Bridgepoint partners with Chime Software, a leading field management software provider to the construction industry

admin October 6, 2025

Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors, has announced it will partner with Chime Software (“Chime”), a UK-based SaaS provider transforming how construction companies manage their workforces and on-site operations.

The transaction sees Bridgepoint Growth become a significant minority shareholder in Chime.

Founded in 2016 with a focus on solving real-world inefficiencies on construction sites, Chime is a leading platform for digital timesheets, real-time site visibility, mobile-friendly forms, inductions, onboarding, workflows, and health and safety documentation. Its powerful cloud-based web system and intuitive mobile app are used by more than 80,000 operatives from hundreds of construction companies daily, with continuous refinement in line with live customer feedback and operational needs.

With Bridgepoint’s backing, Chime is well positioned to capitalise on a highly attractive market with low digital penetration, strong growth and significant white space opportunity. As the global construction industry’s transition from legacy paper-based to modern digital systems gathers pace, Chime offers a simple, reliable, and highly scalable mobile-first product to speed up site entry, remove bottlenecks, and ensure safety and compliance processes happen in real-time. Its innovative software integrates directly into business-critical payroll workflows, delivering significant ROI.

The investment announced today will enable Chime to accelerate its product roadmap and transition into a complete, all-in-one construction software platform, including expansion into new modules covering health & safety, quality control and asset management, with further investment into customer success.

Roger Bradbury, Chairman and Founder of Chime, said: “Construction has been my life’s work, and I’ve seen first-hand the challenges businesses face on-site. At Chime, we’ve always set out to solve real problems, not create technology for technology’s sake. This partnership is another step in ensuring construction companies have the tools they need to thrive in a modern, digital world.”

Aaron Powell, Managing Director and Founder of Chime, added: “Our growth has always been driven by our customers – over 300 companies who’ve trusted Chime and shaped its journey. We’re grateful for their input, which ensures our software evolves with their needs. This partnership allows us to accelerate our roadmap, broaden our solution, and help even more construction companies save time, increase productivity, and improve safety.”

David Hawes, Chief Technology Officer and Founder of Chime, said: “It’s the people who have made Chime what it is today – from those who shaped the product early on, to the many talented colleagues who’ve joined in recent years across every function. All have played a role nurturing the team spirit and momentum we enjoy today. This investment is not just about unlocking our platform’s potential; it’s a validation that what we’ve built is valuable and solves real problems. Today’s news is a recognition of that collective effort, and I’m incredibly proud to be on this journey with the team.”

Mayank Kanga, Partner at Bridgepoint, commented: “Chime is a business with a clear value proposition – it delivers essential digital infrastructure for an industry still early in its adoption curve. Its mobile-first platform addresses critical payroll and compliance workflows, driving both strong usage and customer advocacy. We are excited to partner with Roger, Aaron and David to invest behind Chime’s offering, expand its product suite and bring its benefits to a wider set of customers.”

The transaction is expected to complete in the second half of 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Categories: News

Tags: Software

Jean Eric Salata nominated to succeed founder Conni Jonsson as Chairperson of EQT’s Board in 2026

admin October 6, 2025

Jean Eric Salata, Chair of EQT Asia and founder of Baring Private Equity Asia, has been proposed as Chairperson of EQT’s Board by EQT’s Nomination Committee. He would succeed Conni Jonsson, who will step down at EQT’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting 2026
For more than three decades, founder Conni has successfully built a values-driven private capital firm based on the Wallenberg family’s ethos of long-term investing and active ownership
Under Conni’s leadership, EQT has grown into one of the world’s largest private markets investors, with EUR 266 billion in total AUM and a portfolio of more than 300 companies that employ around 650,000 people globally
Jean, in addition to being Chairperson, would remain as Chair of EQT Asia and Chair of the Private Capital Asia investment committees. Conni will be recognized as Honorary Chair, a testament to his unparalleled contribution to EQT

EQT AB (“EQT”) today announced that Jean Eric Salata has been nominated by EQT’s Nomination Committee to become the next Chairperson of EQT’s Board, subject to approval at EQT’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in May 2026, and regulatory approvals.

Jean founded Baring Private Equity Asia (“BPEA”) in 1997, leading its transformation into one of Asia’s most successful private markets firms. In 2022, BPEA and EQT merged, and since then, Jean has Chaired EQT Asia – a remit that spans Private Capital, Infrastructure and Real Estate – while helping shape EQT’s global strategy as a member of the Executive Committee. Today EQT Asia is a cornerstone of the firm’s global platform, having deployed more than USD 35 billion of equity in over 180 transactions and raised some of the largest funds in the region’s history.

Conni Jonsson founded EQT in 1994, aiming to build a differentiated private capital firm based on the Wallenberg family’s ethos of long-term investing and active ownership. More than three decades later, EQT has invested in over 650 portfolio companies, delivering positive impact for these companies, its clients, and the communities it operates in. Under Conni’s leadership – first as CEO for 20 years and then as Chairperson – EQT has grown from its beginnings as a EUR 300 million Nordic-focused fund to today being the world’s second-largest private equity firm¹. The firm has expanded from Private Capital into Infrastructure and Real Estate, emerged as a leader in North America and Asia, and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm in 2019. EQT is now Sweden’s fourth-largest² listed company, with a global portfolio of more than 300 portfolio companies that collectively employ approximately 650,000 people.

Jean would, if elected, assume the position as Chairperson of EQT’s Board in addition to his current role as Chair of EQT Asia, through which he will remain Chair of EQT’s Private Capital Asia investment committees. As Honorary Chair and Founder, Conni will continue to be involved with EQT, including as a member of the EQT Council and as member of the EQT Foundation.

Commenting on his nomination, Jean Eric Salata said: “I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust placed in me as nominee to succeed Conni as Chairperson of EQT’s Board. Conni’s leadership over three decades has transformed EQT into one of the world’s leading investment firms, built on strong values, world-class talent and a long-term commitment to delivering superior returns for our investors. As EQT enters its next chapter, I look forward to working closely with the Board and CEO Per Franzén to continue building this remarkable business, accelerating our global growth, and creating value for our clients, portfolio companies, and shareholders.”

Conni Jonsson added: “EQT today has a strong global foundation, a clear strategy and an exceptional leadership team ready to capture the opportunities ahead. We have always worked tirelessly to develop the next generation of leaders, as professional succession planning is key to long-term success. I know EQT is in the best hands possible, so I have decided that now is the right time to step down. Jean knows what it takes to build and lead a high-performing, cross-border, multi-asset class business through cycles, and Per Franzén is an exceptional investor who has shown outstanding leadership throughout his time at EQT. With them at the helm, I have complete confidence in EQT’s continued development as a global investment leader.”

Jacob Wallenberg, Chairperson of EQT’s Nomination Committee, added: “When Conni founded EQT, we could not have foreseen the scale of its impact. His leadership has been defined by a clear vision and a long-term perspective on building businesses. This approach is worth emulating by any company Chair that values enduring success and responsible leadership. With Jean’s nomination, that same vision is evident. Jean is a proven business leader and he has been nominated to take on this role with EQT in a position of strength. On behalf of the Nomination Committee, I would like to thank Conni for his extraordinary contributions and express our confidence in Jean’s nomination. We look forward to supporting EQT in this next chapter.”

EQT’s Nomination Committee consists of Jacob Wallenberg (Chairperson), appointed by Investor AB, Cynthia Lee, appointed by Jean Eric Salata, Harry Klagsbrun, appointed by Conni Jonsson, Joachim Spetz, appointed by Swedbank Robur Funds and Conni Jonsson, Chairperson of EQT’s Board. The Nomination Committee’s complete proposals for the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting 2026 will be announced in due time.

This is information that EQT 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 08:30 CEST on 6 October 2025.

¹According to the PEI 300 2025, a ranking of funds raised over the past five years
²By market capitalization, companies only listed on Nasdaq Stockholm

Press photos
Please find photos of Jean Eric Salata and Conni Jonsson here.

Contact
Olof Svensson, Head of Shareholder Relations, +46 72 989 09 15
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 33

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Categories: People

Ardian signs agreement with I Squared Capital to acquire Energia Group, a leading energy utility in Ireland

admin October 6, 2025

Positions Energia Group for continued investment in the energy transition

Ardian, a world-leading private investment firm, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Energia Group (“Energia”), one of the largest energy utilities on the island of Ireland, from I Squared Capital (“I Squared”), a leading global infrastructure investor. The transaction is expected to be completed in Q1 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Energia operates across the entire energy value chain in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, serving almost 900,000 homes and businesses. It is one of the longest established providers of renewable electricity in Ireland, supplying approximately 17% of the island of Ireland’s total electricity requirements and 20% of its total wind power. Energia combines renewables, flexible generation, and customer solutions, and has a strong track record of successful renewable energy developments, with an attractive pipeline of new wind, solar and BESS capacity.

The Group is well positioned to meet Ireland’s increasing demand for secure, low-carbon electricity to sustainably power the country’s growing digital economy. Energia has also entered into a strategic partnership with a global technology partner for the development of a 165MW data center in Dublin and its corresponding supply of renewable energy, solidifying its leadership in the energy transition.

Under I Squared’s ownership since 2016, Energia has undergone a significant transformation into a modern, diversified utility underpinned by a strong renewables pipeline, modern customer solutions, and critical grid infrastructure. This included commissioning a green hydrogen project, expanding onshore wind and into solar, and investing in batteries and grid stability services. Energia today offers a compelling combination of regulated and long-term contracted earnings, alongside exposure to Ireland’s strong structural growth in electricity demand.

Ardian’s acquisition reflects long-term confidence in Energia’s strategic position and future growth. Energia combines the earnings stability of regulated and contracted assets with exposure to structural growth in demand, with highly secured projects ready to meet rapidly increasing energy demand. Ardian will leverage its expertise in essential infrastructure and across the energy value chain to support Energia in its next phase of growth, particularly through its experience developing and managing renewables platforms, alongside its track record in data centers.

The transaction will have no impact on Energia’s customers, employees, partners or suppliers. The company remains committed to delivering on its strategy and supporting Ireland’s sustainable energy future.

“Energia’s focus remains on transforming Ireland’s energy system by deploying renewables and other low carbon solutions at scale, while continuing to deliver secure and affordable energy to our domestic and commercial customers. We are grateful for I Squared’s support over the past nine years and the strong, future-ready platform we have built together.”

“Ireland is at a pivotal point, with rapid electrification, growing demand from new technologies, and global investment in digital infrastructure all accelerating. Energia is ideally placed to meet these needs, and with Ardian’s long-term backing, we’re excited to continue scaling our business to help power this next phase of Ireland’s growth for our customers, partners and employees.” Ian Thom, CEO of Energia

“We are proud to be investing in Energia, which marks Ardian’s first investment in Ireland. The company has demonstrated its market leadership in Ireland and Northern Ireland over many years and has ambitious plans to grow, driven by secured capital projects and increasing energy demand. Ardian is a highly experienced investor in essential infrastructure and European utilities. We have been impressed by Energia’s strong growth and resilience in the context of a volatile energy market, and look forward to sharing our expertise to further develop its renewable generation portfolio, flexible capacity and enhance the efficiency of the whole company.” Juan Angoitia, Co-Head of Infrastructure Europe & Senior Managing Director, Ardian

“Energia is at the forefront of the convergence between energy utilities and digital infrastructure. The company’s pioneering approach to combining hyperscale data center development with new renewable energy generation, will unlock significant opportunities for growth in Ireland. We look forward to working with the management team on their ambitious plans to support the decarbonisation of the entire economy.” William Briggs, Managing Director, Ardian

“This sale represents one of I Squared’s largest exits and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole Energia team. Since our initial investment in Energia in 2016, I Squared has deployed over USD 3 billion in portfolio companies with Irish operations, underscoring our deep confidence in Ireland’s economy and supportive investment environment. Ireland continues to attract leading global companies and offers exceptional opportunities for infrastructure investors like I Squared. We remain committed to Ireland and look forward to building on our strong track record of investing in its growth and innovation.” Mohamed El Gazzar, Senior Partner, I Squared Capital

Participants

Ardian
- Juan Angoitia-Grijalba, William Briggs, Alexis Ballif, Alvaro Sanz Carrasqueño, Matthias Hübener, Niranjan Bhardwaj, Angel Sanchez-Cantalejo
- Financial: Evercore
- Legal: Kirkland & Ellis, Matheson
- Financial, Tax, Technical and Environmental Due Diligence: Alvarez & Marsal
- Commercial Due Diligence: Afry, Timera
- Regulatory Due Diligence: NERA
I Squared
- I Squared’s financial advisers were Morgan Stanley, Barclays and Santander. Legal advice for I Squared was provided by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. Irish legal advice was provided by Arthur Cox.

ABOUT ENERGIA

Energia Group is a leading integrated Irish energy business with substantial operations in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Group primarily operates across three business units: Renewables, Flexible Generation and Customer Solutions, and is committed to powering the energy transition across the island of Ireland.
The Group owns and operates 16 wind farms on the island, with two further projects almost complete, and also has two gas-fired power stations in north County Dublin that are critical to security of supply. The Group’s ongoing investments in new renewable electricity projects will play an important role in the achievement of Ireland’s renewable electricity and wider decarbonisation goals for 2030.
Energia supplies almost 17% of the island of Ireland’s total electricity requirements and 20% of the island’s total wind power meeting the energy needs of almost 900,000 homes and businesses with competitive electricity and gas services provided through its two retail brands Energia and Power NI.
With offices in Dublin, Belfast, Antrim, and Omagh, Energia employs over 1,100 people and is one of only a small number of companies to have achieved the Business Working Responsibly mark from Business in the Community, the leading independently audited standard for CSR and Sustainability in Ireland.

energiagroup.com

About Ardian

Ardian is a world-leading private investment firm, managing or advising $192bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,850 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks, family offices and private institutional investors worldwide. Ardian’s main shareholding group is its employees and we place great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1,050+ employees, spread across 19 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.
At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last.

ardian.com

ABOUT I SQUARED CAPITAL

I Squared Capital is a leading global infrastructure investor managing $50 billion in assets. We build and scale essential infrastructure businesses that deliver critical services to millions of people worldwide. Our portfolio includes over 90 companies operating in more than 70 countries and spanning sectors such as energy, utilities, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental and social infrastructure. Headquartered in Miami, our team of over 300 professionals is based across offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Munich, New Delhi, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Taipei.

isquaredcapital.com

Press contact

ARDIAN

HEADLAND

ardian@headlandconsultancy.com

Categories: News

Tags: Energy

Novacap Announces Partnership with FyberCom to Accelerate Fiber Expansion in Idaho

admin October 3, 2025

Novacap, a leading North American private equity firm, is pleased to announce that it has successfully closed its investment in FyberCom. The transaction marks the sixth platform investment by Novacap’s Digital Infrastructure Sector.

Headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho, FyberCom is a broadband service provider delivering high-speed fiber and fixed wireless internet to rural homes and businesses across Eastern Idaho. Since 2014, FyberCom has been committed to connecting underserved communities, with a strong focus in recent years on expanding its fiber network to meet the growing demand for reliable, high-speed connectivity.

“This partnership reflects our continued conviction in the rural broadband opportunity,” said Francois Laflamme, Senior Partner at Novacap. “FyberCom has built a strong local presence and a meaningful impact in the communities it serves. We are pleased to support the team as they continue to grow their network and expand access to essential digital infrastructure across Idaho.”

“This partnership with Novacap represents an important step forward for FyberCom,” said Jared Stowell, CEO of FyberCom. “We remain committed to delivering fast and reliable internet to rural communities and are excited to accelerate that mission with Novacap’s support.”

The investment reflects a shared commitment to supporting broadband expansion in underserved markets and aligns with a strategy of Novacap Digital Infrastructure Fund of partnering with companies that deliver essential connectivity across North America.

About FyberCom

Founded in 2014, FyberCom provides high-speed fiber and fixed wireless internet services to residential and commercial customers throughout Eastern Idaho. With a focus on rural and underserved communities, the company is dedicated to expanding reliable digital access across the region.

For more information, visit: fybercom.net

About Novacap

Novacap is a leading North American private equity investor and one of Canada’s most experienced private equity firms. Founded in 1981 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs, Novacap focuses on middle market and lower-middle market companies in four core sectors: Technologies, Digital Infrastructure, Industries and Financial Services. Novacap combines deep sector specific expertise and strategic and operational excellence to partner with entrepreneurs and management teams. Since its inception, the firm has made primary and add-on investments in more than 250 companies. With over US $10 billion in assets under management and a presence across offices in Montreal, Toronto, and New York, Novacap accelerates value creation through strategic growth initiatives and a strong focus on execution.

Categories: News

Tags: Telecom

Partners Group and CVC agree partnership to drive next phase of growth at International Schools Partnership, a leading global K-12 school platform

admin October 3, 2025

CVC will acquire a significant minority stake in ISP
ISP educates over 110,000 students in 111 schools across 25 countries
ISP follows a proven growth strategy, adding high-quality schools to its platform in locations with strong demand

Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, acting on behalf of its clients, is to welcome CVC Strategic Opportunities (“CVC”), a leading global private equity manager, as a significant minority shareholder in International Schools Partnership (“ISP” or “the Company”). CVC will acquire a 20% stake in the Company. Partners Group will remain the majority shareholder and OMERS, which acquired a minority stake in ISP in 2021, will also remain a shareholder.

Partners Group and the ISP management team founded the Company in 2013 and have since built it into one of the largest K-12 school platforms globally, educating over 110,000 students in 111 schools across 25 countries. ISP follows a proven growth strategy, adding high-quality schools to its platform in locations with strong demand and enhancing them with the Company’s differentiated learning approach. ISP aims to provide a holistic education and develop all aspects of a student’s learning experience, with a strong focus on academic progress, as well as the development of language, digital, and life skills.

During its ownership, Partners Group’s transformational investing approach has focused on helping ISP’s schools to deliver high quality education. In ISP’s next phase of growth, the new shareholder group and management team will work together on further driving the Company’s successful strategy. Key value creation initiatives will include adding new schools to the platform, investing in the development and implementation of proprietary technology solutions as part of teaching, and further expanding the infrastructure of schools to improve the student experience and provide room for future growth.

Steve Brown, Chief Executive Officer, International Schools Partnership, comments: “ISP’s schools seek to be the ‘school of choice’ in their area. We seek to cultivate lifelong learners who possess the resilience, adaptability, and self-belief to navigate a changing world and future working environments. Partners Group has always shared our fundamental belief in putting students and their education first. As we reflect on our growth to-date, we look forward to welcoming our new shareholders at CVC on board and continuing our mission.”

Andrew Deakin, Partner, Partners Group, says: “ISP is one of our proudest achievements as a private equity platform. We started with just an idea, a team, and a thematic conviction that the global education market would continue to grow. After over a decade of hard work, strategic planning, and careful execution alongside the talented management team, we stand as a global leader in K-12 education with a differentiated learning approach. The tailwinds driving our growth are strong and we are excited about the next chapter for ISP. We look forward to welcoming CVC as a new shareholder.”

We are excited to embark on our partnership with ISP, one of the world’s leading K12 education platforms. The K-12 sector, and ISP in particular, is an excellent fit for our Strategic Opportunities strategy, which focuses on supporting value creation in long-term partnership investments.

Jan Reinier VoûteManaging Partner and Co-Head of CVC Strategic Opportunities

Jan Reinier Voûte, Managing Partner and Co-Head of CVC Strategic Opportunities, CVC, added: “We are excited to embark on our partnership with ISP, one of the world’s leading K12 education platforms. The K-12 sector, and ISP in particular, is an excellent fit for our Strategic Opportunities strategy, which focuses on supporting value creation in long-term partnership investments. We believe ISP is exceptionally well placed for continued growth and, most importantly, provides high-quality education to more than 110,000 students worldwide, creating long-lasting value for families and communities. We look forward to supporting this mission over the coming years, alongside Partners Group having successfully built the group since inception.”

Categories: News

Tags: Education

White Mountains to sell Bamboo to CVC

admin October 3, 2025

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM) (“White Mountains”) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell a controlling interest in Bamboo, a data-enabled insurance distribution platform providing homeowners’ insurance and related products to the residential property market in California and Texas, to funds advised by CVC Capital Partners (“CVC”). The transaction values Bamboo at $1.75 billion.

White Mountains expects the transaction will result in a gain of approximately $310 to its book value per share and net cash proceeds of approximately $840 million. White Mountains will retain an approximately 15% fully-diluted equity stake in Bamboo post-closing, valued at $250 million based on the transaction.

“It has been our privilege to partner with Bamboo. Its rapid growth is a testament to the value and innovation it is bringing to the homeowners’ insurance market,” said Manning Rountree, Chief Executive Officer of White Mountains. “This transaction is a win-win for both White Mountains shareholders and Bamboo management and employees. We want to thank John and the entire Bamboo team for all of their hard work, and we look forward to continued partnership with them and CVC,” added Liam Caffrey, President and Chief Financial Officer of White Mountains.

“We are extremely gratified by the success of Bamboo during our ownership. This is a prime example of our approach to partnering with highly talented management teams in the insurance sector and supporting them with value-added resources and expertise to drive superior results for all stakeholders. We look forward to working with our new partners at CVC to support Bamboo’s next chapter of growth,” added Chris Delehanty, Head of M&A of White Mountains.

“We thank the White Mountains team for their valuable guidance and support throughout our partnership. They have been instrumental in making our vision a reality,” said John Chu, Chief Executive Officer of Bamboo. “This milestone represents the result of years of dedication and hard work by the entire Bamboo team and was only achieved with the support and confidence of our valued partners. We could not be happier with the outcome. While I’m incredibly proud of the growth we’ve achieved while staying true to our client-first values, we’re still in the early innings. We are thrilled to welcome CVC on as our new majority capital partner alongside White Mountains as we embark on the next phase of Bamboo’s growth journey.”

“Bamboo is a one of a kind asset, deploying differentiated technology, speed and underwriting to serve the insurance needs of homeowners in California and Texas,” said Daniel Brand, Partner at CVC. Lorne Somerville, Managing Partner and Co-Head of CVC US added, “We believe Bamboo’s mix of high growth, recurring revenue and value to its partners make it an optimal fit for CVC’s US portfolio.”

We believe Bamboo’s mix of high growth, recurring revenue and value to its partners make it an optimal fit for CVC’s US portfolio.

Lorne SomervilleManaging Partner and Co-Head of CVC US

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. The closing is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The closing is not subject to a financing condition.

White Mountains will file a current report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission containing a summary of terms and conditions of the proposed transaction.

Evercore Group L.L.C. acted as lead financial advisor, Piper Sandler & Co. acted as financial advisor, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP served as legal counsel to White Mountains and Bamboo. Willkie Farr & Gallagher acted as legal advisor to Bamboo management. Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal advisor to CVC.

Categories: News

Tags: Insurance Software

I Squared Capital Appoints Grant Allen as Partner for InfraTech® Strategy

admin October 3, 2025

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–I Squared Capital today announced that Grant Allen has joined the firm as a Fund Partner for its InfraTech^® strategy.

With two decades of technology investing experience and strong ties to Silicon Valley, Grant brings deep expertise in scaling emerging technologies across energy transition, applied AI, and industrial automation—capabilities that will be instrumental in advancing I Squared’s InfraTech^® platform.

InfraTech^® is I Squared’s proprietary venture strategy targeting growth-stage companies that transform core infrastructure. The platform focuses on technologies at the intersection of physical and digital—such as AI-enabled energy optimization, robotics for logistics, and intelligent inspection systems—enhancing the resilience, efficiency, and productivity of real assets.

“We are operating at the intersection of seismic technological disruption—led by AI—and an infrastructure super-cycle driven by macroeconomic complexity,” said Gautam Bhandari, Global Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at I Squared Capital. “Grant brings a rare blend of venture discipline and infrastructure technology experience, precisely what is needed to capture today’s opportunities in global infrastructure reinvention. His track record in identifying and scaling category-defining platforms will significantly strengthen our InfraTech^® strategy.”

Grant most recently served as a Venture Partner at Giant Ventures, focusing on climate, deep tech, and physical AI. Previously, he was a founding General Partner of SE Ventures, a $1 billion growth fund created with Schneider Electric, and CEO of ABB Ventures, the corporate VC arm of ABB, where he led investments in advanced robotics, industrial IoT, cybersecurity, and power systems.

He began his career at Core Capital Partners, a $400 million enterprise software fund, and later founded Keybridge Venture Partners, which now counts more than 50 investments including Antora, Carta, Dexterity, juna.ai, OpenAI, and Wagestream.

Grant holds a civil and environmental engineering degree from Duke University and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

About I Squared
I Squared Capital is a leading global infrastructure investor managing $50 billion in assets. We build and scale essential infrastructure businesses that deliver critical services to millions of people worldwide. Our portfolio includes over 90 companies operating in more than 70 countries and spanning sectors such as energy, utilities, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental and social infrastructure. Headquartered in Miami, our team of over 300 professionals is based across offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Munich, New Delhi, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Taipei. Learn more at www.isquaredcapital.com.

Disclaimers
This document does not constitute advice or a recommendation or offer to sell or a solicitation to deal in any security or financial product. It is provided for information purposes only and on the understanding that the recipient has sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to understand and make their own evaluation of the proposals and services described herein, any risks associated therewith and any related legal, tax, accounting or other material considerations. To the extent that the reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to their specific portfolio or situation, prospective investors are encouraged to contact [I Squared Capital or consult with the professional advisor of their choosing. There is no guarantee that the investment objectives will be achieved. Moreover, the past performance is not a guarantee or indicator of future results.

Contacts

I Squared Capital
Dominic McMullan / Shelly Hagan
info@isquaredcapital.com

Categories: People

AURELIUS to acquire Xylem Inc.’s international smart meter division

admin October 2, 2025

Definitive agreement reached for the acquisition of Xylem Inc.’s metering assets outside of North America
AURELIUS’ latest transaction involving a Fortune 500 company
The division generated approximately $250m in revenues in 2024 and employs more than 800 people

London/Luxembourg, October 2, 2025 – AURELIUS Private Equity Mid-Market Buyout has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Xylem Inc.’s water and heat metering assets outside of North America.

Xylem Inc. is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company whose 23,000 employees delivered revenue of $8.6bn in 2024. Its international smart meters division, Sensus International, contributed approximately $250m to the group in 2024.

Sensus International, with a 130-year heritage, manufactures and sells mechanical and static water and heat meters, predominantly for residential markets in Europe. It operates manufacturing from two sites in Germany, where about one-half of its 800 employees are located, and one site in Slovakia.

This acquisition will mark AURELIUS’ latest transaction with a Fortune 500 counterparty.

AURELIUS’ confidence for the prospects of this business is based on the positive market trends driven by the accelerated roll-out of smart meters, as well as an impressive heritage and installed base to leverage in future. Extending its product range will only enhance its growth potential and ability to serve customers. Moreover, following completion of the carve-out, AURELIUS’ dedicated in-house operations advisory team AURELIUS WaterRise will work with management on identified levers to further increase efficiency and streamline processes.

Andrzej Cebrat, Managing Director AURELIUS Funds IV and V, says: “After our recent definitive agreements to buy FIAMM Energy Technologies in Italy and Landis+Gyr’s business in EMEA, we have now signed yet another deal, this time with Xylem. Based on AURELIUS’ extensive experience with reducing complexity and optimising operational performance, there are so many things we can help our new portfolio company achieve.”

Tristan Nagler, Partner at AURELIUS Investment Advisory, says: “We are delighted to have been selected by Xylem to acquire Sensus International, and are looking forward to establishing the business as a standalone organisation that can continue to deliver world-class solutions in the best interest of its many customers, suppliers and employees. We are ready to get to work with the Sensus International management team.”

The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

AURELIUS was advised by Raymond James (M&A), Freshfields (Legal), CIL Management Consultants (Commercial), FTI Consulting (Financial), KPMG (Tax), and Aon (Insurance).

About AURELIUS

AURELIUS is a global private equity investor, distinguished and widely recognised for its operational approach. It focuses on private markets, in particular Private Equity and Private Debt. Its key investment platforms include AURELIUS Opportunities V, AURELIUS European Opportunities IV, AUR Portfolio III and AURELIUS Growth Investments (Wachstumskapital). AURELIUS has been growing significantly in recent years, especially expanding its global footprint, and today employs more than 400 professionals in 9 offices spanning Europe and North America.

AURELIUS is a renowned specialist for complex investments with operational improvement potential such as carve-outs, platform build-ups or succession solutions as well as bespoke financing solutions. To date, AURELIUS has completed more than 300 transactions, and has built a strong track record of delivering attractive returns to its investors. Its approach is characterised by its uncompromising focus on operational excellence and an unrivalled ability to efficiently execute highly complex transactions.

More info: www.aurelius-group.com

AURELIUS media contact:

Harald Kinzler
Head of Communications
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CapMan Buyout exits Pharmia to Labomar

admin October 2, 2025

CapMan Buyout exits Pharmia to Labomar

Funds managed by CapMan Buyout have sold Pharmia Holding Oy, a leading Finnish contract manufacturer of dietary supplements and medical devices, to Labomar.

CapMan invested in Pharmia in 2021 and has since focused on growing the company’s business and market position in the Nordics. Today, the company is the leading contract manufacturer within dietary supplements and medical devices in the Nordics with a turnover of approximately 20 million euros and 85 employees. The company’s growth has been driven by a strategic focus on medical devices and probiotics, while simultaneously investing in R&D capabilities and operational efficiency improvements.

“During CapMan Buyout’s ownership period, Pharmia has successfully executed its growth strategy. I want to thank Pharmia’s management and personnel as well as my board colleagues for making this a successful investment. I am convinced that Labomar is the right partner for supporting the growth of Pharmia in the future,” says Anders Björkell, Partner at CapMan Buyout.

“I want to thank CapMan for their strong support over the past years. As a next step we are thrilled to be part of the Labomar family. This acquisition marks a strategic step forward in our mission to expand our footprint in the Nordic region and strengthen our capabilities in the development of high-quality food supplements and medical devices. Labomar’s expertise and values align seamlessly with ours, and together we look forward to driving innovation and delivering even greater value to our partners and customers,” comments Petteri Laaksomo, CEO of Pharmia.

Labomar is a leading European manufacturer of food supplements, medical devices and functional cosmetics, and is owned by Charterhouse Capital Partners. The company is headquartered in Italy with operations in Spain and Canada as well.

“We are proud of this new acquisition. Pharmia is a solid and well-structured company, with an approach and vision that we immediately recognised as being closely aligned with those of Labomar. The know-how and experience of its team represent an added value that will further contribute to the growth of our Group. The integration of Pharmia will also allow us to strengthen our presence in a strategically important geographic market and to consolidate our position in a key sector such as probiotics, thereby creating new synergies and further expanding our offering,” says Walter Bertin, founder and CEO of Labomar.

For more information, please contact:

Anders Björkell, Partner, CapMan Buyout, +358 40 537 7566

Petteri Laaksomo, CEO, Pharmia, +358 50 552 5255

About CapMan

CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation and 6.5 billion euros in assets under management. As one of the private equity pioneers in the Nordics we have developed hundreds of companies and assets creating significant value for over three decades. Our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors by enabling change across our portfolio companies. An example of this is greenhouse gas reduction targets that we have set under the Science Based Targets initiative in line with the 1.5°C scenario and our commitment to net-zero GHG emissions by 2040. We have a broad presence in the unlisted market through our local and specialised teams. Our investment strategies cover real estate and infrastructure assets, real asset debt, natural capital and minority and majority investments in portfolio companies. We also provide wealth management solutions. Altogether, CapMan employs around 200 professionals in Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, London, Luxembourg, and Düsseldorf. We are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001. Learn more at www.capman.com.

About Pharmia

Pharmia is Finland’s leading contract manufacturer specialised in the development and manufacture of food supplements and medical devices (CE-marked products). Pharmia enhances people’s well-being by creating innovative solutions for their customers, which they produce with a concept “from idea to product”. Pharmia’s passion for well-being guides them to be more than just a contract manufacturer – they are a partner that implements and enables their customers’ success. https://pharmia.fi/en/.

Categories: News

Tags: healthcare

PAI Partners completes a €3.6 billion equity transaction to reinvest into Froneri, including significant co-investment from ADIA and new single-asset continuation vehicle led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives

admin October 2, 2025

PAI Partners (“PAI”), a pre-eminent private equity firm, today announces the successful completion of a €3.6 billion equity transaction and the establishment of a new ownership structure for its c. 50% stake in Froneri (the “Company”), the global pure-play leader in ice cream.

As part of establishing the new ownership structure, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (“ADIA”) will become a significant minority co-investor in Froneri, alongside PAI and a new single-asset continuation vehicle (the “CV”). The CV constitutes one of the largest single asset CV transactions in Europe to date, led by Vintage Strategies at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

The CV was oversubscribed, reflecting strong demand from both existing and new investors, and confidence in Froneri’s long-term growth prospects. This follows the Company’s successful debt financing earlier this year, further strengthening its balance sheet and supporting its future expansion.

Froneri was formed in 2016 through a 50:50 joint venture to combine PAI’s R&R Ice Cream with Nestlé’s European ice cream business. Since then, it has been transformed from a predominantly European, private-label producer into a brand-led, global business with €5.5 billion in revenue.

Today, Froneri is a leader in each of its core markets, combining a portfolio of iconic ice cream brands with strong innovation capabilities and operational expertise. It also holds leading positions in the fast-growing snacking and premium segments, supported by trusted brand partnerships and a well-invested supply chain.

Going forward, Froneri has an opportunity to further build on this performance by leveraging its established value-creation playbook, focusing on robust organic growth, operational efficiency and strategic market consolidation.

Frédéric Stévenin, Co-Managing Partner at PAI Partners, said: “Froneri is a clear example of PAI’s ability to create and grow global champions in the consumer sector. Since we first partnered with Nestlé in 2016, the business has successfully expanded into new markets, strengthened its branded portfolio and established itself as a global leader. This success is also a testament to the strength and commitment of Froneri’s management team. We are proud to continue our journey with Froneri and Nestlé, and to welcome ADIA and other leading global institutions as shareholders for Froneri’s next phase of growth.”

Phil Griffin, CEO of Froneri, said: “Froneri has grown into one of the world’s leading ice cream companies since its formation in 2016. The renewed commitment of our partners, combined with the addition of new investors and capital, reflects confidence in our business and reinforces the strong partnership that underpins our growth. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”

Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, said: “Froneri is a leading global consumer business with strong prospects for the future. This transaction offers a compelling opportunity to support the Company for its next phase of growth alongside experienced and proven partners.”

Gabriel Mollerberg, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: “We are excited to continue the journey with Froneri and partnership with PAI as the lead investor in the new continuation vehicle. Froneri’s market positioning, attractive financial characteristics, exceptional operational execution and strong alignment with all key shareholders made it a strong continuation vehicle candidate. We look forward to this next chapter alongside PAI and management.”

Evercore acted as the sole financial adviser to PAI on the CV transaction. Rothschild acted as corporate finance advisers to Froneri. Deutsche Bank acted as an exclusive financial adviser to ADIA.

Categories: News

Tags: Consumer brands

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CapMan Buyout exits Pharmia to Labomar

PAI Partners completes a €3.6 billion equity transaction to reinvest into Froneri, including significant co-investment from ADIA and new single-asset continuation vehicle led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives

PAI Partners (“PAI”), a pre-eminent private equity firm, today announces the successful completion of a €3.6 billion equity transaction and the establishment of a new ownership structure for its c. 50% stake in Froneri (the “Company”), the global pure-play leader in ice cream.