WND partners with L Catterton to launch consumer equity fund

Wuxi National Hi-Tech District. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_c214778d354b]

Wuxi National Hi-Tech District, also known as WND, signed a cooperation agreement with L Catterton on Feb 25, marking a new step in strengthening the region's consumer economy and attracting international capital.

Founded in 1989, L Catterton is a globally recognized private equity firm focused on the consumer sector and is affiliated with LVMH Group. The firm manages approximately $39 billion in assets and has completed more than 300 investments worldwide across food and beverage, fashion, beauty and personal care, healthcare, and other consumer sectors.

Under the agreement, L Catterton will work with WND to create a consumer-focused equity fund. The fund will mainly focus on Pre-IPO and mature consumer projects. By means of equity investment, it seeks to assist consumer businesses in establishing and growing their operations within the district, while also promoting the integration of L Catterton's extensive consumer industry network into the region. The initiative is expected to improve WND's consumption capacity and accelerate the integration of global resources.

Chen Yue, managing partner and chief investment officer for Asia at L Catterton, said that WND serves as a key economic growth engine and gateway for opening up in the Yangtze River Delta region. Along with its strong foundation in high-tech industries, the district boasts significant consumer market potential and a business-friendly environment. These advantages, Chen said, closely align with L Catterton's long-term strategy of investing in the consumer sector and empowering brand growth.