2009 by a team of experienced managers who had previously undertaken similar investments at leading regional and international financial institutions and funds. To date, Resource Partners has established three generations of investment funds, which, combined with co-investment opportunities for investors, have enabled it to accumulate total investment capital exceeding EUR 500 million. This capital has been invested in 19 companies and additional transactions, while the company has successfully completed 11 exits. Resource Partners focuses on rapidly growing companies with experienced management teams, leveraging its expertise in managing fast-paced organic growth, dynamic international expansion, and acquisitions.
Media Contact:
Resource Partners: COBI:
Małgorzata Bobrowska Robert Podleś
malgorzata.bobrowska@resourcepartners.eu robert@cobi.pl
+48 22 377 7900 +48 22 612 7786
RP with the “ESG Fund of the Year - Emerging Markets” award
Resource Partners has won the “ESG Fund of the Year - Emerging Markets” award at the prestigious Private Equity Wire ESG Awards! The award ceremony took place on October 9th in New York, where Małgorzata Bobrowska, Wojciech Pociecha and Paulina Janik proudly represented our team and accepted this incredible recognition.
Resource Partners-backed Buglo acquires Elverdal
Industry leader and Poland's largest manufacturer of playgrounds, Buglo Play, has acquired an overall stake and become the sole owner of Elverdal, a Danish company specialising in tailor-made projects. This transaction is an important part of Buglo Play's international expansion strategy and the implementation of the company’s key business objectives.
