Tag Archives: Logistics

CapMan Infra acquires Finland’s leading bus operator – electric bus fleet to grow sixfold by 2026

Capman

CapMan Infra Press Release

10 December 2021 at 9:30 a.m. EET

CapMan Infra acquires Finland’s leading bus operator –electric bus fleet to grow sixfold by 2026

CapMan Infra has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of Koiviston Auto (Metsäpietilä Oy), the largest bus operator in Finland. The acquisition is aligned with CapMan Infra’s approach to improve public transportation networks, offer sustainable transportation alternatives by driving the green shift of the business.

Koiviston Auto, founded in 1928, is a market leader within public and commercial bus transport in Finland. The company employs 2,300 people, has a fleet of c. 1,000 buses, operates a network of 18 depots across Finland and transported around 85 million passengers pre-pandemic in 2019.

The company’s business is divided into two segments, contract- and market-based bus transport. The contract-based urban bus transportation business displays attractive infrastructure characteristics of a large asset base underpinned by long-term capacity based and inflation protected contracts with public transportation authorities. The contract-based business represents currently around 80 per cent of group revenues, while the market-based business shows post-pandemic recovery opportunities. The market-based segment operates three well-known brands: Onnibus.com, Onnibus Flex and Porvoon Liikenne, and is the clear market leader in the intercity long-haul bus traffic in Finland.

“We are very pleased to acquire a company with an impressive history and opportunities to transform its business towards more environmentally friendly operations. As the market leader, the company is well-positioned to drive the electrification of the bus sector and grow the business through winning additional contracts. We value their local knowledge and presence, and we plan to maintain the strong brands that the company’s fleet operates under. We look forward to continuing to develop the company together with its employees in line with the values of Koiviston Auto. We recognise the impact of the ongoing pandemic on employees and customers and focus on providing stability as we move towards a recovery,” says Ville Poukka, Managing Partner at CapMan Infra.

Through the acquisition, CapMan is driving the rapid electrification of urban bus transportation. Electric buses currently account for only 6 per cent of Koiviston Auto’s contracted fleet. CapMan plans to increase the company’s contracted electric bus fleet to more than 220 buses by 2026, representing over 33 per cent of the contracted bus fleet. The annual savings of around 21,000 tons of CO2, when compared with 2021 levels equal the removal of around 7,000* cars from traffic.

“Koiviston Auto has operated as a family business for nearly one hundred years. Before making the decision to sell we performed a careful evaluation of the company’s future. The industry is in transition, as traffic is being rapidly electrified. Now was a natural turning point to realise this change. CapMan Infra brings added resources to for instance needed fleet investments as well as valuable expertise to developing the business”, says Antti Norrlin, Chairman of the Board of Koiviston Auto.

The CapMan Infra team holds significant experience in implementing a green shift of the transportation sector through its investment in Norwegian ferry operator Norled, where emissions reduction of the fleet has been a key component of the strategy. The team has previous experience of managing and developing large transportation systems and organisations in the Nordics.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the first quarter of 2022. All existing employees will maintain their current positions following the transaction. This agreement has no immediate effect on Koiviston Auto’s existing customers or services provided.

CapMan Infra is a Nordic infrastructure investor with a team of ten professionals based in Helsinki and Stockholm and approx. €400 million in assets under management.

*Assuming on average 94,909 driven kilometers per annum for urban traffic bus and 1,202 g/km CO2 emissions for EURO VI class bus (full load) as well as 20,000 driven kilometers per annum for car and 153.5 g/km CO2 emissions for car, based on the average emissions per car in Finland in 2020.

For more information, please contact:

Ville Poukka, Managing Partner, CapMan Infra, tel. +358 50 572 9120

Torborg Chetkovich, Partner, CapMan Infra, tel. +46 73 802 02 05

Antti Norrlin, Chairman of the Board, Koiviston Auto, tel. +358 400 499 041

Antti Unkuri, Group CEO, Koiviston Auto, tel. +358 44 786 4623

About CapMan

CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation. We offer a wide selection of investment products and services. As one of the Nordic private equity pioneers, we have developed hundreds of companies and real estate assets and created substantial value in these businesses and assets over the past 30 years. With over €4 billion in assets under management, our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors. We have a broad presence in the unlisted market through our local and specialised teams. Our investment strategies cover Private Equity, Real Estate and Infra. We also have a growing service business that includes procurement services, fundraising advisory, and analysis, reporting and wealth management services. Altogether, CapMan employs around 160 people in Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, London and Luxembourg. We are a public company listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001 and a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) since 2012. Read more at www.capman.com.  www.capman.com

About Koiviston Auto

Koiviston Auto is the largest bus operator in Finland with a nationwide network of depots and routes. The company employs 2,300 people, has a fleet of around 1,000 buses and had a turnover of 173 million euros in 2020. Koiviston Auto is the market leader in market-based intercity traffic with its OnniBus.com, OnniBusFlex and Porvoon Liikenne brands. In the contract-based urban bus transportation business the company is strongly present in the regions of Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Lahti, Kuopio, Oulu, Porvoo, Rauma, Rovaniemi and Varkaus. Koiviston Auto is a family-owned company founded in 1928. The company has its headquarters in Lahti. Visit www.koivistonauto.fi or www.onnibus.com for more information.

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Blackstone to Acquire a Stake in a Portfolio of High-Quality Australian Logistics Assets in the Largest Transaction in Asia Under its Core+ Strategy

Blackstone

Sydney, December 10, 2021 – Blackstone (NYSE:BX) today announced that Blackstone’s Core+ Real Estate strategy in Asia signed a binding agreement to acquire GIC’s 49% stake in the Dexus Australia Logistics Trust, an existing joint venture with Dexus that owns a portfolio of high-quality logistics assets in Australia. The portfolio of 77 premium-grade logistics assets is concentrated in Australia’s gateway cities, Sydney and Melbourne, with high exposure to densely populated areas and major transportation hubs. The transaction marks the sixth investment in Asia this year under Blackstone Real Estate’s Core+ strategy and the largest investment in Asia under this strategy to date.

Frank Cohen, Global Head of Core+ Real Estate, Blackstone, said: “We are pleased to both acquire a portfolio of best-in-class logistics assets in Australia and partner with Dexus. The transaction significantly increases our Asian Core+ Real Estate exposure to the logistics space and is consistent with our strategy of overweighting high conviction sectors and locations.”

Other investments in Asia this year under the Core+ strategy include the Eclipse (formerly The Sandcrawler), a Grade-A office building in Singapore anchored by tenants in fast-growing sectors of technology and media, and a portfolio of 38 modern residential assets concentrated in Japan’s major cities, Tokyo and Osaka.

Chris Tynan, Head of Real Estate Australia, Blackstone, said: “We continue to bring our global scale and expertise in investing in logistics to the Australian market. Over the last five years, we’ve been active in the premium-grade logistics sector in Australia. While online sales continue to soar, Australia’s e-commerce penetration rate continues to be low relative to that of other major logistics hubs around the world. We believe there’s tremendous opportunity for growth, supported by Australia’s strong e-commerce demand.”

Key transactions for Blackstone in Australia this year include the sale of Milestone, an Australian logistics portfolio, in the largest ever private real estate transaction in the country at the time; acquisition of Fort Knox Self-Storage, a portfolio of self-storage assets in Melbourne; and a majority stake in Grosvenor Place, an iconic office tower in Sydney’s central business district.

JLL facilitated the transaction, and Clayton Utz served as legal advisor to Blackstone.

About Blackstone Real Estate
Blackstone is a global leader in real estate investing. Blackstone’s real estate business was founded in 1991 and has US$230 billion of investor capital under management. Blackstone is the largest owner of commercial real estate globally, owning and operating assets across every major geography and sector, including logistics, multifamily and single family housing, office, hospitality and retail. Our opportunistic funds seek to acquire undermanaged, well-located assets across the world. Blackstone’s Core+ strategy comprises open-ended funds that invest in substantially stabilized real estate assets globally and Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (BREIT), a non-listed REIT that invests in U.S. income-generating assets. Blackstone Real Estate also operates one of the leading global real estate debt businesses, providing comprehensive financing solutions across the capital structure and risk spectrum, including management of Blackstone Mortgage Trust (NYSE: BXMT).

Media Contact
Ellen Bogard
Ellen.Bogard@Blackstone.com
Tel: +852 3651 7737

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Mentha realizes stake in HB Returnable Transport Solutions following successful investment period

Mentha Capital

Mentha Capital (“Mentha”) has realised its investment in HB Returnable Transport Solutions (“HB” or the “Company”), a leading provider of rental, washing and integrated logistics for returnable transport items (“RTIs”) in the Dutch food supply chain. In early 2017, Mentha acquired a majority stake in HB alongside the Company’s founders and management. Over the past five years, Mentha has actively supported HB’s rapid growth and professionalization.

Arcus Infrastructure Partners (“Arcus”), through Arcus European Infrastructure Fund 2 SCSp (“AEIF2” or the “Fund”), acquired 100% of HB from its existing shareholders. As part of the transaction, HB senior management will reinvest in the Company alongside the Fund.

HB, founded in Welsum (the Netherlands) in 2008, provides an integrated offering of RTI rental, washing and logistics services to a diverse and blue-chip customer base in the Dutch food and beverage supply chain, ensuring the safe and sustainable transport of consumable products from suppliers to consumers. The main RTIs handled by HB are plastic crates and pallets, which serve as essential load carriers for products being transported from production locations to distribution centres, foodservice outlets and supermarkets across the Netherlands. These reusable load carriers are critical assets within the circular economy, ensuring reliable and efficient transport, while minimising the use of single-use, one-way packaging in a variety of fast-moving supply chains. With an asset pool of 2.8 million RTIs and a network of 10 strategically located washing and logistics facilities across the country, HB provides vital RTI logistics infrastructure and an integrated one-stop shop solution for its customers.

Commenting on the acquisition, Léon Rust, CEO of HB said: “First of all we want to thank Mentha for their great support over the last five years. Together with the Mentha team we made great effort in further professionalizing the company and growing the business. With Arcus as our new shareholder, we will embark on an exciting new phase of growth in our business. From our first meeting, it was clear that Arcus already had a deep knowledge of our industry, which serves as an important criteria for our team as we look to grow with a new partner. We look forward to working with the Arcus team as we improve and build on our core customer offering, explore new verticals within the RTI space and maximise the sustainability benefits of our business. Our belief is that our network of washing and logistics facilities, together with our extensive RTI pool, is a unique proposition to reduce transport distances (and therefore carbon footprint and logistics costs) within the food and beverage supply chain.”

Mark van Ingen, Partner at Mentha, commented: “It was a pleasure to team up with HB, its founders, management and employees. Over the past five years, everyone has worked very hard to further improve HB with the aim to strengthen its position as a leading RTI service provider in the Netherlands. Together we have invested in machines and automation, increased productivity, added new customers and bolstered the organisation. This has resulted in a strong and professional player in the RTI space. We are extremely proud of what has been accomplished and I would like to thank everybody for their contribution. With Arcus onboard we believe HB has found a very knowledgeable and committed partner to continue its journey to further improve and grow the company. We wish them all the best in their period of ownership and we will be interested to see how the company develops further.”

Ian Harding, Managing Partner at Arcus said: “We are extremely pleased to announce this investment in HB today. This acquisition is our seventh investment for AEIF2 and HB is a perfect fit with the Fund’s investment strategy of targeting mid-market, value-add infrastructure businesses in Europe. HB is a great addition to the Arcus portfolio.”

Jordan Cott, Arcus Partner who led the Fund’s acquisition said: “HB is a clear market leader in the RTI space in the Netherlands and has a proven track record of growth alongside its long-term customer base. The Company’s RTIs are essential assets within food and beverage supply chains, ensuring cost-efficient, reliable and sustainable transport of a wide range of products. These benefits are complemented by HB’s network of washing and logistics facilities, which are strategically located to enable customers to minimise transport distances and reduce the industry’s overall carbon footprint. We expect that HB and its customers will see significant and tangible benefits from strong RTI industry tailwinds over the coming years and look forward to working with Léon and the HB team as they continue to innovate and grow with their customers.”

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Carlyle Congratulates ANE on its HKEX Listing

Carlyle

Hong Kong, November 11, 2021 – ANE (the “Company”), a leading express freight network in China’s less-than-truckload (“LTL”) market, today debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange raising HK$1,009 million as the Company continues to focus on serving its core objectives of strengthening its leadership position, accelerating consolidation in China’s LTL industry, and sustaining its strong, profitable growth in the years to come.

The consumption upgrade, an accelerated digitalisation of commerce and trade, and the evolving commerce landscape in China has prompted a rapid digitalisation of the entire supply chain system encompassing manufacturing, distribution and online offline omni-channel retail. The increased adoption of digital commerce and trade in China has resulted in faster turnover of inventory. In turn, this has generated significant demand in the market for timely, comprehensive and reliable LTL services with nationwide coverage. To meet this demand, ANE has built an innovative freight partner platform model, which is highly scalable and cost-effective, backed by leading technology solutions at all stages of the process.

In addition, ANE has established a sustainable and self-reinforcing ecosystem comprising of its freight partners, agents and shippers. By December 31, 2020, the Company had collaborated with approximately 26,400 freight partners and agents to serve shippers across approximately 96% of the counties and townships in China. ANE’s express freight network was able to reach a diverse and well-balanced end-customer base of over 3.6 million shippers in 2020 across the entire commerce landscape in China.

Carlyle invested into ANE through Carlyle Asia Partners IV in June 2015.

Ling Yang, a Managing Director of the Carlyle Asia advisory team, congratulated the Company: “With its market leading position and nationwide network, we believe ANE is well-positioned to capture the growing demand for LTL and develop high growth regions, industries and shipper groups. The Company is capable of expanding its product offerings to meet the continuously changing customer needs brought through e-commerceindustrial upgrade, omni-channel and supply chain evolution. We are excited to support ANE’s strong management team as they  continue to drive growth in China and we are proud to back the Company as it celebrates this significant milestone.”

Carlyle has a well-established history of investing in the industrial and transportation sector, globally investing over US$33 billion of equity as of September 30, 2021, with approximately US$4 billion of this in Asia. Carlyle seeks opportunities in companies with strong disruptive technologies that have captured an early lead or a product niche, with the opportunity to transform these businesses into industry or geographic leaders. Carlyle’s Asia investments include Delhivery Private Ltd., JD Logistics, Atotech, Tongyi Lubricant, among others.

 

About Carlyle

Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. With $293 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2021, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 1,800 people in 26 offices across five continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on Twitter @OneCarlyle.

 

Media Contact:

Finsbury Glover Hering:

Evonne Xiao

Tel: +852 9681 9865

E-mail: evonne.xiao@finsbury.com

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BDC to acquire Achilles

Bridgepoint

Achilles, a global leader and partner of choice for supply chain risk and performance management, today announces an agreement to be acquired by Bridgepoint, the international private assets fund management group.

The acquisition marks a new chapter for Achilles. Despite the recent global turmoil and uncertainty, Achilles has continued to partner with customers, build new value, bring new products to market and add new customers to the portfolio.

Over the past decade supply chain risk management has increased in complexity due to numerous environmental, social, and economic drivers. Issues such as sustainability, modern slavery and equality, diversity and inclusion, as well the increased risk of sophisticated cyber-attacks have changed the way in which supply chains need to be managed: Achilles’ solutions enable customers to mitigate risk and make informed business decisions for their supply chains.

Partnering with Bridgepoint will give Achilles access to the capital and expertise to significantly expand the solution set, both organically and through M&A, delivering new capabilities around key focus areas like ESG, CSR, EDI, Health and Safety, and supply chain mapping, all of which are critical customer needs.

Matt Legg, Director of Bridgepoint Development Capital, said: “Supply chains across the world are under increased pressure and scrutiny, creating opportunities for those companies who are able to provide data-driven solutions to ensure more sustainable and ethical solutions. Achilles, with its global platform, breadth of risk coverage, in-house audit capabilities, and depth of data validation provides a compelling proposition to its customers. We look forward to working with the Achilles management team and have already identified multiple avenues to drive value creation in a sector which is growing due to increasing supply chain complexity and corporate focus on supply chain risk and ESG.”

Jay Katzen, CEO of Achilles, commented: “I am delighted Bridgepoint will be working with the team at Achilles for the next chapter in our story. Our teams have built a great rapport, and we have a shared vision about both the opportunity and goal to expand our solutions, helping our customers drive a more sustainable future.

I believe this is a pivotal moment, not just for my colleagues and I at Achilles, but for our customers and partners as well. With this in mind, I’d like to thank Hg and Achilles’ Chairman Craig Rodgerson, for their support in driving success for Achilles.

With over 30 years’ experience, sector leading technology and extremely engaged employees, Achilles is uniquely well placed to take advantage of the opportunities that evolve as the world looks to make supply chains more sustainable, efficient and ethical. Achilles creates opportunity and provides the sector leading insight that enables better, value added decision making for our customers, from the smallest micro business to FTSE 100 companies. It is this strength of purpose and range of strategic opportunity that the team at Bridgepoint recognise and value – I’m excited about all that the future holds for Achilles and our customers.”

The investment in Achilles was made by the Bridgepoint Development Capital fund IV. Bridgepoint was advised on the transaction by: Raymond James (M&A), Ropes & Gray (Legal), GCA Altium (Debt), McKinsey (Commercial), BDO (Financial & Tax) and Intechnica (Technology). Hg and Achilles were advised by Baird (M&A) and Barclays (M&A).

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Their common objective is for Schenk to play an important role in the creation of a sustainable and future-proof logistics network by building on its leading ESG position in the Western European transportation market.

Argoswityu

Papendrecht (The Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium) – 16th of August 2021 – Argos Wityu, a pan-European private equity fund has reached an agreement with Harry and Arjan Schenk to acquire a majority stake in the company that carries their name as its current shareholders. Via this investment, Argos will help the Schenk brothers to realize a stable shareholder and management transition for the company. The acquisition marks Argos’ first investment by Fund VIII and highlights the strong commitment Argos has towards ESG[1] in this Fund.

Since its inception in 1925 by the Schenk family, the company transformed from a sand and gravel transport company into a logistical partner specialized in complex gas and liquid logistical services. With Harry and Arjan Schenk, 3rd generation, taking over the leadership by the end of the 1980s, the company diversified away from a pure road transporter of fuels into a logistical service provider for industrial gases, LNG, chemicals, fuels, lubricants, LPG, bitumen, and liquid food products which require complex handling requirements. In doing so, the group has already anticipated and included in its strategy for a number of years an increasing importance of sustainability and can now claim a market leading position in this respect. Both Argos and the Schenk brothers have taken up a strong commitment to continue to build upon and further enforce Schenk’s position as an enabler of a sustainable logistical world.

Schenk, strategically located in the heart of the ARRRA[2] region, has grown to an organization employing more than 1.600 employees and generating over €200m in revenues. Out of its offices in The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, the company manages a dense network of last-mile connections serviced by a large fleet of 900 modern trucks and tank trailers, on top of providing intermodal services out of its Netherlands offices with its fleet of tank containers. Efficiency and outstanding quality has always been at the heart of Schenk’s services which has resulted in long-term customer relationships in all of its product segments.

Having successfully led the company for over 30 years, Harry and Arjan Schenk look forward to paving the way for a transition in a stable environment while continuing to grow the activity in current and new product segments and adding adjacent logistical services. Harry and Arjan have selected Argos Wityu for their experience in shareholder and management transitions in long-standing family businesses, their strong focus on ESG and to support the company in densifying its network organically and via an international buy-and-build program. They will retain a significant stake in the company and will continue in their roles as co-CEO to ensure continuity until a suitable successor has been identified. The transaction is still subject to the approval of the Dutch market authorities and the works council.

Harry Schenk, co-CEO and shareholder said: “We are convinced that we found a strong partner in Argos Wityu to maintain our market leading position while continuing to shape the ongoing consolidation in the market. Both put us in a strong position for the current energy transition and associated investments. With the help of Argos, we also want to continue to invest in the sustainability of our fleet in the coming years and to continue to provide our customers with the service they are accustomed to. We are delighted to be able to take this new step in the history of our family business together with Argos Wityu, the management team and our employees.”

Maarten Meijssen, Partner at Argos Wityu added “We have the utmost respect for the company and organization that Harry and Arjan have developed together with the management team and all employees of Schenk. They have always kept their eyes on long term trends while putting in place an organization that serves their clients with the highest level of quality every day. We feel privileged and consider it a big responsibility to join Harry and Arjan in making a successful transition and will do everything to continue to confirm the strong reputation that Schenk has today. For Argos, this is a unique opportunity to invest in a sustainable future of logistics.”

Argos Wityu team: Gilles Mougenot, Maarten Meijssen, Arne Louwagie, Julie Wouters

Buyer advisors

Legal – Houthoff (Bram Caudri, Ivar Brouwer, Britt Oerlemans)

Financial – Deloitte Transaction Advisory (Corjan Kuip, Bart Beemster, Jens Noppe)

Pension – Deloitte (Frans Heijs, Stella Evers)

Commercial – Arthur D. Little (Martijn Eikelenboom, Marc de Pater)

Tax – JSA Tax (NL) (Ronald Braxhoofden, Ronald van de Merwe, Anne Joritsma) / Finvision (BE) (Philip Haagdorens, Alix Stockman, Aurélie Godschalx) / GKK Partners (DE) (Dr. Michael Hoheisel, Maren Röhr)

Insurance – Aon (Richard Stemerdink, Ingrid van Bussel)

Environmental – Tauw (Hans Nieuwenhuis, Monica Martens)

Seller advisors

Sellside M&A advisor – Nielen Schuman (Ernst Berger, Joost Moelker, Joyce van Luit, Oscar Crolla, Steve Nugteren, Joep Houf)

Financial – PwC (Robert du Burck, Michiel Semeijn, Mathieu Cantarella)

Legal – Loyens & Loeff (Harmen Holtrop, Rob Schrooten, Roos van den Berg)

Debt advisory – Nielen Schuman (Ger van der Linden)

[1] Environmental, Social and Governance

[2] Antwerp Rotterdam Rhein Ruhr Area

Contacts

Media : Cécile Hisette
+ 32 473 36 14 11
info@cecili-z.be

Argos Wityu
Coralie Cornet
Head of Communications
ccc@argos.fund
+33 6 14 38 33 37

Harry en Arjan Schenk
CEO Schenk Tanktransport
info_nl@schenk-tanktransport.eu
+31 78 6442 150

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Rotom Europe attracts growth capital from Waterland

Waterland

Rotom Europe, a leading Pan-European provider of logistic load carriers for transport and storage, has attracted growth capital from its new shareholder Waterland.

Rotom Europe, headquartered in Son (Eindhoven, the Netherlands), has successfully developed into a Pan-European full service provider in the field of bespoke load carriers, with an annual turnover of more than € 140 million. Nowadays, Rotom is operationally active in 10 European countries, with 26 locations throughout Europe and has 500 employees. The group is developing, producing, trading, collecting, renting out, repairing and maintaining a broad range of logistics load carriers including for example wooden pallets, metal roll containers, mobile racks, and plastic pallets and bins for a wide range of customers.

After 30 years of successful expansion, the current board members and shareholders have the ambition to accelerate the growth of Rotom Europe, by developing the company into the leading European player in the field of bespoke load carriers and related services. In order to achieve this ambition, additional strategic support and capital are required to pursue add-on acquisitions and strengthen the existing companies in the group. Therefore, after a careful evaluation of the strategic options, Rotom Europe has selected the Pan-European investment company Waterland as its intended financial and strategic partner for the future. Arjan Kuiper, CEO of Rotom Europe, says “it’s our aim to support our customers to become more sustainable with returnable load carriers and packaging recovery solutions on a Pan-European level, for which we have been able to attract the right strategic partner”.

The company plans to acquire several companies providing load carriers and related services in the next few years to increase the density of the European network in existing countries including the Benelux, Germany, Spain, France and the UK and to enter new European countries such as the Nordics, Italy and Eastern Europe. On top of the planned network expansion, Rotom intends to extend its service activities which will enable the group to expand its sustainable solutions offering for customers such as packaging recovery, pooling and rental of returnable load carriers and repair and maintenance to extend product lifetime.

Arjan Kuiper continues: “with Waterland, we have found the right future business partner to realize our ambition to become the European market leader in sustainable bespoke load carriers and solutions. Rotom has deep knowledge of the European market for load carriers, whilst Waterland has a huge experience in facilitating the buy & build strategy, can provide ample financial resources and is able to provide solid strategic support, hence a perfect combination”. The founding and current shareholders of Rotom Europe remain on board as co-shareholders together with Waterland. The transaction is still subject to merger clearance in the Netherlands and Poland.

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HCI Completes Sale of Go To Logistics

HCI Equity Partners

May 17, 2021, Northlake, IL

HCI Equity Partners announced the sale of Go To Logistics (“Go To” or the “Company”) to Stellex Capital Management on May 4, 2021. Stellex Capital Management is a private equity firm that invests in middle-market companies in North America and Europe. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered outside of Chicago, Illinois, Go To Logistics is a transportation and logistics service provider focused on the freight consolidation and LTL (less-than-truckload) market. Go To provides services ranging from expedited and guaranteed service to warehoused consolidation, primarily from Chicago to the Northeast and West Coast, as well as the Southwest. The Company’s capacity-driven, point-to-point consolidation business model allows for exceptional service and expedited capabilities at a low cost. Go To has a diverse customer base with a heavy focus on the food and beverage sector.

“We are proud of the work we did with our partners Tom and Greg to build Go To into one of the leading transportation providers in its markets and channels. The HCI team is pleased with the outcome of our investment and think Stellex will be a great partner for the business going forward,” stated HCI Managing Partner Dan Dickinson.

G2 Capital Advisors served as the financial advisor and Jones Day served as legal counsel to Go To Logistics.

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Priveq Investment divests 21grams to Unifiedpost Group

Priveq

Priveq Investment IV (”Priveq”) has, after a successful ownership period including three add-on acquisitions, entry into new geographies and a broadened service offering, together with the other owners divested 21grams (“21grams”) to the Belgian fintech company Unifiedpost Group.

 21grams serves companies handling large volumes of communication to optimize and digitalize these volumes to strengthen the companies’ businesses and customer relations. Headquartered in Stockholm 21grams has about 70 employees and revenue of approximately 770 MSEK. Customers include AGA, Länsförsäkringar, Rädda Barnen, ST1, Tele2, Unicef and Vasakronan.

Under Priveq’s ownership, 21grams has grown organically and through several acquisitions that has established the company into new geographies and with a broadened service offering. Revenue has grown from approximately 500 MSEK at the time of Priveq’s investment to approximately 770 MSEK today, with increased profitability.

Through 21grams innovative and agile culture the company’s offering has developed well according to increased digitalisation and demand for payment solutions. From the digital offering originally representing a small share of the product mix, the company today handles about every fourth e-invoice in Sweden.

”21grams has been developing strongly during our time as owner. The company has through its ability to innovate and its perceptiveness to its customers continued to grow and build on its already strong position. Through Unifiedpost Group’s acquisition of 21grams new opportunities to strengthen the customer value and to continue as a platform for Nordic expansion arise. 21grams’ great culture and committed employees has been of uttermost importance for our successful journey” says Louise Nilsson, Partner at Priveq Advisory AB, advisor to Priveq Investment IV and retiring board member of 21grams.

”Together with Priveq we have created structure and put down the foundation for a continued strong growth journey into new markets and new offerings. We are very pleased with the Priveq-cooperation throughout the years, especially with regards to acquisitions and strategy. The 21grams management team is excited about Unifiedpost Groups strong growth agenda that will support us in taking the next step in 21grams’ journey” says Stefan Blomqvist, CEO of 21grams.

 

For additional information contact:
Louise Nilsson, Partner and Investment Manager, Priveq Advisory AB
Tel: +46 (0)709 50 95 50
louise.nilsson@priveq.se

Stefan Blomqvist, CEO, 21grams
Tel. + 46 (0)76 808 21 21
stefan.blomqvist@21grams.com

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Olinn, a European professional equipment management group backed by Argos Wityu, announces the acquisition of Rentys, a specialist in operational leasing based in Belgium.

Argoswityu

This acquisition enables Olinn to become a leading provider of operational leasing in Belgium, with nearly 800 customers and 40 million euros of technological assets under management.

Neuilly-Sur-Seine, France, 18 January 2021 – Olinn, a specialist in equipment management and financing solutions (sourcing, operational leasing, stock management, fleet management, refurbishment, recycling) in the IT, mobile telephony, vehicle, medical equipment, and manufacturing sectors, announces the acquisition of Rentys, an independent leader in operational leasing based in Belgium.

Founded in 2001 by Christophe Maréchal, Rentys has enjoyed regular growth while expanding into IT operational leasing for the Private Business and Public Institution market and has already funded more than 150 million euros’ worth of technological equipment.

This acquisition is part of the Group’s development strategy and will turn Olinn into a leading provider of operational leasing in Belgium, with nearly 800 customers and 40 million euros of technological assets under management.

Olinn currently has 200 employees generating nearly €175m in turnover and managing more than €500m of assets in Europe. To build a closer partnership with its customers, Olinn has expanded its geographic coverage throughout France, and has added six European subsidiaries in Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Arnaud Deymier, President of the Olinn Group: “With Rentys, the Olinn Group is gaining expertise that is unmatched in Belgium, as well as strong relationships with partners, customers and financial institutions. Combining our offerings and skills will allow us to sustain both companies’ activities, increase our visibility, and create the conditions for strong growth, thanks to our dynamic and dedicated team.”

Christophe Maréchal, CEO of Rentys: “We are very happy to be joining the Olinn Group. Combining our respective skills will allow us to quickly provide new solutions and new services to all our customers. Like many of our colleagues in Europe, we realised that we needed to enter a new phase to consolidate our position and continue our development. The idea of joining forces with Olinn arose naturally.”

Karel Kroupa, Managing Partner at Argos Wityu, concludes: « The combination of Rentys and Olinn is fully in line with the Group’s European development strategy as led by Arnaud Deymier and his teams. This will enable clients to benefit from the complementary offers and skills of the two companies. »

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Argos Wityu team: Karel Kroupa, Thomas Ribéreau, Vincent Yacoub

List of advisors

Olinn advisors
Legal: August Debouzy (Julien Aucomte, Olivier Moriceau, Laure Khemiri, Leslie Ginape, Maxime Legourd), Deloitte (Werner Van Lembergen, Jean-Philippe de Vinck)
Financial: Deloitte (Hrisa Nacea, Thibault Guglieri, Charline Borsus, Davy Simonneau, Armelle Bosset)
Tax: Deloitte (Wim Eynatten, Mathieu Henderikx), Arsene (Franck Chaminade, Charles Dalarun)
M&A : Degroof Petercam (Frédéric Hébrard, Florent De Liedekerke)

Seller advisors
Legal: Koan Law (Pierre Willemart – Elisabeth Bousmar)
M&A et Financier : PWC (Xavier Suin – Rodrigue Platteau – Guillaume Desrues – Célestin François – Quentin Janssens)

Contact Argos Wityu
Coralie Cornet
Communications Director
ccc@argos.fund
+33 1 53 67 20 63

About Argos Wityu
argos.wityu.fund

Argos Wityu is an independent European investment fund that supports companies in the transfer of business ownership. It has assisted more than 80 entrepreneurs, focusing its investment strategy on complex transactions with emphasis on transformation, growth, and close collaboration with management teams. Argos Wityu seeks to acquire majority interests and invest between €10m and €100m with each transaction. With €1bn under management and 30 years of experience, Argos Wityu operates from offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Luxembourg, Milan and Paris.

About Olinn
www.olinn.eu
Olinn, a European professional equipment management group, supports the development of companies and public bodies by thinking globally and sustainably.
Olinn remains involved during the entire life cycle of the equipment and offers solutions that incorporate sourcing, financing and associated services, including restoration and reconditioning.
With Olinn, companies combine performance with responsibility by choosing appropriate technology beachyspharmacy.com investment strategies rooted in a CSR approach.
With 200 employees, 60 of whom are disabled, the company generated revenues of €165m in 2019.
The group operates in 7 European countries with a network of 18 areas covering France, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Almost 4,500 customers currently use the group’s comprehensive services.
Each year, Olinn has:

  • €450m of assets (IT, Mobile, Medical, Industrial, and Vehicles) under management,
  • more than €2bn of equipment financed,
  • 180,000 smartphones under management
  • fleet of 4,500 vehicles
  • 250,000 items of IT equipment reconditioned annually, saving 31Mkg of greenhouse gases.

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