Henrik Poulsen appointed Deputy Chairman of Kinnevik

Kinnevik

Henrik Poulsen appointed Deputy Chairman of Kinnevik

Kinnevik AB (publ) (“Kinnevik”) today announced that the Board of Directors has agreed to appoint Henrik Poulsen as Deputy Chairman alongside Dame Amelia Fawcett. Henrik Poulsen was elected Director of the Board at the Annual General Meeting 2017 and he is a member of Kinnevik’s Audit Committee.

Henrik Poulsen is the Chief Executive Officer of Dong Energy, the global leader in offshore wind power. Prior to joining Dong Energy in 2012, Henrik was the Chief Executive Officer of Danish telecommunications company TDC between 2008 and 2012.

Tom Boardman, Chairman of the Board commented:

“I am delighted that Henrik will assume the role as Deputy Chairman of Kinnevik. Since his election in May, Henrik has been a very active Director bringing significant sector experience and operational insights to the Board discussions, and I look forward to working even closer with him in his role as Deputy Chairman.”

The Nomination Committee representing more than 50% of the votes of the Company supports the Board’s appointment of Henrik Poulsen as Deputy Chairman.

This information is information that Kinnevik AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 20:30 CET on 6 August 2017.

For further information, visit www.kinnevik.com or contact:

Torun Litzén, Director Investor Relations
Phone +46 (0)8 562 000 83
Mobile +46 (0)70 762 00 83

Kinnevik is an industry focused investment company with an entrepreneurial spirit. Our purpose is to build the digital consumer businesses that provide more and better choice. We do this by working in partnership with talented founders and management teams to create, invest in and lead fast growing businesses in developed and emerging markets. We believe in delivering both shareholder and social value by building well governed companies that contribute positively to society. Kinnevik was founded in 1936 by the Stenbeck, Klingspor and von Horn families. Kinnevik’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm’s list for large cap companies under the ticker codes KINV A and KINV B.

 

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Anders Borg tenders his resignation from the Board of Kinnevik

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Kinnevik

Anders Borg tenders his resignation from the Board of Kinnevik

Earlier today, Mr Anders Borg tendered his resignation as a Director of Kinnevik with immediate effect. The Board has accepted his resignation.

This information is information that Kinnevik AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 18.45 CET on 5 August 2017.

For further information, visit www.kinnevik.com or contact:

Torun Litzén, Director Investor Relations
Phone +46 (0)8 562 000 83
Mobile +46 (0)70 762 00 83

Kinnevik is an industry focused investment company with an entrepreneurial spirit. Our purpose is to build the digital consumer businesses that provide more and better choice. We do this by working in partnership with talented founders and management teams to create, invest in and lead fast growing businesses in developed and emerging markets. We believe in delivering both shareholder and social value by building well governed companies that contribute positively to society. Kinnevik was founded in 1936 by the Stenbeck, Klingspor and von Horn families. Kinnevik’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm’s list for large cap companies under the ticker codes KINV A and KINV B.

 

Categories: People

Mizuho Financial Group and WiL Establish Joint Venture focused on New Business Creation

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Mizuho Financial Group and WiL Establish Joint Venture Focused on New Business Creation

Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (President & CEO: Koji Fujiwara) , a core subsidiary of Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (Presid
ent & Group CEO: Yasuhiro Sato), and WiL LLC. (CEO: Gen Isayama, referred to along with its subsidiaries
as “WiL Group” below) are pleased to announce the establishment of Blue Lab, Co., Ltd. (President, CEO, & Representative Director: Daisuke Yamada) for the purpose of creating new business.
Blue Lab aims to drive business generation through innovative technological advances, including
those being made by shareholders who have contributed to the establishment of the company (listed
below) in their own fields. More specifically, Blue Lab is focused on the creation and commercialization of next
-generation business models through FinTech initiatives such as the creation of a global settlement platform,
development of software to automate operational tasks using AI and big data, and optimization of
supply chain management and trade finance through commercialization of blockchain technology, as
well as through IoT-related advancements within the shareholders’ respective industries and in general.
Mizuho is committed to pursuing the incorporation of new, innovative technologies into our
business in order to provide customers with consistently better services.

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Allianz and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board to invest in Gas Natural Fenosa’s gas distribution business in Spain

Allianz

Allianz Capital Partners and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB”), through its wholly owned subsidiary, CPP Investment Board Europe S.a.r.l., signed an agreement today with Gas Natural Fenosa (“GNF”) to acquire a 20% minority equity interest in its gas distribution business in Spain (“GNDB”).

Allianz Capital Partners, on behalf of the Allianz Group, and CPPIB will invest EUR 1,500 m for the 20% equity interest. The equity investments for Allianz Capital Partners and CPPIB are EUR 600 million and EUR 900 million, respectively. Allianz Capital Partners and CPPIB are long-term infrastructure investors with significant experience investing in regulated utilities, including the gas sector, and with a strong track-record of partnering with strategic investors in infrastructure businesses.

“GNDB represents an attractive opportunity for our customers and is fully aligned with our investment strategy of investing in core infrastructure assets. We are very pleased to be entering into a new partnership with GNF as a leading international energy group and look forward to further strengthening our relationship with GNF and CPPIB and to support the continued success of this high quality business,” said Christian Fingerle, Chief Investment Officer at Allianz Capital Partners.

“GNDB is a core infrastructure asset that fits well with CPPIB’s infrastructure portfolio, providing long-term stable cash flows for the CPP Fund. We look forward to establishing an enduring partnership with GNF and Allianz in this world-class business, and in adding to our investments in Spain,” said Cressida Hogg, Managing Director, Global Head of Infrastructure, CPPIB.

GNDB is the largest gas distribution network in Spain with more than 5.3 million connection points and serving some 1,100 municipalities. It serves a geographically diversified residential and industrial customer base across Spain, providing its customers with access to a cost-efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly source of energy. Post transaction, GNF will continue to own an 80% equity shareholding in GNDB, which will remain a core part of GNF’s portfolio.

Commenting on this agreement, Rafael Villaseca Marco, Chief Executive of GNF, said, “GNDB is a premium asset in the gas sector in Spain and essential part of our investment strategy. We welcome the opportunity to partner with these two well renowned long-term infrastructure investors and continue to invest in further expanding the gas network in Spain and maintaining high efficiency of operations and quality of customer service.”

Completion of the transaction, which is subject to certain regulatory approvals, is expected by January 2018.

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Partners Group acquires CB16 office tower in La Défense

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Partners Group acquires CB16 office tower in La Défense

Paris Partners Group, the global private markets investment manager, has agreed to acquire an office building, CB16Tower, in the La Défense business district of Paris, France, on behalf of its clients.

The purchase price for the building is EUR 170million. CB16 Tower is a 28-story building with a total floor area of 30,000 square meters situated in one of Paris’ prime business Districts, with excellent public transport links to the Greater Paris area. Constructed in 1971, the building underwent a complete renovation In 2003 to provide an efficient, modern, high -standard property with green certification.

Partners Group will partner with local operator Aquila Asset Management in order to actively manage the property on behalf of existing and future tenants, with plans to execute a value-added business plan including renovation in order to improve the property’s occupancy.

Mike Bryant, Managing Director, Co-Head Private Real Estate, Partners Group, comments: “La Défense is experiencing a steady recovery in demand for office space compared to previous years and the acquisition of CB16 Tower is a great way to gain exposure to the area at a good point in the cycle.

Given the visibility on income this investment brings and the quality of the building, the tower fits well with Partners Group’s relative value focus on acquiring office property below replacement cost in decentralized locations in Tier 1 cities, where pricing does not yet reflect attractive fundamentals.”

About Partners Group

Partners Group is a global private markets investment management firm with over EUR 57 billion (USD 66billion) in investment programs under management in private equity, private real estate, private infrastructure and private debt. The firm manages a broad range of customized portfolios for an international clientele of institutional investors. Partners Group is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland and has offices in San Francisco, Denver, Houston, New York, São Paulo, London,

Guernsey, Paris, Luxembourg, Milan, Munich, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Manila, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney. The firm employs over 950 people and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: PGHN) with a major ownership by its partners and employees.

 

Investor relations contact

Philip Sauer

Phone: +41 41 784 66 60

Email: philip.sauer@partnersgroup.com

 

Media relations contact

Jenny Blinch

Phone: +41 41 784 65 26

Email: jenny.blinch@partnersgroup.com

www.partnersgroup.com

 

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Ardian takes majority stake in CNC technology company imes-icore

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Ardian takes majority stake in CNC technology company imes-icore

Eiterfeld/Frankfurt, August 2nd 2017 – Ardian, the independent private investment company, today announces the acquisition of a majority stake in imes-icore GmbH (imes-icore), a specialist manufacturer of computer numerical control (CNC) and computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems predominantly focusing on the medical industry, and headquartered in Eiterfeld, Germany.

Ardian will acquire the stake from current majority shareholder, Hugo Isert, as part of a succession planning programme. Current CEO, Christoph Stark, will retain a significant minority stake, and will continue to manage the business. In the course of this transaction, members of the management team will also become shareholders in the company.

imes-icore_logo

imes-icore was founded in 2002 by Hugo Isert and Christoph Stark, and develops, produces and sells specialist CNC-CAD/CAM systems for milling, water jet and laser cutting, and 3D printing. The company has close to 150 employees and in 2016 generated sales of approximately EUR 30 million.

imes-icore’s main competency lies in machine systems for the automated production of dentures such as dental caps and bridges, implant superstructures or prostheses. The company’s products are used in dental laboratories, clinics and dental milling centres. imes-icore also offers specialized industrial production solutions for numerous industries such as e.g. jewellery, orthopaedic and automotive sectors as well as for model/mould construction. Sales to customers in more than 100 countries are handled primarily through distribution partners.

With the support of Ardian, imes-icore plans to increase its range of services and key account management as well as expanding internationally, both organically and through targeted acquisitions.

Christoph Stark, CEO and co-founder of imes-icore, said: “The partnership with Ardian is an important milestone in the development of imes-icore. Ardian’s extensive industrial experience, financial strength and global platform will support us in realising our potential for national and international growth. Our well-established brand, unique product and service portfolio, and clear focus on innovation is valued by customers worldwide. We intend to grow our strong market position in our core segment by further building on our dental laboratories business as well as expanding our activities in the segments of practice laboratories and automated systems for milling centres. We will continue to develop these specific market segments going forward, on both the product development and sales sides.”

Marc Abadir, Managing Director of Ardian Expansion, said: “imes-icore is acknowledged throughout the industry as a leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the dental sector. It has significant potential for growth in a fragmented market environment, led by a highly capable CEO, Christoph Stark. We look forward to supporting the company and management team in realising the firm’s potential for growth.”

This is the fifth investment of Ardian Expansion Fund IV which closed at €1 billion in 2016. The fund invests in high-growth companies with a value of up to EUR 225 million in France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.

The transaction remains subject to approval from the competition authorities, and financial details have not been disclosed.

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian, founded in 1996 and led by Dominique Senequier, is an independent private investment company with assets of US$62 billion managed or advised in Europe, North America and Asia. The company, which is majority-owned by its employees, keeps entrepreneurship at its heart and delivers investment performance to its global investors while fuelling growth in economies across the world. Ardian’s investment process embodies three values: excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship.

Ardian maintains a truly global network, with more than 460 employees working through twelve offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore and Zurich. The company offers its 580 investors a diversified choice of funds covering the full range of asset classes, including Ardian Funds of Funds (primary, early secondary and secondary), Ardian Private Debt, Ardian North America Direct Buyout, Direct Funds (Ardian Mid Cap Buyout, Ardian Expansion, Ardian Growth, Ardian Co-Investment), Ardian Infrastructure, Ardian Real Estate and customized mandate solutions with Ardian Mandates.

ABOUT IMES-ICORE

Imes-icore was established in 2002 as a spin-off from the isel Group, which has been in business since 1972. The company currently has around 150 employees at its Eiterfeld site. It develops, produces and sells specialist CNC-CAD/CAM systems for milling, water jet and laser cutting as well as 3D-printing. The firm’s products are used in dental laboratories, clinics and dental milling centres. imes-icore also offers specialized industrial production solutions for numerous industries such as e.g. jewellery, orthopaedic and automotive sectors as well as for model/mould construction. Sales to customers in more than 100 countries are handled primarily through distribution partners. imes-icore generated sales of around EUR 30 million in 2016.

COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE TRANSACTION

Ardian Team: Marc Abadir, Dirk Wittneben, Yannic Metzger, Max Dolata
Financial: Deloitte (Egon Sachsalber)
Commercial: L.E.K. (Tobias Kösters, Nicole Damani)
Legal Corporate: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Dr. Christoph Brenner, Dr. Fabian von Samson)
Legal Finance: Willkie, Farr & Gallagher (Jan Wilms)
Tax: Taxess (Gerald Thomas, Richard Schäfer)
Insurance: Aon (Dr. Christoph von Lehmann)
M&A Advisory: Raymond James (Dirk-Oliver Löffler)
Debt Advisory: DC Advisory (Daniel Gebler)
M&A Advisory (sell-side): UniCredit (Michael Bälz, Garbor Grailach)
Legal (sell-side): McDermott, Will & Emery (Dr. Clemens Just, Norman Wasse)

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Investment in Middle eastern bakery business

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Investment in the Middle Eastern bakery business via the Gulf Japan Food Fund, a Private Equity fund set up to promote exports to that region -Supporting expansion of Japanese food and agricultural exports-

 

In July 2017, the Gulf Japan Food Fund (below: “GJFF”), owned by investors including Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (President & CEO: Koji Fujiwara) and The Norinchukin Bank (President & CEO:Yoshio Kono), invested in Yamanote Atelier Restaurant LLC (below: “Yamanote”; owners: Sheikh Suhail Al Maktoum, Mrs Hamda Al Thani), a firm developing a Japanese bakery business in Dubai, U.A.E.

The GJFF is a private equity fund set up to promote export growth of Japan’s agricultural, forestry and fisheries products and the food security of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries (below: “GCC”), mainly in financial terms. The fund began investment operations on 3 March, 2016. Fund stakeholders on the Japanese side, apart from Mizuho Bank and Norinchukin Bank, also include the Cool Japan Fund, a public/private fund. Those on the Middle Eastern side include the Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), and sovereign wealth funds. Together, all these organizations have collectively invested USD 390 million.

Yamanote is a bakery chain established by Dubai’s Ruling Family, based on the concept of “Japanese Bakery”. It emphasizes high quality and food safety, and imports most of the ingredients from Japan. The firm plans to benefit from this time’s investment round by constructing central kitchen facilities and expanding its branch network mainly in the GCC countries.

By supporting Yamanote’s business expansion through investment, the GJFF intends to promote further export growth not only of Japan’s agricultural products like dairy goods, wheat, rice and azuki beans but also the country’s other food and agricultural products like confectionery goods and beverages.

Going forward, Mizuho Bank and Norinchukin Bank plan to continue contributing to the creation of added value and new markets in the agricultural and food business, via the GJFF.

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

The Norinchukin Bank

 

 

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EQT Mid Market invests in a group which owns ILA Vietnam

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EQT Mid Market invests in a group which owns ILA Vietnam

  • EQT Mid Market invests in a group which owns ILA Vietnam, a premium market leader in the English Language Training (“ELT”) sector in Vietnam
  • Strategy is to support continued growth and development of the company to stay ahead of its peers, through enhancements of the academic product offering, learning experience and environment, and network expansion, by leveraging on EQT’s experience and network globally

The EQT Mid Market investment strategy (“EQT Mid Market”) invests in a group which owns ILA Vietnam (“ILA” or the “Company”). An early pioneer in the premium ELT industry, ILA has a well-established reputation and a history that goes more than 20 years back. Today, ILA has over 20,000 ELT enrollments across Vietnam, and in addition offers overseas study consultancy, teacher training services and corporate English training.  ILA strives to be at the forefront in delivering high quality and up-to-date programs to its students across Vietnam.

Mr. Johan Bygge, Chairman of EQT Asia Pacific said: “We are excited to see EQT Mid Market join forces with a market leader in Vietnam’s ELT sector such as ILA. The vast EQT experience, insights and network in the education sector globally, will be of great support in taking ILA to the next level.”

“We are impressed by the Company’s premium curriculum offering and delivery methods, which have been key reasons for its long-term success. Going forward, there will be very interesting opportunities to grow the ILA offering to students all across Vietnam.” says Mr. Tak Wai Chung, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT Mid Market.

Contacts
Tak Wai Chung, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT Mid Market +65 6595 1830
EQT Press Office +46 8 506 55 334

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 ILA Vietnam
ILA Vietnam is a leading premium ELT service provider in Vietnam. The Company offers premium English Language Training, overseas study consultancy, teacher training services and corporate English training.
More info: http://ilavietnam.edu.vn/

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