Tag Archives: Financial services

Global fintech SumUp raises €590 million and celebrates 10 years of supporting small merchants

BainCapital

LONDON, June 22, 2022- SumUp (www.sumup.co.uk), the financial partner for over 4 million small businesses worldwide, has raised a €590 million funding round that gives the company an enterprise value of €8 billion following a decade of rapid growth and global expansion. The round was led by Bain Capital Tech Opportunities, with participation from funds managed by BlackRock, btov Partners, Centerbridge, Crestline, Fin Capital, and Sentinel Dome Partners, among others. This latest round is a combination of debt and equity and brings SumUp’s total capital raised to €1.5 billion.

SumUp was founded in 2012 to help small merchants start, run and grow their business through a fair, easy, and reliable payment solution. Today, its financial services Super App provides merchants with a free business account and card, an online store, and an invoicing solution, as well as in-person and remote payments seamlessly integrated with SumUp’s proprietary card terminals and point-of-sale registers. More than 4 million businesses ‒ from taxi drivers and coffee shop owners to large sports stadiums ‒ trust SumUp to deliver when it matters.

SumUp’s team of over 3,000 people supports merchants in 35 countries worldwide, with Peru (launched in June 2022) being the company’s most recent new market. In recent years, SumUp has also expanded into point-of-sale solutions, and with the acquisitions of Goodtill, Tiller, and Fivestars, the company is rapidly expanding its footprint within the restaurant and retail sectors.

Marc-Alexander Christ, SumUp co-founder and CFO, said of the round: “SumUp has received consistent support from the global investment community in our mission to help small merchants succeed. We stand by our merchants whatever the circumstance ‒ whether that be COVID or macroeconomic uncertainty. Our ability to organically grow 60+% through the challenges of recent years shows that we are there for merchants when they need support most. I am very proud of the team for completing a successful financing round in the current market with marquee investors – it’s indicative of our strength, execution, and potential. The funds we’ve raised will enable us to continue to build out our product ecosystem, expand into new markets, pursue value-adding acquisitions, and continue leveling the playing field for small merchants at a global scale.”

Darren Abrahamson, a Managing Director at Bain Capital Tech Opportunities, added: “SumUp has continually evolved to empower a growing and diverse field of small businesses with payment solutions and tools to efficiently connect with their everyday consumers. SumUp’s leadership team have led the company to sustained and accelerated growth through expansion to more than 30 countries where they have had a direct and positive impact on the small business ecosystem. We’re proud to contribute our deep fintech and payments experience to aid SumUp’s remarkable ability to push the boundaries and lead an incredibly competitive industry.”

Bain Capital has deep global investment experience across the payments and e-commerce sectors, having invested in and added value to a wide-range of companies at all stages of their growth cycle.

Goldman Sachs International acted as exclusive placement agent for SumUp. Weil, Gotshal & Manges acted as legal adviser to SumUp on the financing.

About SumUp
SumUp is a leading global financial technology company driven by the purpose of leveling the playing field for small businesses. Founded in 2012, SumUp is the financial partner for more than 4 million small merchants in over 35 markets worldwide, helping them start, run and grow their business. Through its Super App, SumUp provides merchants with a free business account and card, an online store, and an invoicing solution – as well as in-person and remote payments seamlessly integrated with SumUp’s card terminals and point-of-sale registers. SumUp is committed to leveraging its success to make the world a better place and has pledged to donate 1% of its revenue to support  environmental, educational and entrepreneurial causes. For more information, please visit sumup.co.uk.

About Bain Capital Tech Opportunities
Bain Capital Tech Opportunities (https://www.baincapitaltechopportunities.com/) aims to help growing technology companies reach their full potential. We focus on companies in large, growing end markets with innovative or disruptive technology where we believe we can support transformational growth. Our dedicated, tenured team has deep experience supporting growing technology businesses—bringing together differentiated backgrounds in private and public equity investing as well as technology operating roles. We invest behind fundamental long-term tailwinds as technology penetrates across industries,     creating a large and growing number of investment opportunities. Bain Capital Tech Opportunities focuses on five priority sub-verticals: Application Software, Infrastructure & Security, Fintech & Payments, Healthcare IT and Internet & Digital Media.

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Ratos strengthen its cash position in the continued growth journey – divests all shares in Dun & Bradstreet

Ratos

Ratos has divested all its 4,358,257 shares in Dun & Bradstreet to a value of approximately SEK 725m.

The shares accounted for 25 percent of the purchase price when Ratos divested Bisnode to Dun & Bradstreet for a purchase price based on an approximate enterprise value of SEK 7,200m, representing an EV/EBITA multiple of 13,8x, in 2020.

The deal will have a negative impact on Ratos’s EBITA for the second quarter 2022 of approximately SEK 18m.

“Ratos’s value creation is based on, among other things, organic growth and industrially sound acquisitions. Through the sale of the Dun & Bradstreet shares, we are further strengthening our cash position for the continued growth journey” says Jonas Wiström, President and CEO, Ratos.

Jonas Wiström will continue to be part of the Dun & Bradstreet International Strategic Advisory Board. Dun & Bradstreet is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For further information:
Josefine Uppling, VP Communication, Ratos, +46 76 114 54 21

About Ratos
Ratos is a business group consisting of 14 companies divided into three business areas: Construction & Services, Consumer and Industry. In total 2021, the companies have approximately SEK 25 billion in net sales. Our business concept is to own and develop companies that are or can become market leaders. 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 companies to excel by being part of something larger. People, leadership, culture and values are key focus areas.

 

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PAI Partners acquires HKA from Bridgepoint

PAI Partners

PAI Partners (“PAI”), a pre-eminent private equity firm, today announces that it has agreed to acquire HKA (the “Company”), a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation and dispute resolution, from Bridgepoint.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, HKA provides a comprehensive set of specialist offerings, including Expert, Claims and Advisory services for the capital projects and infrastructure sector. The Company has over 130 partners and more than 1,000 experts, consultants and advisors across 40+ offices in 18 countries.

HKA works with law firms, contractors, owners, operators, and other professional service providers across the breadth of the risk mitigation and dispute resolution market. The Company’s global portfolio includes some of the world’s largest and most prestigious commissions across a wide range of industries including industrial & manufacturing, power & utilities, resources and energy transition, transportation infrastructure, buildings, technology, financial services and government contracts.

Under Bridgepoint’s ownership, HKA has seen significant growth in its Claims, Dispute Resolution and Litigation Support business and successfully developed new service lines, including its offerings in Forensic Technical Services and Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages. The Company significantly expanded its US operations through the transformational acquisition of The Kenrich Group in 2019, creating the region’s largest construction claims consultancy as well as significantly strengthening HKA’s global capabilities in forensics, commercial damages and government contract services. In 2020, the Company bolstered its Forensic Technical Services offering by acquiring Probyn Miers, the UK’s leading firm of Expert Architects in the field of Construction Dispute Avoidance and Resolution.

PAI will support HKA’s management team in delivering their future growth plans, including accelerating HKA’s growth through development into adjacent services and through selective and targeted M&A opportunities.

“HKA has been a successful investment for Bridgepoint. Working closely with management, together we built significant value by establishing a strong partnership culture, focusing on strategic geographic markets and undertaking selective M&A as well as a comprehensive operational improvement programme.
These initiatives mean that the business is now well positioned for further growth under new ownership,” said Jeannele M’bembath, Director at Bridgepoint Development Capital.

Renny Borhan, CEO of HKA, commented: “I am extremely proud of the successes the team at HKA has achieved to date, and I am very thankful for Bridgepoint’s support and expertise over the last five years. We are very excited to be partnering with PAI Partners in the next phase of our growth.”

Neil McIlroy, Partner at PAI Partners, added: “HKA is uniquely positioned in the large and fragmented risk mitigation and dispute resolution market, with attractive long-term growth prospects. We look forward to supporting Renny and his talented team
as they pursue organic and inorganic initiatives to deliver their ambitious business strategy.”

PAI Partners was advised by Rothschild & Co. and DC Advisory (M&A); Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (Legal); Alvarez & Marsal (Financial); and Bain & Company (Commercial). Bridgepoint was advised by J.P. Morgan (M&A); Travers Smith (Legal); BDO (Financial); and OC&C (Commercial).

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

Media contacts

Greenbrook Communications:
James Madsen – Fanni Bodri
Tel.: +44 207 952 2000
pai@greenbrookpr.com

HKA
Josephine Guckian, Partner, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Tel: +44 7740 421 796
josephineguckian@hka.com

Bridgepoint
Christian Jones – James Murray
Tel: +44 207 034 3500
Media@bridgepoint.eu

 

About PAI Partners

PAI Partners is a pre-eminent private equity firm, investing in market-leading companies across the globe. It currently manages more than €17 billion of dedicated buyout funds and, since 1994, has completed 88 investments in 11 countries, representing over €65 billion in transaction value. PAI has built an outstanding track record through partnering with ambitious management teams where its unique perspective, unrivalled sector experience and long-term vision enable companies to pursue their full potential – and push beyond.
Learn more about the PAI story, the team and their approach at: www.paipartners.com

About HKA

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, HKA is a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation and dispute resolution. HKA provides a comprehensive set of specialist offerings, including Expert, Claims and Advisory services for the capital projects and infrastructure sector. The Company has over 130 partners and more than 1000 experts, consultants and advisors across 40+ offices in 18 countries.
Find out more at: www.hka.com

About Bridgepoint Development Capital

Bridgepoint Development Capital (‘BDC’) invests in midcap companies across Europe. It is part of Bridgepoint, the international alternative private assets management group, whose AUM exceeds €33 billion.
BDC invests in and works actively to develop successful businesses undertaking growth and expansion, with enterprise values typically up to £250 million. It is currently investing its fourth fund, the £1.5 billion Bridgepoint Development Capital IV.
Bridgepoint has offices in Europe (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Luxemburg, Madrid, Paris, and Stockholm), the US (New York and San Francisco), and China (Shanghai).
For further information see www.bridgepoint.eu

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Apollo to Invest in Siebert Williams Shank, One of the Nation’s Leading Certified Women and Minority Owned Financial Services Firms to Form New Strategic Partnership

Strategic partnership part of Apollo’s ongoing efforts to expand opportunity across its ecosystem and contribute to a more inclusive economy

NEW YORK, April 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) and Siebert Williams Shank (“SWS”) today announced the formation of a strategic partnership, whereby Apollo has agreed to invest in SWS, a leading, national women and minority owned financial services firm providing investment banking, sales and trading, research and advisory services. The new commitment aims to drive larger deal flow and revenue opportunities to strengthen and expand SWS’s already robust position in the investment banking and global capital markets arena.

As part of the strategic partnership, Apollo, along with its managed funds, will make a combined equity and credit investment that is expected to significantly increase SWS’s underwriting capacity for debt and equity offerings. This will also enhance SWS’s ability to bridge the investment and liability management needs of its corporate and municipal clients with the product expertise offered by Apollo.

“Since inception, SWS has sought to continue to grow in scope and capabilities to better serve our clients. This strategic partnership will certainly enhance our capacity and competitive position in the capital markets and maintain our strong performance-based culture as we serve clients globally,” said Siebert Williams Shank President & CEO, Suzanne Shank.

“Apollo and Siebert’s longstanding relationship spans two-plus decades, and this new strategic partnership is a natural next step to help accelerate their growth,” said Apollo Co-President Jim Zelter. “At Apollo, our commitment to expanding opportunity extends to the marketplace and making an intentional effort to support the success of diverse financial institutions and employers. SWS, already a leading player in investment banking and global markets, will be able to attract larger deals and do more for clients through this mutually beneficial relationship. We are thrilled to formally team up with Chris Williams, Suzanne Shank and the entire SWS team.”

“We are extremely enthusiastic to have earned the confidence of one of the industry’s most sophisticated alternative asset managers and look forward to identifying opportunities to leverage Apollo’s renowned expertise across multiple asset classes with the strong franchise that SWS has built among corporations, municipalities, and institutional investors,” said Christopher Williams, Chairman, Siebert Williams Shank.

This agreement is the latest expression of Apollo’s commitment to Expanding Opportunity in its workplace, marketplace and communities. Most recently, Apollo established its first-ever Foundation, with plans to provide more than $100 million over the next decade to organizations working across educational access, workforce development and economic empowerment.

The investments are subject to customary closing conditions, including certain regulatory approvals.

About Apollo
Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. We seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from Investment grade to private equity with a focus on three business strategies: yield, hybrid and opportunistic. Through our investment activity across our fully integrated platform, we serve the retirement income and financial return needs of our clients, and we offer innovative capital solutions to businesses. Our patient, creative, knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2021, Apollo had approximately $498 billion assets under management. To learn more, visit www.apollo.com.

About Siebert Williams Shank
Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC (“SWS”) is an independent non-bank financial services firm that offers investment banking, sales and trading, research, and advisory services. SWS provides customized solutions incorporating comprehensive financial advisory, capital raising and risk management guidance with the mission of delivering the highest level of value-added services to our clients. Dually headquartered in New York and Oakland, our firm is comprised of over 125 diverse professionals spanning 19 offices across the United States. SWS serves a broad spectrum of clients, including corporations, governments, municipalities and institutional investors. Building enduring client partnerships through integrity, experience, and results is our priority.

Contacts

For Apollo:

Noah Gunn
Global Head of Investor Relations
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0540
IR@apollo.com

Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0491
Communications@apollo.com

For Siebert Williams Shank:

Tom Butler
tbutler@butlerpr.com
Butler Associates
(646) 213-1802

 


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Source: Apollo Global Management, Inc.

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Liquidity Group Announces $775 Million in Capital Commitments led by Apollo and MUFG

Apollo Funds to Serve as a New Capital Partner for Liquidity’s Fast-Growing, Credit-Oriented Platform

Existing Investors MUFG Bank and Spark Capital Commit Additional Capital

TEL AVIV, Israel & NEW YORK & TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Liquidity Group (or “Liquidity”) today announced that it has entered into agreements with respect to approximately $775 million in capital commitments year-to-date 2022, led by funds and entities managed by affiliates of Apollo (NYSE: APO). The commitments, which are subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, will include $425 million from Apollo Funds for a credit facility to help Liquidity scale its lending activity for late-stage technology companies, $300 million from MUFG Bank (NYSE: MUFG), for a debt fund JV named Mars Growth Capital, investing in future unicorn companies, as well as a $50 million SAFE note investment by Apollo Funds, MUFG Innovation Partners and Spark Capital.

Liquidity Group Announces $775 Million in Capital Commitments led by Apollo and MUFG (Photo: Business Wire)Liquidity Group Announces $775 Million in Capital Commitments led by Apollo and MUFG (Photo: Business Wire)

Liquidity Group, founded in 2018, is a credit-oriented fintech platform that invests, syndicates and automates growth and middle market lending for businesses around the world, providing capital mainly to later-stage technology companies. MUFG’s core banking subsidiary, MUFG Bank, is a key strategic capital partner to Liquidity, having invested equity venture capital in the business as well as formed multiple joint lending ventures.

For Apollo, the new commitments are consistent with its strategy to serve as a capital partner, enabler, and strategic investor in specialty lending companies with strong credit underwriting and innovative features such as Liquidity’s data-driven platform for credit formation, diligence, and monitoring. Apollo Partner, Joshua Black, will also join Liquidity’s Board of Directors.

“We’re pleased to form this new capital partnership with Liquidity Group to support their growth while helping our investors access attractive yield with strong credit fundamentals,” said Bret Leas, Apollo Partner and Global Head of Structured Corporate Credit & ABS. “Ron and his team at Liquidity are connecting technology borrowers and credit investors via an innovative, data-driven ecosystem, and we look forward to working with them as they scale the business.”

“The new capital partnership with Apollo and the continued and successful partnership with MUFG is validation of our founding vision to use artificial intelligence to transform the capital markets,” said Ron Daniel, Co-Founder and CEO of Liquidity Group. “Our patented technology offers unparalleled insight into private growth companies and enables robust predictions about their future. Working with Apollo will allow us to continue our own expansion, fund more companies, and provide reliable returns on investment to our partners. Josh, Jasen and the rest of the Apollo team have proved to be the right partners for this ride with their passion to adopt best of breed solutions.”

“MUFG is welcoming Apollo’s investment to Liquidity Capital. We are aiming to provide various financial services to start-up companies and to the ecosystem as a whole, together with the investing partners,” says Fumitaka Nakahama, Group Head, Global Corporate & Investment Banking Business Group, MUFG.

Liquidity has integrated machine learning and real-time data and performance monitoring across its platform to enhance, automate and expedite processes across the full credit investment lifecycle. Since inception, Liquidity has committed more than $1 billion in capital to fast-growing companies, including Etoro, Zetwerk & Homer.

Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. served as legal counsel to Liquidity. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Shibolet Law Firm served as legal counsel to Apollo.

About Liquidity

Founded in 2018, the Liquidity Group is a global capital market credit automation company and fund manager providing growth capital through funds focused on the US, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Liquidity Group’s subsidiary fund, Singapore-based Mars Growth Capital, and its partner MUFG [NYSE:MUFG] jointly handle the company’s South East Asia activity. It combines real-time data with proprietary machine learning technology to offer tailored financing that matches a company’s future growth. Liquidity Group operates three main divisions: Analysis, Capital, and Market Syndication, which together enable global lenders a complete cycle of scaled and quick credit deployment. www.liquiditygroup.com

About Apollo

Apollo is a global, high-growth alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade to private equity with a focus on three business strategies: yield, hybrid, and equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2021, Apollo had approximately $498 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

About MUFG

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world’s leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,500 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has about 170,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to “be the world’s most trusted financial group” through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges. For more information, visit https://www.mufg.jp/English.

For Apollo:
Noah Gunn
Global Head of Investor Relations
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0540
IR@apollo.com

Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0491
Communications@apollo.com

For Liquidity Group:
Jared Shapiro
The Tag Experience
(917) 553-4542
jared@thetagexperience.com

Source: Liquidity Group

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BDC exits investment in Groupe CIR

Bridgepoint

BlackFin Capital Partners, leading European investor in the financial services sector with €2 billion euros in assets under management, has signed an agreement to become majority shareholder of Groupe CIR, French leader in design, structuring and distribution of savings products based on underlying city-center real estate. BlackFin will replace Bridgepoint Development Capital to support the management team led by CIR founders François Larrère and Franck Temim as they embark on a new phase of growth.

Founded in 1988, Groupe CIR has established its position as independent specialist in city-center real-estate investment. The Group provides French savers and institutional investors with products based on underlying high-quality city-center real estate through three offers: CIR for direct investment in Malraux products, land deficits and historic monuments, Urban Premium for indirect investment through housing and yield real estate investment companies, and Agarim for bare ownership investment. The Group markets more than 1250 investment packages a year through a network of over 800 banking partners and asset management advisors.

Since 2017, with Bridgepoint’s support, CIR has more than doubled in size, boosting its revenue to over €25 million while consolidating its core business and accelerating diversification, notably through integration of Agarim and partnerships signed with top-flight institutional investors.

BlackFin will become the majority shareholder in Groupe CIR and its subsidiaries, alongside its founders, François Larrère and Franck Temim and the management team. They share the same ambition to accelerate the Group’s growth with the aim of offering more high-quality products to the savers and institution investors making up its customer base. Completion of the operation is subject to regulatory approval.

Francois Larrere Chairman of Groupe CIR:

“In this press release we talk about the year – 1998 – in which CIR was created.

It is legitimate to ask questions about the reasons behind a company’s long-term success.

Why do some achieve excellence over all these years? How do they continue to thrive despite the troubled periods that inevitably arise in the natural course of events?

GROUPE CIR has become leader in its business sector by consistently fostering development, change and renewal and setting itself challenging targets.

Most important, it has forged its character through a corporate culture whose first principle defines ‘Quality’ as nothing other than customer satisfaction.

This success is built on the skills and motivation of all the partners who have collaborated with us in a spirit of shared success.

During these five years of collaboration with Bridgepoint Development Capital, CIR Groupe has enjoyed significant growth in every aspect of its business.

Today, alongside BlackFin Capital Partners, we are ready to embark on a new period of strong growth. Our relationship is established, based on agreements setting the ‘Course to Follow’ for shared prosperity.“

Franck Temim, CEO of Groupe CIR: “Capitalizing on our Group’s unique positioning in France, we are keen to participate in growth of a savings market fueled by strong demand from private and institutional investors by proposing a broad range of high-quality and environmentally sustainable investment opportunities based on underlying real-estate assets.

The arrival of a major specialist such as BlackFin Capital Partners as new shareholder gives us the enthusiasm and ambition to accelerate our growth and diversification.“

Bertrand Demesse, Partner at Bridgepoint Development Capital : “We are very proud to have had the opportunity to accompany Groupe CIR in its ambitious development over the last few years. From the beginning of our collaboration at end 2017, Groupe CIR has considerably accelerated its growth, doubling in size by strengthening its core business and accelerating its diversification. Today, more than ever, Groupe CIR has all the strengths it needs to continue growing under the leadership of a talented management team.”

Bruno Rostain, Founding Partner at BlackFin Capital Partners: “We are very enthusiastic about the idea of working with CIR’s management team to write the next page of the Group’s history. We will support its growth initiatives, particularly as concerns institutional investors, digitization and a policy of targeted acquisitions.”

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True Wind Capital Makes Growth Investment in Sterling Capital Brokers, A Leading Canadian

Truewind

Tech-Enabled Benefit Consulting Platform

Partnership Will Enable Sterling to Accelerate Growth Initiatives and Invest in Innovation

SAN FRANCISCO & TORONTO – February 22, 2022 – True Wind Capital (“True Wind”), a San Francisco-based private equity firm focused on investing in leading technology companies, today announced a significant growth investment in Sterling Capital Brokers (“Sterling”), one of Canada’s leading independent benefit consulting firms that provides proprietary technology solutions to high-growth businesses and multinational enterprises. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2014, Sterling offers a comprehensive suite of bespoke employee benefit insurance solutions, including payroll integration, automatic billing reconciliation, and streamlined digital onboarding, to 1,000+ clients across Canada. Sterling’s proprietary platform provides competitive, cost-effective plans that dramatically reduce the administrative burden for both clients and carriers and seamlessly integrates into leading HRIS & payroll platforms. Sterling’s senior management team, including co-founders Stefan Ionescu and David Haines, and President John Griffin, will continue to lead the business from its Toronto, Ontario headquarters.

John Griffin, President at Sterling Capital Brokers, commented, “This investment from True Wind, our first institutional capital partner, will enable Sterling to accelerate our platform enhancements to deliver smarter, more integrated solutions to meet the large and growing demand for customizable and affordable insurance benefit options for Canadian businesses. We believe our innovative and easy to use technology platform has set an industry standard and we are excited to draw on True Wind’s considerable expertise and resources.”

Aaron Matto, a Partner at True Wind, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Sterling, which has built a differentiated suite of tech-enabled services that not only enables customized benefit solutions but also lowers costs and simplifies the administrative process for all constituents. We look forward to supporting Stefan, David, John and Sterling’s talented team by leveraging our proven capabilities in scaling technology-enabled businesses through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions.”

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and McCarthy Tétrault LLP served as legal advisors to True Wind Capital. Borden Ladner Gervais LLP served as legal advisor to Sterling Capital Brokers.

About True Wind Capital
True Wind Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity firm focused on investing in leading technology companies. True Wind has a broad investing mandate, with deep industry expertise across software, data analytics, tech-enabled services, internet, financial technology, and hardware. Founded in 2015, True Wind has completed 12 platform investments and 20 add-on acquisitions. For more information, please visit https://www.truewindcapital.com.

About Sterling Capital Brokers
Sterling Capital Brokers was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Sterling is Canada’s largest independent benefit consulting firm that specializes in servicing small to large sized businesses and multinational enterprise clients across Canada. Sterling offers comprehensive benefit consulting and customized plan management technology services that provide its clients with rapid and bespoke solutions.

Media Contacts:
For True Wind Capital:
Nathaniel Garnick/Genna Pirrong
Gasthalter & Co.
(212) 257-4170

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FCG partners with IK to build a leading GRC services provider in the European market

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IK Partners

FCG Group AB (“FCG”) is pleased to announce a partnership with IK Partners (“IK”), with the target to become a leading governance, risk management and compliance (“GRC”) services provider in the European market. IK acquires its stake in FCG from Bridgepoint Group plc (“Bridgepoint”), becoming the new majority owner.

IK, a European private equity firm, announced today that IK Small Cap III Fund has signed an agreement to acquire FCG, from international private equity group Bridgepoint. The deal, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022. Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

FCG is a GRC services provider, offering advisory, outsourcing, GRC technology and fund administration services to the financial services industry. With in-depth expertise, FCG helps clients manage their challenges and guide them in an ever-changing environment. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, FCG has evolved to become a leading Nordic GRC player with more than 270 employees located across six offices in the Nordics and Germany. FCG is serving a diversified customer base ranging from fast-growing fintech start-ups to large banks.

Together with IK, FCG plans to continue its international growth strategy, further strengthen the service offering within key growth areas such as ESG and build its position as a leading GRC technology provider. IK is acquiring its stake alongside management and key employees who will be reinvesting and remain significant shareholders. FCG will continue to be led by the CEO Kristian Bentzer and his team.

“We are pleased to welcome IK as our new partner and majority owner as we embark on the next phase of our journey to become a leading European GRC-firm. This partnership will form a solid basis on which we can further strengthen and accelerate our growth ambitions. Since inception, we have continuously developed our offering to become a full-service GRC player in the Nordics and Germany and we look forward to expanding our geographical presence and service offering together with IK.” says Kristian Bentzer, Group CEO and Partner at FCG.

“FCG occupies a leading position in a growing market with favourable underlying drivers. In an ever-evolving regulatory environment with increased complexity, the demand for GRC services is expected to increase over time. We’ve been following FCG for many years and believe the company is well positioned to cater to that demand and we look forward to partnering with Kristian and the entire FCG team to continue to build upon their impressive track record.” says Erik Ingemarsson, Partner at IK Partners and Advisor to the IK Small Cap III Fund.

“We have had the pleasure to partner with a talented and highly committed team; the progress that FCG has achieved during our ownership has been impressive. During this period, FCG has more than doubled in size, through both internal business development and M&A, expanding the service offering across the GRC arena, added tech capabilities and software solutions and also expanded internationally. FCG is now well placed to continue its growth ambitions and development under new ownership, and we look forward to following the Company’s future development.” says Johan Dahlfors, Partner at Bridgepoint Development Capital and responsible for its investment activities in the Nordic region.

The transaction is subject to competition clearance and regulatory approvals.

For media enquiries and further information, please contact:

FCG
Kristian Bentzer, Group CEO and Partner
+46766350507
kristian.bentzer@fcg.se

Maria Sandström Anderson, Chief Marketing Officer
+46733850643
maria.sandstrom@fcg.se

IK Partners
Vidya Verlkumar, Marketing and Communications Manager
+447787558193
vidya.verlkumar@ikpartners.com

Bridgepoint
James Murray
+44 207 034 3555
james.murray@bridgepoint.eu

About FCG

FCG is a leading governance, risk and compliance firm, offering best-in-class services and tech solutions to the European financial industry. Since 2008, FCG has combined financial, legal and technological expertise to advise and challenge the financial industry with insights and experience. FCG helps their clients navigate a changing and complex regulatory environment, supporting them in every step from analysis and advice to implementation and outsourcing. For more information, visit www.fcg.global

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About Bridgepoint

Bridgepoint is a leading quoted private assets growth investor focused on the middle-market with over €30 billion AUM and a local presence in the US, Europe and China. Bridgepoint specialises in private equity and private credit and invest internationally in six principal sectors – business services, consumer, financial services, healthcare, advanced industrials and technology. For more information, visit www.bridgepoint.eu

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About IK Partners

IK is a European private equity firm focused on investments in the Benelux, DACH, France, Nordics and the UK. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €14 billion of capital and invested in over 160 European companies. IK supports 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.ikpartners.com

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Record-breaking fundraising of €486 million for Qonto, to further accelerate European growth and become the finance solution for 1 million SMEs and freelancers by 2025

KKR

January 11, 2022

Paris, January 11 2022 – Qonto, the leading European business finance solution, announced today it has raised €486 million in Series D funding, bringing Qonto’s valuation to €4.4 billion. With this fundraising – one of the largest ever in French history – Qonto sets a new record valuation for a French scale-up. This latest round is jointly led by new investors Tiger Global and TCV, in addition to eight other new contributors: Alkeon, Eurazeo, KKR, Insight Partners, Exor Seeds, Guillaume Pousaz, Gaingels and Ashley Flucas. They will join current investors Valar, Alven, DST Global and Tencent who are all renewing their support by participating in this new funding round.
Since its launch in France in 2017, Qonto has been committed to building the first all-in-one finance solution for SMEs and freelancers. Qonto simplifies everything from everyday banking and financing to bookkeeping and spend management, allowing its customers to focus on what truly matters. The company currently has more than 220,000 clients across four markets (France, Germany, Italy, and Spain). With this new funding round, Qonto’s ambition is to become the finance solution of choice for 1 million European SMEs and freelancers by 2025.
To support its high-level goals, Qonto will:
● Continue expanding its product offer through in-house development, new strategic partnerships and potential acquisitions to ensure it offers its clients the best product available on the market;
● Further grow its market penetration across Germany, Italy and Spain and new markets. In 2021, the company opened local offices in Barcelona, Berlin and Milan to fully tailor its offer to each market and lay down roots in those local ecosystems to foster closer partnership. Qonto is expanding particularly rapidly across these markets: the company has quadrupled its revenue over the past two years. Qonto will further accelerate its strong momentum across Europe by investing over €100 million in each market (Germany, Italy and Spain) over the next two years. Qonto also plans to reinforce its European leadership by launching in new markets by 2023. In 2025, it is expected that 75% of new clients will come from outside France.
● Recruit new talent and quadruple its team to more than 2,000 by 2025, 50% of new hires to be based outside of France. In part, this will be achieved thanks to the creation of a new Customer Support Operations Hub, to be based in Barcelona and designed to maintain its outstanding customer support while further scaling. To reinforce its international recruitment strategy and meet the expectations of an increasingly agile and mobile talent pool, the company will also launch a European “Qonto Campus” program to enable international mobility between the local offices.
Alexandre Prot, co-founder and CEO of Qonto: “Since our launch in 2017, we’ve constantly strived to create the finance solution that energizes SMEs and freelancers, empowering them to achieve more. This new Series D funding round is an amazing opportunity for us to accelerate our hyper-growth trajectory by investing in our product, our customer service and our power to attract new talents. This funding round reveals the incredible dynamism of the French and European Tech ecosystem. We count on policymakers
to continue their efforts to ensure entrepreneurship can succeed, leading to European and global champions that deliver innovation. This is only the beginning of our journey to best serve SMEs and freelancers and we couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds for us and our ambitions. The Qonto team is honored to welcome the most prestigious international investors to support our mission to become the leading business finance solution.”
John Curtius, Partner at Tiger Global: “Qonto has revolutionized business finance for SMEs and freelancers by marrying simplicity with a unique all-in-one service. The company has seen a significant increase in clients across its European markets during the coronavirus pandemic. This also shows that customers’ needs are evolving during these unprecedented times. We have tracked Qonto’s incredible growth for some time and are delighted to partner with the entire Qonto team and support their mission to serve a rapidly growing European market.”
“We at TCV love to back visionary founders and could not be more excited to partner with Alexander, Steve and the rest of the Qonto team, said John Doran, General Partner at TCV. “We look forward to supporting them as they continue to bring best-in-class banking and finance solutions to millions of SMEs and freelancers across Europe.”

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