Business & Tech-enabled Services, M&A

Bryan, Garnier & Co acts as the Sole Financial Advisor to Sprints on the sale of Hitta.se to Fonecta backed by Sponsor Capital

Hitta.se is a leading Swedish search platform that provides comprehensive information on individuals, businesses, and locations across Sweden.

Founded in June 2004, Hitta.se has grown to become one of Sweden’s most prominent platforms for hyperlocal marketing, assisting approximately 4 million unique visitors and facilitating over 20 million searches each week via its website and mobile applications.

Hitta.se was acquired by Sprints in 2017, transitioning ownership from Nordic media conglomerate Schibsted.

Through its partnership with Fonecta, Hitta.se will enhance Fonecta’s portfolio by delivering innovative solutions that connect businesses with their customers, solidifying its position as a Nordic market leader in hyperlocal marketing.

Bryan, Garnier & Co acts as the Sole Financial Advisor to Sprints on the sale of Hitta.se to Fonecta, a portfolio company of Sponsor Capital.

Bryan, Garnier & Co conducted a competitive process involving Tier 1 financial sponsors and trade buyers. Bryan, Garnier & Co advised Sprints on deal strategy, buyer selection, due diligence, transaction structure and contract negotiations.

This marks another landmark transaction for Bryan, Garnier & Co’s Business and Tech-Enabled Services practice and is a further demonstration of its expertise in private equity-led M&A transactions.

Founded in 2004, Hitta.se is a premier Swedish search platform offering comprehensive information on individuals, businesses, and locations nationwide. Accessible via its website and mobile applications, the platform serves approximately 4 million unique visitors and facilitates over 20 million searches each week.

The platform provides advanced technologies designed to simplify and enhance local discovery, empowering Swedish SMEs to reach their target audiences effectively. Hitta.se’s solutions are widely utilised across industries such as retail, hospitality, and professional services, offering businesses the ability to increase visibility and drive customer engagement. By continually advancing the capabilities of local search and marketing, Hitta.se enables organisations to thrive in a highly competitive digital landscape while fostering stronger connections within their communities.

Hitta.se is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

Sprints is a London-based private equity firm specialising in technology-enabled companies with established business models, strong market positions, and exceptional management teams. Founded in 2014, the firm focuses on long-term investments in European growth companies across sectors such as fintech, enterprise software, healthcare, and marketplaces.  

The team at Sprints comprises experienced entrepreneurs and investors who provide strategic guidance and capital to their portfolio companies. They adopt an active approach, offering expertise in business development, sales and marketing, and operational scaling to help companies accelerate growth and realize their full potential.

Fonecta is a leading provider of advanced marketing and digital business solutions, specialising in hyperlocal marketing, data-driven customer acquisition, and digital tools that empower businesses to connect with their audiences in Finland. With cutting-edge technologies and a commitment to innovation, Fonecta ensures that businesses of all sizes can thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. Serving industries such as retail, hospitality, professional services, and SMEs, Fonecta plays a pivotal role in driving customer engagement and growth.

Fonecta is backed by Sponsor Capital, a Finnish investment firm passionate about investing in transformative businesses and innovative solutions. Sponsor Capital collaborates closely with management teams to enhance operations and drive growth further by offering bespoke support and a high value-added ecosystem.