Baby talk: QIC backs $43m investment in infant skincare

Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) is upping its green credentials by investing in Naif, a Dutch maker of sustainable baby skin products.

Naif focuses on sustainable skincare for infants.

Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) is burnishing its green credentials by participating in a $43m investment in Naif, a Dutch maker of sustainable baby skin products.

The investment is the first deal flowing from a $500m strategic partnership with PenSam, one of Denmark’s largest pension funds.

QIC partnered with London-based investment managers Future Business Partnership (FBP) on the deal, which featured a £23m ($43.7m) capital raising. Naïf, the Netherlands’ biggest baby care brand, produces a range of environmentally friendly shampoos, wipes and lotions for both babies and adults. Naif founders Sjoerd Trompetter and Jochem Hes say the company aims to transform the traditional skincare industry by focusing on sustainability. “Thanks to this investment, Naïf can further realise its vision,” they say.

Naif focuses on sustainable products for babies.

Naif was born when the founders became first time dads in 2013 and discovered that even skincare products for babies contain what they consider harmful ingredients.

QIC private equity principal in Europe Rune Jepsen says the investment in Naïf perfectly aligns to the investment fund’s environmental and social (ESG) objectives.

“It demonstrates QIC can deliver strong returns through both fund commitments and co investments,” says Jepsen (illustrated).

QIC, like every financial institution around the world, has been exposed to the challenges of ongoing global market volatility, where active management is key..

QIC will reportedly be looking at further investments in high-growth companies, typically with a value of between $170 million and $1.7 billion.

Naïf’ says its products are free from potentially harmful substances and microplastics and aim to impact the global grooming industry positively.

The company says that currently nine out of 10 personal care products contain microplastics

Earlier this year Naif joined other beauty brands in signing an open letter to the European Commission urging for a faster and more complete ban on microplastics in cosmetic and personal care products.

New spin

He may rarely be spotted out of his customary grey suit, but PR man Anthony Fensom has announced a few new changes to his business. Formely of Republic PR, Fensom has branched out on his own as Fensom Advisory. Fensom says new offerings include more services in digital marketing, digital strategy, storytelling and digital advertising capabilities.

Joining Fensom in the new venture will be James Canning Ure,Bosco Anthony, Tom Lyttle, Sam Aarons, Angus Brien and Brenden Brien.

James Canning-Ure

Sweet success

Kudos to Gold Coast soft serve and beverage manufacturer Frosty Boy, which has wrapped up a successful year as a finalist in the 61st annual Australian Export Awards in Canberra.

Just weeks after claiming the title of Queensland’s top exporter, the iconic Gold Coast manufacturer was singled out in front of the country’s most innovative exporters and a host of government department representatives including Austrade at Parliament House. Frosty Boy managing director Dirk Pretorius says the company is “thrilled to have been recognised by Austrade in this way.” Frosty Boy currently exports to 65 countries including growth markets such as India, Korea, Malaysia, the Middle East, Philippines, USA and Vietnam.

Frosty Boy’s Dirk Pretorius at their Yatala plant with Dr Angela Hausmann chief operating officer, and Johann Botha chief financial officer.