Firm at a glance
Explorer Investments is a platform private equity firm founded in 2003 and headquartered in Lisboa, Portugal, per its own website [S1].
What they buy
Explorer Investments appears to target small and mid-sized businesses across industrial manufacturing, technology-enabled services, and hospitality sectors in Portugal and the Iberian region [S2]. The firm’s portfolio demonstrates a pattern of acquiring companies in specialized manufacturing niches including aluminium extrusion, brass casting, and precision components, alongside service businesses in audiovisual production, engineering technology, and fitness technology [S2]. Recent acquisitions suggest continued activity in microbiological analysis, precision manufacturing, and hospitality assets [S3].
Portfolio
Industrial Manufacturing
Adla (aluminium extrusion, exited 2025) [S2], ASBW (brass casting) [S2], and BBG (aluminium frame production, exited 2024) [S2] represent the firm’s metals and components holdings.
Technology and Services
Alfasom provides audiovisual services [S2], while BERD (acquired 2021) operates in engineering and construction technology [S2]. BHOUT (acquired 2023) is positioned in the FitTech sector [S2].
Recent Acquisitions
Biogerm (microbiological and chemical analysis, acquired December 2024) [S3], Gosimac (precision manufacturing, acquired August 2024) [S3], and Douro Royal Valley Hotel & SPA and Douro Palace Hotel Resort & SPA (hospitality, acquired January 2025) [S3].
Recent activity (last 24 months)
* January 2025: Acquisition of Douro Royal Valley Hotel & SPA and Douro Palace Hotel Resort & SPA [S3]
* December 2024: Acquisition of Biogerm [S3]
* August 2024: Acquisition of Gosimac [S3]
* 2024: Exit of BBG [S2]
* 2025: Exit of Adla [S2]
How this firm fits a seller
Explorer Investments demonstrates a track record of acquiring and exiting portfolio companies, with two exits completed in 2024 and 2025 alongside three new acquisitions in the same period [S2][S3]. The firm’s focus on Portuguese and Iberian businesses suggests it may be well-suited for owner-operators seeking a buyer with local market knowledge and operational presence in the region [S1]. The portfolio composition indicates experience across both industrial manufacturing and service businesses, with recent diversification into hospitality assets [S2][S3]. For sellers in specialized manufacturing, engineering services, or laboratory testing sectors operating in Portugal, the firm’s sector history may represent a relevant match.
Sources
[S1] https://www.explorerinvestments.com (as of 2025-01-27)
[S2] https://www.explorerinvestments.com/home/portfolio/ (as of 2025-01-27)
[S3] https://www.explorerinvestments.com/home/news-insights/ (as of 2025-01-27)
Frequently asked questions
Does Explorer Investments buy industrial manufacturing businesses?
Yes, approximately half of the firm’s disclosed portfolio consists of industrial manufacturing companies, including businesses in aluminium extrusion, brass casting, aluminium frame production, and precision manufacturing [S2][S3]. Recent acquisitions include Gosimac in the precision manufacturing sector in August 2024 [S3].
What companies has Explorer Investments acquired recently?
The firm’s most recent acquisitions include Douro Royal Valley Hotel & SPA and Douro Palace Hotel Resort & SPA in January 2025, Biogerm (microbiological and chemical analysis) in December 2024, and Gosimac (precision manufacturing) in August 2024 [S3].
Where is Explorer Investments based and how big is the firm?
Explorer Investments is based in Lisboa, Portugal, where it maintains its headquarters [S1]. The firm was founded in 2003 [S1]. Fund size and assets under management were not publicly disclosed in available sources as of January 2025.
Is Explorer Investments still actively acquiring?
Yes, the firm completed three acquisitions between August 2024 and January 2025, indicating active deal execution [S3]. The most recent transaction was the acquisition of two hospitality properties in January 2025 [S3].
This profile is maintained by CT Acquisitions as an independent third-party reference. CT Acquisitions is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a representative of the firm profiled. All facts sourced from publicly available materials as of the dates cited.