Warsaw, 1 December 2011 - Interchem S.A., the leading Polish wholesaler of household products and personal care goods, controlled by Resource Partners, is pleased to announce the finalization of the acquisition of Polbita Sp. z o.o., the owner and operator of Drogerie Natura, the Polish personal care retail chain.

Interchem was acquired in January 2011 by Resource Partners, a private equity fund focusing on consumer goods companies in Central and Eastern Europe. In May 2010, Resource Partners  established a strategic partnership with AXA Private Equity in Central and Eastern Europe and this collaboration has recently been strengthened which has allowed the financing of this build-up.

The combined companies will have sales of approximately PLN 850 million and will operate a total of 400 retail stores.

Piotr Noceń, Managing Partner at Resource Partners, said: “Supporting local companies in consolidation of the fragmented and competitive Polish market is an important part of our investment strategy.”

Dominique Gaillard, Member of the Executive Board of AXA Private Equity, added: “We are thrilled to contribute, alongside Resource Partners, to the creation of the second largest drugstore chain in Poland. While this transformational acquisition marks a new and exciting phase in Interchem’s development, it also opens a new chapter in the strategic collaboration between Resource Partners and AXA Private Equity in Central and Eastern Europe.”

The combined business will be managed by a team comprising the current board members of both companies. Paweł Chodakowski-Malkiewicz, the current CEO of Interchem and future CEO of the combined business, said:  “Our investors not only financed this transaction, but also brought their deep experience in managing mergers and coordinating the successful growth strategy.”

Wojciech Filipczyk, the current CEO of Polbita and future Head of Retail of the combined business, added: “We have all what is needed – critical mass, a dedicated and competent management team and supportive investors – to achieve a strong market position.”

The debt financing was provided by Alior Bank S.A. and Erste Group Bank AG, the Joint Mandated Lead Arrangers.

The purchaser and investors were advised by CMS Cameron McKenna, Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Deloitte and Environ.

Resource Partners private equity funds specialize in growth financing of consumer goods and services companies. Resource Partners operates in Central and Eastern Europe and has among its LPs such leading international financial institutions as: AXA Private Equity, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Fund and Rabobank. Recently, Resource Partners increased assets under management and advisory to € 293 million.

About AXA Private Equity

AXA Private Equity is a leading private equity firm with US$28 billion in managed assets and a global reach extending across Europe, North America and Asia. The firm offers investors the full spectrum of private equity services for every market segment: direct funds, infrastructure financing, mid cap and small cap buyouts, venture capital, co-investments, fund of funds as well as mezzanine financing.

With offices in Paris, Frankfurt, London, New York, Singapore, Milan, Zurich and Vienna, AXA Private Equity supports the development and long-term growth of its portfolio companies with sustainable growth strategies and by granting them access to the AXA international network. AXA Private Equity has earned the trust of its investors by regularly supplying them with transparent performance data on its funds and portfolio companies.

AXA Private Equity, Global Investments the European way

www.axaprivateequity.com

About Interchem

Interchem was established in 1996 and for over a decade has been developing a national network of Aster drugstores. Resource Partners invested in Interchem in January 2011.

About Polbita

Polbita Sp. z o.o was established in 1989 and has been developing a national network of Drogerie Natura drugstores.

Parties involved

Resource Partners:

Piotr Noceń, Małgorzata Bobrowska-Jarząbek, Przemysław Rączka, Dominik Smykla

AXA Private Equity:

Dominique Gaillard, Marton Hunek, Antoine Lencou-Barem

Contacts:

Resource Partners Press Release