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Brakel, a leading European climate control and fire safety specialist for commercial and industrial buildings, has been acquired by Kingspan, a global leader in innovative high performance insulation and building envelope solutions.

For 40 years, Brakel (www.brakel.com) has been a market leader in the Benelux region and the UK in the field of high-end quality solutions for glass daylight constructions (glass roofs and skylights), ventilation systems (top hung windows and flap ventilators) and fire safety systems (fire detection, smoke and heat extraction installations) in commercial and industrial buildings. These solutions are in response to the increasing demand for a comfortable, sustainable and safe indoor climate, using natural light and outside air. They are also made from high-quality recyclable materials, such as glass and aluminium. Brakel takes care of the production, distribution in the EU and the installation as well as the maintenance of these systems in the Benelux and UK. Gimv bought a majority stake in the company in 2015, and provided additional capital for the add-on acquisition of ArginaTechnics in 2016.

“Together with Gimv, Brakel has established a stable platform with sustainable products and an increased market position. Our ambition to penetrate in the EU end market and to expand our global distribution network is being strengthened and supported by Kingspan. We find in Kingspan an outstanding shareholder to accelerate the realisation of Brakel’s ambition with a shared vision to create energy-efficient and sustainable building envelopes providing maximum comfort and safety for end users. As part of Kingspan’s Light & Air division, we find an excellent foundation for continued growth and development of the business and its employees,“ says Ton van Gerwen, CEO of Brakel.

Rombout Poos, Principal within Gimv‘s Sustainable Cities platform comments: “Gimv is proud of having supported Brakel in its further expansion during the past years. Management did an excellent job to achieve this!”

Over the entire holding period, the investment in Brakel generated a return above Gimv’s long-term average return. No further details about this transaction will be disclosed.

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Frontmatec has entered into an agreement to acquire Jining Xinglong Food Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (“Xinglong”), a leading supplier of equipment to the red meat industry in China. The transaction will provide Frontmatec with market access in China and in addition a local production setup dedicated for the Chinese market. Furthermore, Xinglong will benefit from transfer of advanced technology from Frontmatec.

“We have been in close dialogue with Xinglong for nearly one year, and we are very impressed with the development of the company and the current management team. Xinglong has strong capabilities within the industry and close relationships with the largest customers in China. The acquisition enables Frontmatec to strengthen our market position and to be able to tap into the large growth potential in China.”

– Henrik Andersen, CEO

Founded in 2001, Xinglong is a reputable Chinese slaughtering equipment enterprise, offering cost-effective equipment and technologies adapted to livestock and poultry slaughtering in China and other developing countries.

“I am very pleased about the partnership agreement with Frontmatec. I am confident that the envisioned combination of the technologies and know-how of the two companies will lead to a prosperous future”

– Mr. Wang, Founder of Xinglong

China is the world’s single largest market accounting for approx. 50% of all pigs slaughtered globally. The market is expected to experience strong growth going forward driven by i) an increased demand for more automated and high speed solutions and ii) an increased focus on food safety.

“This is another big step forward for Frontmatec, and we are happy to welcome Xinglong into the Frontmatec family. I am convinced that both companies can benefit from each other and that the combination will result in a much stronger value proposition towards our customers, which will fuel future growth”

– Arne Vraalsen, Chairman of the board

Going forward, Xinglong will continue to serve the Chinese market from its current base in Jining under its current brand name. However, in order to accelerate the sales of more advanced solutions in China, Frontmatec will support Xinglong with relevant technology and competences.

The completion of the transaction is subject to final closing, which is expected to happen within the coming months.

About Xinglong

Xinglong is a leading supplier of equipment to the red meat industry in China. The main focus of the company is slaughtering solutions to pig and cattle in the mid/high line speed segment. Xinglong is mainly supplying Chinese customers, but also has customers outside China. The company is located in Jining (Shandong province) and currently employs 234 employees.

About Frontmatec

Frontmatec develops world-leading customized solutions for automation in the food industry, other hygiene sensitive industries and the utilities industry. We are especially renowned for our high-quality systems for the entire value chain in the meat industry – from hygiene systems to control systems, from carcass grading to slaughter lines, from cutting and deboning lines to logistics and packaging. Frontmatec employs more than 1000 employees in 10 countries with a turnover of +200M EUR.

For additional information please contact CEO Henrik Andersen (+45 29 60 69 55) or COO Kristian Madsen (+45 60 20 01 22).

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