Tag Archives: Automotive

BDC takes minority stake in SaaS software and digital solutions provider bee2link

Bridgepoint

Xavier Cotelle, founder and CEO of bee2link – a publisher of SaaS software and digital solutions for automobile players – has announced that Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC), the smid-cap division of the international private equity group, Bridgepoint, has taken a minority shareholding. The terms of the transaction are confidential.

Supported by BDC, Xavier Cotelle and his team will continue to develop bee2link, focusing particularly on the company’s European expansion. Xavier Cotelle and the management team reinvested significantly in the transaction and will continue to manage bee2link.

bee2link is a high growth company supporting the digital transformation of the automotive retail sector. A pioneer in SaaS digital platforms and applications publishing, bee2link has enjoyed a favorable environment since its creation in 2012 and draws on the experience of its managers in automotive retail, dealerships, management/finance and ICT. Its transversal solutions – Applications open to third-party systems (APIs) – seek to digitize business processes and the customer journey and target a client base of manufacturers (OEM), groups and automobile dealerships.

Thanks to the excellent results of its solutions, bee2link has equipped the leading manufacturers in France since 2013 and is also present in Belgium and Switzerland since 2018.

bee2link is growing steadily and has ambitions to become a leading European player within five years by: (i) capitalizing on its success with leading automobile manufacturers and deploying its solutions in new European subsidiaries, (ii) expanding through both internal and external growth and entering new automobile market segments, and (iii) bolstering its position as a key market supplier through its strong technical expertise, recently strengthened by the use of artificial intelligence.

Xavier Cotelle, founder and CEO of bee2link said: “We entrusted SODICA Corporate Finance, the mergers and acquisitions arm of the Crédit Agricole Group, with finding a leading international partner to accelerate our European expansion project. Bridgepoint, through its investment portfolio of market leaders, stood out for its sector expertise and the operating quality of its team. Our shared values, essential to both our companies, convinced us they were the right choice for this project. This partnership will be a winning force, allowing us to roll-out our success in France and across Europe.”

Olivier Nemsguern, Managing Partner of BDC in France added: “In a rapidly changing automobile market, bee2link is a pioneer in the digitalization of automotive retail businesses. Its solutions cover the entire value chain and are extremely popular with leading global manufacturers. We’re delighted to partner with bee2link’s management team, at the cutting-edge of digital innovation in the automobile industry. With our international network and additional financial resources, our aim to assist the company in accelerating its European expansion”.

 

About Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC)

Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC) focuses on transactions ranging between €30 million and €200 million.

Backed by a team of 27 professionals in Europe (including nine in Paris), Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC) is one of the very few investors in the “Smid-cap” segment able to support the international development of mid-cap companies, thanks to support from nine Bridgepoint investment offices as well as operational support teams based in New York, San Francisco and Shanghai.

www.bridgepoint.eu

Advisers in this transaction included:

For the company and shareholders: SODICA Corporate Finance

For BDC: Alantra; Mayer Brown; Deloitte; Eleven Strategy; Mckinsey; PwC.

Unitranche financing was provided by Idinvest.

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Scout24 Welcomes the Takeover Offer and the Strategic Partnership with Hellman & Friedman and Blackstone

Hellman & Friedman

BERLIN, Germany and MUNICH, Germany

• Voluntary public takeover offer with a price of EUR 46 per Scout24 share in cash
• Management Board and Supervisory Board welcome the offer
• Investment agreement regarding strategic partnership signed

Today, Scout24 AG (“Scout24”), a leading operator of digital marketplaces specializing in real estate and automotive sectors in Germany and other selected European countries, and Pulver BidCo GmbH (“BidCo”), a holding company jointly controlled by funds advised by Hellman & Friedman LLC and affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P., have signed an investment agreement forming a strategic partnership. BidCo has announced to pursue a voluntary public takeover offer for all Scout24 shares with a price of EUR 46.00 per Scout24 share in cash (“Takeover Offer”).

The Takeover Offer implies an equity value of Scout24 of approximately EUR 4.9 billion and an enterprise value of approximately EUR 5.7 billion. The offer price represents:
• ca. 27.4% premium to the unaffected share price of EUR 36.1 on December 13, 2018
• ca. 24.4% premium to the unaffected 3-month-volume-weighted average share price of EUR 37.0[1]

The Takeover Offer will be subject to a minimum acceptance threshold of 50% plus one share. Furthermore, the Takeover Offer will be subject to a market MAC (no decline of the DAX 30 by more than 27.5%) and other customary conditions, in particular merger control clearance.

Subject to the careful review of the offer document and their statutory fiduciary duties the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of Scout24 welcome and support the Takeover Offer and the strategic partnership given (i) the significant premium offered to shareholders and (ii) the favorable investment agreement signed today. Hellman & Friedman and Blackstone are value-add and trusted partners of Scout24 which share the long-term ambitions and strategy for the company with the Management Board. Both Scout24’s Management Board and Supervisory Board believe that the transaction is in the best interests of the company.

In compliance with their obligations under statutory law the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of Scout24 AG will release a reasoned statement regarding the Takeover Offer after receipt and review of the offer document. Furthermore, the members of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board, subject to applicable legal restrictions, have indicated that they will accept the Takeover Offer for shares in Scout24 AG held by them (if any).

Scout24 Chairman, Hans-Holger Albrecht, says: “We believe this is an attractive offer with a substantial premium, high transaction certainty and a strategic value-add for the company.” Commenting on the Takeover Offer, Tobias Hartmann, Scout24 CEO says: “Hellman & Friedman and Blackstone are known to Scout24 as trusted and long-term partners given their prior ownership and familiarity with the company. The terms of the offer represent an attractive opportunity for a highly strategic partnership that recognizes the quality of the Scout24 platform, its employees, customers and partners. I am delighted about our joint long-term vision and ambition to turn Scout24 into a leading European digital player.”

The offer document (once available) and other information relating to the public takeover offer will be made available by BidCo on the following website: www.scout24-offer.com.

Morgan Stanley as financial advisor and Allen & Overy as legal advisor are advising the Management Board of Scout24. Citigroup as financial advisor and Gleiss Lutz as legal advisor are advising the Supervisory Board of Scout24.

About Scout24
With our leading digital marketplaces ImmobilienScout24 and AutoScout24 in Germany and Europe, we inspire people to make the best decisions when it comes to finding a property or a car. Scout24 bundles individual additional services, such as creditworthiness information, the brokerage of relocation services or construction and car financing, in the Scout24 Consumer Services business unit. More than 1,200 employees work on the success of our products and services. We focus on our users and create a networked offering for housing and mobility. Scout24 AG is a listed stock corporation and is traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE000A12DM80, Ticker: G24). Scout24 has been listed in the MDAX since June 2018. Further information is available at www.scout24.com, on our Corporate Blog and Tech Blog or on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media contact
Jan Flaskamp
Vice President Communications & Marketing
Fon +49 30 24 301-0721
E-Mail: mediarelations@scout24.com

Investor Relations
Britta Schmidt
Vice President Investor Relations & Controlling
Fon +49 89 44456-3278
E-Mail: ir@scout24.com

Disclaimer:
This document has been issued by Scout24 AG (the “Company” and, together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the “Group”) and does not constitute or form part of and should not be construed as any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for, any securities of the Company, nor shall any part of it nor the fact of its distribution form part of or be relied on in connection with any contract or investment decision, nor does it constitute a recommendation regarding the securities of the Company or any present or future member of the Group.

We advise you that some of the information is based on statements by third parties, and that no reliance may be placed for any purposes whatsoever on the information contained in this document or on its completeness. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is given by or on behalf of the Company or any of its directors, officers or employees or any other person as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in this document and no liability whatsoever is accepted by the Company or any of its directors, officers or employees nor any other person for any loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from any use of such information or opinions or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

The information contained in this release is subject to amendment, revision and updating. Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this document are forward-looking, which reflect the Company’s or, as appropriate, senior management’s current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Statements contained in this document regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any information contained in this press release (including forward-looking statements), whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document.

This document is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Neither this document nor any copy of it may be taken or transmitted into the United States of America, its territories or possessions or distributed, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, its territories or possessions or to any US person.

________________________________________
[1] The three months volume weighted average share price is calculated on the basis of daily Xetra closing share prices weighted by the daily trading volumes for the period ending on December 13, 2018.

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Hellman & Friedman and Blackstone announce voluntary public tender offer for Scout24 AG

Blackstone

Attractive offer price of EUR 46.00 per share in cash
– Offer represents a premium of 27 percent to Scout24’s unaffected share price
– Offer subject to a minimum acceptance threshold of 50 percent plus one share
– Hellman & Friedman, Blackstone and Scout24 have signed an investment agreement as part of a strategic partnership; transaction supported by Management Board and Supervisory BoardMunich, 15 February 2019 – Pulver BidCo GmbH, a holding company jointly controlled by funds advised by Hellman & Friedman LLC (“Hellman & Friedman” or “H&F”) and affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. (“Blackstone”), today announced its decision to make a voluntary public tender offer to the shareholders of Scout24 AG (“Scout24” or the “Company”) (ISIN DE000A12DM80).Under the terms and conditions of the voluntary public tender offer, Scout24’s shareholders will receive EUR 46.00 per share in cash. This corresponds to a premium of 27 percent to the last unaffected share price of EUR 36.10 on 13 December 2018. The offer price represents a multiple of 2019e cash flow of approximately 28x, and puts a total equity value of EUR 4.9 billion and a total enterprise value of EUR 5.7 billion1 on the Company.

The completion of the offer will be subject to a minimum acceptance threshold of 50 percent plus one share and to certain customary conditions such as granting of merger control clearance. The transaction structure contains no financing or legal requirements to implement a domination agreement.

The terms and conditions of the voluntary public tender offer have been agreed in an Investment Agreement between H&F, Blackstone and Scout24. Both Scout24’s Management Board and Supervisory Board support the offer and believe that the transaction is in the best interest of the Company.

“We are very excited by the opportunity to re-engage with Scout24 and help the company build upon the historical success that we achieved together. We are strong believers in Scout24’s consumer-centric focus and look forward to working in close partnership with their agent and dealer customers to offer value-added marketing propositions as they continue to digitalise their business models,” said Blake Kleinman, Partner of Hellman & Friedman.

Patrick Healy, CEO of Hellman & Friedman, added: “We have known Scout24 for many years. We thank Hans-Holger Albrecht and the Supervisory Board as well as Tobias Hartmann and the entire Scout24 Management Board for their trust in entering a new partnership for the next phase of growth.”

“A majority shareholding by H&F and Blackstone will provide Scout24 with the stability needed to address future opportunities. Whilst Scout24 has an outstanding competitive position, it is now at an inflection point facing complex challenges including a dynamic market place and pending regulatory changes,” said Robert Reid, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone.

“Our offer provides full value to shareholders. We look forward to supporting the company in its next phase of development,” said Juergen Pinker, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone.

Under H&F and Blackstone’s previous ownership, Scout24 successfully transitioned into a leading European classifieds platform and enhanced its engagement with customers and consumers. Today, Scout24 is at an important juncture with pending regulatory changes and an increasingly dynamic competitive landscape. The Company will benefit from the stability and the support of a long-term anchor shareholder. H&F and Blackstone are fully committed to make the necessary investments in people, products and technology, and to support the Management Board in turning its strategic vision into reality.

With the support of H&F and Blackstone, Scout24 will be able to further strengthen its value proposition for its customers, seize long-term growth opportunities and retain its reputation as a highly attractive employer.

H&F and Blackstone are supported by J.P. Morgan as sole financial advisor and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Latham & Watkins as legal advisors.

Next steps
The public tender offer will be made on and subject to the terms and conditions set out in the offer document that is expected to be published in March 2019. The terms and conditions of the voluntary public takeover offer will be published in the offer document, publication of which is subject to permission by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht, “BaFin”). Following such permission by BaFin, the offer document will be published in accordance with the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Übernahmegesetz – WpÜG) and the acceptance period of the voluntary public takeover offer will commence. The offer document (once available) and other information relating to the public takeover offer will be made available on the following website: www.scout24-offer.com

About Hellman & Friedman LLC
Hellman & Friedman is a leading private equity investment firm with offices in San Francisco, New York, and London. Since its founding in 1984, H&F has raised over $50 billion of committed capital. The firm focuses on investing in outstanding business franchises and serving as a value-added partner to management in select industries including financial services, business & information services, software, healthcare, internet & media, retail & consumer, and industrials & energy. For more information, please visit www.hf.com.

About Blackstone
Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with $472 billion in assets under management, include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.

For further information, please contact:
Felix Schönauer HSC +49 160 986 048 62
Andrew Dowler Greenbrook +44 20 7952 2000

Important note:
This announcement is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of the Company. The definite terms and conditions of the public takeover offer, as well as further provisions concerning the public takeover offer, will be published in the offer document only after the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has granted permission to publish the offer document. The public takeover offer for shares in the Company has not yet commenced. Investors and holders of shares in the Company are strongly advised to read the offer document and all other relevant documents regarding the public takeover offer when they become available, since they will contain important information.

The public takeover offer will at a later time be issued exclusively under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, in particular according to the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Übernahmegesetz) and certain applicable provisions of U.S. securities law. The public takeover offer documentation will additionally be published at www.scout24-offer.com. Any contract that is concluded on the basis of the public takeover offer will be exclusively governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and is to be interpreted in accordance with such laws.

To the extent permissible under applicable law or regulation, Pulver BidCo GmbH and its affiliates or brokers (acting as agents for Pulver BidCo GmbH or its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time before, during or after the period in which the public takeover offer remains open for acceptance, and other than pursuant to the public takeover offer, directly or indirectly purchase, or arrange to purchase, shares of the Company, that may be the subject of the public takeover offer, or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for shares of the Company. Any such purchases, or arrangements to purchase, will comply with all applicable German rules and regulations and Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act to the extent applicable. Information about such purchases will be disclosed in Germany to the extent required by applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Germany, such information also will be deemed to be publicly disclosed in the United States. In addition, the financial advisors to Pulver BidCo GmbH may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of the Company, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

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GTI acquires Precision Specialized, a division of Precision Truck Lines

Novacap

Montreal, February 11, 2018 – GTI Transport Solution Inc (“GTI”), a leading provider of open-deck, specialized and over-dimensional freight services, a Novacap-backed company, announces it is acquiring Precision Specialized Division Inc. (PSD), a division of Precision Truck Lines Inc. Located in Woodbridge, Ontario, PSD is a leader of open-deck and heavy haul transportation in the province. All employee positions at the division, including management roles, will be maintained. GTI plans to invest in the company’s growing operations by expanding into new markets. This will begin with all operations moving to Brantford, Ontario and a unified name change to Precision Specialized Inc (“PSI”).

GTI acquires Precision Specialized, a division of Precision Truck Lines

“The team at Precision Specialized has demonstrated market leading know-how in quality of service and engineering of complex project driven loads,” says Richard Lafrenière, CEO of GTI. “We firmly believe that blending their expertise with the broad footprint of GTI will enable us to drive growth and become the preferred open-deck/heavy haul transportation company in North America.”

“This acquisition is a continuation of GTI’s strategic plan to expand its current capabilities and geographic reach,” says Frédérick Perrault, Senior Partner of Novacap. “Combined with the launch of GTI USA in 2018 and other acquisitions in the pipeline, we are very enthusiastic about the group’s future.”

Ed Bernard, former VP of Precision Specialized Division Inc. will continue in his current role and more, now serving as President of Precision Specialized Inc. Mr. Bernard adds, “Precision Specialized is proud to be joining forces with GTI to propel our company to the next phase of its growth. A team of seasoned managers will bring valuable expertise and an injection of fresh capital will enable us to better serve our customers across North America. Moving operations 60 miles to Brantford gives us much needed space for our growing equipment assets.”

“This transaction is a win-win for us,” says Ravi Annand, Vice-President & CFO of Precision Truck Lines, “It will allow a great division we have built up over the last decade to continue its growth plan and allow Precision Truck Lines to focus on its core activities of TL and LTL Transborder transportation.”

 

About GTI

GTI Transport Solutions (“GTI”) specializes in open-deck, heavy haul and over dimensional transportation services while also offering specialty storage, logistics and freight forwarding services. GTI has fully equipped transportation terminals in Quebec and Ontario and 300,000 sq.ft. of specialized warehousing. For further information, visit www.thegtigroup.com

 

About Precision Truck Lines

Precision is a family-based business that combines state-of-the art trucking technology with old-fashioned business values to ensure our customers’ project needs are met and their expectations are exceeded. With a commitment to hard work, teamwork, honesty, and exceptional customer service, Precision has grown steadily into one of the best managed transportation companies in North America. For further information, visit www.precisiontrucklines.com

 

About Novacap

Founded in 1981, Novacap is a leading Canadian private equity firm with $2.3 billion of assets under management. Novacap’s unique investment approach, based on deep operational expertise and an active partnership with entrepreneurs, has helped accelerate growth and create long-term value for its numerous investee companies. With an experienced management team and substantial financial resources, Novacap is well positioned to continue building world-class companies. For more information, please visit www.novacap.ca.

Source: Novacap / GTI 

Media contacts:

For Novacap and GTI:

Valérie Gonzalo

AGO Communications

514.626.6976

valerie@agocom.ca

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STERN seeks cooperation with strategic lease partner

NPM Capital

Stern Groep N.V., the listed Dutch market leader in automotive retail, presented its new strategic plan ‘Fast Forward Reloaded’ for 2019 – 2022 to investors and analysts on 20 December 2018. An important part is the search for a strategic partner for the lease activities, subject to this delivering mutual benefits. Stern intends to sell its lease portfolio to a lease partner, that in exchange will make solid commitments regarding the long-term supply of services by Stern Group in relation to the purchase of cars, maintenance, repairs, car body repairs and rental of cars and alternative electric forms of transport.

Fast Forward Reloaded
Since its incorporation in 1993, Stern Group (an NPM Capital portfolio company) has been working on an integrated mobility proposition in which the various activities strengthen each other. Stern itself thus provides a proportion of the necessary revenue and added value per business unit and can therefore position itself more independently with respect to large parties in the automotive sector such as importers, insurers and lease companies.

For the success of this strategy, keeping the mobility services such as insurance and finance on the balance sheet is not necessary. For instance, there was the successful sale of Stern Finance B.V., the own intermediary for retail and commercial finance and insurance, to Bovemij in 2010. Stern has continued to sell finance and insurance products to consumers and businesses since that time.

Follow-up
After the trading update of 14 November 2018, in which Stern announced that it would be reviewing the strategic options for SternLease, positive exploratory talks have taken place. Important decisions will be taken in the coming months. ING Corporate Finance and Van Doorne have been engaged by Stern as financial and legal advisers respectively. Once the terms of the deal and following steps are clear, Stern Group will issue a press release without delay and convene an Extraordinary Meeting of Shareholders.

Read the full press release of Stern Groep

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GILDE BUY OUT PARTNERS and management acquire Gundlach Automotive Corporation

Gilde Buy Out

Raubach – Funds advised by Gilde Buy Out Partners (“Gilde”) are pleased to announce the acquisition of Gundlach Automotive Corporation (“GAC” or the “Group”) together with management from companies controlled by Pon Holdings B.V. (“Pon”). The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. GAC is a leading aftermarket distributor of tires, rims, completely fitted wheels and related services to car dealerships and wholesalers in Germany as well as wheel assembly services to blue-chip car OEMs in Europe. The Group was formed under the successful leadership of the senior management team of Reifen Gundlach to form a leading European platform in 2017. GAC now encompasses Reifen Gundlach (a leading brand for premium tire and wheel distribution for over 45 years), PTG Automotive Solutions and Services (just-in-sequence wheel assembly for car OEM production), RG Automotive Solutions (winter wheel assembly services for OEM brands) as well as Euro Tyre (global tire purchasing organization) and Goodwheel (eCommerce tire platform). Operations are based in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovak Republic, Sweden and the Netherlands. Commenting on the transaction Gebhard Jansen, CEO of GAC, says: “We thank Pon for the fruitful cooperation under their period of ownership and we are proud of the over 650 employees to be part of our Group and with whom we look forward to jointly enter a new chapter in our success story. With Gilde we found a strong partner to continue and accelerate our growth strategy to become the leading player in the tire and wheel distribution market.” Rogier Engelsma, Partner at Gilde, added: “GAC represents a very attractive opportunity for us to invest in a leading player in the European tire and wheel distribution market. We are impressed with the Group’s track record of consistent growth and its unique set up to serve multiple levels within the supply chain. GAC is in an excellent position to further build on this solid foundation and to become the number 1 integrated player in the European tire and wheel distribution business. We are excited to support GAC during this next phase of development.” Read more at: http://gilde.com/news/2018/gilde-buy-out-partners-and-management-acquire-gundlach-automotive-corporation

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AURELIUS acquires Norwegian wholesale business from HELLA

Aurelius Capital

  • Second-largest wholeseller for automotive spare parts in Norway
  • Further strengthening of AURELIUS presence in the Nordic region
  • AURELIUS’ expertise in corporate spin-offs and difficult carve-outs paying off again

Munich/Oslo, November 12, 2018 – AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA (ISIN DE000A0JK2A8) acquires the Norwegian wholesaler Hellanor from Nordic Forum Holding A/S, a 100% subsidiary of HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA. Headquartered in Skytta near Oslo, Hellanor is the second-largest automotive aftermarket wholesaler in Norway, generating c. EUR 70 million in revenues with approx. 250 employees. The transaction is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Hellanor supplies its customers, typically automotive workshops, car dealerships and local wholesalers, with spare parts from its central warehouse in Skytta as well as from 19 branches across the country. In addition, Hellanor offers workshop franchise concepts to its clients under its own AutoMester brand as well as for third-party concepts such as Bosch Car Service. Within its AutoMateriell business segment Hellanor supplies workshop equipment of leading equipment OEMs such as JohnBean and MAHA.

“I am pleased to welcome Hellanor as the fourth Nordic company in our portfolio, highlighting our commitment to this region. The transaction also proves again that our experience in corporate spin-offs is highly appreciated by corporate sellers,” said Leif Lupp, AURELIUS Group’s Head of Nordics. “Hellanor is the number 2 in Norway and operates in a healthy market. As a former non-core business under HELLA ownership, Hellanor will clearly benefit from the heightened attention it will receive as a standalone business under the AURELIUS umbrella. Our operations experts will help to ensure a successful, expeditious carve-out and then support management in aligning Hellanor to challenges and growth potential in the automotive after-market.”

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Genstar Capital Announces the Acquisition of BBB Industries

Genstar to Partner with Management to Drive Growth and Expand New Product Technologies, Further Enhancing BBB Industries’ Leading Role as a Supplier in the Automotive Aftermarket

SAN FRANCISCO, August 2, 2018 – Genstar Capital, a leading private equity firm focused on investments in targeted segments of the industrial technology, healthcare, financial services, and software industries, today announced the acquisition of BBB Industries, LLC, an industry leader in the automotive aftermarket.

BBB supplies non-discretionary replacement parts in the North American automotive aftermarket, primarily focused on the do-it-for-me (“DIFM”) light vehicle aftermarket and serves vehicle owners, professional technicians and franchised dealers.  BBB Industries has a broad product offering, including starters, alternators, hydraulic steering, brake calipers, electric power assisted steering (“EPAS”) and turbochargers.  Its 30,000+ SKUs are sold through warehouse distributors, retail outlets, and OEM service organizations.  Founded in 1987, the company is based in Daphne, AL.

Rob Rutledge, Managing Director, said, “BBB is an industry leader in the automotive aftermarket with a strong reputation for quality and manufacturing expertise.  We believe we can partner with management to expand the product offerings for BBB’s customers through investments in new technologies, capacity expansions, and acquisitions in BBB’s current and adjacent markets.  Genstar’s ability to move quickly and to provide growth capital will help to further enhance BBB’s market presence and build on its strong relationships with new and existing customers.”

Duncan Gillis, CEO of BBB Industries, said, “Because our products are mission critical to the operation of a vehicle, our key focus is to provide customers with quality, availability, breadth of SKUs, and service.  With Genstar’s expertise and history of successfully building companies like ours, we look forward to transforming our company and taking BBB Industries to the next level while continuing to provide our customers with the highest quality products.  We very much look forward to this new partnership.”

Genstar was advised by UBS Investment Bank and Latham & Watkins LLP in connection with the transaction.

About BBB Industries

BBB Industries, LLC is an industry leader in the remanufacturing of starters, alternators, hydraulic and air disc brake calipers, both hydraulic and electronic power steering products and turbochargers for the OEM, personal and commercial vehicle aftermarket industries. BBB takes pride in producing the highest quality products in the industry with exacting standards that apply to customer service, the manufacturing process, product installation and to the performance on the vehicle. Automated test fixtures test every unit manufactured by BBB to meet or exceed OE specifications. Founded in 1987, BBB Industries, LLC is a private company headquartered in Daphne, Alabama. Please see www.bbbind.com for more information.

About Genstar Capital

Genstar Capital (www.gencap.com) is a leading private equity firm that has been actively investing in high quality companies for more than 25 years.  Based in San Francisco, Genstar works in partnership with its management teams and its network of strategic advisors to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. Genstar currently has approximately $10 billion in assets under management and targets investments focused on targeted segments of the industrial technology, healthcare, financial services and software industries.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES

Genstar Capital
Chris Tofalli Public Relations
Chris Tofalli
914-834-4334
chris@tofallipr.com

BBB Industries, LLC
Gerard Yanuzzi
Vice President of Marketing, BBB Industries, LLC
251-438-2737
gyanuzzi@bbbind.com

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FSN CAPITAL V: Holmbergs Safety System has signed an agreement to acquire Fasching Safety Belts

Fsn Capital

Holmbergs Safety System Holding AB (“Holmbergs”) has signed an agreement to acquire Austria based Fasching Safety Belts GmbH (“Fasching”), which is a leading provider of safety belts for the bus and motor coach industry. The acquisition is consistent with Holmbergs’ strategy of growing its Secured Transportation business, both organically and through M&A, to complement its global market leading position in child safety systems. Fasching’s current owner will re-invest a substantial part of the transaction proceeds in Holmbergs, as well as remaining in the Board of Directors for Fasching and working actively with strengthening the Holmbergs Group’s overall position in the DACH region.

Fasching is a global leading manufacturer of safety belts for buses, commercial vehicles and wheelchairs. The company has shown strong organic annual growth in recent years, and currently has revenues of EUR 10 million. Today, Fasching has a stable global platform for continued expansion.

Anders Sandell, CEO Holmbergs:
“We are impressed by Fasching’s strong growth journey, as well as its leading market position for safety solutions in attractive niches of the transportation market, and in particular its global market leading position in the bus segment. Fasching will form a great platform for continued growth in our Secured Transportation business. Furthermore, this transaction is in line with our strategy to continue to grow our Secured Transportation business, both organically and through acquisitions of market leading niche players. Most importantly, we hereby want to welcome Fasching to the Holmbergs’ family, and we look forward to start working with Mr. Mayer and his colleagues at Fasching.”

Peter Mayer, CEO and owner of Fasching:
“It has been a great journey since I joined Fasching in 2014. Since then, we have grown topline organically by CAGR 15%, and we are today the global market leading player in safety belts for buses, with customers on multiple continents. It is my strong view that Holmbergs will be a great owner of Fasching, and the acquisition will strengthen both Holmbergs’ and Fasching’s offering.  Also, I am excited of being able to re-invest in Holmbergs, as well as continue working with Fasching, together with the Holmbergs’ team.”

Holmbergs is a global market leader in the fast-growing niche markets of safety products and systems for child safety seats, as well as for the secured transportation industry. In 2017, Holmbergs pro-forma sales is expected to exceed SEK 430 million. In partnership with FSN Capital, Holmbergs aspires to reinforce its strong market position in child safety and further accelerate international growth, primarily in Asia. Additionally, the company intends to continue to grow its adjacent Secured Transportation business, both through organic as well as in organic initiatives.

 

 

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Valmet Automotive Strategy and Leadership Transition

Tesi

In 2017 Valmet Automotive took significant steps in transforming from a Finland-based vehicle manufacturing business to a service provider with a broad offering to the automotive industry: a company with a special focus on electric vehicles and a strong presence in Central Europe, close to its key customers. While vehicle manufacturing continues to be a core element in Valmet Automotive’s strategy, the company is putting more emphasis on growth from new areas such as automotive engineering and battery pack supply. This complements its vehicle and roof manufacturing businesses.

In January 2017 Valmet Automotive entered into a partnership focused on electronic automotive solutions with Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL), a leading global provider of battery and energy storage solutions. This was followed in February 2017 by the acquisition of an automotive engineering company in Germany employing approximately 800 people in locations next to the leading OEMs. Following this expansion Valmet Automotive now employs circa 1,000 engineers in Europe.

The aim of building up a strong engineering team and the CATL partnership is to move Valmet Automotive closer to its key customers and become a significant European player in the rapidly evolving and fast growing electric vehicle domain. Our goal is to support the European automotive OEMs, their suppliers and selected industrial customers by engineering electric vehicle drive train solutions, integrating them into vehicles and supplying batteries. The unique assets of Valmet Automotive also offer the capability to support complete vehicle engineering, the manufacturing of vehicles and automotive roof solutions.

In vehicle manufacturing Valmet Automotive has successfully built a strong relationship with Daimler through manufacturing both the A-class car and GLC SUV in high volumes in Uusikaupunki, Finland. During 2017 Valmet Automotive manufactured a record number of vehicles. This followed the successful completion of our biggest ever recruitment campaign and extensive development of the Uusikaupunki plant. It is now the largest single site factory operation in Finland, employing over 4,000 people. Such a steep ramp-up of operations in Uusikaupunki did not produce, due to operational issues, the financial results expected. However, Valmet Automotive did manage to deliver more cars to Daimler than they had initially expected. The partnership with Daimler sets a new milestone during 2018 as Valmet Automotive starts manufacturing an as yet unrevealed new Daimler car.

In order to realize the full potential of the Valmet Automotive’s updated strategy and new assets, the Board of Directors has decided to initiate a leadership transition. CEO Ilpo Korhonen steps down from his position January 29, 2018 and leaves the company February 28, 2018. The search for the new CEO is ongoing and in the interim the General Counsel, Minna Huhtaniska, will take on the Managing Director responsibilities of Valmet Automotive’s parent company.

– Valmet Automotive has gone through a significant transformation during the recent past. While the 2017 financial results are not satisfactory, the company has grown into a meaningful European player with expanded business scope and strong capabilities not only in Finland but also in Germany and Poland. We have the keys to the future in our own hands. In order to ensure successful execution of the strategy the Board has concluded that it is the right time to make a leadership transition, says Mr. Jarkko Sairanen, Chairman of the Board, Valmet Automotive.

– I am very proud what we have done over the decades at Valmet Automotive. The company has great talent and it has been a true honor to be part of our journey. I wish Valmet Automotive all the best in realizing its strategy and building the company into a true international player with a significant role in transforming the industry towards electric vehicles, says Mr. Ilpo Korhonen, departing CEO, Valmet Automotive.

– The entire Board and the employees of Valmet Automotive want to thank Ilpo Korhonen very warmly for his 30-years contribution through several roles and in particular for his very strong dedication to the company throughout the years, continues Mr. Jarkko Sairanen, Chairman of the Board, Valmet Automotive.

The owners of the company, Pontos, Tesi and CATL support Valmet Automotive’s measures in implementing the strategy.
– Valmet Automotive is in excellent position to become an increasingly important part of the European automotive industry through the electrification of mobility, says Mr. Timo Kokkila, CEO, Pontos.

Further information:
Jarkko Sairanen, Chairman of the Board
jarkko@sairanen.mobi
Requests for interviews through assistant Terhi Toivari +358 40 733 6929

Timo Kokkila, CEO, Pontos Oy
timo.kokkila@pontos.fi
+358 10 239 6359
@timokokkila

Jussi Hattula, Director, Growth & Industrial Investments, Tesi
jussi.hattula@tesi.fi
+358 40 066 9955
@TesiFII / @jussiha

 

Valmet Automotive is an experienced provider of automotive engineering, vehicle manufacturing, battery systems and convertible roof systems. Our special areas of expertise are premium cars, electric vehicles and convertibles. We employ 5500 professionals in Finland, Germany, Poland and Spain.
www.valmet-automotive.com and Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube

 

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