Global investment firm H.I.G. Capital, which manages 76 billion US dollars in assets, has signed a definitive agreement via an affiliate to acquire a majority stake in the go asia Group. The Berlin-based company is considered Germany's largest retail chain for Asian groceries. The parties agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction; closing remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Go asia was founded in 2008 and opened its first shop in Berlin in 2009. Today, the retailer operates more than 70 branches across over 30 German cities. The range comprises more than 10,000 products from all over Asia, sold to a growing customer base by over 1,600 employees. With this dense branch network, the company serves the continuously rising demand for authentic Asian food.
Continuation of the partnership with the founding family
The previous owner family around founder Wengui Ye remains closely tied to the company. Under the agreed partnership, the founding family is reinvesting and will continue to hold a significant stake. Wengui Ye and the established management team will continue to actively steer and drive business development in the future.
The aim of H.I.G. Capital's entry is to launch the next phase of expansion for the Berlin-based chain retailer. The investor intends to contribute its financial strength, operational expertise in the retail and consumer goods sectors, and its international network of contacts to densify go asia's branch network within Germany and prepare for entry into other European markets.
Focus on scaling the branch concept
Wengui Ye explained that go asia had developed into the leading chain for Asian groceries in Germany since opening its first Berlin shop. He stated that there is still significant growth potential in the domestic market as well as across Europe, noting that H.I.G. is the right partner for the path ahead thanks to its extensive retail experience and hands-on approach.
Christian Kraul-von Renner, Managing Director at H.I.G., highlighted the retailer's success story and pointed to its authentic product range alongside its distinctive, scalable store concept. Together with the Ye family, the aim is now to significantly accelerate the securing of new retail space and market potential.
- —Buyer: Affiliate of H.I.G. Capital (76 billion US dollars in assets under management)
- —Target company: go asia, founded in 2008 with headquarters in Berlin
- —Store network: More than 70 retail locations in over 30 German cities
- —Ownership structure: Majority acquisition by H.I.G. with the founding Ye family retaining a significant stake
