Category Archives: News

Almi Invest BoneSupport succesful listed

Almi Invest

The medical technology company BoneSupport listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, Stockholm Small Cap, two days before midsummer at a valuation of about 1.4 billion.

Almi Invest is a partner in BoneSupport through Teknoseed which conducted its first investment already in 2007.

BoneSupport develops injectable bone filling material bioceramic Cerament absorbed by the body while stimulating the growth of new bone. Cerament used for example in trauma, fractures caused by osteoporosis, bone infection and to fix screws and implants in bone.

– It is very gratifying to note that BoneSupport completed such a successful listing, says Marcus Skärbäck, investment manager at Almi Invest. With good access to capital and a strong management team and board of directors, the company has good prospects for further expansion.

In connection with the listing took BoneSupport the SEK 500 million from new and existing investors. The money will be used for continued market expansion in Europe and the US and to further clinical studies, including with the aim of getting the product Cerament G approved in the United States.

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EQT VII to invest in global “hidden champion” and medical mobility technology market leader Ottobock

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  • EQT VII to acquire a 20% stake in Germany-based Ottobock, the global market leader in medical mobility solutions ranging from prosthetic and orthotic products to wheelchairs and accompanying services
  • Founded by Otto Bock in 1919, the Company has been an industry innovator and has launched the first completely microprocessor-controlled lower limb prosthesis, among others
  • EQT will support majority owner Professor Hans Georg Näder and the management team on Ottobock’s continued growth trajectory and focus on innovation

The EQT VII Fund (“EQT VII”) has entered in to an agreement to acquire a 20% stake in Ottobock (or “the Company”) from Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH.

Since its foundation in 1919 by Otto Bock, the Company has been a synonym for revolutionizing, innovating and moving forward medical mobility technology. Otto Bock started the first serial production of prosthetic components post World War I. After World War II, the Company introduced the modular solution for upper and lower limb prosthesis. In 1997, Ottobock launched the C-Leg, the world’s first completely microprocessor-controlled lower limb prosthesis solution. Over nearly a century, Ottobock’s products have allowed users to achieve a better quality of life, more mobility and independence. True to this philosophy, Ottobock has actively supported the Paralympic Games since 1988 and has been a partner of the International Paralympic Committee since 2005.

Ottobock is headquartered in Duderstadt, Germany and operates subsidiaries in more than 50 countries with more than 7,000 employees worldwide. In 2016, the Company generated more than EUR 880 million in sales and EQT valued the Company at EUR 3.15 billion.

“I am very pleased to take EQT on board as a partner who shares the values of a family-backed company given its Wallenberg background. EQT also has a track record of sustainable value creation and growth”, says Professor Hans Georg Näder, majority shareholder and grandson of the company founder. “I am convinced that EQT’s experience in developing companies will allow us to continue Ottobock’s success story well beyond the Company’s 100th birthday”, concludes Professor Näder.

“We are impressed by Ottobock’s long heritage of innovation and its ability to define the landscape of mobility solutions in the area of wearable home rehabilitation regarding the growing market of human bionics. Based on EQT’s deep healthcare expertise, and as one of the most active investors in the sector, we will be a strategic partner to Professor Näder, the management and the Company. We look forward to working together and contributing to the continued success of Ottobock”, added Marcus Brennecke, Partner at EQT Partners and Investment Advisor to EQT VII.

About EQT

EQT is a leading alternative investments firm with approximately EUR 37 billion in raised capital across 24 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtpartners.com

About Ottobock

Ottobock develops medical technology products and fitting concepts for people with limited mobility in the fields of Prosthetics, Orthotics, Human Mobility (wheelchairs, rehabilitation devices) and MedicalCare. Subsidiaries in over 50 countries offer quality “Made in Germany” worldwide and employ more than 7,000 people. Ottobock has been a family-managed company since its founding in 1919 and has also been supporting the Paralympic Games with its technical know-how since 1988.

More info: www.ottobock.com

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IK Investment Partners to support Pinard Emballages

IK Investment Partners to support Pinard Emballages

IK Investment Partners (“IK”), a leading Pan-European private equity firm, is pleased to announce that the IK VIII Fund has reached an agreement with Thomas and Pierre-Olivier Pinard to acquire a majority stake in the family-owned company Pinard Emballages (“the Company”), a leading producer of high-end plastic bottles. The management team will reinvest alongside the IK VIII Fund and will continue managing and developing the Company.

Founded in 1970, Pinard Emballages specialises in the design, development and manufacturing of high-end plastic bottles mainly for the cosmetics, fragrance and personal care markets. Its product portfolio comprises standard plastic bottles as well as custom bottles tailored to clients’ specific needs. The Company is recognised as a trusted supplier to several French as well as and internationally prestige brands because of its technical know-how, product quality and service level. Managed by brothers Thomas and Pierre-Olivier Pinard, the family business employs approximately 90 people and operates two production facilities and a logistics site close to Oyonnax, in the heart of France’s “plastic valley”.

“Pinard Emballages has demonstrated an outstanding growth track record, benefiting from its technical and operational expertise and from the quality of its staff. We share the common objective to continue the expansion of the Company via organic growth in France and in export markets as well as via selected acquisitions in Europe,” said Dan Soudry, Partner at IK Investment Partners and adviser to the IK VIII Fund.

“We are pleased to partner with IK on this key step of the Company’s development. Their team shares our strategic vision and will be a well-suited partner to support the future growth of the Company in France and abroad,” added Thomas and Pierre-Olivier Pinard, Managers of Pinard Emballages.

Pinard Emballages represents the IK VIII Fund’s fifth investment, following Ellab (Danish manufacturer of thermal validation solutions), Zytoservice (German compounder of pharmaceuticals for patient-individualised infusions), SCHOCK (the world’s leading granite kitchen sink manufacturer) and Colisée (active in the elderly care segment in France).

Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed. Completion of the transaction is subject to legal and regulatory approvals.

PARTIES INVOLVED

IK Investment Partners: Dan Soudry, Rémi Buttiaux, Thibaut Richard, Guillaume Veber
Commercial advisor: A.T.Kearney (Jerome Souied, Hugo Azerad, Thibault Hollinger)
Financial advisor: Eight Advisory (Pascal Raidron, Katia Wagner, Maxime Guichot Perere)
Legal advisor: Goodwin Procter (Maxence Bloch, Benjamin Garçon, Frederic Guilloux, Bruno Valenti, Marie-Laure Bruneel)

Pinard Emballages: Thomas Pinard, Pierre-Olivier Pinard
Financial advisor: ATFIS (Philippe Guez, Christian Tachon, Edouard Dupuy)
Legal advisor: HPML (Thomas Hermetet, Marina Llobell)

For further questions, please contact:

IK Investment Partners
Dan Soudry, Partner
Phone: +33 1 44 43 06 60

Mikaela Hedborg, Director Communications & ESG
Phone: +44 77 87 573 566
mikaela.hedborg@ikinvest.com

About Pinard Emballages
Pinard Emballages is a specialised designer and manufacturer of high-end plastic bottles mainly for the cosmetics, fragrance and personal care markets. It operates 2 production facilities and employs 90 people close to Oyonnax, France. For more information, visit www.pinard-emballages.com

About IK Investment Partners
IK Investment Partners (“IK”) is a Pan-European private equity firm focused on investments in the Nordics, DACH region, France, and Benelux. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €9 billion of capital and invested in over 100 European companies. IK funds support companies with strong underlying potential, partnering with management teams and investors to create robust, well-positioned businesses with excellent long-term prospects. For more information, visit www.ikinvest.com

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IK Investment Partners to sell its stake in Izium

IK Investment Partners (“IK”), a leading Pan-European private equity firm, is pleased to announce that the IK Small Cap I Fund has reached an agreement to sell its stake in Izium (or “the Group”), one of the leaders in the French CRM outsourcing market, to Comdata. Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

Izium offers an extensive portfolio of customer experience services, including consulting, telesales, customer services, debt collection and technical assistance, to a large client base. The Group operates 14 contact centres in France, Morocco and Madagascar. In 2016, Izium generated revenue of €200 million and employed approximately 6,000 people.

“During IK’s ownership, Izium has successfully diversified its client base outside the telecom industry, benefitting from the continued outsourcing trend of customers services in utilities, automotive and financial services. Furthermore, the Group completed three add-on acquisitions, and investigated a significant number of opportunities in adjacent fields and in neighbouring countries,” said Pierre Gallix, Partner at IK and advisor to the IK Small Cap I Fund.

“In Comdata we feel that we have identified a strategic buyer who will be able to oversee further growth of the business – both organically and through further acquisitions. This is a unique opportunity, and we cannot thank IK enough for their support”, said Maxime Didier, founder of Izium Group and b2s President.

Izium is the first exit from IK’s debut small cap fund.

Completion of the transaction is expected in August 2017, subject to work council consultation and regulatory approvals customary.

For further questions, please contact:

IK Investment Partners
Pierre Gallix, Partner
Phone: +33 1 44 43 06 60

Mikaela Hedborg
Director Communications & ESG
Phone: +44 77 87 573 566
mikaela.hedborg@ikinvest.com

About IK Investment Partners
IK Investment Partners (“IK”) is a Pan-European private equity firm focused on investments in the Nordics, DACH region, France, and Benelux. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €9 billion of capital and invested in over 100 European companies. IK funds support companies with strong underlying potential, partnering with management teams and investors to create robust, well-positioned businesses with excellent long-term prospects. For more information, visit  www.ikinvest.com

About Izium Group
Izium Group offers an extensive portfolio of customer experience services, including consulting, telesales, customer services, debt collection and technical assistance, to a large client base. The Group is well positioned to achieve additional growth, already operating 14 contact centres in France (10), Morocco (3) and Madagascar (1). In 2016, In 2016, Izium Group generated revenue of MEUR 200. The Group employs approximately 6,000 people and serves ca. 150 clients. For more information, visit http://izium.fr

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Celtra secures $15 million financing to lead creative transformation in digital advertising, providing Brands a Cloud-based Creative Operating System

 

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BOSTON, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Celtra, the creative management platform for digital advertising, today announced a $15 million investment led by Unilever Ventures and WPP. Unilever and WPP are partnering to use Celtra’s market-leading creative technology across Unilever’s global marketing organization and its ecosystem of service providers, technology vendors and media suppliers.

Celtra aims to help advertisers maximize their creative potential and use creative as a lever to achieve better results in digital advertising.
“Creative is the conduit for the marketer’s message. It should always be on point and carefully refined,” said Miha Mikek, Founder and CEO of Celtra. “Celtra’s platform helps transform brands, agencies, creative producers and other partners into highly performant, data-driven, effective digital storytellers.”

Unilever was among the first global advertisers that recognized the potential of the approach.
“Creative is an increasingly complex challenge for large advertisers and one that is constantly changing due to rapid evolution of media consumption. People deserve advertising that feels native to each medium and delivers emotional value. Celtra helps us deliver that at global scale,” said Keith Weed, Chief Marketing Officer at Unilever.
Agencies, as trusted partners and advisers of brands, play a pivotal role in the process and WPP is a key partner in the use of Celtra’s Creative Management Platform across Unilever.
“We believe the market is due for a creative management solution that can deliver real-time data driven creative at scale and tailored for every individual, across media channels. Celtra is a leader in this space. This investment is in line with WPP’s commitment to technology, data and content, which, along with horizontality, new markets and new media, comprise the Group’s four strategic priorities,” said Sir Martin Sorrell, Chief Executive Officer at WPP.

About Celtra

Celtra is a Cloud-based Creative Management Platform for digital advertising. They have pioneered HTML5 authoring with integrated creative serving, designed from the start for mobile advertising. It is an agnostic solution enabling the most advanced video, display and native ad products with the greatest distribution reach in the industry. Since 2011, Celtra has acquired over 400 clients globally across the digital media and advertising landscape. Their platform powers ads for more than 3,500 brands and 2/3 of Fortune 500 advertisers.
Celtra is headquartered in Boston, with offices in New York City, San Francisco, London, Ljubljana, Singapore and Sydney. For more information, visit Celtra at www.celtra.com or @CeltraMobile on Twitter.

Media Contact:Cristy GarciaCeltra646-577-4332cristy@celtra.com

About Unilever Ventures
Unilever Ventures is the venture capital and private equity arm of Unilever. They invest in early stage, promising companies, accelerating growth by providing access to Unilever’s global ecosystem, assets and expertise. The fund looks to invest in tomorrow’s world-beaters in Personal Care and Digital Transformation. Key focus areas within Digital Transformation include content creation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, e-commerce, internet of things, mobile marketing and video, in both developed and emerging markets. Unilever Venture’s existing investments include Clavis Insight, Percolate, Blis, Gousto, Instacart, Blow, Nutrafol, Sun Basket, Iluminage Beauty, Froosh, and Voltea. For further information, please visit: www.unileverventures.com

About WPP

WPP is the world’s largest communications services group with billings of US$74 billion and revenues of over US$19 billion. Through its operating companies, the Group provides a comprehensive range of advertising and marketing services including advertising & media investment management; data investment management; public relations & public affairs; branding & identity; healthcare communications; digital, eCommerce and shopper marketing and specialist communications. The company employs over 205,000 people (including associates and investments) in over 3,000 offices across 112 countries. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.
WPP was named Holding Company of the Year at the 2016 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for the sixth year running. WPP was also named, for the sixth consecutive year, the World’s Most Effective Holding Company in the 2017 Effie Effectiveness Index, which recognizes the effectiveness of marketing communications. In 2017 WPP was recognised by Warc 100 as the World’s Top Holding Company (third year running).
SOURCE Celtra
Related Links
http://www.celtra.com

Categories: News

DIF acquires shadow toll road in Spain

Madrid, 21 June 2017 – DIF Infrastructure IV (“DIF”) is pleased to announce that it has acquired from OHL Concesiones (“OHL”) 45% of the shares in Autovía de Aragon, S.A, a shadow toll road linking the Madrid city center with Barajas airport (“Autovia de Aragon”).

In addition to DIF’s share, OHL will maintain its position as a significant industrial partner in Autovia de Aragon. TYPSA, a leading consulting engineering firm, will retain its 5% share in the company.

Autovia de Aragon is one of the main road accesses to Madrid and one of the alternatives that links the city center and the airport. The road is located in one of the most urbanized and industrial corridors linking Madrid’s urban center with Guadalajara. The 19-year concession started in 2007, (with end date December 2026) and operates the first section of the A-2 Motorway, which is the main connection between the cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Autovia de Aragon is DIF’s first road investment in Spain following the acquisition of 6 PPP projects in other sectors. Long term financing is in place and provided by EIB, FMSW and ICO (Instituto de Crédito Oficial).

Fernando Moreno, DIF’s head of Spain, said: “DIF is very pleased to establish this long term partnership with OHL and invest in this high quality asset that will provide a strong return and steady cash yield for DIF’s investors”.

DIF was advised by Uría & Menéndez (legal), Garrigues (tax), PWC (model/financial) and Arup (traffic/technical).

DIF Profile

DIF is an independent and specialist fund management company, managing funds of approximately €4.2 billion. DIF invests in infrastructure assets that generate long term stable cash flows, including PPP / PFI / P3, regulated infrastructure assets and renewable energy projects in Europe, North America and Australia. DIF has offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Luxembourg, Madrid, Toronto and Sydney.

For more information, please contact:

Paul Nash, Partner
Email: p.nash@dif.eu

Allard Ruijs, Partner
Email: a.ruijs@dif.eu

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Sunrise Capital II invests in El Dorado Group

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Tokyo ,Wednesday 21 June, 2017

– CLSA Capital Partners, the alternative asset management arm of CLSA, is pleased to announce the investment by Sunrise Capital II (“Sunrise II”) into Japan-headquartered El Dorado Ltd, Lcode Ltd, and Hong Kong-headquartered CANDY MAGIC International Limited (collectively the “El Dorado Group”), a group of companies specialising in the design, manufacture and sales of beauty contact lenses. Sunrise II is a CLSA Capital Partners’ fund that invests in established, mid -cap companies withstrong growth potential in Japan.

 

Since its establishment in 2007, the El Dorado Group has been credited with pioneering the Japanese beauty contact lenses industry and has played an iconic role in promoting the use of beauty contact lenses as a new style of “eye make-up”.

The El Dorado Group manages multiple brands such as “Candy Magic” and “ReVIA” which are positioned to accommodate the various fashion needs and styles of their consumers and are highly popular among all age groups of female users. The El Dorado Group established a Hong Kong presence in 2015 to pursue further growth through Asian expansion , mainly targeting Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Upon investment, Sunrise II and the El Dorado Group’s founder and major shareholder, Mr. Tomohiro Fujiwara, will jointly establish an SPC , CM Holdings Ltd. Following the transaction, the companies affiliated to the El Dorado Group will become 100% subsidiaries of CM Holdings Ltd. The El Dorado Group will retain the existing management team, company names, brand names and does not anticipate material changes in the business’ operations. Sunrise II will work closely with the El Dorado Group’s management team as a strategic partner to jointly pursue further growth both domestically and overseas.

About the El Dorado Group

The El Dorado Group specialises in the design, manufacture and sales of beauty contact lenses and related products. El Dorado Ltd is responsible for the design, manufacture and OEM contract manufacturing of the El Dorado Group’s products, Lcode Ltd handles the domestic sales of products and CANDY MAGIC International Limited handles the sales of products within the Asian region (ex-Japan), mainly within Hong Kong and Mainland China. The core beauty contact lenses business operates six main brands including “Candy Magic” and “ReVIA”, and distributes its products at nationwide beauty contact specialised stores, drug stores, discount stores and general merchandise stores in addition to distributing through various e-commerce channels.

About Sunrise Capital

Sunrise Capital is a Japan-dedicated private equity strategy, capitalising on opportunities in the mid-cap buyout sector. Sunrise Capital’s unique features include a hands -on approach, in assisting portfolio companies realise their growth potential, and support with overseas expansion through CLSA’s global network. Including the El Dorado Group, Sunrise Capital has completed investments in 11 companies since its establishment in 2006.

 

About CLSA Capital Partners

CLSA Capital Partners is the alternative asset management arm of CLSA, Asia’s leading and longest –running brokerage and investment group. CLSA Capital Partners has more than US$3 billion under management and offices

across the region, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. CLSA Capital Partners offers a diversified and increasing range of investment strategies managed by a diverse team of industry professionals with expertise in private equity, banking and finance, law and accountancy and various industry specialisations. For more information visit www.clsacapital.com

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Almi Invest invests in space technology Sally R for better air

Almi Invest invests in Vasteras based Sally R, a company that uses technology from space stations to have better indoor air to lower energy consumption in buildings. The issue is also involved private investors.

The company will use the money to produce a finished product and to start selling.

Sally R, founded in 2016, is developing a new system for climate management in real estate. By combining technology for closed systems for space stations using its own technology, Sally R may provide an air cleaner that provides a cleaner and better air with minimal power consumption.

Today, taking the climate systems in air from the outside and then sends out the excess. This requires a lot of energy, because the outside air must be filtered, heated or cooled depending on outdoor conditions. In space there is no outdoor air and where the air must be treated and recycled.

Sally R’s algorithm combines both systems and determine how much air should be based on how much should be recycled and how much should be cleaned using space technology.

This is a major improvement over the current system, where you have to choose between air quality and energy conservation. If you reduce the ventilation energy is saved, but get less air. Emphasis is however on cleaner air, as in an operating room, it draws more power.

With Sally Rs solution to get both.

– Given that buildings account for 1/3 of the world’s energy consumption, we see great potential for the company, says Jenny Jansson, investment manager at Almi Invest. Sally R has a very good team and a great product for a growing market that requires less energy.

The company will now apply for a patent and produce a first marketable version of the product.

– This investment will allow us to take the next step, says Sally R’s CEO and founder Viktor Kjellberg. Air pollution in the world’s a big problem and where we hope to make a difference.

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Ahlström Capital becomes the largest shareholder in both Detection Technology and Glaston

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Ahlström Capital has acquired shares representing approx. 39% of Detection Technology  Oyj and approx. 18% of Glaston Coorporation from Oy GW Sohlberg Ab(“GWS”). Ahlström Capital has hence become the largest shareholder in both companies. AC Invest Seven and Eight BV, wholly owned subsidiaries of Ahlström Capital, have today, 21 June 2017, acquired shares in Detection Technology and in Glaston from GWS. The acquisition price for the shares acquired in Detection Technology was EUR 18.27 per share, which represents a 11 % premium on the volume weighted average price for the last 30 days.
The total acquisition price for the acquired Detection Technology shares was approx. EUR 95.The acquisition price for shares acquired in Glaston was EUR 0.44 per share, which represents a 10 % premium

on the volume weighted average price for the last 30 days.

The total acquisition price for the acquired Glaston shares was approx. EUR 14.9 million.

Detection Technology is a global provider of X-ray imaging subsystems, components and services for medical, security and industrial applications.

The company’s net sales was EUR 76 million and EBIT 15 million in 2016.
Detection Technology has over 200 active customers in 40 countries. The company employs over 400 people in Finland, China and the US. Detection Technologies shares are listed on Nasdaq First North Finland.

Glaston is an international pioneer in glass processing technology and a leading supplier of lifecycle solutions in glass processing machines. The company provides a wide and advanced range of glass processing heat treatment machines, maintenance and upgrade services, tools and expert services.

Glaston’s net sales was EUR 107 million and comparable operating profit EUR 3 million in 2016. The company has over 400 employees, most of them located in Finland and China. Glaston’s shares are listed on NASDAQ Helsinki Ltd.
“These two companies fit well to Ahlström Capital as the deal broadens our portfolio with two attractive high-tech businesses.

Both companies have strong management and show good development potential with sustainable value creation opportunities”, says Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Ahlström Capital.“

Detection Technology ,with a strong customer service approach, has had sever al years of impressive net sales growth.

We believe that the positive development will continue as the company focuses not only on customization and flexible production, but also on cost efficient product design at competitive manufacturing costs. Glaston has a leading technological position and a global sales and service network well in place to benefit from a recovering market. The competitiveness of the company has improved thanks to actions taken by the management during the last years”,

Hans Sohlström comments on the acquired companies.

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Conclusion of share sale: Greenyard food group, global player in vegetables and fruit

Gimv

Conclusion of share sale: Greenyard food group, global player in vegetables and fruit

Gimv was recently able to conclude the reduction of its participation in Greenyard, global market leader in vegetables and fruit, on Euronext Brussels (GREEN) with the sale of shares on the stock market.

In 2011, Gimv became a minority shareholder in PinguinLutosa via the Gimv-XL fund. With the objective of stimulating the further growth of successful Flemish companies to the next level and giving them the opportunity to achieve their ambitious plans, we were able, together with entrepreneur Hein Deprez and the Management, to realise the further expansion and growth of the company, first with the takeover of Scana-Noliko and later via the fusion with Univeg as well as many other investments in modern technology, capacity and other takeovers.

Today, the Greenyard group (www.greenyard.group) is the global market leader in vegetables and fruit with a client base comprised of the most important retailers in Europe. As a specialist in the processing and commercialisation of harvest-fresh vegetables, fruit and ready-made meals, the group is active in over 25 countries worldwide. With 9,000 employees and an annual turnover of approximately EUR 4.25 billion, it is, on an annual basis, one of the largest vegetable processors in Europe.

Over the entire 6 year investment period, this investment has resulted in returns that have exceeded the long-term average of Gimv. No further details about this transaction will be disclosed.

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