The private equity fund Invera Equity Partners is currently preparing to sell the global franchise Museum of Illusions, which is valued at hundreds of millions of euros. This transaction is expected to be one of the largest sales of a Croatian company in history.
The Museum of Illusions began as an innovative local concept that, with Invera’s backing, expanded to over 25 countries. It has now caught the attention of global investors. As Slaven Kordić, a partner at Invera, told Lider, the first steps toward an exit have already been taken.
“We can confirm that we have engaged a leading investment bank in the U.S. to prepare for potential future steps. Given that this is a global business, we are aware that the preparatory process may take years, especially considering the significant growth potential of the company and the increasing interest from potential investors. Although we are not currently in an active sales process, due to the nature of our business, we are always monitoring opportunities—particularly those that could strengthen our growth position further. Of course, the final evaluation and timing will be determined by the market, but we clearly see a great opportunity for further growth, which motivates our efforts to prepare and explore all possibilities,” said Kordić.
Focus on Growth and Expansion
This is not the only project Invera is working on. Their first fund, valued at approximately €60 million, has already secured numerous investments, but the company does not plan to stop there. Kordić previously highlighted that a second, significantly larger fund—ranging between €120 and €180 million—is in the works. This new fund will target similar types of companies as before but will also expand its focus to Western markets.
Invera has already demonstrated its ability to recognize potential in local projects and turn them into global successes, with the Museum of Illusions being a prime example. According to Kordić, this franchise perfectly illustrates how private equity can accelerate a company’s growth and facilitate its entry onto the global stage.
Venture Funds in Croatia
As a reminder, Croatia currently has 19 domestic and regional venture capital management firms with assets exceeding €3.2 billion. For comparison, this is half the amount that domestic banks have lent to businesses for investment purposes.
As private equity continues to play a crucial role in the development and expansion of domestic companies, the coming years are set to bring exciting milestones for Invera, particularly with the anticipated exit from the Museum of Illusions and the launch of a new fund. “We are raising a second fund to support expansion and further growth, which will enable us to have an even greater impact on the market,” concluded Kordić.
Photo: Dražen Lapić
By: Roko Kalafatić
Source: https://lidermedia.hr/tvrtke-i-trzista/muzej-iluzija-ide-na-prodaju-invera-equity-partners-angazirali-investicijsku-banku-u-sad-u-159542
