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CapMan Special Situations invests in assisted residential care

Capman

CapMan Special Situations invests in assisted residential care

The CapMan Special Situations I -fund invests in two providers of assisted residential care for the elderly, Nonna Group Oy and Aurahovi Oy, with the aim of building a leading nationwide operator in the sector.

Both companies offer tailored housing and care services to meet the diverse needs of the elderly. Nonna Group, founded in 2020, operates five units located in Rovaniemi, Oulu, Turku and Kuopio, with estimated revenue of approximately €5 million in 2024. Aurahovi, established in 2017, runs four units in Lieto, Huittinen, Uusikaupunki and Helsinki, with 2024 revenue of around €4 million.

By combining the two companies, CapMan Special Situations is forming one of Finland’s leading operators in the residential care sector, with a nationwide network of nine housing units and around 500 apartments.

“Assisted residential care addresses the growing need to provide seniors with meaningful daily life and tailored support. By bringing together two strong companies, we are laying the foundation for a nationwide operator with excellent potential for growth and societal impact. We look forward to working with the new management to drive the next phase of development and growth,” says Karri Keistinen, Investment Manager at CapMan Special Situations.

“Assisted residential care is a new service model that has gained strong support in regional welfare strategies. It is designed for seniors whose needs are not fully met by home care but who do not yet require round-the-clock support. Both companies have great potential, an excellent workforce and satisfied customers, providing a solid foundation for future success”, comments Jere Pessala, new CEO of Nonna Group and Aurahovi.

Investments in Aurahovi Oy and Nonna Group Oy constitute the seventh investment for the CapMan Special Situations I fund.

For more information, please contact:

Karri Keistinen, Investment Manager, CapMan Special Situations, +358 40 735 6593

Jere Pessala, CEO, Nonna Group & Aurahovi, +358 40 538 3834

About CapMan

CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation and €6.4 billion 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, 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 and Luxembourg. We are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001. www.capman.com

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Julius Clinical and Peachtree BioResearch Solutions Merge to Form a Fully Integrated Global CRO with Increased CNS Capabilities

Ampersand

Zeist, Netherlands, May 14, 2025– Julius Clinical, a leading full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) headquartered in the Netherlands (Zeist), and Peachtree BioResearch Solutions, a specialized CNS CRO based in the United States (Georgia), announce they have merged as a fully integrated clinical research organization. The merger combines scientific and operational excellence, an expanded international footprint and increased capabilities across therapeutic areas, particularly within CNS.

Building on nearly a decade of successful collaboration between the two companies, the merged organization creates a comprehensive clinical CRO, bringing together extensive expertise in managing Phase I – III clinical trials with particular depth in central nervous system (CNS), cardio-metabolic, renal and rare diseases. Their combined strength delivers end-to-end clinical research services, enhanced global access in Europe and North America, and robust scientific expertise tailored to pharmaceutical-, biotech-, and medical device companies.

“We are thrilled to merge with Peachtree BioResearch Solutions,” says Martijn Wallert, Chief Executive Officer of Julius Clinical. “This marks a significant step forward in expanding our presence and deepening our capabilities across North America and Europe. This natural evolution of our long-term successful relationship allows us to leverage our aligned strengths to become a more versatile and capable partner for our clients.”

“This merger represents a transformative opportunity for Peachtree, our dedicated team, and the clients we serve,” says Kristy Nichols, Chief Executive Officer of Peachtree BioResearch Solutions. “By joining forces with Julius Clinical, we are significantly expanding our capabilities, offering our clients access to an established international network while preserving the personalized approach we are known for.”

This strategic move, combining global reach with the flexibility of a highly specialized provider, positions Julius Clinical and Peachtree BioResearch Solutions to better address the increasing complexity and borderless nature of modern clinical research as they work together with innovators to advance therapies to patients worldwide.

Julius Clinical is supported by Ampersand Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm specializing in growth equity investments in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

 

About Julius Clinical

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Zeist, The Netherlands, Julius Clinical is a leading CRO specializing in central nervous system, cardio-metabolic, renal, and rare diseases. With over 380 clinical trials and 220,000+ subjects across 39 countries, Julius Clinical combines scientific leadership, operational excellence, and a global network of research sites to deliver tailored solutions for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and partners. For more information, visit https://www.juliusclinical.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Ampersand Capital Partners

Ampersand Capital Partners, founded in 1988, is a middle-market private equity firm with $3 billion of assets under management, dedicated to growth-oriented investments in the healthcare sector. With offices in Boston, MA, and Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Ampersand leverages a unique blend of private equity and operating experience to build value and drive long-term performance alongside its portfolio company management teams. Ampersand has helped build numerous market-leading companies across each of the firm’s core healthcare sectors. For additional information, visit https://ampersandcapital.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Peachtree BioResearch Solutions

Founded in 2008, Peachtree BioResearch Solutions, Inc. is a Clinical Research Organization that specializes in providing clinical development services for emerging to mid-sized biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies. With a highly experienced clinical development team, Peachtree offers Clinical Project Management, Clinical Monitoring, Medical Monitoring, Biometrics, Technical Report Writing, Quality Assurance, and Clinical Staff Resourcing. Peachtree has grown its portfolio to over 65 clients providing services ranging from niche projects to full-service support. For additional information, visit https://peachtreebrs.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Peachtree BioResearch Solutions

 

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IK Partners to acquire Lohoff

IK Partners

IK Partners (“IK”) is pleased to announce that the IK Small Cap III (“IK SC III”) Fund has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Lohoff Pension Services GmbH (“Lohoff” or “the Company”), a German specialist provider of occupational pension administration solutions, from the founding family. IK is investing from its dedicated pool of Development Capital, alongside the Company’s existing management team. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1992 by Petra and Heinz-Günter Lohoff and headquartered in Isernhagen, Germany, Lohoff is a full-service provider of occupational pension administration solutions, offering its clients and their employees a comprehensive, fully digitalised and software-enabled pension administration platform. The Company primarily focuses on managing complex occupational pension schemes for large corporations. Its offering includes highly automated and customisable processes, systems and reporting structures. As a result, Lohoff has built longstanding partnerships with a broad and diversified base of customers, including many notable blue-chip clients.

Lohoff has a highly experienced team, focused on designing and delivering tailored solutions for the occupational pension market. The Company operates from two locations: its main office in Isernhagen, near Hanover and a secondary base in Warnemünde, near Rostock.

With IK’s support, Lohoff plans to strengthen its market position by expanding its product and software offerings across existing verticals and complementary service areas, while continuing to invest in operational scalability, systems enhancements and digital infrastructure.

Petra Lohoff, Founder and Shareholder of Lohoff, said: “I am very pleased to see the vision my husband and I built being carried forward by IK, in partnership with the management team at Lohoff. IK brings the right combination of experience and perspective to support the Company’s continued growth. I wish all parties every success in this new chapter.”

Martin de Vries, Managing Director at Lohoff, said: “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved at Lohoff. With over two decades of experience in designing, implementing and administering pension plans, we are well positioned to benefit from long-term structural growth in the market. This new partnership comes at the right time as we look to enhance our offering and continue delivering a best-in-class service. We are excited to work with IK, who bring the strategic insight and expertise required to support Lohoff in its next phase of growth.”

Sebastian Hinz, Managing Director at Lohoff, commented: “We are proud of the strong and differentiated position we have built over the last two decades. Lohoff’s unique capabilities in digital integration and service customisation have allowed us to build lasting relationships with clients that manage complex pension structures. We look forward to working with IK as we scale the business and broaden our service offering.”

Ingmar Bär, Partner at IK and Advisor to the IK SC III Fund, added: “Lohoff has positioned itself as a leading provider of specialist pension administration services in an attractive, resilient market supported by strong regulatory tailwinds. Its strong IT capabilities, high quality standards and flexible offering provide a solid foundation for continued growth. We are pleased to be partnering with Martin, Sebastian and their team to accelerate the Company’s development and leverage our expertise in the Business Services sector to support its ambitions.”

For further questions, please contact:
IK Partners
Vidya Verlkumar
Phone: +44 (0)7787 558 193
vidya.verlkumar@ikpartners.com

About Lohoff Pension Services

Lohoff Pension Services (“Lohoff”) was founded in 1992 and is a leading provider of occupational pension plan administration solutions. The Company leverages over 30 years of experience to deliver highly flexible, bespoke administration services tailored to the specific needs of its client base. Lohoff acts as a trusted partner to its blue-chip clients throughout the entire occupational pension lifecycle, supporting the design, implementation and ongoing management of their pension schemes. For more information, visit lohoff.com

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About IK Partners

IK Partners (“IK”) is a European private equity firm focused on investments in the Benelux, DACH, France, Nordics and the UK. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €19 billion of capital and invested in over 200 European companies. IK supports companies with strong underlying potential, partnering with management teams and investors to create robust, well-positioned businesses with excellent long-term prospects. For more information, visit ikpartners.com

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Carlyle and SK Capital Partners Announce Extension of bluebird bio Tender Offer to May 28, 2025

Carlyle

WASHINGTON, DC and NEW YORK, NY—May 13, 2025—Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) (“Carlyle”), SK Capital Partners, LP (“SK Capital”) and Beacon Parent Holdings, L.P. (“Parent”) today announced that Beacon Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”) has extended the expiration date of its offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of bluebird bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLUE) (“bluebird”), to expire at one minute after 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on May 28, 2025.  The Offer was previously scheduled to expire one minute after 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on May 12, 2025.

Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, the depositary for the Offer, has advised Merger Sub that as of the close of business on May 12, 2025, approximately 2,502,927 shares of bluebird common stock have been validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Offer. Holders that have previously tendered their shares do not need to re-tender their shares or take any other action in response to this extension.

The Offer is being made pursuant to the terms and conditions described in the Offer to Purchase, dated March 7, 2025 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Offer to Purchase”), the related letter of transmittal and certain other offer documents, copies of which are attached to the tender offer statement on Schedule TO filed by Parent and Merger Sub with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 7, 2025, as amended.

The Offer is conditioned upon the fulfilment of certain conditions described in “Section 15—Conditions to the Offer” of the Offer to Purchase, including, but not limited to, the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of bluebird and other customary closing conditions.

About bluebird bio, Inc.

Founded in 2010, bluebird has been setting the standard for gene therapy for more than a decade—first as a scientific pioneer and now as a commercial leader. bluebird has an unrivaled track record in bringing the promise of gene therapy out of clinical studies and into the real-world setting, having secured FDA approvals for three therapies in under two years. Today, we are proving and scaling the commercial model for gene therapy and delivering innovative solutions for access to patients, providers, and payers.

With a dedicated focus on severe genetic diseases, bluebird has the largest and deepest ex-vivo gene therapy data set in the field, with industry-leading programs for sickle cell disease, ß-thalassemia, and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. We custom design each of our therapies to address the underlying cause of disease and have developed in-depth and effective analytical methods to understand the safety of our lentiviral vector technologies and drive the field of gene therapy forward.

bluebird continues to forge new paths as a standalone commercial gene therapy company, combining our real-world experience with a deep commitment to patient communities and a people-centric culture that attracts and grows a diverse flock of dedicated birds.

About Carlyle

Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across its business and conducts its operations through three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. With $441 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,300 people in 29 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.

About SK Capital 

SK Capital is a transformational private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the life sciences, specialty materials, and ingredients sectors. The firm seeks to build resilient, sustainable, and growing businesses that create substantial long-term value. SK Capital aims to utilize its industry, operating, and investment experience to identify opportunities to transform businesses into higher performing organizations with improved strategic positioning, growth, and profitability, as well as lower operating risk. SK Capital’s portfolio of businesses generates revenues of approximately $12 billion annually, employs more than 25,000 people globally, and operates more than 200 plants in over 30 countries. The firm currently has approximately $9 billion in assets under management. For more information, please visit www.skcapitalpartners.com. 

 

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication is not an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of bluebird. The solicitation and the offer to buy shares of bluebird’s common stock is only being made pursuant to the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related materials, that Parent and Merger Sub filed with the SEC. In addition, bluebird filed with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Investors may obtain a free copy of these materials and other documents filed by Parent, Merger Sub and bluebird with the SEC at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Investors may also obtain, at no charge, any such documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by (i) bluebird under the “Investors & Media” section of bluebird’s website at www.bluebirdbio.com or (ii) by Parent and Merger Sub by calling Innisfree M&A Incorporated, the information agent for the Offer, toll-free at (877) 825-8793 for stockholders or by calling collect at (212) 750-5833 for banks or brokers.

INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 OF BLUEBIRD AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TENDER OFFER AND THE MERGER THAT ARE FILED WITH THE SEC, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY PRIOR TO MAKING ANY DECISIONS WITH RESPECT TO WHETHER TO TENDER THEIR SHARES INTO THE TENDER OFFER BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE TENDER OFFER.

Investors & Media Contacts 

Bluebird 

Investors: 

Courtney O’Leary

978-621-7347

coleary@bluebirdbio.com

Media: 

Jess Rowlands

857-299-6103

jess.rowlands@bluebirdbio.com

 

Carlyle 

Media: 

Brittany Berliner

+1 (212) 813-4839

brittany.berliner@carlyle.com

SK Capital 

Ben Dillon

+1(646)-278-1353  

bdillon@skcapitalpartners.com

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Ardian and Rockfield strengthen PBSA Strategy with new investment in Milan

Ardian

Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, and Rockfield Real Estate, a vertically integrated living platform, consolidate their position in the student living sector with a new investment in Milan as part of their pan-European strategy dedicated to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). They have signed a preliminary purchase agreement to acquire shares in a corporate vehicle backed by Blue Noble, an international real estate investment manager, and Hines, a global firm specialized in real estate investment, development, and management.

This transaction concerns aparto Milan Durando, a complex located on Via Giovanni Durando, in the Bovisa district, just a short walk from the Politecnico di Milano campus. It marks the fifth deal closed by Ardian and Rockfield in just six months since the launch of their European PBSA strategy. With four more deals in advanced stages across France, Spain, and the Netherlands set to be completed within the next two months, the European platform will have a total of 5,000 beds available.

The property consists of two buildings with approximately 610 beds. The first building, operational from January 2025, has already achieved nearly 100% occupancy, while the second one will be completed by September of this year. The entire complex, managed by aparto – Hines’ management platform for purpose-built student accomodation – offers a high-quality, sustainable living experience tailored to the needs of students, demonstrating how careful and innovative management can significantly contribute to the long-term value and attractiveness of the asset. The asset offers a rich program of activities and services designed to empower young talent communities and foster their connection with the city’s urban and social fabric.

Accommodation options include studio apartments with private kitchens and bathrooms, single rooms with private bathrooms in shared apartments, and double rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms. In addition, the complex features numerous common areas, such as a lounge, cinema room, gym, yoga room, study areas, laundry facilities, and reception, all designed to encourage socialization and wellness.

Around 40% of the housing units are regulated and offer subsidized rents to address the growing demand for more affordable accommodation.

The student residence aims to achieve LEED Gold certification and features an EPC A energy class, reinforcing Ardian and Rockfield’s commitment to environmental and social sustainability and energy efficiency.

The property is strategically located and well connected to the center of Milan and is served by the Milano Bovisa FS railway station. The area will be further enhanced by the future North Interquartier Metrotramway, with completion expected by 2026.

Bovisa district is emerging as a rapidly growing area, thanks to the Politecnico di Milano campus, the Bovisa Technology Park, numerous start-ups, green spaces, and a growing network of services, making it one of the most dynamic hubs for the student community.

“This investment represents a strategic step in our long-term European vision dedicated to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, a rapidly growing sector that is increasingly central to urban transformation. With this acquisition in Milan, we complete our fifth investment in facilities located in international university cities, with the aim of offering modern, sustainable, and high-quality housing solutions designed to meet the needs of new generations. For us, investing in student housing means contributing to the development of more inclusive, innovative, and green cities, by providing students with spaces that are not only functional but also stimulating and environmentally conscious”. Rodolfo Petrosino, Head of Real Estate Southern Europe and Senior Managing Director, Ardian

“Milan continues to establish itself as one of the leading university hubs in Europe, with over 200,000 students enrolled in the 2023/2024 academic year, including a growing share of non-resident and international students. Despite the growing number of students, Milan is one of the European cities with the lowest supply of available housing. This structural gap makes Milan one of the cities with the greatest investment opportunities. Our new investment, located in the heart of the Bovisa district facing the Politecnico university campus, directly addresses this need by offering approximately 610 beds in a modern facility that is seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric. The first building, already operational since January 2025, has reached nearly 100% occupancy within the first few months, confirming the strong market interest. This development not only enhances a fast-growing area but also helps strengthen Milan’s strategic role on the European student housing map”. Matteo Minardi, Head of Real Estate Italy and Managing Director, Ardian

“Ardian and Rockfield’s strategy is to create a diversified portfolio of high-quality assets, across continental Europe. The demand for student housing in Milan is in high demand and short supply driven by a growing student population. This acquisition perfectly fits our strategy of targeting acquisitions and forward-funding opportunities of best-in-class PBSA schemes. This acquisition underlines our clear ambition to become a leading player in the in the PBSA sector across Italy and southern Europe”. Juan Manuel Acosta, CIO Rockfield Real Estate

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian is a world-leading private investment house, managing or advising $177bn 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 ROCKFIELD REAL ESTATE

Rockfield was established in 2014 with a clear mission to create high quality and sustainable housing solutions for students, young professionals and families in urban areas. Our founders recognized the growing demand for affordable housing in major cities, coupled with an increasing need for innovative living concepts that not only provide a place to live but also enable residents to grow and thrive within a community.
With this vision in mind, Rockfield started a journey to build a fully integrated real estate company. From the start, we chose to keep all aspects of real estate management in-house, from project development and acquisition to investment and property management. This approach has allowed us to offer tailored solutions that meet needs of both investors and tenants.
Since our inception, we have experienced impressive growth and evolved into a leading investment manager with a portfolio of over €2 billion in assets under management and around 8,000 housing units across various European cities.

rockfield.nl

Media Contacts

ARDIAN

HEADLAND

ardian@headlandconsultancy.com

ROCKFIELD REAL ESTATE

Sander van Essen

Sander.van.essen@rockfield.nl

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Apollo Hybrid Funds to Acquire PowerGrid Services from The Sterling Group

Apollo logo

Investment Will Support Leading Provider of Electric Utility Maintenance and Construction Services in its Mission to Address Growing US Power Demand and Needed Grid Improvements

HARTSELLE, Ala. and NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE:APO) today announced that Apollo-managed funds and affiliates associated with its hybrid strategies (the “Apollo Funds”) have agreed to acquire a majority stake in PowerGrid Services (“PGS”), a leading provider of maintenance and construction services to electric utilities across the United States. The Apollo Funds will partner with existing PGS investors, including company management and The Sterling Group, to support PGS’s continued growth.

PowerGrid Services keeps the lights on across America by delivering essential utility services—from routine construction and maintenance to emergency response. With over 1,400 skilled in-house professionals and thousands more through its national vendor network, PGS brings scale and speed to utility customers nationwide. Its hybrid service model supports construction, repair and maintenance of the full power grid, including transmission, distribution, substations and vegetation management. PGS’s safety-first culture and reliability has made it a go-to partner for grid modernization and resilience efforts in over 35 states.

Quentin Gillette, CEO of PGS, and Beth Gillette, PGS Board Member and Strategic Advisor, said, “We are thrilled to announce this transaction with Apollo, which marks an exciting milestone for our company. We founded PGS with a clear vision to be a trusted utility partner dedicated to solving challenges, strengthening our nation’s electric grid and improving quality of life in the communities where we operate. Apollo’s operational and strategic support will help us level up our capabilities and growth while remaining true to our culture and core mission of providing safe and reliable services to our customers. We are also grateful for The Sterling Group’s support over the past several years.”

Craig Horton, Partner at Apollo, said, “We are proud to partner with Quentin, Beth and the entire PGS leadership team to support PGS’s growth as a trusted partner to electric utility customers across the US. Apollo is focused on meeting the capital needs of industries that are driving a Global Industrial Renaissance, and we believe PGS is well positioned to help meet the growing demand for power across the country through its contributions to grid stability and electric infrastructure. The investment by the Apollo Funds enables us to bring the considerable resources of the Apollo platform to bear to help accelerate PGS’s geographic expansion, both organically and through its targeted acquisition strategy.”

Kent Wallace, Partner at The Sterling Group, said, “Since 2021, our team has worked closely with PGS’s leadership group to help the company triple in size and deliver the infrastructure needed to meet critical electric grid services. We look forward to supporting the company’s continued success.”

The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisor to the Apollo Funds on the transaction, while Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel.

Lincoln International acted as financial advisor to PGS and its shareholders, including management and The Sterling Group, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel.

About PowerGrid Services

PowerGrid Services (“PGS”) is a national provider of mission-critical electric utility services, offering a uniquely integrated platform across planned infrastructure work and rapid emergency response. Leveraging a hybrid service model that combines an in-house team of more than 1,400 skilled professionals with access to thousands of additional resources through our national vendor network, the company is built to respond quickly and safely when it matters most. PGS supports the full electrical infrastructure lifecycle, providing construction, repair, and maintenance from distribution and transmission to substations and vegetation management. The company’s commitment to safety and service excellence has made it a trusted partner for grid modernization, hardening, and event response to investor-owned utilities, municipalities, and co-ops across 35 states.

About Apollo

Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2025, Apollo had approximately $785 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets investments in manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 74 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $25 billion. Sterling currently has $9.4 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.

Contacts

Noah Gunn
Global Head of Investor Relations
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0540
IR@apollo.com

Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0491
Communications@apollo.com

Franny Jones
Partner, Investor Relations
The Sterling Group
713-341-5756
IR@sterling-group.com

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AE Industrial Partners Closes Aerospace Leasing Fund II with $418 Million in Capital Commitments

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Ae Industrial Partners

Oversubscribed fund highlights strong investor interest in durable, risk-adjusted asset class

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AE Industrial”), a private investment firm specializing in National Security, Aerospace, and Industrial Services, today announced the close of its second aerospace leasing fund, AE Industrial Partners Aerospace Leasing Fund II, LP (“Aerospace Leasing Fund II”), which was oversubscribed with total capital commitments of $418 million, reflecting strong support from both existing and new investors. Commitments came from a diverse mix of institutional investors, including public and private pensions, family offices, and endowments.

Established in 2020, AE Industrial’s aerospace leasing platform leverages its core competencies in sourcing, structuring, and managing late life current technology commercial aircraft and engines, business jets, and special mission aircraft modified for government contracts. To date, Aerospace Leasing Fund II has committed over 35% of its capital to acquire a fleet of 20 assets. With the close of Aerospace Leasing Fund II, AE Industrial broadens its leasing strategy, seeking attractive risk-adjusted returns designed to produce current income and capital appreciation for investors.

“We are grateful for the strong interest we have seen in our latest fund from both existing and new investors,” said David Rowe, Co-CEO & Managing Partner at AE Industrial. “This enthusiastic response underscores our team’s deep experience, track record, and global network. It also demonstrates that investors are looking for longer-term opportunities with strong underlying assets that can insulate them from market volatility while providing more predictable returns.”

“A convergence of industry tailwinds, including production bottlenecks, and airlines becoming more focused on utility and reliability, have continued to drive strong demand for commercial leased aerospace assets. This, coupled with the robust global growth for specialized or modified aircraft, creates unique well-structured investment opportunities,” said Nathan Dickstein, Partner and Head of Aerospace Leasing at AE Industrial. “With our dedicated capital and broader leasing platform, we will continue to provide innovative solutions to our global base of customers.”

About AE Industrial Partners Aerospace Leasing:
AE Industrial Partners Aerospace Leasing, the leasing platform of AE Industrial Partners, invests in asset-backed opportunities across the commercial, business, and special mission aerospace sectors. The dedicated investment team focuses on offering bespoke leasing solutions to its global customer base of airlines, corporates, and government entities. Leveraging the team’s deep technical knowledge and aircraft management expertise, AE Industrial Partners Aerospace Leasing seeks to build diversified, income-producing portfolios by opportunistically investing in assets under operating and finance leases. For more information, please visit www.aeroequity.com/aerospace-leasing/.

About AE Industrial Partners:
AE Industrial Partners is a private investment firm with $6.4 billion of assets under management focused on highly specialized markets including national security, aerospace, and industrial services. AE Industrial Partners has completed more than 130 investments in market-leading companies that benefit from its deep industry knowledge, operating experience, and network of relationships across the sectors where the firm invests. With a commitment to driving value creation in partnership with the management teams of its portfolio companies, AE Industrial Partners invests across private equity, venture capital, and aerospace leasing.

Media Contact:
Stanton Public Relations & Marketing
Matt Conroy
mconroy@stantonprm.com
(646) 502-3563

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Didask Secures €10M Investment to Enhance Corporate Online Learning

AVP
  • By placing skill development at the heart of organizational strategy, Didask transforms every training course into a true lever for sustainable, accessible, and personalized growth and performance.
  • Its eLearning platform is based on a unique approach combining instructional AI and cognitive science to rethink the way knowledge is transmitted and assimilated.
  • The company is now preparing for European expansion and  launching  a Knowledge Assistant dedicated to informal learning.

Paris, April 15th, 2025

Didask, a SaaS eLearning platform focused on significantly improving online training, has announced a successful €10 million fundraising round led by AVP (Atlantic Vantage Point) and Citizen Capital, with support from MAIF Impact, JuneX, and historical investor Takara Capital.

The company distinguishes itself with its scientific approach, while many competitors rely on gamification or ergonomics. The startup prioritizes educational effectiveness, offering structured and accessible training  to upskill employees.

An expert is not necessarily a teacher

The journey began in 2006 at ENS, where Son Ly and Arnaud Riegert observed that eLearning often fails to transmit skills effectively without a solid educational framework. Convinced of the key role that cognitive science plays in learning, they launched Didask in 2017 with Philip Moore. Their core ambition was to enable every expert to transmit their knowledge, regardless of their pedagogical skills.

Driven by this vision, they have continued to innovate. In 2019, they reimagined the LMS (Learning Management System) with a unique, scientifically validated authoring tool to structure training creation. Then, in 2022, they launched Didia, an intelligent teaching assistant that combined  AI and cognitive science to provide engaging,  highly accessible, and immediate applicable training.

Didask’s instructional AI empowers experts to develop engaging,  pedagogically sound online learning and microlearning content regardless of their technical skills. This technology streamlines the creation of high-quality training materials across diverse fields. Leveraging insights from cognitive science research, Didask incorporates evidence-based recommendations throughout the  training creation process. From defining learning goals and sub-goals to selecting effective pedagogical approaches and creating content, it automatically generates the most suitable formats to enhance learner engagement and progress (simulations, feedback, flashcards, micro-challenges, practical cases corrected by AI), tailoring a learning path for each learner’s needs.

Growth focused on international markets and informal learning

Already adopted by over 200 companies and training organizations (ENGIE, DEKRA, KEDGE Business School, MAGORA, BestDrive, Suez, DGAFP, PELLENC, Pierre et Vacances, French National Order of Chartered Accountants, etc.), Didask will continue to innovate thanks to this latest round of fundraising.

The company, which has doubled its revenue every year since 2022, will accelerate the technological development of its platform and instructional AI. The latter will soon include a Knowledge Assistant designed to boost informal learning and facilitate daily learning. Directly accessible from work tools, Didia will thus help employeesupskill  seamlessly and sustainably.

With a team of over 80 experts, Didask also aims for international expansion, particularly in Europe.

“I thank our investors for trusting in our vision: to develop a robust technology based on cognitive science to transform corporate training. This fundraising is a key step in making our educational technology accessible to all, helping employees learn effectively on a daily basis, and expanding our impact internationally.”, says Son Ly, CEO and co-founder of Didask.

“We are thrilled to partner with Didask, a pioneering company in the evolution of online learning. Their platform combining instructional AI and cognitive science. is revolutionizing training and skill development. This investment reflects our commitment to backing AI-powered vertical applications. We applaud the work of Son and his team and look forward to supporting them in their next steps,” says François Robinet, Managing Partner at AVP.

“What convinced us about Didask is a strong conviction carried by a committed founding team: training is not just a channel for transmission, it is above all, a driver of transformation. A powerful lever not only for greater efficiency, but also for greater equity and impact on learners. Their approach, rooted in the principles of equal opportunity and powered by distinctive educational technology, fully aligns with our values at the crossroads of impact, tech, and the future of work.”, explains Mehdi Belkahla, Investment Director at Citizen Capital.

“After three years alongside Didask as a seed investor, this transaction validates our initial conviction, inspired by a remarkable scientific team. Didask is exactly the kind of company that can lead the new AI supercycle by applying this new technology vertically in a unique field of expertise.”, says Thomas Le Forestier, co-founder of Takara Capital.

About Didask

Founded in 2017, Didask is a SaaS e-learning solution that deeply transforms online training by combining cognitive science and artificial intelligence. Its platform enables organizations to create effective training programs adapted to how the brain works, for genuine skill development. Adopted by over 200 companies (ENGIE, DEKRA, KEDGE Business School, MAGORA, BestDrive, Suez, DGAFP, Pellenc, Pierre et Vacances, French National Order of Chartered Accountants, etc.), Didask aims to become a major player in digital learning in Europe. Learn more at www.didask.com.

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Rentsync Raises Significant Growth Investment Led by Silversmith Capital Partners

Rentsync, a leading software and data company serving Canada’s rental housing industry, today announced it has raised a significant growth investment led by Silversmith Capital Partners. The partnership with Silversmith will enable the company to further invest in technology, expand its team, and pursue strategic acquisitions as it builds a comprehensive platform of data, software, and analytics to address the challenges of Canada’s rental housing ecosystem.

With a consistent track record of strong growth and profitability, Rentsync serves thousands of customers across Canada, including REITs, property management companies, and property developers. The company offers a range of innovative products and services designed to empower owners and landlords to streamline workflows, engage tenants, and maximize property potential.

“We are thrilled to partner with the team at Silversmith, who bring not only deep sector and operational expertise but also a successful history of backing Canadian growth companies,” said Max Steinman, CEO of Rentsync. “Silversmith’s commitment to building category-leading businesses aligns perfectly with our long-term vision to simplify and optimize the rental housing experience for owners, managers, marketers, and renters alike.”

Silversmith has a long and successful history of investing in, and partnering with, Canadian software companies and entrepreneurs, having led growth investments or supported acquisitions in every major region of the country—including Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Notable investments in which Silversmith served as the first institutional investor include Absorb Software and Apryse (fka PDFTron Systems).

“As a firm, we are focused on partnering with growing, profitable businesses led by domain experts, and Rentsync embodies these attributes,” said Jim Quagliaroli, Managing Partner at Silversmith. “We’re excited to support Max and his talented team as their first institutional investor as they continue to grow both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

“The combination of software and data via its numerous listing sites, sticky workflow software, and data and analytics offerings make Rentsync’s value proposition clear. The best is yet to come for Rentsync and its valued customers,” remarked Matthew Nash, Vice President at Silversmith.

In connection with the investment, Silversmith Senior Advisors Mike Owens, Co-Founder & former CEO of Absorb Software, and Mike Volpe, former CEO of Lola.com (acquired by Capital One) and former CMO of HubSpot (NYSE: HUBS), have joined Rentsync’s Board of Directors alongside Quagliaroli and Nash. The Board also includes CEO Max Steinman and Dan Jauernig, former CEO of Apartments.com and Cars.com (NYSE: CARS).

Stikeman Elliott and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to Silversmith Capital Partners. Software Equity Group (SEG) and Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) served as advisors to Rentsync.

About Rentsync

Based in Toronto, Rentsync is a leading software and data company, specializing in serving the Canadian rental housing industry. Rentsync offers a range of innovative products and services designed to streamline rental property marketing, leasing, and property management. It also owns and operates the Rentals.ca Network, the leading online marketplace for rental housing in Canada. Its commitment to professionalism, innovation, and accessibility has made it a trusted leading partner for rental housing marketers, leasing agents, and renters.

About Silversmith Capital Partners

Founded in 2015, Silversmith Capital Partners is a Boston-based growth equity firm with $3.3 billion of capital under management. Silversmith’s mission is to partner with and support the best entrepreneurs in growing, profitable technology and healthcare companies. Representative investments include ActiveCampaign, Appfire, Apryse, DistroKid, impact.com, Iodine Software, LifeStance Health, Onbe, and Webflow. For more information, including a full list of portfolio investments, visit www.silversmith.com or follow the firm on LinkedIn.

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Novacap Portfolio Company Revau Scales Operations Through U.S. Expansion with Brazos and Twenty Mile

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Novacap

Novacap is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, Revau, has successfully partnered with Brazos Specialty Risk Insurance and Twenty Mile Insurance Services, two independent Texas-based managing general agents (MGAs). The transaction significantly expands Revau’s presence and operational capabilities in the United States, firmly positioning the combined company as a pre-eminent player in the specialty-insurance market across North America.

Brazos, a distinguished provider of specialty trucking insurance, and Twenty Mile, a specialist in construction-focused liability solutions, bring extensive market reach and deep industry expertise to Revau’s growing platform. In return, Revau contributes advanced data-analytics capabilities, a robust capital base, and an industry leading digital infrastructure—giving the combined group the capacity to deliver tailored products and services to brokers, carriers, and insureds across the continent.

By pairing Brazos and Twenty Mile’s data-rich underwriting infrastructure with Revau’s advanced analytics platform, the combined group will command an end-to-end data capability—from acquisition and management to predictive modelling—that will:

  • Uncover deeper insights: identify hidden patterns in risk, customer, and market data.
  • Enable faster decisions: arm underwriters and leaders with real-time, data-driven intelligence.
  • Fuel innovation: surface opportunities for new products, services, and business models.
  • Boost efficiency: optimize processes, reduce cost, and improve productivity across the enterprise.

This transformational combination propels Revau from a domestic specialist to a North American platform, expanding its addressable market, adding two high-performing underwriting teams, and unlocking powerful data and distribution synergies. By uniting complementary cultures and capabilities, the group is poised to accelerate product innovation, deliver superior outcomes for carriers and brokers, and create new career opportunities for its growing roster of insurance professionals.

“This is an incredible milestone for Revau, marking our evolution from a small regional MGA with ambitious goals to an industry leader expanding beyond Canada,” stated Jean-François Raymond, President and CEO of Revau. “We have always believed our growth strategy extends globally, and today’s achievement demonstrates our commitment to teaming up with the right partners. We are thrilled to collaborate with such an experienced and talented group, building a strong partnership model that delivers value for all stakeholders and sets the stage for future success.”

Marcel Larochelle, Managing Partner at Novacap, shared: “We are proud of what Revau has accomplished since the start of our partnership in 2020 and thrilled to support Jeff and the Revau team in this transaction. Revau is a shining example of Novacap’s objective of building scalable, tech-enabled platforms in financial services. We look forward to supporting Revau’s new chapter of growth and innovation.”

Revau is pleased to confirm that Tom Spitalny, President of Brazos, and Christopher Polk, President of Twenty Mile and CEO of both entities, together with their teams, will remain integral to the combined company. Working shoulder to shoulder with Revau’s leadership, they have already launched integration workstreams spanning underwriting, claims, technology, and culture ensuring a seamless continuation of the outstanding service and deep market knowledge for which Brazos and Twenty Mile are known. As part of the cash-and-equity structure, the leadership teams of Brazos and Twenty Mile become meaningful shareholders in Revau, fully aligning long-term interests.

“This merger represents a significant step forward in our commitment to helping our businesses harness the full potential of their data,” said Chris Polk and Tom Spitalny. “By joining forces with Revau, we are creating a unique entity with the scale and expertise to tackle even the most complex data challenges and deliver the best possible results for our trading partners.”

The alignment leverages the complementary strengths and distinctive market positions of the three companies, significantly augmenting Revau’s operational depth and expanding its capacity to deliver specialized solutions across diverse insurance sectors. The integration is expected to drive innovation and provide an enhanced value proposition for brokers and policyholders alike.

This marks Revau’s 8th strategic transaction—and its largest and most transformational since partnering with Novacap in 2020. These initiatives reinforce Revau’s commitment to expanding specialized-insurance capabilities and cementing its leadership position in the North American market. Today’s announcement is a defining milestone in the firm’s strategy to build a continental leader in specialty insurance.

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP acted as lead external legal counsels to Revau. Howden Capital Markets & Advisory acted as exclusive financial advisor to Brazos and Twenty Mile, and Covington Burling LLP served as legal counsel to Brazos and Twenty Mile.

About Revau
Revau Advanced Underwriting Inc. is a leading Canadian Managing General Agent (MGA) specializing in property and casualty insurance. With a strong presence across Canada, Revau delivers tailored insurance solutions for specialized risks through its national network of brokers. Headquartered in Quebec, with offices and teams located in Quebec, Ontario, the Maritimes, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, Revau combines deep industry expertise with a cutting-edge digital platform to simplify the commercial insurance process and deliver exceptional value to brokers and their clients. For more information, please visit www.revau.com.

About Brazos Specialty Risk Insurance
Brazos Specialty Risk, Inc. is a provider of tailored commercial insurance solutions across the United States. With deep expertise in sectors such as transportation, construction, and energy, Brazos partners with independent agents and brokers to deliver comprehensive coverage through a wide network of respected insurance carriers. Their client base includes insurance professionals seeking access to both admitted and non-admitted markets for complex risks. Brazos is committed to helping clients protect their businesses while supporting growth and retention through responsive, knowledgeable, and relationship-focused service. For more information, please visit www.bsrinsurance.com.

About Twenty Mile Insurance Services, Inc.
Twenty Mile Insurance Services is a trusted program manager specializing in primary commercial general liability insurance across the United States. With a focus on commercial and residential contractors, Twenty Mile partners with a select network of surplus lines brokers to deliver tailored insurance solutions. Their commitment to thorough risk assessment and price adequacy ensures clients receive coverage that aligns with their operational needs. By offering flexible underwriting, access to A-rated carriers, and broad coverage forms, Twenty Mile supports the growth and stability of businesses within the construction industry through attentive and efficient service. For more information, please visit www.twentymileins.com.

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 companies in four core sectors: Technologies, Industries, Financial Services, and Digital Infrastructure. Novacap combines deep sector-specific expertise with strategic and operational excellence to support entrepreneurs and management teams. Since its inception, the firm has made primary and add-on investments in more than 250 companies. With over C$11 billion in assets under management and a presence across offices in Montreal, Toronto, and New York, Novacap continues to drive innovation and growth. For more information, please visit: https://novacap.ca.

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