Privalia is a Spain-based private sales club that sells branded clothing and accessories at discounted prices to members across five markets. It currently operates in Spain, Italy, Germany, Mexico and Brazil and has invested early in mobile commerce, with €1 in every €3 spent via its mobile apps in Spain and over 40% in Mexico (up to 60% during holidays). The company reported 32% year-over-year growth in 2012 with total revenues of €422 million (US$543.5M) and said it ended the first quarter with positive consolidated EBITDA. Privalia said sales in Mexico grew by more than three digits in 2012 and that Brazil is its main operating company by sales volume. It raised a new €25M (US$32.3M) financing from Belgian fund Sofina, bringing total funding to date to $251M. The company plans to use the funding to accelerate growth in Latin America, strengthen its financial structure and extend its leadership position. Privalia raised $123.4 million and concurrently completed the acquisition of German online fashion retailer Dress for Less. The article reports the raise amount and the purchase but does not provide details on the financing instrument or participating investors. No operating metrics such as revenue or user numbers are disclosed in the coverage. The article also does not provide terms of the acquisition or any financial breakdown of the deal. No information on past funding rounds, founding year, or Privalia’s headquarters appears in the article. Privalia Venta Directa runs private online sales clubs that organize short, brand‑focused flash sales (one to two days) to clear excess inventory and win new customers. The service is most popular in France, Spain and Italy and has expanded into Italy and Brazil, becoming the market leader there; it recently launched in Mexico and plans to enter Colombia and Argentina. The company employs about 600 people and reports nearly 6 million users online. Revenue for the six months to the end of June surpassed 2009 sales, with 2010 sales forecast at over €140m and first‑half 2010 sales up 158%. Roughly 40% of sales in the first half came from Latin America. Privalia's strategy emphasizes consolidating regional private sales clubs and strengthening its European position through roll‑ups.

Total raised

$251M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

May 2013