After three decades of independent, regulated growth, artificial flower expert Silk-ka has now entered a new phase. The acquisition by Swedish investor Röko opens up new opportunities for the company from the East of the Netherlands – and allows Patrick Oude Groeniger to focus on his passion: creating and composing inspiring collections.

Brothers Patrick and Robert Oude Groeniger planted the Silk-ka seed in 1988. A very small company at the start, it has since risen to great heights. Silk-ka’s innovativeness and creativity appealed to ever more customers in dozens of countries all over the world. As a consequence, Patrick – brother Robert left the company in 2008 – had his hands more than full and criss-crossed the globe in his search for perfect creations. After over 30 years of entrepreneurship, Patrick just wanted to do what he was passionate about, and make more time for his family. It made him consider selling the company and reducing his involvement with the company. And so he contacted Marktlink last autumn.

Lots of interest right away

It was up to Marktlink to look for a suitable buyer. Patrick had been in touch with Marktlink about a possible sale before, but October 2021 was the right moment for him. Patrick and managing director Anneke Snijders started the process with Marktlink together.

Fredrik: “Because Silk-ka’s products are sold in seventy countries, we opted for an international market approach. There was lots of interest right away. In the end, recommended by our Kopenhagen office, we contacted Swedish long-term investor Röko. This firm invests in good, healthy companies and allows them to do business in their own way.”

Swedish mentality

The deal between Silk-ka and Röko was an intensive process. “Both parties wanted to get on with it, and we wanted to facilitate that. From offer to closing, the process was exceptionally streamlined. The Swedish mentality certainly contributed to that. The Swedes are pragmatic, with a solution-oriented mindset. As are we, actually.”

Highly pleased

Anneke Snijders remains in charge of day-to-day management after the transfer. Patrick Oude Groeniger will stay involved, but will move into the background during the coming years, to focus on creation and advice. The founder looks back on the deal with a positive feeling. “Marktlink knows how to quickly get the right parties to the table, both from the Netherlands and abroad. Marktlink has a large network and all its experience and specialist knowledge really shows. Any action points are swiftly dealt with and the consultation structure is pragmatic. I’m highly pleased with the process and the way it all went, and in addition, Marktlink has its own legal counsels with a great deal of specific knowledge.”

Flourishing future

Thanks to the high level of contentment at both sides, the deal team looks back on this deal with pleasure. “It’s great to see how successful our international network is. As part of Röko, Silk-ka is ready for a flourishing future. Flowers will never go out of fashion and artificial flowers are gaining popularity. They are much more sustainable than real flowers. After one week, two at best, those end up in the organic waste bin. Artificial flowers last for years.”