First Camp agrees to acquire leading Danish campsite

Swedish campsite chain First Camp continues to expand in Scandinavia after agreeing to acquire Danish campsite and kids holiday park Jesperhus Feriepark. The deal is reported to be worth US $30million and is expected to be closed in the fourth quarter.

Founded in the 1960s by the Overgaard family, Jesperhus Feriepark has undergone impressive growth and development to reach its present state where it has 300 houses, cabins and tents, 500 camping pitches and a wide range of family attractions including indoor waterpark, zoo and amusement rides. The brand also has a strong digital presence through its own YouTube channel – its mascot character Hugo is incredibly popular with Danish children. The business recorded revenues of approximately US $14million in the 12 months up to September 2021.

Johan Söör, group CEO of First Camp, said: “We’ve been very impressed by how the Overgaard family and the entire Jesperhus team have developed the resort into one of the most popular holiday destinations in Denmark for kids. Jesperhus is a leading example of creating really attractive on-site guest experiences and linking this to a world-class digital presence. As new owners we will keep all these good things and continue to invest in the guest experience. Jesperhus will be managed as a separate entity within our group, with its current brand.”

The four brothers of the Overgaard family currently running Jesperhus added: “We are both proud and sad to let go of the keys to the business our parents founded back in 1966. This business has been an enormous part of our childhood and working life ever since. However, we feel confident handing over the keys to Johan, Ola, the First Camp team, and Norvestor. We believe them to be the right owners of Jesperhus going forward, and we are certain that our strong Jesperhus team will flourish even more with these new owners.”

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