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KKR and Gulf Data Hub Form Strategic Partnership to Scale One of the Middle East’s Largest Independent Data Center Platforms

  • Strategic partnership between a leading global investment firm and a leading UAE business with a regional footprint
  • KKR and GDH are committing to support over $5 billion of total investment to build-out data center capacity, supporting the significant rise in hyperscale demand, AI and digital-focused national priorities across the Gulf countries
  • First data center investment for KKR in the Middle East, adding to KKR’s unique global portfolio of four hyperscale platforms comprising several GW of deployed assets across 100+ facilities

DUBAI & LONDON & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Gulf Data Hub (“GDH” or the “Company”), one of the largest independent data center platforms in the Middle East focused on serving hyperscale demand across the Gulf countries, and KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced that funds affiliated with KKR will acquire a stake in GDH. The investment, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is being made through KKR’s Global Infrastructure strategy.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250117834785/en/

H.E. Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, presiding over the official signing of the strategic partnership between KKR and Gulf Data Hub by Tara Davies Co-Head of KKR EMEA and Co-Head of European Infrastructure and Tarek Al Ashram, CEO of Gulf Data Hub (GDH) (Photo: Business Wire)H.E. Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, presiding over the official signing of the strategic partnership between KKR and Gulf Data Hub by Tara Davies Co-Head of KKR EMEA and Co-Head of European Infrastructure and Tarek Al Ashram, CEO of Gulf Data Hub (GDH) (Photo: Business Wire)

Established in 2012 and headquartered in Dubai, GDH, is one of the largest independent carrier and vendor neutral data center platforms in the Middle East with significant operating capacity and pipeline of projects. With an owned portfolio of seven purpose-built and state-of-the art data centers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and additional facilities planned in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, GDH is focused on delivering the infrastructure required to meet hyperscale demand across the region to support increasing data consumption driven by the growing trends in digital connectivity, cloud and artificial intelligence.

The transaction marks one of the largest international investments into a UAE-founded and managed business in a fast-growing sector that benefits from high demand and major competitive advantages, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in accelerating digital and AI capabilities. Upon completion, KKR and GDH have committed to support over $5 billion of total investment to grow GDHs’ market leading position and to support its international growth plans through organic and inorganic strategies.

GDH has successfully built on its first mover advantage and leveraged its scalable platform and large powered landbank to create a sizeable pipeline of assets. The Company’s proven track record of data centre buildouts, reliable delivery of availability, performance, security and support for hyperscale customers, and successful operation of secure data centers which have been built to ensure continuous operation, have consolidated its position as a standout business in a rapidly growing sector.

Commenting on the transaction, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, who witnessed the signing ceremony in Dubai, remarked: “The UAE exemplifies visionary leadership, driving digital and AI capabilities to new heights. By transforming ambitious visions into the achievements we are witnessing today, it sets a global benchmark for innovation and progress. Through groundbreaking initiatives and strategic investments, the UAE is shaping a future where technology enhances lives, fuels economic prosperity, and unlocks boundless opportunities.”

Al Olama further added: “This milestone underscores the strength of the UAE’s digital economy, enhances the journey of growth, and aligns with the National Strategy for Digital Economy. Building on the momentum of 2024, marked by the launch of numerous data centers, it represents a strong start to 2025 and reaffirms the UAE’s dedication to strengthening its digital infrastructure. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, the UAE continues to lead, inspiring the world by advancing human potential and creating a smarter, more connected tomorrow.”

Tarek Al Ashram, Founder and CEO of Gulf Data Hub, said: “Today marks a milestone in our growth journey as we welcome KKR, a global leader in digital infrastructure investing, as a strategic partner in our business. Over the past 12 years, GDH has grown into one of the most successful data center platforms in the region, supporting the business needs of sophisticated cloud and enterprise software customers. The strategic partnership with KKR will enable us to leverage their deep expertise, positioning us to achieve our pan-regional ambitions and deliver on our mandate of being a partner and provider of choice.”

Tara Davies, Co-Head of KKR EMEA and Co-Head of European Infrastructure, added: “The Middle East is a fast-growing region for hyperscale deployment. With competitively priced and readily available sources of energy, an unmatched ability to serve as a gateway hub for Asia and Africa, and sustained government commitment to power the growth of the digital sector, we believe it is today one of the most attractive investment destinations for long-term capital. Our investment in GDH aligns with our conviction in digital infrastructure and enables us to leverage our global connectivity to drive value and accelerate the growth of a leading business in the region. It also reinforces KKR’s continued commitment to the Middle East, following our landmark investment in ADNOC Oil Pipelines as well our work with Etihad alongside Altavair AirFinance.”

Waldemar Szlezak, Global Head of Digital Infrastructure at KKR, said: “Today’s digital assets form the backbone of our data-driven society. With the world set to generate 1.5 times more digital data than just two years ago, the demand for data center capacity is skyrocketing. The ongoing migration to cloud computing and the rise of AI are not just trends; they are reshaping the landscape of digital infrastructure. As business requirements evolve, strategic investments such as the one we have forged with GDH will be crucial to harnessing the full potential of our digital future. We look forward to working with Tarek and his team to power their success together.”

KKR has had a presence in the Middle East for over 15 years, with offices in Dubai and Riyadh. Prior investments in the region include the strategic partnership with ADNOC to create ADNOC Oil Pipelines, which marked the first midstream infrastructure collaboration between a leading global institutional investor and a national oil company in the Middle East. KKR also acquired a portfolio of commercial aircraft from Etihad Airways in 2020 through aircraft leasing investment platform Altitude Aircraft Leasing, which was established by KKR’s credit and infrastructure funds in 2018 to acquire aircraft serviced by Altavair.

KKR first established its global infrastructure team and strategy in 2008 and has since been one of the most active infrastructure investors around the world with $77 billion in infrastructure assets under management as of September 30, 2024. To date, KKR has invested more than $29 billion across 22 investments in relevant digital infrastructure companies across data centers and fiber, as well as $15 billion in power, utilities, and energy.

KKR’s significant global data center footprint spans four platforms with several GW of deployed assets across over 100 facilities and more under development globally. These platforms include US-based global data center infrastructure provider CyrusOne, Singapore-based data center operators STT GDC and Nxera, and UK-based hyperscale data center developer, owner, and operator GTR. KKR’s portfolio also includes over 10 renewable energy developers with over 50 GW of global development pipeline.

Advancements in AI are fueling an unprecedented demand for data centers, but a limited availability of reliable power is impeding the strategic goals of the world’s largest technology companies, enterprises, and governments looking to deploy AI. To help address this, KKR has formed a $50 billion strategic partnership with Energy Capital Partners, the largest private owner of power generation and renewables in the US, designed to deliver scaled data center and power solutions for hyperscalers and other market participants to support the rapid expansion of AI and cloud computing globally.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

About GDH

Gulf Data Hub (GDH) is a leading provider of state-of-the-art data center solutions across the Middle East, offering highly secure, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure for businesses in the digital economy. Since its inception in 2012, GDH has consistently innovated and sought ways to minimize the risks associated with downtime while maximizing operational efficiency. With facilities strategically located in key markets, GDH provides colocation, cloud, and connectivity services to a diverse portfolio of clients, including global enterprises, governments, and hyperscale cloud providers. Committed to innovation, operational excellence, and environmental sustainability, GDH empowers its clients to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. For additional information about GDH, please visit the GDH website at www.gulfdatahub.ae

Media

Middle East:
Mitali Atal: mitali.atal@fgsglobal.com
Aditi Mane: aditi.mane@fgsglobal.com

United Kingdom:
Alastair Elwen: alastair.elwen@fgsglobal.com
Jack Shelley: jack.shelley@fgsglobal.com

Source: KKR

 

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Bridges Consumer Healthcare Announces Acquisition of Category-Leading Consumer Health Brand KT Tape

Charlesbank

Chattanooga, TN, January 16, 2025 – Bridges Consumer Healthcare LLC (“Bridges” or the “Company”), a consumer healthcare platform made up of nine over-the-counter (“OTC”) and personal care brands, today announced the acquisition of KT® Tape (“KT”), the leading kinesiology tape brand designed to provide drug-free pain relief and support for muscles, tendons and ligaments. The strategic move diversifies and strengthens Bridges’ portfolio of specialty OTC brands, increasing the Company’s scale and positioning Bridges for accelerated organic growth and further add-on opportunities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2008, KT Tape has been a pioneer in providing drug-free, innovative solutions to prevent and relieve pain and promote recovery. The company partnered with Palladin Consumer Retail Partners (“Palladin”) in 2014 and has earned high customer advocacy with products that appeal to all consumers from professional athletes to those seeking effective relief from everyday pain and soreness. KT is a category leader used by notable athletic organizations including the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. The addition of KT to Bridges represents the next phase of growth for the brand, with further investment in demand generation, product innovation and omnichannel distribution as part of the Bridges platform. KT is also the fourth acquisition completed since the inception of Bridges and opens the door for additional opportunities for accretive M&A.

“We are excited to join forces with KT Tape to advance our shared goal of delivering innovative over-the-counter healthcare solutions to improve our customers’ everyday health and quality of life,” said John Speranza, CEO at Bridges Consumer Healthcare. “KT’s innovative solutions enhance Bridges’ already-strong position in pain relief, alongside our current brands in the external pain category, ThermaCare and Absorbine Jr. As we begin executing on our vision for growth, we look forward to exploring partnerships with similar brands that can help us scale further.”

“Today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter for KT, positioning us to reach more customers and continue to drive meaningful innovation through the added scale of the Bridges platform,” said Jessica Klodnicki, CEO at KT Tape. “We have been impressed by Bridges’ leadership and depth of expertise across several consumer health verticals, as well as the Company’s steadfast focus on its customers. We are thrilled to have found another collaborative strategic partner that shares a similar vision for the future of our business.”

Bridges was founded in 2020 by a team of industry executives and Charlesbank Capital Partners to build a market-leading consumer healthcare platform. Since its formation, Bridges has executed on this mission, acquiring nine brands focused on pain relief, women’s health and supplements, and accelerating double-digit growth through strategic marketing, innovation and a diverse range of sales channels, including e-commerce and B2B partnerships.

“Since its formation, Bridges has demonstrated a strong track record of growth, scaling both organically and through M&A, and we are thrilled to welcome another marquee brand like KT to the Bridges family,” said Jesse Ge, Principal at Charlesbank. “This marks an exciting milestone for the Bridges team, as they continue to build a leading consumer healthcare company.”

Mark Schwartz, CEO of Palladin, added, “It has been a pleasure working with the founders of KT, Jessica and the entire leadership team to build a leading consumer product company providing health and wellness solutions for athletes at all levels. We’re confident that Bridges will be a good platform for KT’s next stage of growth.”

Weil, Gotshal and Manges served as legal counsel to Bridges and Charlesbank. Palladin and KT were represented by Houlihan Lokey and advised by Latham & Watkins, RSM US and Andersen.

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Gryphon Investors-Backed Repipe Specialists Acquires A-1 Total Service Plumbing

Gryphon Investors

Expanding Capabilities in Residential, Multi-Family, and Commercial Plumbing and Piping Solutions

Repipe Specialists (“Repipe”), a leading residential and commercial piping and water services company, announced today that it has acquired A-1 Total Service Plumbing (“A-1” or the “Company”), a Los Angeles area provider of residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial plumbing and lining services. Repipe is backed by middle market private equity firm Gryphon Investors. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, A-1 is a full-service provider of traditional residential and commercial plumbing services along with lining and pipe rehabilitation services. The A-1 management team will remain with the Company, and founder and owner Raymond Gray is retaining a significant ownership stake.

“We are thrilled to add A-1 to the growing Repipe team,” said Repipe’s CEO Jay Teresi. “A-1’s strong expertise in plumbing and lining services perfectly complements Repipe’s nationwide capabilities. This partnership expands our service offerings, enhances our technical expertise, and allows us to deliver more comprehensive one-stop solutions for our customers. Ray and the A-1 team share our core values, purpose, and vision: delivering high-quality piping systems and plumbing services that provide clean, clear flowing water essential to everyday life.”

“As we considered our options, joining forces with Repipe and Gryphon was the obvious choice given their added financial and operational resources, national reach, and complementary service offerings,” said Mr. Gray. “Repipe has an unmatched reputation as the premier player in the market, and we are excited for our customers and employees to benefit from the comprehensive product and service portfolio this combination offers.”

A-1 marks the first add-on acquisition that Repipe has made since being acquired in 2022 by Gryphon’s Heritage Fund, the firm’s small-cap investment strategy. Repipe is actively seeking to partner with additional businesses to further expand its premium portfolio of brands and products.

“Our aim is to be the premier provider of residential and commercial piping, lining, and plumbing services, and this acquisition helps achieve our goals,” said Jeff Pembroke, operating partner and co-head of Gryphon’s Heritage Fund. “We look forward to continued and accelerated growth as a result of this acquisition.”

About A-1 Total Service Plumbing

Founded in 2004 by Raymond Gray and headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, A-1 is a leading full-service provider of plumbing and lining services. The company operates in two segments: service plumbing and repair, and lining and pipe rehabilitation. Known for its superior quality service, A-1 has built a strong reputation for plumbing and lining services across California, Nevada and Arizona, while offering commercial lining services nationwide.

About Repipe Specialists

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Burbank, California, Repipe Specialists is a market leader in residential, multi-family, and commercial repiping. With their proven One-Stop Repipe™ process, they complete installations in just 1–2 days using high-quality materials backed by a lifetime warranty. Having repiped over 75,000 properties in more than 30 years, they are a nationally recognized leader and locally trusted for their efficient and reliable service. For more information, visit www.repipe.com.

About Gryphon Investors

Gryphon Investors is a leading middle-market private investment firm focused on profitably growing and competitively advantaged companies in the Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Software, and Technology Solutions & Services sectors. With approximately $10 billion of assets under management, Gryphon prioritizes investments in which it can form strong partnerships with founders, owners, and executives to accelerate the building of leading companies and generate enduring value through its integrated deal and operations business model. Gryphon’s highly differentiated model integrates its well-proven Operations Resources Group, which is led by full-time, Gryphon senior operating executives with general management, human capital acquisition and development, treasury, finance, and accounting expertise. Gryphon’s three core investment strategies include its Flagship, Heritage, and Junior Capital strategies, each with dedicated funds of capital. The Flagship and Heritage strategies target equity investments of $50 million to $500 million per portfolio company. The Junior Capital strategy targets investments of $10 million to $25 million in junior securities of credit facilities, arranged by leading middle-market lenders, in both Gryphon-controlled companies, as well as in other private equity-backed companies operating in Gryphon’s targeted investment sectors.

# # #

Contact:

Lambert

Caroline Luz

203-570-6462

cluz@lambert.com

or

Jennifer Hurson

845-507-0571

jhurson@lambert.com

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Shriram Housing Finance Unveils its New Brand Identity “Truhome Finance” Following its Acquisition by Warburg Pincus, QIA, and Others

Warburg Pincus logo

Mumbai, 15 Jan 2025 – Shriram Housing Finance, one of India’s leading affordable housing finance companies, announced the launch of its new brand identity – Truhome Finance (the “Company”).

The rebranding follows its acquisition by Warburg Pincus and its co-investors, including QIA, Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund. As part of the agreement, Shriram Finance Group received an investment of ₹1,225 crore, helping the Company augment its net worth to over ₹3,300 crore and marking a significant milestone in the Company’s growth journey.

Truhome Finance, the new brand identity reflects the Company’s commitment to providing the best service to its customers while fostering the aspirations and dreams of homeownership for many. The rebranding also underscores the Company’s steadfast focus on enabling affordable housing finance to the underserved population of the country. The new brand aligns with the Company’s vision of empowering individuals to achieve their homeownership dreams and ensuring financial accessibility where every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to a transparent, trustworthy, and supportive partner on their journey to owning a home. Truhome Finance also aims to create lasting value for all stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new brand, Truhome Finance, which reflects our strategic vision and forward-thinking approach,” said Ravi Subramanian, CEO, Truhome Finance. “While our name has changed, our core mission remains the same — to make affordable home loans accessible to every individual together with our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This rebranding marks a new chapter in our journey and positions us for greater growth and success,” he added.

Mr. Subramanian reiterated, “Our customers will continue to enjoy the same great products and services they know and trust. The Company’s leadership team and contact information will remain unchanged, ensuring seamless continuity in all business operations. Our new brand identity represents not just a name change, but also an evolution of who we are and what we stand for. We are excited to continue serving our customers and partners under the banner of Truhome Finance, as we set our sights on the future. As an organization, we have always strived for TRUENESS in everything we do: to be TRUE to our customers, stakeholders, regulators, employees, and above all be TRUE to our conscience. The core fabric of our organization is now reflected in our brand name Truhome Finance.”

“We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with Truhome Finance, a trusted brand and leader in the affordable housing finance sector. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with our mission to drive financial inclusion and support the aspirations of underserved communities. Together, we aim to scale up operations, enhance offerings, and make homeownership a reality for countless families across India.” said Narendra Ostawal, Managing Director & Head of India Private Equity, Warburg Pincus.

About Truhome Finance Limited (Formerly Shriram Housing Finance)

Truhome Finance Limited, is a leading housing finance company in India, registered with the National Housing Bank (NHB). The Company commenced operations in December 2011. Truhome Finance Limited is amongst the fastest growing and most profitable affordable housing finance companies with a network of over 165 branches and Assets Under Management (AUM) of over INR 16000 Cr as of December 2024. The company is rated AA/Stable by CRISIL, India Ratings, and CARE. Truhome Financewas acquired by Warburg Pincus, a pioneer of private equity growth investing, from the Shriram Finance Group in December 2024.

About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is the pioneer of private equity global growth investing. A private partnership since 1966, the firm has the flexibility and experience to focus on helping investors and management teams achieve enduring success across market cycles. Today, the firm has more than $86 billion in assets under management, and more than 230 companies in their active portfolio, diversified across stages, sectors, and geographies. Warburg Pincus has invested in more than 1,000 companies across its private equity, real estate, and capital solutions strategies.

The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Amit Bhatia

Mobile: +91 8971900311
E-mail: amit.bhatia@shriramhousing.in

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Plantagen restructuring approved

Ratos

Plantagen in Norway and Sweden have been undergoing restructuring since August 22. At the end of December, Plantagen submitted proposals for debt settlements with the creditors. These proposals have been accepted by the majority of the creditors and today approved by the respective courts in Norway and Sweden.

Since August 22, 2024, Plantasjen Norge AS and Plantagen Sverige AB have been undergoing restructuring to ensure continued operations. The court approvals of the debt settlements in both countries means that the purpose of the restructuring can be achieved.

When the court decisions have gained legal force, the companies can exit restructuring. This is expected to take place February 18.

For more information, please contact:
Josefine Uppling, VP Communication, Ratos, +46 76 114 54 21

About Ratos
Ratos is a Swedish business group focusing on technological and infrastructure solutions, consisting of 16 companies divided into three business areas: Construction & Services, Industry and Consumer. The companies have approximately SEK 32 billion in net sales (September LTM). We have a distinct corporate culture and strategy – everything we do is based on our core values: Simplicity, Speed in Execution and It’s All About People. We enable independent subsidiaries to excel by being part of something larger. People, leadership, culture and values are key focus areas.

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KKR Invests in smaXtec to Accelerate Global Growth

KKR

Investment to Support Dairy Industry with Innovative Technology and Global Expansion

London, UK & Graz, Austria – 16 January 2025 – smaXtec, a leading provider of agri-tech for the global dairy industry, today announced a growth investment led by global investment firm, KKR, alongside technology investor Highland Europe (“Highland”). Existing shareholder Sophora Unternehmerkapital (“Sophora”) retained a minority stake in the business. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

 

smaXtec is a leading monitoring platform that transforms dairy farming by enhancing efficiency and promoting animal health through its proprietary technology. The platform enables early disease detection, monitors fertility with heat detection, and reduces birth-related complications, all contributing to improved cow welfare and farm productivity.

At the heart of smaXtec’s innovation is the in-vivo bolus, a proprietary sensor placed inside a cow’s stomach. This sensor provides real-time, accurate data, seamlessly integrated with a cloud-based, AI-powered analytics platform. Farmers can access actionable insights and alerts via remote monitoring, empowering them to make timely and informed decisions. Founded in 2009 in Graz, Austria, smaXtec has established a global presence, serving dairy farmers across Europe, North America, and Australia & New Zealand.

KKR’s investment is to fuel smaXtec’s product innovation and accelerate its international growth as the global dairy industry increasingly adopts digital tools to improve animal health. smaXtec expects to benefit from KKR’s operational expertise, leveraging the firm’s platform to scale as a leader in agricultural technology. Additionally, smaXtec will access KKR’s extensive network of industry professionals, particularly in agriculture and technology, to strengthen its position as a pioneer in dairy farming solutions.

Stefan Scherer, CEO of smaXtec said: “smaXtec has emerged as the leading dairy cow health management system, revolutionizing the industry. Our system empowers thousands of farmers worldwide to achieve a true triple win: enhanced animal welfare, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased earnings. I am thrilled that KKR is able to ensure and accelerate our global growth, which has consistently doubled over the past five years. smaXtec consists of a competent and committed team that will achieve a lot in the future. I would like to thank them for our cooperation and look forward to the future.”

Marta Szczerba, Director in European Tech Growth at KKR, said: “smaXtec’s technology has emerged as a disruptive force in the dairy industry, enabling farmers to significantly increase the efficiency of their operations. With a deeply engaged user base, high pace of product innovation and dedication to supporting its customers, smaXtec is well-positioned to continue to drive digitalization of the dairy sector globally. We are excited to support the next chapter of the company’s growth story.”

David Blyghton, General Partner at Highland Europe, added: “By providing real-time, actionable insights into herd health, smaXtec is empowering farmers across the globe to improve animal welfare, enhance productivity and drive operational sustainability. smaXtec’s vision and product leadership in AI-powered dairy health monitoring is driving rapid revenue growth and global customer adoption – we’re delighted to be part of the journey.”

Benjamin Hubner, Managing Partner of Sophora, said: “We are excited to continue our partnership with smaXtec and join forces with KKR and Highland in the next phase of smaXtec’s development. Over the past two years, smaXtec has consistently demonstrated its ability to drive innovation and create significant value for the dairy industry. By reinvesting, we reaffirm our confidence in smaXtec’s disruptive technology and its potential to further transform the market globally.”

Today’s announcement of KKR and Highland’s investment in smaXtec is also a success story for the Styrian regional start-up ecosystem. From university spin-off to global success – smaXtec and Styria prove what a positive economic ecosystem can achieve.

KKR is making the investment in smaXtec primarily through its Next Generation Technology Growth Fund III, a fund dedicated to growth equity investment opportunities in the technology space. KKR has established a proven track record of supporting technology-focused growth companies, having invested over $21.6 billion in related investments since 2014 and built a dedicated global team of more than 35 investment professionals with deep technology growth equity expertise.

William Blair & Company is acting as exclusive financial advisor to smaXtec. The transaction is still subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities.

About smaXtec

smaXtec provides dairy farmers with the most advanced health monitoring system, designed to prevent diseases in cows, boost milk yields, improve animal welfare, and reduce methane emissions in milk production. By integrating cutting-edge AI technology, such as the TruAdvice™ system, smaXtec detects potential diseases long before they become clinical. This enables farmers to prevent most diseases altogether by applying milder and alternative treatments. The combination of accurate data and intelligent insights helps farmers around the world to optimize their operations, improve the efficiency of daily tasks and reduce antibiotic use. SMAXTEC is committed to enhancing the stability, sustainability and profitability of dairy farming globally. For more information, visit smaXtec.com.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

About Highland Europe

Highland Europe invests in exceptional growth-stage technology and consumer companies. Formally launched in 2012, Highland Europe has raised over €2.75 billion and has invested in companies such as Adjust, AMCS, Camunda, ContentSquare, Deepki, Descartes Underwriting, GetYourGuide, Featurespace, Finbourne, Huel, ME+EM, Nexthink, Nothing, Oritain, PVcase, SoSafe, Supermetrics and Zwift. Highland’s collective history of investments across the US, Europe and China includes 45+ IPOs, 150+ M&A exits and 40 billion-dollar-plus companies.

About Sophora Unternehmerkapital

Sophora Unternehmerkapital, based in Munich, is an independent and owner-managed investment company with a focus on medium-sized companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Sophora consists of an interdisciplinary team of entrepreneurs with many years of experience in the investment business and as founders and Managing Directors of companies. As a value-creating partner of entrepreneurs and management teams of medium-sized companies, Sophora provides strategic and operational know-how as well as a comprehensive network of experts and flexible capital in order to jointly discover and develop potentials. For additional information about Sophora, please visit Sophora’s website at www.sophora.de/en.

smaXtec

smaXtec animal care GmbH

Stefanie Murauer

+43 664 88440916

press@smaxtec.com

KKR

FGS Global

Alastair Elwen / Jack Shelley

+44 20 7251 3801

KKR-LON@fgsglobal.com

Sophora Unternehmerkapital

Sophora Unternehmerkapital GmbH
Melaine Louis
info@sophora.de

 

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CapMan Real Estate acquires a brownfield logistics development project outside Gothenburg, Sweden

Capman

 

CapMan Real Estate acquires a brownfield logistics development project outside Gothenburg, Sweden

The CapMan Nordic Real Estate III fund (“CMNRE III”) has signed an agreement with Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe AB to acquire a brownfield logistic development project situated in the Gothenburg region which is the highest ranked logistics hub in the Nordics. The plan is to demolish the current outdated industrial buildings and, in their place, construct an EU taxonomy aligned modern logistics facility. This new facility will provide high-quality logistics spaces suitable for multiple tenants, thereby bolstering CapMan Real Estate’s footprint in the Swedish logistics market.

The project is situated in Mölnlycke along highway 40 outside central Gothenburg, a city which houses the largest port in the Nordics and is central to the “Logistic Triangle” connecting the Nordic capitals. As a result, the demand for logistics space in the area is typically very high coupled with low vacancy rates.

The project site holds two outdated buildings which CapMan Real Estate plans to demolish and replace with an EU Taxonomy aligned logistics facility of approx. 43,000 m2. The new facility will allow for up to six different units and is planned to welcome new tenants by summer 2026. The development project targets BREEAM-SE v.6 New construction certification at least on level Excellent as well as energy performance certificate rating B. The construction site will target a minimum 90% waste recycling rate aiming to reuse as much as possible within the new development.

“We’re very happy to acquire this project in such an excellent logistic location outside central Gothenburg, increasing our presence in the Swedish logistics segment. We look forward to developing a sustainable*, top-of-the-art logistic facility and attract tenants who value the unique opportunity to lease space in this location”, comments Marcus Lotzman, Head of Transactions at CapMan Real Estate Sweden.

The acquisition is expected to close during Q1 2025. Mannheimer Swartling acted as legal advisors for CapMan Real Estate in this transaction.

CapMan Real Estate manages approximately €4.4 billion in real estate assets, with a team of over 80 professionals located in Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, London and Jyväskylä. This is the 6th investment in Sweden for CMNRE III, a value-add fund investing mainly in Nordic office, logistics and selected residential assets.

*EU Taxonomy aligned.

For more information, please contact:

Marcus Lotzman, Head of Transactions at CapMan Real Estate Sweden, +46 706 806 081

About CapMan

CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation and €6 billion in assets under management. As one of the private equity pioneers in the Nordics we have developed hundreds of companies and assets creating significant value for over three decades. Our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors by enabling change across our portfolio companies. An example of this is greenhouse gas reduction targets that we have set under the Science Based Targets initiative in line with the 1.5°C scenario and our commitment to net-zero GHG emissions by 2040. We have a broad presence in the unlisted market through our local and specialised teams. Our investment strategies cover real estate and infrastructure assets, natural capital and minority and majority investments in portfolio companies. We also provide wealth management solutions. Altogether, CapMan employs around 200 professionals in Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, London and Luxembourg. We are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001. www.capman.com

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Dhoot Transmission Group Secures Strategic Growth Investment from Bain Capital for Significant Minority Stake Sale

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BainCapital

Partnership empowers Dhoot Transmission Group to drive continued innovation, expand global reach, and capitalize on high-growth segments

MUMBAI – January 16, 2024 – Dhoot Transmission Group (“Dhoot”), a leading manufacturer of automotive components, today announced a strategic growth investment from Bain Capital, a global private investment firm. Through an aligned partnership with Founder and CEO, Rahul Dhoot, Bain Capital will leverage its global automotive expertise and deep value-creation capabilities to support the company’s continued growth. Together, they aim to accelerate Dhoot Transmission Group’s leadership in high-demand segments, foster continued innovation, and support global expansion through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

Founded in 1999, Dhoot Transmission Group is a global leader in Two-Wheeler and Three-Wheeler Wiring Harness. The company’s advanced Wiring Harnesses also power Heavy and Light Commercial Vehicles, Off-road Vehicles, and Farm Equipment in ICE and EV segments across the globe. Over the past 25 years, Dhoot Transmission Group has also diversified in Electronics Sensors & Controllers, Automotive Switches, Connection Systems and an array of EV products, including Charging Guns, Inlets, Off-Board Chargers, RCDs, High Voltage & Low Voltage Wiring Harness, and assembly of Li-Ion Batteries. This growth has been fueled by a strong focus on innovation, customer-centric approach, strategic acquisitions, and technology partnerships. Dhoot Transmission Group has also expanded internationally, employing over 10,000+ people across 20+ state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in India, the UK, Slovakia, and Thailand.

“Our journey over the past two decades has been defined by a commitment to innovation, quality, and trust,” said Rahul Dhoot, Founder and CEO of Dhoot Transmission Group. “Partnering with Bain Capital is an exciting opportunity to accelerate this evolution. Their strategic expertise and integrity make them the perfect partner to help us scale globally and pursue emerging opportunities that deliver value to our customers worldwide.”

“Over the past two decades, Rahul has built Dhoot Transmission Group into a market leader, serving as a critical partner to OEMs powering India’s Two-wheeler market—the largest in the world with a strong growth trajectory. Dhoot’s entrepreneurial culture, customer focus, and investments in cutting-edge technology have also now positioned the company at the forefront of several high-growth segments. We are excited to partner with Rahul and the Dhoot Transmission team to build on their impressive growth journey and help drive expansion through M&A and technology partnerships,” said Rishi Mandawat, Partner at Bain Capital. “Their customer-first approach and strong employee engagement has helped the group to build a leading auto-component business and together, we see significant opportunities to expand both organically and inorganically, accelerate exports, and enhance their global footprint,” added Saahil Bhatia, Managing Director at Bain Capital.

Bain Capital’s investment was made through its Private Equity team, which has deep experience supporting the growth of founder-led companies and global industrial platforms. Since establishing its Mumbai office in 2008, Bain Capital has built one of the largest private equity teams in India, with notable investments including Hero MotoCorp, RSB Transmissions, Porus Labs, 360one Wealth, CitiusTech, J.M. Baxi, and Quest Global.

Terms of the private transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, were not disclosed.

Alvarez and Marsal, AZB & Partners, ERM, ICICI Securities, Kearney, Kirkland and Ellis, KPMG and PwC served as advisors to Bain Capital

Singhi Advisors, Trilegal and Deloitte served as advisors to Dhoot Transmission Group

About Bain Capital
Founded in 1984, Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private investment firms. We are committed to creating lasting impact for our investors, teams, businesses, and the communities in which we live. As a private partnership, we lead with conviction and a culture of collaboration, advantages that enable us to innovate investment approaches, unlock opportunities, and create exceptional outcomes. Our global platform invests across five focus areas: Private Equity, Growth & Venture, Capital Solutions, Credit & Capital Markets, and Real Assets. In these focus areas, we bring deep sector expertise and wide-ranging capabilities. We have 24 offices on four continents, more than 1,850 employees, and approximately $185 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.baincapital.com. Follow @BainCapital on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

About Dhoot Transmission Group 
Dhoot Transmission Group is a distinguished group of companies under the ownership of Rahul Dhoot and family. As a rapidly expanding global automotive components enterprise, Dhoot Transmission Group excels in a broad spectrum of business pursuits, extending from the design to manufacturing of Wiring Harnesses and Components (including several EV Components) tailored for Two-wheelers, Three-wheelers, commercial vehicles, Off-road vehicles as well as Farm equipment.

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Ardian raises record $30 billion for world’s largest-ever secondaries platform

Ardian

ASF IX – Largest-ever secondaries platform cements Ardian’s global secondaries market leadership
• The fund is investing in high-quality private equity assets, predominantly in North America and Western Europe
• Successful fundraise demonstrates demand for liquidity solutions among LPs
• Fund attracted a diverse range of LPs, with private wealth clients accounting for 22% of capital raised

Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, today announced that it has raised $30 billion for its ninth-generation secondaries platform, making it the largest secondaries fundraise globally to date and cementing Ardian’s leadership of the secondaries market. This represents a significant increase over the $19 billion raised for Ardian’s eighth-generation platform in 2020 and brings Ardian’s Secondaries & Primaries Assets Under Management to $97 billion.

The successful fundraise, which was oversubscribed and closed at its hard cap, highlights the continued and growing appetite for secondaries investments among LPs, as market volatility and the need for liquidity drove deal volumes to record highs in 2024.

The fundraise attracted a wide range of global investors, with more than 465 investors in total from 44 countries across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. The diversified LP base includes major pension funds, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions and high-net worth individuals.

There was particularly strong growth among private wealth clients, which account for 22% of the total equity raised, compared to 11% in the eighth-generation platform.

This latest platform is aligned with Ardian’s existing secondaries strategy of acquiring stakes in best-in-class private equity assets, providing liquidity solutions to the largest, most sophisticated institutional investors and general partners in the market.

The demand for and size of this latest generation demonstrates that Ardian is one of the few firms with the capital to transact the largest and most complex transactions in the Secondaries market. Ardian’s Secondaries & Primaries team is among the most experienced in the industry, with more than 100 investment professionals across 14 offices and a leadership team that has worked together for nearly two decades.

Leveraging more than 25 years of market expertise, Ardian’s Secondaries & Primaries team has developed one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive databases of private market assets to support its investment activity, covering 1,600 funds from over 650 general partners, and offering access to 5.4 million real time data points on more than 10,000 underlying companies. With this deep pool of data and the use of AI, the integrated platform enables Ardian to identify the best funds to buy at any time and allows the team to make evidence-based investment decisions with more agility and speed.

“We are actively capitalizing on a generational buying opportunity for secondaries. With the continued exponential growth in private markets, investors increasingly look to secondary buyers to help them actively manage their private equity portfolios. And more recently, with a changing interest rate environment and public market volatility, many find themselves overallocated and in need of a solution.

These market dynamics, combined with the strength of our offering which we have cultivated for more than 25 years, have helped us achieve this record-breaking milestone. The scale of our platform allows us to secure transactions of unprecedented size, including our two most recent secondary deals, each of which are larger than $3 billion. I sincerely thank our investors for their continued support and trust.” Mark Benedetti, Executive President & Co-Head of Secondaries, Ardian

“The past 12 months marked a record-breaking year for secondaries volume. Using the secondary market for liquidity and portfolio rebalancing is no longer a one-off decision but now an integral part of institutional investors’ private markets investment strategies. This has led to much larger volumes of assets for sale, creating unprecedented opportunities for buyers of scale while at the same time allowing even greater selectivity. As the market grows, funds with significant capital to deploy and the ability to transact the most complex deals will benefit.

We have a robust and diversified portfolio of funds managed by world-leading GPs, with our ninth fund already 50% deployed and with an average deal size of $2bn for LP portfolios. We expect 2025 to be an even stronger year of activity, and we are deeply thankful to our investors, who have ensured that we are well capitalized for this market opportunity.” Vladimir Colas, Executive Vice-President & Co-Head of Secondaries, Ardian

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian is a world-leading private investment house, managing or advising $176bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,720 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks, family offices and private institutional investors worldwide. Ardian’s main shareholding group is its employees and we place great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1,050+ employees, spread across 19 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.
At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last.

ardian.com

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Categories: News

Workwize Raises $13 Million in Series A Funding to Disrupt IT Asset Management for Globally Distributed Teams

Klass Capital

The new funding will allow Workwize to enhance its AI-driven automation and strengthen its
operations with the launch of a U.S. office in early 2025.

Amsterdam, Netherlands. 16 January 2025. Workwize, a leading platform for global IT hardware asset management, today announced that it closed $13 million in Series A funding led by Klass Capital, with continued support from early-stage investors Peak and Graduate Entrepreneur Fund. This investment will fast-track Workwize’s integration of AI-driven automation, making it the first platform to fully automate the IT equipment lifecycle—from procurement and deployment to retrieval and disposal.

“IT teams worldwide are overwhelmed by the inefficiencies of managing equipment for distributed teams. They waste valuable hours on manual, repetitive tasks and getting caught up in complex vendor management,” said Michiel Meyer, CEO and co-founder of Workwize. “This investment further solidifies our vision of a barrier-free future where managing a global workforce becomes effortless and enables IT workflows to shrink from hours to minutes through smarter automation.”

A recent survey conducted by Workwize of over 150 global enterprises revealed that 48% of IT leaders prioritize ‘operational efficiency and automation.’ Workwize’s platform dramatically cuts IT management time from 27 hours to just 10 minutes per employee for tasks like procuring, deploying, managing, retrieving, and decommissioning IT equipment. What’s more, Workwize customers appreciate the platform’s ease of use, ensuring new hires receive the necessary IT equipment on their first day.

Fully automated hardware asset management: A breakthrough for IT leaders

Traditional IT hardware asset management platforms provide a centralized record of the locations and status of IT equipment, but moving equipment still relies heavily on manual interventions by IT teams. For example, if an overseas employee needs a laptop repair, an IT manager must coordinate with multiple international vendors: sending a shipping label and packaging to the employee, booking the repair, arranging and configuring a replacement laptop, seeking cost approvals, and more.

Once fully automated, Workwize’s AI-driven platform automates the entire lifecycle of IT equipment, eliminating the need for labor-intensive interventions. Workwize improves the efficiency and scalability of repetitive tasks so that IT teams can focus on strategic initiatives. AI and automation are also used to analyze IT assets needed and manage the lifecycle of an organization’s IT hardware inventory globally. The company provides its customers with flexible delivery options, including pre-configured laptops with Mobile Device Management (MDM) from local warehouses, ensures compliance with standards like ISO, repurposes phased-out equipment, prioritizes sustainability, and certifies services to wipe, recycle, or resell IT assets. This leads to significant time savings and delivers an experience that is ten times more efficient, allowing IT teams to be completely hands-off.

“Our investment in Workwize reflects our strong belief in its ability to revolutionize IT management for an increasingly global workforce that demands streamlined solutions,” said Will Anderson, Managing Partner at Klass Capital. “Workwize provides the efficiency and scalability modern enterprises need to thrive in today’s dynamic, borderless business environment.”

Strengthened global operations

In 2024, Workwize has grown more than 3x and its platform is already transforming IT operations for customers, including Adyen, Elastic, EQT, and HelloFresh. The new funding will enable Workwize to expand its global footprint and enhance operations with the launch of a U.S. office in early 2025. Workwize also plans to double its headcount in 2025.

For more information, visit www.goworkwize.com

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