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Key people at COFRA Holding AG.
COFRA Holding AG was founded in 2001 by Clemens Brenninkmeijer (Founder) and August Brenninkmeijer (Founder).
COFRA Holding AG operates as a diversified group of businesses managing a broad portfolio across private equity, real estate, and asset management. The company focuses on creating enduring value and positive societal and environmental impact through its various entities, which include financial services and retail. Its approach centers on building flourishing, sustainable investments with a long-term perspective, leveraging its own resources and collaborating with like-minded investors.
The enterprise originated with Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer, who in 1841 established the foundation for what would become the global fashion retailer C&A. The brothers launched their venture with an insight to build a business grounded in engaged, ethical practices and a strong family ethos, starting in Sneek, Netherlands. This initial family-centric approach has guided the group's evolution through successive generations.
COFRA's diverse portfolio companies serve various customers, from institutional investors and businesses to direct consumers. The company’s overarching vision is to contribute to a more just society and a sustainable world. It works to increase the positive financial, social, and environmental impact of its assets, aiming to nurture an organization that continuously adapts and builds the future.
COFRA Holding AG is a privately held, family-owned conglomerate headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, coordinating the global businesses of the Brenninkmeijer family across retailing, real estate, private equity, asset management, renewable energy, and sustainable food.[1][2][4] Its mission centers on creating lasting financial, social, and environmental value to foster a more just society and sustainable world, employing over 60,000 people and managing more than €35 billion in assets.[4][5] The investment philosophy emphasizes stewardship, ESG-driven returns, and contributing to systemic transitions like clean energy and sustainable food production, with key sectors including apparel retail (C&A), private equity (Bregal Investments), real estate (Redevco), asset management (Anthos Fund & Asset Management), renewables (Sunrock), and sustainable food (The Sustainable Food Group).[2][4] While not primarily a startup-focused firm, COFRA influences the ecosystem through Bregal's mid-market private equity investments in North America and Europe, prioritizing ESG improvements and long-term value creation.[4]
COFRA Holding AG was established in 2001 to centralize the Brenninkmeijer family's decentralized businesses, enabling unified governance amid the European single market's opportunities; the family traces its roots to 1841, when Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer founded C&A as traveling linen merchants in Germany and the Netherlands.[2][4][5] Key family figures include Chairman Martijn Brenninkmeijer and CEO Boudewijn Beerkens, with decisions made by consensus among around 60 descendants in the "Sneekerkring" group, reflecting a multi-generational stewardship ethos.[2][3] The firm's evolution expanded from C&A retail success—once operating in Mexico and China (sold 2020-2023)—to diversification: Bregal Investments launched in 2002 for private equity, Sunrock acquired in 2020 for renewables, and a sustained presence in Brazil since 1976.[2][4]
COFRA rides trends in sustainable tech and systemic transitions, including renewable energy (via Sunrock's rooftop solar), distributed ledger technology (Hedera Council membership to accelerate DLT for sustainability), and ESG-enhanced private equity through Bregal, which targets mid-market firms for operational improvements.[1][4][5] Timing aligns with global pushes for net-zero energy, food security, and equitable finance, amplified by post-2020 climate commitments and Europe's green deal; market forces like resource depletion and rising clean energy demand favor its portfolio.[4][5] COFRA influences the ecosystem by deploying catalytic capital—€35+ billion—to scale innovations in renewables and sustainable production, setting standards for family capital in impact investing while maintaining B2B digital presence.[1][5]
COFRA is poised for expanded impact through its ESG-core portfolio, with recent leadership additions like Sven Dumoulin signaling scaled legal support for growth amid energy and food transitions.[3] Trends like accelerated DLT adoption, rooftop solar proliferation, and sustainable supply chains will shape its path, potentially deepening tech integrations via Hedera and Bregal's mid-market deals.[1][4] Its influence may evolve from retail roots to a pivotal force in green infrastructure and impact PE, sustaining family stewardship to amplify positive change in a resource-constrained world—echoing its founding ethos of amazing customers while driving societal good.[5]
COFRA Holding AG was founded in 2001 by Clemens Brenninkmeijer (Founder) and August Brenninkmeijer (Founder).
Key people at COFRA Holding AG.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 18, 2024 | Intelligent Growth Solutions | $28.5M Series C | COFRA Holding, DC Thomson, S2G Ventures | Cleveland Avenue, Ospraie Ag Science, Scottish Enterprise |
| Nov 4, 2021 | Intelligent Growth Solutions | $57.6M Series B | Don Brenninkmeijer | AgFunder, Cleveland Avenue, DC Thomson, Jason Mraz, S2G Ventures, Scottish Enterprise |
