SELECTED STORIES

“Transforming a family business was a challenging task, one which our company could not have accomplished without Lakeshore. Lakeshore understood all the nuances of a family business and the team was equipped with all the tools to help us along the journey.”

Chaosua Foods Industry Public Company Limited (“Chaosua”)

Napatr Morin

Chief Executive Officer
The success story of Chaosua showcases how partnering with Lakeshore can lead to a successful organizational transformation and promote sustainable business growth. Together with Lakeshore, Chaosua was able to introduce a new “S-curve” in the highly competitive snack industry, resulting in a new benchmark for family businesses aspiring to grow without losing their core values and heritage.

“Having a partner like Lakeshore instills confidence and helps us attract new talent. We formed a new board of experts from diverse fields to guide us through our transformation. Lakeshore helped us assemble a dream team.”

Chaosua is a highly acclaimed brand offering a wide range of processed pork products and savory snacks, including rice crackers, crispy pork, and pork floss. As a family-owned enterprise aspiring to pursue an IPO, Chaosua chose Lakeshore as the ideal partner given their deep understanding of family business dynamics and strong alignment with Chaosua’s vision. The alliance quickly bore fruit, accelerating Chaosua’s expansion into the broader snack market and reinforcing the company’s dominant market position as a front-runner in the competitive snack industry.
The partnership established clear goals and strategic initiatives to expand Chaosua’s presence in the snack market. The strategy was methodically implemented, beginning with a reorganization that involved a thorough assessment of strengths and weaknesses. This was followed by the collaborative recruitment of external specialists with extensive know-how in the snack industry. These experts elevated pivotal functions and assumed key roles across marketing, sales, distribution, and operations, successfully propelling the company toward its business development objectives. The results were immediate: we enriched our distribution network across both modern and traditional trade channels, enhanced our brand awareness and reach, and ultimately dominated our product categories.

“Our work with Lakeshore especially on ESG initiatives was particularly impactful. Their guidance encouraged us to prioritize ESG best practices across the entire value-chain.”

The Lakeshore partnership has been instrumental in advancing Chaosua’s ESG and sustainability agenda through responsible business operations. Select initiatives include improving standards for local suppliers and implementing a solar rooftop project for energy conservation. Chaosua’s experience highlights how a strategic partnership can facilitate the evolution from a family-run business to an institutional, sustainability-focused organization, while preserving corporate culture and core values. In essence, with the right ally, a family business can retain its core values while developing institutional capabilities.
“Lakeshore was the right teammate at the right time for us.”

Dextra Group (“Dextra”)

Jean-Marie Pithon

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
As companies globally strive to strengthen their ESG commitments, Dextra found an excellent partner in Lakeshore. Their collaboration enabled a smooth leadership transition at Dextra, while also advancing environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts, setting a new industry standard.

“The transformation centered around sustainability and ESG; Lakeshore encouraged us to expedite our progress.”

Dextra, founded in 1983 as a Thailand-based, French-led business, has evolved into a global champion in engineered construction materials, with operations and products delivered worldwide. Their partnership with Lakeshore began just before the COVID-19 pandemic, at a crucial juncture involving a retiring co-founder and succession planning. With a team of professionals that are in close proximity with Dextra, Lakeshore seamlessly integrated themselves into Dextra’s operations and management, solidifying a successful partnership and enabling Dextra to progress confidently.
Lakeshore’s unprecedented perspective injected strategic value into Dextra’s operations. Their insights stimulated new ideas and discussions, especially in critical areas like ESG practices. Driven by Lakeshore’s input, Dextra dedicated additional resources to enhance environmental, social, health, and safety related initiatives. A pivotal move was adopting the IFC Performance Standards which are aligned with the UN Sustainability Development Goals. To take this even further, Dextra redefined their vision with ESG principles at the core, seamlessly integrating them into their commercial strategy. These collaborative efforts positioned Dextra as a model corporation and cemented their global leadership. This not only showcased significant progress in corporate sustainability, but also enabled Dextra to commercially benefit from an impact-driven business strategy.

“Trust and confidence stem from effective communication and strong relationships. Over time, we cultivated a rapport with the Lakeshore team, further reinforcing our trust and partnership.”

The success of the Dextra-Lakeshore partnership was built on strong trust and effective communication. Dextra praised Lakeshore for their agility, efficiency, and friendly approach, resulting in concise and productive discussions that facilitated efficient decision-making. Lakeshore’s ability to swiftly understand and adapt to specific challenges highlights their expertise in providing tailored solutions, making them a valuable partner for any mid-sized businesses.
“Lakeshore embodies three
key aspects for us:
a thought partner,
a network enhancer, and
a governance improver.
The collaboration strengthened our foundation for future growth by enhancing professionalism.”

Humanica Public Company Limited (“Humanica”)

Soontorn Dentham

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Humanica found an ideal partner in Lakeshore, one that redefined its growth trajectory and potential. From governance improvements to international expansion and roll-up strategy, Lakeshore’s multifaceted support has been instrumental in transforming Humanica from a privately-owned local operation into a leading HR solutions provider in Southeast Asia.

“Lakeshore’s network helped us diversify our board composition and restructure our management for greater transparency. They also directly contributed to our business growth by introducing us to new clients, suppliers, and potential partners.”

Humanica selected Lakeshore as its investment and strategic partner during its pivotal growth period. The collaboration led to successful international market expansion and a landmark IPO. Lakeshore’s team of professionals formed an all-rounded, highly productive, and complementary partnership that elevated Humanica’s capabilities for rapid expansion. Lakeshore’s involvement validated Humanica’s market potential and provided critical expertise in key development areas such as executive management, marketing, accounting, financial management, and sales. The comprehensive support not only enhanced Humanica’s existing operations but also positioned the company for accelerated growth and new challenges ahead.

“Thanks to the financial support from Lakeshore, we were able to accelerate our M&A activities and international expansion plan.”

Lakeshore encouraged Humanica to look beyond organic growth, prompting the company to explore both international expansion and M&A opportunities. With strategic guidance, enhanced cash flow, and access to the stock exchange market, Humanica was able to accelerate its overseas expansion plan. The Bangkok-based company expanded its footprints to six countries across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The rapid regional expansion transformed Humanica from a local player into a recognized regional force in the HR solutions market. The Humanica-Lakeshore partnership illustrates how strategic investment, combined with professional expertise and network support, can catalyze a company’s growth and transformation.
"Lakeshore helped us establish goals and set priorities. An effective organisation must have a clear vision and well-defined goals. This ensures that all stakeholders and management are aligned and accountable for their objectives."

KT Restaurant Co., Ltd. (“KT Restaurant”)

Surachai Chananudej

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
In the fiercely competitive restaurant industry, a robust corporate foundation is essential for rapid growth and sustainable network expansion. For KT Restaurant, the company behind the popular Santa Fe steakhouse franchise, partnering with Lakeshore elevated core business fundamentals to the highest standard in the industry, enabling the brand to achieve remarkable growth both domestically and internationally.

"When I think of Lakeshore, I think of their professionalism and visionary approach. More importantly, they can integrate and work seamlessly with our team across all levels of the organisation."

With over two decades of history, Santa Fe has become a popular name in Thailand’s western dining scene, thanks to its affordable pricing and a nationwide network of over 50 branches. Their impressive growth caught Lakeshore’s attention, leading to a partnership aimed at not only achieving growth milestones but also strengthening the foundation through operational and system improvements.
One of Lakeshore’s key contributions was providing professional advice in areas where KT Restaurant had gaps, such as franchise operation and human resources. Known for their adherence to sound principles and their ability to adapt to new company cultures, the Lakeshore team facilitated seamless and thoughtful changes in corporate management and business operations. Another key focus of the partnership was establishing proper governance structures and reinforcing ESG principles. These efforts transformed the brand into an employee-focused organization, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, employee protection, community engagement, and ethical decision-making.

"Lakeshore introduced partnership opportunities in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, significantly amplifying our international expansion efforts. This ultimately led to the establishment of our first franchise business in Cambodia.”

Despite having existing franchise operations, Lakeshore played a pivotal role in elevating its capabilities by bringing in deep expertise. The improved system addressed critical aspects including operational procedures and contract structuring, leading to a surge in franchise popularity and the opening of numerous new locations within 2 years. The partnership also facilitated international expansion into neighboring countries, with several territories in the pipeline. These achievements highlighted the value of professional guidance for SMEs seeking purposeful growth, and demonstrated how a partnership with Lakeshore can address both immediate needs and long-term strategic planning.

“Lakeshore distinguishes itself from competitors with a dedicated team that thoroughly analyzes our business. They arrive well-prepared, demonstrating a deep understanding of our growth objectives – like a trusted friend guiding our business's future.”

nForce Secure Public Company Limited (“nForce”)

Nakrop Niamnamtham

Chief Executive Officer

From financial optimization to cultural synergy, nForce’s partnership with Lakeshore has positioned the company at the forefront of the fast-paced cybersecurity sector. Leveraging deep industry expertise, a solid business foundation and a clear vision, the company is well-positioned for future growth.

“Lakeshore was well acquainted with listing rules and overall IPO process. We were well-prepared, and Lakeshore assisted us throughout the entire listing process, resulting in a smooth and swift process.”

With 18 years of experience, nForce Secure, a comprehensive cybersecurity solutions provider, garnered significant interest from leading private equity firms amid the rapid expansion of the cybersecurity industry. What set Lakeshore apart was their meticulous examination of nForce’s operations and their shared enthusiasm and vision for future growth. This approach resonated with nForce, who praised Lakeshore as a valuable strategic collaborator in refining their business strategy and guiding them towards their public listing.

Despite having an established in-house finance team supporting the CFO, Lakeshore’s partnership introduced additional expertise in financial planning and optimization. This was proven invaluable during the company’s IPO process, where Lakeshore’s guidance, market knowledge, and regulatory understanding ensured nForce’s readiness. The result was a smooth approval process with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Beyond the IPO, the collaboration between nForce and Lakeshore continues to flourish, evolving from a business partnership to a long-term friendship.

“We operate in the IT sector. We need young talent to help run the business and envision our future direction and investment opportunities. Lakeshore’s team complements ours exceptionally well.”

The partnership between nForce and Lakeshore thrived due to their cultural alignment and complementary strengths. Both composed of innovative and adaptable professionals, facilitating smooth idea exchange. Lakeshore’s expertise in growing mid-sized companies and experience in global expansion complemented nForce’s innovative culture, resulting in a powerful synergy. Beyond financial improvement and IPO preparation, Lakeshore also provided valuable analysis and advice on the nForce’s product mix, business model, and market trends. These insights innovated new focus areas and services, allowing nForce to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate through the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

“I chose Lakeshore as our partner with a view of transforming our company from an entrepreneur-led business into an institutional platform, capable of adapting to market changes and growing sustainably into the future.”

Puri Co., Ltd. (“PAÑPURI”)

Vorravit Siripark

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought most industries to a standstill, PAÑPURI was determined to thrive through and beyond the crisis. Lakeshore became an integral day-to-day partner, and the strategic collaboration has become a catalyst for positive transformation.

“Lakeshore is our value-creation and transformation partner, the one we constantly rely on as our sounding board, always by our side. Lakeshore is our trusted life partner.”

When PAÑPURI began to partner with Lakeshore in 2018, the wellness and beauty brand had been steadily building its foundations for nearly two decades. Aspiring to elevate from a Thai heritage to a global luxury symbol, PAÑPURI sought a strategic partner who could go beyond merely providing capital, and actively collaborate in achieving its vision and growth. Lakeshore stood out with its extensive experiences in operational transformation, and its commitment to close collaboration from the outset, demonstrated through detailed research and comprehensive value-creation plan.
From day one, the partnership began with a comprehensive transformation roadmap that encompassed every aspect of the business. Unlike other investors, Lakeshore was a day-to-day strategic partner to PAÑPURI, exerting influence across all business verticals, from finance and supply chain to product and retail experience. This started with an intensive 100-day program and continued with nearly daily engagement for years, fostering personal rapport and seamless collaboration. The evolution went hand-in-hand with value-creation, with efforts directed toward enriching all stakeholders involved. Lakeshore introduced an “outside-in” perspective by parachuting in new management and industry experts.

“COVID-19 turned out to be a hidden blessing, as we emerged stronger than ever. This was attributable to all the strategic thinking, repositioning, transformations, and actions we undertook during the pandemic. We achieved this because of the crisis, and most importantly with Lakeshore’s unwavering support.”

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted PAÑPURI business, leading to the temporary closure of its spas and retail stores for nearly two years. With Lakeshore’s cautious outlook and guidance to take decisive, swift actions, PAÑPURI transformed its business model through the crisis, emerging as a stronger organization with sharper focus, clearer positioning, bolder creativity, and leaner operations. These changes align well with PAÑPURI long-term growth aspiration, which is a direct result of the transformational roadmap followed alongside Lakeshore during the most challenging times.
"Lakeshore addressed two key aspects. Firstly, on the business front, they promoted the company’s sustainable growth. Secondly, on the personal front, they enabled me to incorporate other elements into my life beyond work."

Rojukiss International Public Company Limited (“Rojukiss”)

Piyawadee Sonsingh

Founder & Director

In an era where many businesses struggle to outlast their founders, Rojukiss faced the challenge of prolonging its legacy beyond a single generation. Thanks to the operational value-add by Lakeshore, Rojukiss not only experienced significant growth but also secured long-term sustainability. Moreover, its founder discovered a new equilibrium between leading the business and personal well-being.

"We associate three standout qualities with Lakeshore: intelligence, trustworthiness, and friendship."

After more than a decade of growth under the entrepreneurial vision of founder Piyawadee Sonsingh, Rojukiss reached an inflection point: how to secure the company’s legacy without a succession solution. As an established name in the health and beauty space, the company’s initial plan was to raise capital directly from the public market. However, encountering Lakeshore in 2016 opened up a new opportunity: a partnership that could attract top talents with expertise across marketing, finance, and operations. This collaboration has since allowed the business to leverage a broader talent pool and promote sustainable growth, at the same time, enabling Piyawadee to achieve a better work-life balance.

Piyawadee compares the partnership with Lakeshore to having a deeply-invested friend who treats her business as their own – someone she can trust and confide in on any business matter, whether within Rojukiss or beyond. In addition, Lakeshore has proven to be a skilled, hand-in-glove operator committed to working closely with the brand towards their set goals, resulting in tangible and impactful outcomes. Over the first five years of collaboration, Rojukiss boosted its sales by 100% and its profits by 200% while expanding both domestically in Thailand and internationally into Indonesia and Vietnam.

"I view Lakeshore as a companion for life – not just a business affiliate, but a partner across many aspects of life."

Just as importantly, Lakeshore promoted Piyawadee’s work-life balance after more than a decade of total devotion to work. By bringing in a seasoned executive leadership team to handle daily operations, Piyawadee was able to shift from an active executive role to a strategic advisory position, gaining personal flexibility while contributing to Rojukiss. Furthermore, Lakeshore’s financial expertise helped Piyawadee manage her wealth, ensuring a future beyond the company she founded. The partnership between Rojukiss and Lakeshore illustrates how embracing changes and new roles can lead to sustainable growth for both the company and its founder.

“My family is delighted with Lakeshore’s partnership for two major reasons. First, they institutionalized our family business, and second, they enhanced our competitiveness.”

Vision Ventures Co., Ltd. (“Vision Ventures”)

Pakee Pracharktam

Chairman of Executive Committee

Transitioning from a long-standing family business, Vision Ventures’ journey with Lakeshore illustrates a natural evolution. This journey combines decades of deep industry expertise with top-tier management and guidance, positioning the company for a new era of sustainable growth.

“The introduction of Lakeshore accelerated transformation at Vision Ventures. They brought in expertise and resources that propelled us into the next stage of growth.”

Founded over 70 years ago, Vision Ventures operates an optical retail business under two leading brands, Better Vision and HorWan, along with a wholesale division. The founding family identified a complementary partner in Lakeshore, recognizing the importance of institutionalization and succession planning. Lakeshore strengthened the management team and introduced additional expertise, complementing the company’s deep industry knowledge and setting the stage for its transformation and strategic expansion.

Lakeshore’s collaboration marked an influential shift in Vision Ventures’ operational dynamics. By transitioning from a family-centric management style to a corporate governance structure, they eliminated the complexities of familial considerations in decision-making, resulting in more transparent and efficient operations. The partnership also introduced several key improvements, including formulation of commercial strategy based on on comprehensive market research program. These changes instilled a more institutional and forward-looking approach to its business operations.

“We immediately saw changes in the company across multiple dimensions.”

Lakeshore’s impact was evident from the outset. Vision Ventures expanded into new market segments by introducing new store formats in diverse locations, including grocery outlets, gas stations, and street-side shops. Furthermore, the partnership facilitated strategic bolt-on acquisitions and joint ventures, expanding Vision Ventures’ business portfolio and market footprint. These efforts are transforming Vision Ventures from a traditional eyewear provider into an all-rounded eyecare solutions provider, significantly elevating customer experience and market penetration. Ultimately, the goal is to fulfill founding family’s long-held aspirations, who viewed Lakeshore as a partner that has strengthened their company, making it more competitive and resilient.