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Aquila Capital strengthens Board of Directors to advance its strategic ambition of becoming a leading asset manager for sustainable investments in Europe

Aquila Capital

Florian Becker assumes role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

— Silvia Schmitten-Walgenbach appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO)

— Michael Hacker joined as Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

— Lars Kühne as Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and Markus Wandt as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) joining the Board of Directors

— Christoph Wallrich appointed as Head of Luxembourg in addition to his respon-sibility for Fund Management

Hamburg, 10 February 2025 – Aquila Capital, an asset manager specialising in sustainable real asset investments, announces key additions to its Board of Directors. These strategic appointments reinforce the company’s commitment to accelerating growth, delivering resilient returns to both institutional and retail clients while supporting clean energy initiatives and contributing to the decarbonisation of global infrastructure.

Effective as of February 2025, Florian Becker has taken on the role of Chief Executive Of-ficer (CEO), succeeding the former Speaker of the Management Board, Harald Schönebeck, who transitioned to a Senior Advisor position. Florian brings nearly a decade of leadership expertise within the Aquila Group, where he has held numerous senior positions, including roles as Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Counsel. As a long-standing member of Aquila Capital’s management team, he has played a key role in building and shaping the company since its foundation. His in-depth knowledge of the company’s business model and strategic vision makes him uniquely qualified to steer Aquila Capital’s ambitious expansion and initiatives in the field of sustainable real asset investments.

Silvia Schmitten-Walgenbach has assumed responsibility as Chief Operating Officer (COO) after joining Aquila Capital in October 2024. A seasoned executive with a distin-guished international background of over 30 years in the financial business, Silvia’s career includes leadership roles at renowned investment banks and real estate investment companies. Her comprehensive expertise and deep familiarity with the industry equip her to enhance operational excellence and further build a market leading organisation.

In addition, Michael Hacker stepped into the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in December 2024. With almost 20 years of experience in various German and international leadership roles at Commerzbank and a strong background in financial services consulting, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge in international finance. His expertise will play a critical role in advancing Aquila Capital’s financial strategy.

Lars Kühne, Chief Risk Officer of Aquila Group, has taken over the role as Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of Aquila Capital from Harald Schönebeck. Lars Kühne held functional management responsibility for the Risk Management and Valuation division of Aquila Capital since join-ing the company in February 2023. His leadership in this capacity ensures continuity and a seamless transition of responsibilities. Markus Wandt has 30 years of professional experience and more than 17 years track record of investing in sustainable energy infrastructure and related sectors, following his career in investment banking. Markus joined Aquila Capital in March 2022 and has been Chief Investment Officer (CIO) since 2023.

Christoph Wallrich, heading Fund Management of Aquila Capital, will now also act as Head of Luxembourg.

Helge Papenhausen, Chief Compliance & Governance Officer, and Till Schulz-Eickhorst, Head Real Estate, will be stepping down from the Board of Directors but will continue to serve in leadership roles within the company.

Strategic ambition 

Aquila Capital is committed to becoming a leader in sustainable real asset investments by diversifying its investor base, scaling fund strategies and entering new markets. To achieve this, the company is expanding beyond institutional investors to attract retail and whole-sale clients through products like ELTIF funds. It is also strengthening its fund offering by focusing on large-scale growth and launching thematic funds that support innovative technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) and other energy transition solu-tions. Additionally, Aquila Capital is actively exploring new opportunities in key European and global markets. Its strategic partnership with Commerzbank, established last year, enhances distribution channels and accelerates fund growth, further reinforcing Aquila Capital’s role in the transition to a Net Zero economy.

Florian Becker, CEO of Aquila Capital, commented: “I am committed to driving Aquila Capital’s growth towards our ambition of becoming a leading asset manager for sustainable investment strategies across Europe and beyond. The recent appointments have further strengthened our leadership team, equipping us with the expertise and vision needed to deliver innovative investment strategies and create lasting value for our stakeholders. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Harald Schönebeck, Helge Papenhausen and Till Schulz-Eickhorst for their outstanding contribution and leadership during a time of transition.” 

Categories: People

Columbus McKinnon to Combine with Kito Crosby Delivering Compelling Value Creation

KKR

Business combination materially improves scale and product scope, advancing Columbus McKinnon’s strategy as the holistic provider of intelligent motion solutions in materials handling

  • Complementary portfolio enhances strategic positioning in attractive verticals and target geographies, delivering an even stronger portfolio of products
  • Transaction valued at approximately $2.7 billion at a ~8x TTM Adjusted EBITDA multiple post-synergies
  • Expected to create ~$70 million in annual net cost synergies, improving Adjusted EBITDA Margins1 to greater than 23% and is expected to more than double revenue and triple Adjusted EBITDA1 on a pro-forma combined basis
  • Significant combined cashflow generation expected to enable de-leveraging to Net Leverage Ratio1 of approximately 3.0x within two years post-closing2
  • The transaction is expected to be funded with $2.6 billion in committed debt financing and an $0.8 billion perpetual convertible preferred equity investment from CD&R


CHARLOTTE, NC, February 10, 2025 – Columbus McKinnon Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCO) (“Columbus McKinnon” or the “Company”), a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions for material handling, today announced a definitive agreement under which Columbus McKinnon will acquire Kito Crosby Limited (“Kito Crosby”) from funds managed by leading global investment firm KKR in an all-cash transaction valued at $2.7 billion subject to customary post-closing purchase price adjustments. The Company expects the deal to close later this calendar year, subject to regulatory approvals and satisfactory completion of customary closing conditions.

“This is an important next step in further strengthening Columbus McKinnon’s position as a scaled, holistic provider of intelligent motion solutions in materials handling. We’ve long had a great respect for Kito Crosby’s strong portfolio of offerings. The business that the Kito Crosby management team, led by Robert Desel and Yoshio Kito have built is exceptional, and we look forward to welcoming them to the Columbus McKinnon team,” said David Wilson, President and CEO of Columbus McKinnon. “Through this strategic combination, we’re creating a company that is extremely well-positioned to deliver real-world solutions for customers, with favorable tailwinds from megatrends, including reshoring, infrastructure investment, modernization of aging industrial facilities, and rising automation needs due to labor shortages. This combination also unites two highly talented teams with deep technical expertise, customer-centric cultures and a shared vision for operational excellence focused on safety, productivity and uptime on behalf of our customers.”

Kito Crosby is a global leader in lifting solutions with multiple manufacturing assembly plants and nearly 4,000 employees serving over 50 countries. KKR has owned Kito Crosby since 2013 and in that time delivered significant value creation, more than doubling revenue, quadrupling the number of employees while reducing injury rates and expanding into new product categories, end markets and geographies. In 2024, Kito Crosby generated $1.1 billion in revenue through its extensive global channel partner network. Together the combined company will be a leader in material handling solutions with greater scale and a strong presence in attractive verticals and target geographies, delivering exceptional innovation and products to customers.

“We have long respected Columbus McKinnon. Our shared values of safety, quality, and a focus on our employees and customers will create value for all stakeholders,” said Robert Desel, Chief Executive Officer of Kito Crosby. “This deal brings together highly complementary, industry-leading brands, products and competencies with strong recurring sales dynamics. With the benefit of additional scale, and shared best practices and technology, we will be better positioned to meet our customers’ needs than ever before, simultaneously creating new opportunities for growth and development for our team members. We could not be more pleased to see these two great teams coming together.”

“Today’s announcement is a testament to the value we and the Kito Crosby team have created by transforming the business through organic initiatives, expanding global reach and pursuing strategic and accretive acquisitions. Kito Crosby is now better able to serve its customers with safety critical equipment than ever before, and the combination with Columbus McKinnon will further position the combined business to best serve all stakeholders. It has been an honor to closely partner with Robert, Yoshio and the whole Kito Crosby team and we believe the company is well positioned for this new chapter,” said Brandon Brahm, Partner at KKR.

As part of the transaction, Columbus McKinnon has partnered with CD&R, a leading private investment firm with deep experience delivering growth and operational improvement in industrials and manufacturing companies. As a result of CD&R’s investment in Columbus McKinnon it is expected that Mike Lamach, Nate Sleeper and Andrew Campelli will join the Company’s Board of Directors upon closing.

“We are excited to partner with Columbus McKinnon, their strong management team and Board, to support this highly strategic acquisition and the Company’s long-term opportunities,” said Michael Lamach, Operating Advisor to CD&R funds and former Executive Chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “We look forward to working closely with Columbus McKinnon to realize the full potential of this combination and set the stage for the Company’s next phase of growth.”

“We are excited about this business combination and look forward to welcoming Mike, Nate and Andrew to the Board,” added Jerry Colella, Chair of the Board for Columbus McKinnon. “CD&R will bring deep industry knowledge, a strong results orientation and financial expertise to our already strong Board of Directors.”


Attractive Financial Profile to Drive Growth and Deleveraging

The combined company will have a highly attractive financial profile, with meaningfully enhanced scale, increased margins and exceptional cash flow characteristics that are consistent with best-in-class industrial product manufacturers. On a pro-forma basis, the Company is expected to have annual revenue of $2.1 billion, Adjusted EBITDA1 of $486 million and an Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 of 23%, accelerating the achievement of the Company’s fiscal year 2027 financial targets established at its 2022 Investor Day. The transaction is expected to be accretive to the Company’s Adjusted Earnings Per Share1 in the first year3 after closing and grow over time as synergies are achieved. The Company expects to achieve $70 million in annual net cost synergies by year three.

The combined significant cashflow generation will enable the Company to de-lever in the near-term and expects to reduce its Net Leverage Ratio1,2 from approximately 4.8x pro forma Adjusted EBITDA1 post transaction closing to approximately 3.0x within two years post-closing. The Company’s enhanced scale, margin profile and free cash flow provides a strong foundation to continue to return cash to shareholders through its dividend, reinvest in long-term organic growth and, over time, pursue additional acquisitions as it continues to execute on its strategy of building the premier intelligent motion solutions provider.


Transaction Details and Financing

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Columbus McKinnon. Columbus McKinnon intends to fund the acquisition through a combination of committed debt financing of $3.050 billion from J.P. Morgan including a $500 million revolving credit facility and $0.8 billion of perpetual convertible preferred equity investment from CD&R.  Terms of the CD&R investment include a 7% coupon, payable in cash or payment-in-kind at Columbus McKinnon’s option, and a conversion price of $37.68, resulting in CD&R as-converted ownership of approximately 40% of the Company following completion of the transaction. CD&R has agreed to a customary lock-up on its shares.

The initial debt financing structure provides flexibility for timely execution of the transaction, which we expect to replace with a permanent financing structure. The Company has a strong track record of quickly de-levering its balance sheet following prior acquisitions.


Advisors

For Columbus McKinnon, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as the financial advisor, and DLA Piper LLP (US) and Hogan Lovells US LLP are acting as legal advisors. ): Evercore and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are acting as lead financial advisors and UBS Investment Bank is acting as financial advisor for Kito Crosby and KKR, while Kirkland and Ellis LLP Is acting as legal advisor. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is acting as legal advisor for CD&R, with Guggenheim Securities LLC acting as its financial advisor.

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1   Net Leverage Ratio, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and Earnings Per Share are each a non-GAAP financial measure. See the note regarding forward looking non-GAAP financial measure at the end of this release.

2   Net Leverage Ratio is calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions in the Company’s credit agreement and is defined as Net Debt over trailing-twelve month Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the Company’s credit agreement and in accordance with the Company’s previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

3   Adjusted Earnings Per Share is calculated assuming full run-rate annualized net synergies in the first year.

About Columbus McKinnon

Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward and improve lives by efficiently and ergonomically moving, lifting, positioning, and securing materials. Key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations, and digital power and motion control systems. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by its superior design and engineering know-how.  Comprehensive information on Columbus McKinnon is available at www.cmco.com.

About Kito Crosby

Kito Crosby is the global leader of the lifting and securement industry it pioneered, and for which it continues to set the quality standard. With global engineering, manufacturing, distribution, and operations, the company provides a broad range of products and solutions for the most demanding applications. Kito Crosby’s people, products, solutions, and service have innovated the lifting and securement industry for more than 250 years. Together we lift and secure the world today, for a safer, stronger, and more productive tomorrow. Our iconic brands include Kito, Crosby, Harrington, Gunnebo Industries, and Peerless.

About CD&R

Founded in 1978, CD&R is a leading private investment firm with a strategy of generating strong investment returns by building more robust and sustainable businesses through the combination of skilled investment experience and deep operating capabilities. In partnership with the management teams of its portfolio companies, CD&R takes a long-term view of value creation and emphasizes positive stewardship and impact. The firm invests in businesses that span a broad range of industries, including industrial, healthcare, consumer, technology and financial services end markets. CD&R is privately owned by its partners and has offices in New York and London. For more information, please visit www.cdr.com and follow the firm’s activities through LinkedIn and @CDRBuilds on X/Twitter.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

Analyst Conference Call

Columbus McKinnon will host a combined third quarter fiscal 2025 financial results and Kito Crosby acquisition conference call Monday, February 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time to discuss the transaction.  The conference call and related presentation will be accessible through live webcast on the Company’s investor relations website at investors.cmco.com.  A replay of the webcast will also be archived on the Company’s investor relations website through Monday, February 24, 2025.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “illustrative,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “shall,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Columbus McKinnon and Kito Crosby to differ materially from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, (1) the risk that the cost synergies and any revenue synergies from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, (2) disruption to the parties’ businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the transaction, (3) the risk that the integration of Kito Crosby’s business and operations into Columbus McKinnon will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected, or that Columbus McKinnon is otherwise unable to successfully integrate Kito Crosby’s businesses into its own, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, (4) the ability by each of Columbus McKinnon and Kito Crosby to obtain required governmental approvals of the transaction on the timeline expected, or at all, and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect Columbus McKinnon after the closing of the transaction or adversely affect the expected benefits of the transaction, (5) reputational risk and the reaction of each company’s customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners to the transaction, (6) the failure of the closing conditions in the purchase agreement to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing the transaction or the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the purchase agreement, (7) the dilution caused by the issuance of perpetual convertible preferred equity to CD&R, (8) the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, (9) risks related to management and oversight of the expanded business and operations of Columbus McKinnon following the transaction due to the increased size and complexity of its business, (10) the outcome of any legal or regulatory proceedings that may be currently pending or later instituted against Columbus McKinnon before or after the transaction, or against Kito Crosby, and (11) general competitive, economic, political and market conditions and other factors that may affect future results of Columbus McKinnon and Kito Crosby. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but instead represent our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risk factors that are described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 as well as in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on its website at www.sec.gov. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Columbus McKinnon undertakes no duty to update publicly any such forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law, regulation or other competent legal authority.

Forward Looking Non-GAAP Financial Metrics

This press release presents forward looking statements regarding non-GAAP Net Leverage Ratio, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and Adjusted Earnings Per Share. The Company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures, net income, net income margin, and earnings per share because such information is not available, and management cannot reliably predict the necessary components of such GAAP measures without unreasonable effort or expense. In addition, the Company believes that such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on the Company’s financial results. These non-GAAP financial measures are preliminary estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among others, changes in connection with post-closing adjustments. Any variation between the Company’s actual results and preliminary financial data set forth above may be material.  Such non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP financial measures in this press release may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Contacts

Kristine Moser
VP IR and Treasurer
Columbus McKinnon Corporation
704-322-2488
kristy.moser@cmco.com

 

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Trackunit Announces Investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives

HG Capital

Aalborg, 10th February 2025 – Today, Trackunit (the “Company”), a leading SaaS and operating data platform provider for the construction ecosystem globally, announced that Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives will acquire a majority stake in the Company from funds advised by Hg and GRO Capital. Goldman Sachs Alternatives’ investment marks the next chapter in Trackunit’s ambitious growth journey, supporting the Company’s mission to eliminate downtime in construction and to support customer success and innovation. As part of the transaction Hg, a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses, will reinvest in the business, reaffirming their confidence in Trackunit’s continued growth and leadership, in construction digitalization.

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Denmark, Trackunit is at the forefront of the digital transformation of the construction sector, offering a verticalized operating data platform, which generates valuable data-driven insights via an industry leading data lake. The Company’s solutions connect construction equipment to the cloud, delivering data-driven insights that enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Trackunit’s software and IoT connectivity solutions uniquely support the entire construction ecosystem, serving equipment manufacturers, rental companies, contractors and ecosystem tech partners, and integrating the off-highway vehicle, connected site, and mobile workforce. Trackunit serves a global diversified customer base of more than 5,000 customers spanning the full construction value chain and has approximately 400 employees.

Goldman Sachs Alternatives previously owned a majority stake in Trackunit between 2015 and 2021, bringing unique insights and a proven partnership. During the previous ownership period, Goldman Sachs leveraged its global network and differentiated value creation capabilities to support meaningful expansion of the Company’s product capabilities and operations. With Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Hg (invested since 2021), Trackunit has an ideal shareholder base to continue investing in cutting-edge product development, technology, people and further expansion.

     

Soeren Brogaard, CEO of Trackunit, commented: “We have built a strong foundation together with Hg, advancing our offerings and working together with customers to eliminate downtime in construction. The reinvestment from Hg, alongside the new and proven partnership with Goldman Sachs Alternatives, positions us to scale even faster. We remain fully committed to our purpose, and with Goldman Sachs Alternatives’ expertise and global reach, we are excited to accelerate innovation and growth for our customers and partners worldwide.”

Michael Bruun, Partner and Global Co-Head of Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: “We are thrilled to partner once again with Trackunit’s leadership team, along with Hg, to build on their success and drive even greater impact for customers globally. We see significant potential in continuing to scale the business and further embedding digital solutions across the construction ecosystem.”

Scott Myers and James Robinson, Managing Directors and Co-Heads of European Technology Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: “Through its unique software & data capabilities and customer-focused approach, Trackunit has become a mission critical provider to the construction ecosystem. We look forward to collaborating with management and leveraging the Goldman Sachs Value Accelerator and global network to support the Company in its next stage of growth.”

Nick Jordan, Partner and Soren Holt, Director at Hg, stated: “Trackunit is a prime example of how data-rich software businesses can capitalise on their structural data advantage through AI and continue to expand their customer proposition. Our investment in this business has been about fostering this innovation and scaling a category-leading SaaS business. We are pleased to continue supporting Trackunit alongside Goldman Sachs Alternatives, ensuring the Company has the resources and expertise to realize its long-term purpose and industry-changing ambitions.”

Advisors and Closing Conditions

The selling shareholders were advised by Evercore, Skadden, Gorrissen Federspiel, CMS and Deloitte.

Goldman Sachs Alternatives was advised by Goldman Sachs Investment Banking, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, White & Case, A&O Shearman, and Sullivan & Cromwell.

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in early summer.

About Trackunit

Trackunit is a global technology company that connects construction through one platform to create a living, evolving ecosystem that delivers data and insights to the off-highway sector. With circa 3.5 million visible assets connected, it uses technology to eliminate downtime, improve safety, and help customers improve the bottom line in a sustainable, cost-effective way. Follow us on LinkedIn.

For further information, please visit: trackunit.com

About Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives

Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is one of the leading investors in alternatives globally, with over $500 billion in assets and more than 30 years of experience. The business invests in the full spectrum of alternatives including private equity, growth equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, and sustainability. Clients access these solutions through direct strategies, customized partnerships, and open-architecture programs. The business is driven by a focus on partnership and shared success with its clients, seeking to deliver long-term investment performance drawing on its global network and deep expertise across industries and markets. The alternative investments platform is part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which delivers investment and advisory services across public and private markets for the world’s leading institutions, financial advisors, and individuals. Goldman Sachs has over $3 trillion in assets under supervision globally as of December 31, 2024. Established in 1986, Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives has invested over $75 billion since inception. The business combines a global network of relationships, unique insight across markets, industries and regions, and the worldwide resources of Goldman Sachs to build businesses and accelerate value creation across its portfolios. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts

For Trackunit
Lærke Ullerup
lul@trackunit.com
T +45 53703033

For Goldman Sachs Alternatives
Joseph Stein
Joseph.Stein@gs.com
T +44 207 774 4080

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Wal van Lierop has transitioned into a part-time role at Chrysalix Venture Capital

Chrysalix

Wal van Lierop, Cleantech pioneer, founder, and former Managing Partner of Chrysalix Venture Capital, has, since January 1st 2025, transitioned to a part-time role and will focus on the Chrysalix legacy portfolio of our Chrysalix II and III funds.

Wal has played a pivotal role in directing funds to cleantech startups and was presented with the Cleantech Group’s first Pioneer Award at their recent meeting. With the launch of Chrysalix fund 5, Chrysalix we remain firmly rooted in the tradition of assisting our corporate partners to navigate energy and materials transitions and value creation through resource efficiency, sustainability, and circularity. Chrysalix partners globally with corporate industrial and financial investors and has access to an extensive ecosystem of academic partners and experts.

With offices in Europe (Delft, London) and Canada (Vancouver) and venture partners in Asia, and a first-tier Advisory Board, Chrysalix is well-positioned to see more, earlier and to identify the most promising technology developers worldwide.

The Chrysalix investment team,

Europe

  • Fred van Beuningen, Managing Partner

  • Alfred Lam, partner

  • Charles Haythornthwaite, Partner

  • Niccolo Moro, analyst

  • Tracy Gundy, Research, and program manager

Vancouver

  • Wendy Leong, Chief financial officer

  • Greg Allen, partner

  • Alicia Lenis, Vice President

  • Nicholas Andruschak, Vice President

 

Categories: People

Adams Street Opens Toronto Office

Adams Street

Colin Miller appointed to lead Canadian Investor Relations

CHICAGO, IL – February 10, 2025 – Adams Street Partners, LLC, a leading private markets investment management firm with more than US $62 billion in assets under management (“Adams Street”), today announced the opening of its Toronto office, the firm’s first in Canada. The new Toronto office is Adams Street’s sixth in North America and 13th worldwide.

Colin Miller

The office will be managed by Colin Miller, who has joined Adams Street as a Principal, Investor Relations. Colin’s primary focus is on deepening relationships with institutional and intermediary investors, expanding the firm’s investor base, and providing dedicated client services to new investors. Adams Street has had a Canadian presence dating back over 20 years, with investments from Canadian institutional investors including public pensions, corporate pensions, endowments, foundations, family offices and wealth platforms, who have accessed Adams Street strategies to participate in a comprehensive mix of private equity and credit mandates.

“Private markets have the potential to offer significant advantages for investors,” said Kevin O’Donnell, Partner & Global Head of Investor Relations at Adams Street. “We are eager to expand our platform and deepen our relationships through our dedicated presence in Toronto. Adams Street aims to facilitate access to investments that capitalize on change, dislocation, and growth. Colin’s deep experience in the Canadian market will greatly benefit both Adams Street and our partners.”

“Investors continue seeking private market investment solutions that meet their unique investment objectives,” said Miller. “Adams Street’s experience, expertise, and investment platform make this an exciting opportunity to help investors access a broad range of private market investment solutions. We are excited that the Canadian subsidiary is now established as an exempt market dealer. Our new office and registration are designed to enable us to bring our private market capabilities to a wider range of clients. This further demonstrates Adams Street’s long-term commitment to the Canadian investment community, and I am very excited for the journey ahead.”

Miller joins Adams Street from a large independent Canadian asset management firm, where he led the sales effort across the public and private market platforms. Prior to that role, he worked at a leading insurance-owned asset manager, first as Head of Client Relationships before moving to a full capital raising seat as Managing Director of Business Development. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. Johns with a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) and holds a CFA designation.

 

About Adams Street Partners

Adams Street Partners is a global private markets investment manager with investments in more than 30 countries across five continents. The firm is 100% employee-owned and has US $62 billion in assets under management across primary, secondary, growth equity, credit, and co-investment strategies. Adams Street strives to generate actionable investment insights across market cycles by drawing on over 50 years of private markets experience, proprietary intelligence, and trusted relationships. Adams Street has offices in Austin, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, London, Menlo Park, Munich, New York, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto. Visit www.adamsstreetpartners.com

Media Inquiries:
Rich Myers / Rachel Goun
Profile Advisors
+1 347 343 2999
adamsstreet@profileadvisors.com

Categories: News

James Davies becomes partner at Aliter

Aliter Capital

 

James Davies has been appointed partner at Aliter, stepping up from his current role as Investment Director.

 

Billy Allan, a founding partner at Aliter said, “When we founded the business back in 2017, James was one of our first appointments to join the team and this promotion recognises the significant contribution James has made to Aliter’s growth and success over the past eight years”.

 

James Davies said, “I am delighted to be appointed partner at Aliter and look forward to continuing to build on our strong track record of driving growth and creating value. I am grateful to my colleagues for their continued support and look forward to this next stage of my career.”

 

In his role as partner, Davies will continue to support the identification of and lead the assessment and transaction of new investment opportunities, as well as provide valuable support to Aliter’s current portfolio businesses.

 

Prior to joining Aliter in 2017, Davies worked at Canaccord Genuity, Mansford, Macquarie Capital and Deloitte.

Categories: People

Warburg Pincus Announces Over $1 Billion in Capital Deployed by Inaugural Capital Solutions Fund

Warburg Pincus logo

Fund pursues thesis-based investing opportunities in curated structured transactions

New York, NY – February 6th, 2025 – Warburg Pincus, the pioneer of private equity global growth investing, recently surpassed $1 billion in capital deployed by Warburg Pincus Capital Solutions Founders Fund (“WPCS FF”) in 2024. WPCS FF closed in August 2024 with more than $4 billion in commitments, raising over double the initial target. WPCS FF was anchored by a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), along with other leading global institutional investors.

“Reaching $1 billion in fund deployment is a significant milestone for WPCS FF and highlights the strong opportunities in strategic structured transactions. By leveraging the sector expertise and sourcing network of Warburg Pincus, our team has capitalized on a wide range of opportunities across the firm’s core sectors,” said Jeff Perlman, CEO, Warburg Pincus. “We are proud of WPCS FF’s success, having provided innovative financing solutions to best-in-class companies and management teams across nine investments to-date, and having already realized one sizeable and highly successful exit,” added Dan Zilberman, Global Head of Capital Solutions, Warburg Pincus.

Hamad Shahwan AlDhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, said, “Warburg Pincus Capital Solutions is well positioned to identify and execute on attractive opportunities, given the team’s deep sector knowledge and extensive sourcing network. Our anchor investment in the Fund was in recognition of the significant opportunity set for offering structured solutions to strong companies with clear growth strategies.”

The milestone follows WPCS FF’s recent investment in an industrial distribution platform, alongside investments that include DriveCentric, Excelitas Technologies, Mashura, MB2 Dental, MIAX, Nord Security, Service Compression, and United Trust Bank[1].

The global Capital Solutions team is comprised of five seasoned Managing Directors, with an average of 20+ years of investing experience, as well as a large, dedicated team of investment professionals and senior advisors. The team collaborates closely with the firm’s 280 investment professionals and 75+ value creation executives across Warburg Pincus’ global industry verticals, critical to sourcing and underwriting differentiated, attractive investments for the fund.

About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is the pioneer of private equity global growth investing. A private partnership since 1966, the firm has the flexibility and experience to focus on helping investors and management teams achieve enduring success across market cycles. Today, the firm has more than $86 billion in assets under management, and more than 230 companies in their active portfolio, diversified across stages, sectors, and geographies. Warburg Pincus has invested in more than 1,000 companies across its private equity, real estate, and capital solutions strategies.

The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact

Warburg Pincus

Sarah Bloom, Director, Communications

Sarah.bloom@warburgpincus.com

[1] The transaction is subject to customary conditions and approvals.

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Dains Group joins forces with Consilium

IK Partners

Leading accountancy and advisory services provider to the SME market, Dains Group (“Dains”), announces that it has made its first acquisition since securing private equity backing from IK Partners (“IK”) in a move that reinforces a growing intention to build the leading SME advisory business in Scotland.

Consilium Chartered Accountants, based in Glasgow, has joined Dains Group, which significantly strengthens the client proposition in corporate tax, audit, and corporate finance. The team in Scotland is now almost 200 people strong, with offices across the central belt.

Consilium has a strong reputation as being a highly customer-centric, personable, and progressive business that has built a highly talented team since its establishment in 2013. “We were attracted to Consilium because of their advisory mindset and strong cultural values,” said Graeme Bryson, Scotland Managing Partner at Dains Group. “It is our ambition to collaborate with our clients, to provide timely and well thought through advice based on a detailed understanding of what they are trying to achieve, and this has been the cornerstone for Consilium’s rapid growth, making them obvious strategic partners.”

David Holt, Partner at Consilium, commented: “Dains approached us with a clear vision for delivering a market-leading advisory proposition for our clients, in a group that believes in providing great careers for its team. Upon joining the group, we enhance the range of services open to our clients and look forward to building the business in Scotland for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”

“We are delighted to welcome Consilium to the Dains Group,” said Richard McNeilly, CEO of Dains Group. “It is rare that we meet such an enterprising and client-focused leadership team and the opportunities we can create together in Scotland and across the UK and Ireland are substantial. We are building a very compelling proposition in Scotland, having previously partnered with William Duncan & Co., and Condies. Our group comprises over 850 people and we are determined to continue improving the proposition for our clients and the career opportunities for our talented team.”

Pete Wilson, Partner at IK, added: “It is fantastic to welcome Consilium to Dains, which represents the 11th acquisition by the group since 2021. Dains has a clear ambition to differentiate itself, through offering a high-quality, value-adding, comprehensive suite of services for its customers, whilst engaging with the best delivery team in the SME market – I know the team cannot wait to get started.”

Dains were advised by DSW (financial and tax due diligence), Forward Corporate Finance (Financial Modelling), Deloitte (Tax Structuring) and CMS (Legal). Consilium were advised by Vialex (Legal).

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Bridgepoint to reinvest in SAMY Alliance

Bridgepoint
  • Bridgepoint to become majority shareholder in social-first digital marketing group SAMY Alliance.
  • Since Bridgepoint’s initial investment in 2023, SAMY has surpassed annual revenue targets of €100M, with further growth through successful M&A in the US, Europe and LATAM.
  • With Bridgepoint’s support, SAMY will invest in enhancing its technology platform, expanding into new geographies and verticals, and continue its selective M&A strategy.

 

Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors, has announced it will further strengthen its partnership with SAMY Alliance, a Spanish-headquartered social media marketing company specialising in influencer marketing, social media management and amplified paid social campaigns.

The new investment will see Bridgepoint become SAMY Alliance’s majority shareholder, following its initial minority investment in 2023, and reflects Bridgepoint’s continued confidence in the company’s potential. As part of the transaction, SAMY Alliance’s existing backers, including its main shareholder Aurica Capital and other minority investors such as Inveready and Sabadell Venture Capital, will sell their shareholdings to Bridgepoint. SAMY’s founders and the rest of the management team will continue partnering with Bridgepoint during this next chapter in the business’s growth.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of the year following customary regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 2012, SAMY Alliance specialises in delivering cutting-edge social-first marketing services, combining proprietary software and advanced analytics tools to empower brands in the social and influencer media space. Today, the company operates across 15 countries with over 600 employees, serving a well-diversified blue-chip client base.

Since the initial investment in August 2023, Bridgepoint and SAMY Alliance have focused on laying the groundwork for sustainable growth, including identifying and advancing acquisition opportunities to accelerate future growth.

The digital marketing sector, and social media marketing in particular, continues to experience rapid growth, driven by businesses prioritising social media marketing as a strategic imperative and by the increasing importance of influencer-led marketing in engaging consumers. This favourable market dynamic is expected to support long-term double-digit annual growth rates.

Bridgepoint has extensive sector expertise in the digital marketing and tech-enabled advisory sectors with a successful track record of supporting the international growth of businesses, including previous investments in ITG and MiQ.

With support from Bridgepoint, SAMY Alliance will further strengthen its leadership position in the social media marketing sector through its industry leading approach combining analytics to provide a meaningful understanding of audiences with intelligence-fuelled creativity. The company will enhance its technology platform, expand into new geographies and industries, and continue to develop its M&A strategy, leveraging Bridgepoint’s extensive sector expertise and global office network. These initiatives will reinforce SAMY Alliance’s position as a global market leader in a high-growth, dynamic industry.

In 2024, SAMY achieved a remarkable milestone of €100M in revenue, successfully meeting its annual target. During the period, SAMY completed three M&A operations: acquiring Kurio, a social media agency based in Helsinki; MDS, a creative technology and digital agency located in Bogotá; and most recently, Content Lab, a US-based digital advocacy marketing agency specialising in emerging platforms and a certified global ecosystem partner of TikTok. Additionally, in 2025, SAMY will expand its global footprint by opening an office in Milan, marking its entry into the Italian market for the first time. For 2025, SAMY aims to achieve double-digit growth while strengthening its presence in key markets such as Europe, Mexico, and the US, further solidifying its position as the leading social-first partner for brands.

Héctor Pérez, Partner at Bridgepoint, said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with SAMY Alliance, a business that has consistently demonstrated leadership in the rapidly evolving social media marketing sector. This majority investment reflects our belief in the strength of its management team, its innovative solutions, and its potential for continued growth. We are excited to work alongside the team to further their success.”

Juan Sanchez-Herrera, Chairman and Co-founder of SAMY Alliance, said: “Bridgepoint’s reinvestment marks an exciting milestone for SAMY Alliance. Their support has strengthened our foundation for growth, and together, we’re ready to expand globally, drive innovation, and further our leadership in the social media marketing space.”

Patricia Ratia García-Oliveros, Co-founder of SAMY Alliance, said: “Bridgepoint’s support has been pivotal in helping us accelerate our growth and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. With this majority investment, we are eager to build on our achievements and expand our footprint in the global digital marketing space.”

Marta Nicolás. Co-Founder of SAMY Alliance said: “With the strong financial support of Bridgepoint, we are poised to deliver on our vision with confidence. This partnership unlocks unparalleled global growth opportunities and enables us to engage with larger, more ambitious clients worldwide, solidifying our position as a leader in social-first marketing.”

Martín Vargas, Investment Director at Aurica Capital, said: “As Aurica concludes its partnership with SAMY Alliance, we take immense pride in the remarkable journey we’ve shared over the past years. SAMY’s evolution from a promising startup to a global marketing leader with a truly innovative positioning strategy and cutting-edge technological capabilities is a testament to the team’s vision and dedication. We are confident that Bridgepoint’s involvement will propel SAMY to even greater heights, and we look forward to seeing the company’s continued success on a global scale.”

Bridgepoint was advised by JEGI Clarity (M&A), Uria (Legal), PWC and Marsh (Due Diligence).

SAMY Alliance was advised by Cuatrecasas and Herbert Smith (Legal).

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Bridgepoint to reinvest in SAMY Alliance

Bridgepoint
  • Bridgepoint to become majority shareholder in social-first digital marketing group SAMY Alliance.
  • Since Bridgepoint’s initial investment in 2023, SAMY has surpassed annual revenue targets of €100M, with further growth through successful M&A in the US, Europe and LATAM.
  • With Bridgepoint’s support, SAMY will invest in enhancing its technology platform, expanding into new geographies and verticals, and continue its selective M&A strategy.

 

Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors, has announced it will further strengthen its partnership with SAMY Alliance, a Spanish-headquartered social media marketing company specialising in influencer marketing, social media management and amplified paid social campaigns.

The new investment will see Bridgepoint become SAMY Alliance’s majority shareholder, following its initial minority investment in 2023, and reflects Bridgepoint’s continued confidence in the company’s potential. As part of the transaction, SAMY Alliance’s existing backers, including its main shareholder Aurica Capital and other minority investors such as Inveready and Sabadell Venture Capital, will sell their shareholdings to Bridgepoint. SAMY’s founders and the rest of the management team will continue partnering with Bridgepoint during this next chapter in the business’s growth.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of the year following customary regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 2012, SAMY Alliance specialises in delivering cutting-edge social-first marketing services, combining proprietary software and advanced analytics tools to empower brands in the social and influencer media space. Today, the company operates across 15 countries with over 600 employees, serving a well-diversified blue-chip client base.

Since the initial investment in August 2023, Bridgepoint and SAMY Alliance have focused on laying the groundwork for sustainable growth, including identifying and advancing acquisition opportunities to accelerate future growth.

The digital marketing sector, and social media marketing in particular, continues to experience rapid growth, driven by businesses prioritising social media marketing as a strategic imperative and by the increasing importance of influencer-led marketing in engaging consumers. This favourable market dynamic is expected to support long-term double-digit annual growth rates.

Bridgepoint has extensive sector expertise in the digital marketing and tech-enabled advisory sectors with a successful track record of supporting the international growth of businesses, including previous investments in ITG and MiQ.

With support from Bridgepoint, SAMY Alliance will further strengthen its leadership position in the social media marketing sector through its industry leading approach combining analytics to provide a meaningful understanding of audiences with intelligence-fuelled creativity. The company will enhance its technology platform, expand into new geographies and industries, and continue to develop its M&A strategy, leveraging Bridgepoint’s extensive sector expertise and global office network. These initiatives will reinforce SAMY Alliance’s position as a global market leader in a high-growth, dynamic industry.

In 2024, SAMY achieved a remarkable milestone of €100M in revenue, successfully meeting its annual target. During the period, SAMY completed three M&A operations: acquiring Kurio, a social media agency based in Helsinki; MDS, a creative technology and digital agency located in Bogotá; and most recently, Content Lab, a US-based digital advocacy marketing agency specialising in emerging platforms and a certified global ecosystem partner of TikTok. Additionally, in 2025, SAMY will expand its global footprint by opening an office in Milan, marking its entry into the Italian market for the first time. For 2025, SAMY aims to achieve double-digit growth while strengthening its presence in key markets such as Europe, Mexico, and the US, further solidifying its position as the leading social-first partner for brands.

Héctor Pérez, Partner at Bridgepoint, said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with SAMY Alliance, a business that has consistently demonstrated leadership in the rapidly evolving social media marketing sector. This majority investment reflects our belief in the strength of its management team, its innovative solutions, and its potential for continued growth. We are excited to work alongside the team to further their success.”

Juan Sanchez-Herrera, Chairman and Co-founder of SAMY Alliance, said: “Bridgepoint’s reinvestment marks an exciting milestone for SAMY Alliance. Their support has strengthened our foundation for growth, and together, we’re ready to expand globally, drive innovation, and further our leadership in the social media marketing space.”

Patricia Ratia García-Oliveros, Co-founder of SAMY Alliance, said: “Bridgepoint’s support has been pivotal in helping us accelerate our growth and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. With this majority investment, we are eager to build on our achievements and expand our footprint in the global digital marketing space.”

Marta Nicolás. Co-Founder of SAMY Alliance said: “With the strong financial support of Bridgepoint, we are poised to deliver on our vision with confidence. This partnership unlocks unparalleled global growth opportunities and enables us to engage with larger, more ambitious clients worldwide, solidifying our position as a leader in social-first marketing.”

Martín Vargas, Investment Director at Aurica Capital, said: “As Aurica concludes its partnership with SAMY Alliance, we take immense pride in the remarkable journey we’ve shared over the past years. SAMY’s evolution from a promising startup to a global marketing leader with a truly innovative positioning strategy and cutting-edge technological capabilities is a testament to the team’s vision and dedication. We are confident that Bridgepoint’s involvement will propel SAMY to even greater heights, and we look forward to seeing the company’s continued success on a global scale.”

Bridgepoint was advised by JEGI Clarity (M&A), Uria (Legal), PWC and Marsh (Due Diligence).

SAMY Alliance was advised by Cuatrecasas and Herbert Smith (Legal).

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