“We have targeted the high-end sneaker market due to the premiumization and casualization trends we are seeing globally and believe Axel Arigato is an innovative and high potential brand in this sector, relying on an authentic and contemporary designer-based approach. We are delighted to partner with Max and Albin, and we look forward to working with the company to accelerate its international growth, strengthen its digital platform and expand in retail –bringing this impressive brand to new customers worldwide", commented Laurent Droin, Managing Director of Eurazeo Brands, when talking about this investment, which becomes the group's first investment in Europe.

Founded in 2014 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Axel Arigato is a high-growth, digitally-native company that has quickly become a known player in the European premium sneaker market. The company’s main objective is to "embrace the now and always look for the tomorrow, with strong cultural references including music, art and architecture".

The brand’s revenues have almost tripled since 2017, with Axel Arigato being able to built a successful multi-channel distribution strategy with a strong direct-to-consumer foundation. The large community that stands behind the brand is highly engaged thanks to the company’s event-driven marketing strategy, its “drop of the week” model and unique online content. Its products are distributed worldwide through its e-commerce website, major online marketplaces such as Farfetch, MyTheresa and Ssense, six Axel Arigato retail locations, and select prestige department stores such as Le Bon Marché, Harrod’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Eurazeo Brands will allow Axel Arigato to further fuel the brand's growth, in Europe in particular, by investing in its digital and e-commerce capabilities, developing its retail footprint in major European cities and enhancing the brand’s sustainability positioning. In addition, Eurazeo will provide its CSR expertise and international network throughout Europe, Asia and the United States to support the brand’s development in key markets.

“We are very proud of the company we’ve built so far. Axel Arigato has established a strong presence in the premium sneaker market (...) Choosing the best partner for Axel Arigato was critical to continuing our momentum–Eurazeo’s deep brand-building experience and international network are key to accelerating our growth”, declared Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, founders of Axel Arigato.