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Rogers enters into definitive agreement for CDN$7 billion equity investment

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  • Proceeds will be used to repay debt
  • Expects debt leverage ratio to be reduced by 0.7x following the close of the transaction
  • Rogers will maintain full operational control of its wireless network

Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B; NYSE: RCI) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with funds managed by Blackstone, backed by leading Canadian institutional investors, for a CDN$7 billion equity investment.

Under the terms of the transaction, Blackstone will acquire a non-controlling interest in a new Canadian subsidiary of Rogers that will own a minor part of Rogers’ wireless network. Rogers will maintain full operational control of its network and will include the financial results of the subsidiary in its consolidated financial statements.

“This strategic partnership demonstrates the confidence investors have in Rogers and in our world-class assets,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO. “With this significant investment, we are executing on our commitment to de-lever our balance sheet.”

The investor group led by Blackstone includes Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation.

Repaying debt and strengthening balance sheet

Rogers intends to use the net proceeds from the transaction to repay debt.

“This transaction will strengthen the company’s investment grade balance sheet by reducing our borrowings and unlocking the unrecognized value of critical assets,” said Glenn Brandt, Chief Financial Officer. “With this transaction, Rogers will have issued an aggregate $9 billion of equity-valued capital since year-end, which is expected to reduce leverage by almost 1 turn.”

Subsidiary equity investment

Following the transaction, Blackstone will hold a 49.9% equity interest (with a 20% voting interest) in the subsidiary and Rogers will hold a 50.1% equity interest (with an 80% voting interest) in the subsidiary. At any time between the eighth and twelfth anniversaries of closing, Rogers will have the right to purchase Blackstone’s interest in the subsidiary.

The subsidiary is expected to distribute up to approximately CDN$0.4 billion annually to Blackstone in the first five years post-closing. Rogers’ average capital cost through to the end of the period for purchase is expected to be 7% per annum.

The investment in a portion of Rogers wireless backhaul transport infrastructure will be reported as equity in Rogers consolidated financial statements, and is expected to be considered an equity investment by Moody’s Investors Services, Inc., S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc., and DBRS Limited.

Subject to satisfaction or waiver of all closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025. Separately, Rogers intends to seek consent from the holders of its outstanding senior notes for certain proposed clarifying amendments to our bond indentures.
Additional information about the transaction and the terms and conditions thereof will be available in a material change report to be filed on Rogers’ profile on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to, among other things, the anticipated effect of the transaction on our debt leverage ratio, our intended use of proceeds from the transaction, our relationship with and control over the Backhaul subsidiary, the expected equity treatment for the transaction from our credit rating agencies, the closing of the transaction on the terms described in this news release and the expected timing of the closing of the transaction. Forward-looking information may in some cases be identified by words such as “will”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends” and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance.

We caution that all forward-looking information is inherently subject to change and uncertainty and that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. A number of risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information or could cause our current objectives, strategies and intentions to change, including, but not limited to, new interpretations or accounting standards, or changes to existing interpretations and accounting standards, from accounting standards bodies, changes to the methodology, criteria or conclusions used by rating agencies in assessing or assigning equity treatment or equity credit to the transaction and the other risks described under the headings “About Forward Looking Information” and “Risks and Uncertainties Affecting our Business” in our management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024. Accordingly, we warn investors to exercise caution when considering statements containing forward-looking information and that it would be unreasonable to rely on such statements as creating legal rights regarding our future results or plans. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking information will materialize and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represent expectations as of the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. However, we are under no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter any statements containing forward-looking information, the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements herein.

Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the transaction and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The completion of the transaction is subject to closing conditions, termination rights and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the transaction will occur, or that it will occur on the terms and conditions contemplated in this news release. The transaction could be modified, restructured or terminated. There can also be no assurance that the benefits expected to result from the transaction will be fully realized.

Other Information

Debt leverage ratio is a capital management measure. The debt leverage ratio has been adjusted in this press release to give effect to the transaction by further reducing adjusted net debt by an amount equal to the expected net proceeds of the transaction. This adjusted debt leverage ratio is a non-GAAP ratio and the further adjusted net debt, used as a component of this adjusted debt leverage ratio, is a non-GAAP financial measure. These are not standardized financial measures under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. For more information about these measures, see “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” and “Financial Condition – Adjusted Net Debt and Debt Leverage Ratios” in our management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is available at sedarplus.ca and sec.gov.

About Rogers Communications Inc.

Rogers is Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company and its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.

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CapMan Wealth’s annual programme raises $120 million of new capital

Capman

CapMan Wealth’s annual programme raises $120 million of new capital

CW Investment Partners Fund IV (non-UCITS) (”the Fund”) held its final close at the end of March, raising approximately $120M in total. The Fund is part of the annual CapMan Wealth Investment Partners (“CWIP”) programme that invests in sought after US mid-market buyout funds alongside AlpInvest, a leading global private equity asset manager. Approximately $330 million in total has been raised since the inception of the programme in 2021.

A meaningful portion of the manager selection for the fourth Fund has been successfully completed, with one-third of the Fund’s capital already allocated to three particularly compelling target funds.

“We are pleased with the strong momentum and the record size of the Fund. The attractiveness of the US mid-market, coupled with the cost-effective fee structure of the CWIP programme, has been well received by our investors. This is demonstrated by the significant number of new investors joining alongside our existing investors. The trust placed in us by our clients, even in a globally challenging fundraising market, is something we deeply value. We deem the US mid-market to be a highly attractive space for alpha generation in terms of market depth, value creation and exit opportunities. Our annual model provides the flexibility to navigate through volatile times, ensuring that our investors can adjust their allocations to maximise returns”, shares Eero Vesa, Portfolio Manager and Head of Private Markets at CapMan Wealth.

AlpInvest has been an important partner for CapMan Wealth for several years. “This partnership has enabled our clients to access truly unique investment opportunities, which are typically challenging to access for investors from outside the United States. The company’s long-standing relationships with fund managers, often spanning decades, allow us the desired access we seek. Many of the target funds we have been able to join through AlpInvest are oversubscribed, meaning that the target funds may not even accept new investors.”, Eero Vesa continues.

CapMan Wealth is CapMan Group’s wealth management unit offering comprehensive wealth management solutions covering global public and private markets across all asset classes. The CapMan Wealth team seeks to earn a trusted advisor status among its clients by offering high-quality advice powered by sophisticated investment portfolios and instruments. CapMan Wealth has done manager selection for over a decade guaranteeing a dynamic and open product architecture.

For more information, please contact:

Eero Vesa, Head of Private Markets, CapMan Wealth, +358 40 591 8700

Mika Koskinen, Managing Partner, CapMan Wealth, +358 40 836 6677

About CapMan

CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation and €6.1 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 target and our commitment to net zero greenhouse gas 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

This press release is marketing material and concerns the CW Investment Partners Fund IV (non-UCITS) (the “Fund”). CapMan Wealth Oy is the Funds’ portfolio manager, and the Fund is managed by CapMan AIFM Ltd. The Fund is intended for professional investors only. This marketing material does not constitute investment advice.

Categories: News

Change at the top at IMV Technologies Group: Oliver Kohlhaas succeeds Alain de Lambilly as CEO

Montagu

April 3rd, 2025 – L’Aigle – The IMV Technologies Group announces a change at the head of its company: as of April 1, 2025, Oliver Kohlhaas succeeds Alain de Lambilly as CEO of the IMV Technologies Group. Alain de Lambilly, who has successfully managed the company in recent years, is leaving the Group due to family reasons.

Joachim Hasenmaier, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said: “We wholeheartedly thank Alain for his dedication and commitment to IMV Technologies and for the results and the quality of work he has accomplished together with the entire IMV Technologies organization. Under his leadership, IMV Technologies has taken decisive steps in its growth and transformation and has strengthened its position through both internal growth as well as several strategic acquisitions. We are convinced that Oliver Kohlhaas will continue this momentum, and that with the support and continued commitment of all IMV Technologies employees, he will continue to develop and successfully implement the company’s strategy.”

Alain de Lambilly shared his thanks to the IMV Technologies customers and teams for the development and transformation of the company over the past few years: “I am proud of the progress we have made with our customers and all the IMV Technologies teams and of the successes we have achieved together. I wish Oliver every success for the future, and I am convinced that he will be able to lead the company with contagious commitment.”

Oliver Kohlhaas shared his enthusiasm: “I am delighted with this opportunity and approach this responsibility with confidence and energy. Together with the IMV Technologies employees, we will continue to develop the company to serve the current and future needs of our customers and to meet the challenges of a constantly changing world.”

Oliver Kohlhaas is German. He studied mathematics in Aachen and Bordeaux. After a few years in strategy consulting, he had a successful career spanning more than 20 years with the Bayer Group. He managed pharmaceutical activities in France and Germany, spent five years as Head of Global Marketing for the animal health business, before taking charge of corporate strategy and internal consulting for another five years. After leaving Bayer, he developed his own consulting business before joining IMV Technologies.

About the IMV TECHNOLOGIES Group

IMV Technologies is the world leader in animal assisted reproductive biotechnologies. Founded in 1963, IMV Technologies is a French company with subsidiaries and/or production sites in Brazil, China, Canada, France, India, the Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, Belgium, Sweden and the United States. IMV Technologies operates leading brands in the fields of semen analysis, assisted reproduction, artificial insemination and veterinary imaging. IMV Technologies’ Life Sciences Business Unit, Cryo Bio System, manufactures and distributes equipment and supplies for human assisted reproduction and biobanks.

Contact:
Bruno PELTON – Bruno.pelton@imv-technologies.com
Group Chief Human Ressources Officer

Categories: People

Coller Capital announces the appointment of Jonathan Aiach to lead Wealth Distribution in Southern Europe

Coller Capital

London, 3 April 2025 – Coller Capital, the world’s largest dedicated private market secondaries manager, has hired Jonathan Aiach as Head of Southern Europe Private Wealth Distribution within its Private Wealth Secondaries Solutions (PWSS) team. Based in Zurich, Mr. Aiach will lead Coller Capital’s PWSS business in southern Europe, providing private wealth investors and intermediaries access to institutional-quality private markets secondary investments diversified by sector, region, and GP manager.

Mr. Aiach brings more than 15 years of private markets experience to Coller Capital. He was previously a director at CapMan where he focused on developing the company’s private markets platform across EMEA and raising the firm’s international profile. Prior to that, Mr. Aiach worked for DWS in their infrastructure team and Blackrock, where he focused on alternative investment strategies across a range of key client relationships in EMEA.

Mr. Aiach’s early career included a variety of roles at Oakley Capital, BNP Paribas and Cheyne Capital. He holds a Masters in Finance from Sciences Po Paris and an MSc in Economics from Bocconi University in Milan.

Mr. Aiach will report to Boris Maeder, Head of International Private Wealth Distribution and his appointment marks another significant step in the expansion of Coller Capital’s PWSS business in Europe. In June 2024, Coller Capital announced the appointment of Roman Eggler as Head of DACH Private Wealth Distribution. The PWSS global team, which launched in 2023, now consists of 50 dedicated professionals supported by the wider Coller platform.

Mr. Aiach’s appointment follows the successful launch of both Coller International Secondaries Private Equity Fund (CollerEquity) and Coller Private Credit Secondaries (CollerCredit). These perpetual, open ended, ‘SICAV’ funds, which are accessible to eligible private wealth investors outside of the United States, have attracted significant investor interest and capital since their launch in 2024.

Boris Maeder, Managing Director and Head of International Private Wealth Distribution, said: “Since the launch of our first open-ended fund for international investors, CollerEquity, we’ve seen incredible appetite and interest from investors across Italy, France and Spain. We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan, whose extensive experience and local relationships will help us to better serve our clients in these key markets.”

Jonathan Aiach, Director, Head of Southern Europe Private Wealth Distribution commented: “Coller’s track-record, its position as a leading pioneer of the secondaries market and its unparalleled commitment to developing its private wealth offering means they’re uniquely positioned to meet the demand from high-net-worth and wealth investors, and I’m delighted to be joining them. I look forward to connecting with our clients and helping them to achieve their goals in private markets exposure and diversification.”

Coller Capital has offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, Beijing, Seoul, Luxembourg, Zurich, Melbourne, Montreal and Singapore. The firm manages $38 billion in secondaries across private equity, private credit, and other private market vehicles and has 35 years of experience in the secondary private capital market.

Mentions
Black and white formal headshot of Boris Maeder.
Boris Maeder

Managing Director and Head of International Private Wealth Distribution
Jonathan Aiach

Director, Head of Southern Europe Private Wealth Distribution
Press contact
Edelman Smithfield

coller@edelmansmithfield.com+44 (0)7980 684 247

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Latour expands in lift communication solutions in the UK by acquiring Syntium Lifts

Latour logo

Investment AB Latour (publ) has, through its wholly-owned company Esse-Ti, part of the Innovalift business area, acquired 100 per cent of the shares in Syntium Lifts (“Syntium”), based in Kent in the UK, to expand its geographical reach of lift communication products for lifts and elevators.

Syntium is a leading UK specialist distributor of lift communication products for elevators, primarily for the growing modernization segment. The company, founded in 2010 by Dave O’Brien, sells complete lift communication solutions such as autodialler units, evacuation intercom systems and routers with associated SIM card services. Syntium has net sales in excess of GBP 2 m, exclusive to the UK and Ireland, and a profitability well above Latour’s wholly-owned industrial operations.

“We are happy to finally welcome Syntium into the Esse-Ti and Innovalift family, further strengthening our strong existing partnership. Through this acquisition, we elevate our position within lift communication solutions in the UK. I look forward to collaborating with Dave and the team and to be growing and developing the company further as a part of Esse-Ti and Innovalift”, says Alessandra Mancinelli, CEO of Esse-Ti.

“I am very pleased to partner with Esse-Ti and Innovalift. I am confident that Syntium will benefit from being a part of the greater Innovalift family, and the resulting collaboration across all the sister companies. I am certain that this will benefit all our customers and our great team of employees”, says Dave O’Brien, Managing Director of Syntium.

The acquisition is expected to have an insignificant impact on the financial position of the Latour Group.

Gothenburg, 3 April 2025

INVESTMENT AB LATOUR (PUBL)
Johan Hjertonsson, CEO

For further information, please contact:
Alessandra Mancinelli, CEO Esse-Ti, +39 335 76 01 807
Jens Synneby, Investment Director, Investment AB Latour, +46 709 95 54 25

Innovalift consists of Aritco, Vimec, and Motala Hissar for platform lift manufacturing, TKS Heis and Gartec for lift installation and service, and Arkel, Vega, Esse-Ti, and BS Tableau for elevator components and modernization. Innovalift employs about 1,200 colleagues and has aggregated net sales of about SEK 3.3 billion.

Investment AB Latour is a mixed investment company consisting primarily of a wholly-owned industrial operations and an investment portfolio of listing holdings in which Latour is the principal owner or one of the principal owners. The investment portfolio consists of ten substantial holdings with a market value of SEK 86 billion as of 31 March, 2025. The wholly-owned industrial operations have an annual turnover of SEK 27 billion.

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Synex Propels Its Growth with Two Renowned New Shareholders

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CDPQ and Ares Invest in the Leading Independent Brokerage Firm

Synex Business Performance (Synex), a rapidly growing player in the independent insurance brokerage sector across Canada, is proud to welcome two renowned institutional investors, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and Ares Management Credit funds (Ares), as minority shareholders.

In less than five years, Synex has become one of the largest groups of insurance brokers in Canada, with more than twenty firms and over 700 employees, generating over $1 billion in annual premium volume. Thanks to its unique model, Synex has quickly developed a solid reputation and established strong relationships across the insurance industry, with both insurers and brokers.

The investment by CDPQ and Ares is expected to enable Synex to further accelerate its growth through acquisitions, strengthen its already well-established footprint across Canada, and penetrate new markets. The company aims to double its size in the coming years.

“More than ever, Synex is establishing itself as a leading player in insurance brokerage in Canada. We believe the support of CDPQ and Ares sends a strong signal: our model and vision work and are seeking to redefine the future of independent brokerage. We approach this new stage with great enthusiasm.”
— Yan Charbonneau, President and Chief Visionary Officer of Synex

“With this transaction, CDPQ is supporting Synex in its ambitious growth plan through both equity and debt financing. We are proud to now stand alongside this Quebec-based player in its acquisition-driven expansion across Canada, together with Ares, a long-standing partner of CDPQ.”
— Kim Thomassin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Québec, CDPQ

“We are excited to support Synex in further enabling the continued execution of their growth strategy. Our relationship with Synex underscores Ares’ ability to combine our deep knowledge of the insurance sector with our ability to deliver scaled and flexible capital solutions.”
— Scott Rosen, Partner at Ares

A Local Presence, A National Strength

Thanks to the strength of the group, Synex is able to offer diversified and competitive insurance products from a wide range of insurers. The client is thus at the heart of priorities, benefiting from objective advice, a wide choice of products, expertise, and an even more competitive offer. By combining the diversity of the offer with enhanced negotiating power through volume, Synex offers a rare balance between the agility of local firms and the advantages of a large group.

Operating nationwide through approximately 20 firms specializing in property and casualty insurance and group insurance, Synex generates a significant annual premium volume, with half of it coming from Quebec.

With this new leverage, Synex intends to continue its expansion, consolidate its leadership position, and multiply opportunities for its firms, employees, and clients.

About Synex Business Performance

Synex Business Performance is a Canadian consolidator founded in Quebec in 2020, operating under the brands Synex Insurance and Synex Group Solutions. Majority-owned and led by Quebec interests, Synex now includes more than 20 brokerage firms specializing in commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, group insurance, and financial services. Its mission is to preserve the independence of brokerage in Canada and give entrepreneurs greater control over their future by offering cutting-edge expertise and services tailored to partner firms. Synex is also a member of the Canadian Broker Network and the American network Intersure. synexcorp.com

About CDPQ

At CDPQ, we invest constructively to generate sustainable returns over the long term. As a global investment group managing funds for public pension and insurance plans, we work alongside our partners to build enterprises that drive performance and progress. We are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. As at December 31, 2024, CDPQ’s net assets totalled CAD 473 billion. For more information, visit cdpq.com, consult our LinkedIn or Instagram pages, or follow us on X.

CDPQ is a registered trademark owned by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and licensed for use by its subsidiaries.

About Ares Management

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for our stakeholders and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles.

As of December 31, 2024, including the acquisition of GCP International which closed on March 1, 2025, Ares Management Corporation’s global platform had over $525 billion of assets under management, with operations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com.

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smartTrade Announces Strategic Investment from TA alongside CEO and Management

HG Capital

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France, 3rd April. smartTrade Technologies (“smartTrade”), a leading global provider of multi-asset electronic trading and payments platforms, today announced the entering into of an agreement in relation to a strategic investment from TA Associates (“TA”), a leading global private equity firm. David Vincent, CEO and Co-Founder of smartTrade, and the broader management team, would invest alongside TA at closing, reinforcing their shared commitment to the company’s future.

Headquartered in Aix-en-Provence, France, with subsidiaries in London, Paris, Geneva, New York, Toronto, Tokyo and Singapore, smartTrade empowers customers to grow their electronic trading and payments business through secure, cost-efficient and technologically advanced end-to-end SaaS solutions. TA’s investment would support continued product innovation, geographic expansion and scalable growth, with a particular emphasis on AI-driven solutions and deployment flexibility.

Upon completion of the transaction, Hg, a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses, would fully exit its majority investment in smartTrade. The transaction will be subject to customary workers’ council consultation process under applicable laws.

David Vincent, CEO & Co-Founder of smartTrade, said: “Our customers have always been our North Star and this partnership with TA will enhance our ability to serve them with innovative trading and payments solutions. My decision to invest alongside the management team and TA underscores our shared belief in smartTrade’s trajectory. We’re grateful to Hg for their strategic support over the past five years. During that time, we doubled our revenue, executed our first acquisition which strengthened our presence in North America, and laid the foundation for scalable growth. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving the next wave of client-centric innovation, including accelerated AI adoption and greater flexibility in hosting and execution, to meet our customers’ evolving needs.”

“smartTrade has firmly established itself at the forefront of electronic trading and payments technology. We believe the company’s market-leading solutions, culture of innovation and unwavering commitment to client success have positioned it well for continued growth,” said Max Cancre, Managing Director at TA. “We look forward to partnering with David and the whole smartTrade team as they continue to scale globally and drive further advancements for the capital markets industry,” added Morgan Seigler, Managing Director at TA.

Sebastien Briens, Partner at Hg, said: “We’ve worked in close partnership with smartTrade since 2020, helping to strengthen its position as the best-in-class modern trading and payments technology vendor. We thank David Vincent and his team for their impressive execution and continued focus on innovation, and we wish them well in their next phase of growth.”

Terms of the transaction are not disclosed. smartTrade was advised by Arma Partners. Houlihan Lokey and Deutsche Bank were advisers to TA Associates.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:

TA

Maggie Benoit, mbenoit@ta.com

Hg

Tom Eckersley, tom.eckersley@hgcapital.com

Sam Ferris, sam.ferris@hgcapital.com

About TA

TA is a leading global private equity firm focused on scaling growth in profitable companies. Since 1968, TA has invested in more than 560 companies across its five target industries – technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and businesses services. Leveraging its deep industry expertise and strategic resources, TA collaborates with management teams worldwide to help high-quality companies deliver lasting value. The firm has raised $65 billion in capital to date and has more than 150 investment professionals across offices in Boston, Menlo Park, Austin, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong. More information about TA can be found at www.ta.com.

About Hg

Hg supports the building of sector-leading enterprises that supply businesses with critical software applications or workflow services, delivering a more automated workplace for their customers. This industry is characterised by digitization trends that are in early stages of adoption and are set to transform the workplace for professionals over decades to come.

Hg’s support combines deep end-market knowledge with world class operational resources, together providing compelling support to entrepreneurial leaders looking to scale their business – businesses that are well invested, enduring and serve their customers well.

With a vast European network and strong presence across North America, Hg’s 400 employees and around $75 billion in funds under management support a portfolio of around 50 businesses, worth over $160 billion aggregate enterprise value, with around 115,000 employees, consistently growing revenues at more than 20% annually.

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Carlyle and SK Capital Partners Announce Extension of bluebird bio Tender Offer to April 18, 2025

Carlyle

WASHINGTON, DC and NEW YORK, NY—April 3, 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 April 18, 2025.  The Offer was previously scheduled to expire one minute after 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on April 4, 2025. The tender offer was extended to allow additional time for the satisfaction of the remaining conditions to the tender offer, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, the depositary for the Offer, has advised Merger Sub that as of the close of business on April 2, 2025, approximately 65,120 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, receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, 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

Categories: News

Blackstone Life Sciences and Anthos Therapeutics Announce Novartis has Completed the Acquisition of Anthos Therapeutics in a Deal Valued at up to $3.1B, with $925M Paid Upfront

Blackstone

The deal affirms Blackstone’s vision of building companies around innovative products to meet unmet patient needs

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 03, 2025 – Blackstone Life Sciences and Anthos Therapeutics, Inc., a transformative, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases, announced today that Novartis has completed its acquisition of Anthos Therapeutics in a transaction valued at up to $3.1 billion.

Anthos was founded by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019 with the exclusive global rights from Novartis to develop, manufacture, and commercialize abelacimab, a novel Factor XI inhibitor that originated at Novartis. Abelacimab is currently in Phase 3 clinical development for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (LILAC-TIMI 76), in addition to two phase 3 studies in patients with cancer-associated thrombosis (ASTER and MAGNOLIA). Data from these trials are expected in the second half of 2026.

Transaction Details
Anthos shareholders will receive up to $3.1 billion in total deal value, including an upfront payment of $925 million, and payments in the event certain regulatory and commercial milestones are achieved.

Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as the lead financial advisor to Anthos. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC also served as a financial advisor, and Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal advisor to Anthos.

About Blackstone Life Sciences
Blackstone Life Sciences (BXLS) is an industry-leading private investment platform with capabilities to invest across the life cycle of companies and products within the key life science sectors. By combining scale investments and hands-on operational leadership, BXLS helps bring to market promising new medicines and medical technologies that improve patients’ lives and currently has $12 billion in assets under management.

About Anthos Therapeutics
Founded by BXLS in 2019, Anthos Therapeutics is a transformative, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with exclusive global rights from Novartis Pharma AG to develop, manufacture and commercialize abelacimab. BXLS was the majority investor in the company, joined by other partners including Novo Holdings. For more information about Anthos, visit the Company’s website.

About Abelacimab
Abelacimab is a novel, investigational, highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody that binds tightly to Factor XI to block its activation and prevent the generation of the activated form (Factor XIa). This mimics natural Factor XI deficiency, which is associated with protection from thromboembolic disease.

Abelacimab received a Fast Track Designation from the FDA in July 2022 for the treatment of thrombosis associated with cancer. In September 2022, abelacimab was also granted a Fast Track Designation for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Media Contact

Blackstone
Paula Chirhart
Paula.Chirhart@blackstone.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the expected benefits of Novartis’ acquisition of Anthos, future opportunities for the combined businesses, the development and commercialization of Anthos Therapeutics’ product candidates and the potential benefits of abelacimab. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, including statements regarding the company’s strategy, future operations, future financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “become,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially because of numerous risks and uncertainties including with respect to (i) the risk that the expected benefits or synergies of the acquisition will not be realized and (ii) the risk that the milestones may not be achieved and resulting payments may not be realized,  and (iii) unanticipated impact of the acquisition, including the response of business partners and competitors to the announcement of the acquisition or difficulties in employee retention. The actual financial impact of this transaction may differ from the expected financial impact described in this press release. In addition, the product candidate described in this press release is subject to all the risks inherent in the drug development process, and there can be no assurance that its development will be commercially successful. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the company’s views as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing the company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. The company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the company’s views to change. However, while the company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

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Artis BioSolutions Emerges from Stealth, Announces Acquisition of Landmark Bio

Oak HC FT

Landmark acquisition positions Artis to revolutionize advanced therapy manufacturing and commercialization

Artis BioSolutions, a company founded to streamline the discovery, development and production of genetic medicines, today announced its launch, alongside its acquisition of Landmark Bio. Landmark Bio is a cell and gene therapy manufacturing company specializing in translational research, process development, and manufacturing technologies. As a part of Artis, Landmark Bio will continue to operate as a distinct entity, focused on accelerating therapeutic development from preclinical through commercialization.

Complex genetic medicines are the fastest-growing therapeutic category, yet there is a shortage of high-quality service providers to support drug development in the space. Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) that truly understand the development, scaling, and regulatory hurdles of advanced therapies are often difficult to access, particularly for companies and researchers working in discovery and early-phase development.

Landmark Bio, founded by leaders from industry, academia and leading research hospitals from the greater Boston area, has developed significant scientific and technical capabilities that aim to remove bottlenecks and increase speed-to-clinic for developers of advanced therapies. Since 2021, Landmark Bio has delivered numerous successes for its partners, enabling the advancement of complex cell and gene therapies from bench to clinic.

“Landmark Bio was born from a bold vision shared by our founding partners – to remove barriers in the manufacturing of advanced therapies and accelerate the development of life-changing medicines. In just a few short years, we’ve built a world-class team and capabilities that have become a vital force in the life sciences innovation ecosystem. Joining Artis BioSolutions marks an exciting new chapter for Landmark Bio. Together, we will stay true to our mission as we scale our operations to bring breakthrough therapies to more patients,” said Ran Zheng, chief executive officer (CEO) of Landmark Bio.

With the acquisition of Landmark Bio, Artis BioSolutions is well-positioned as a premiere CDMO for advanced therapy developers looking for end-to-end capabilities within the underserved and fast-growing category of advanced therapies. From critical materials to technologies and manufacturing experience, Artis will support multiple modalities and enable shorter project timelines, lower manufacturing costs, high product quality, efficient supply chain management and the best customer experience.

Artis BioSolutions is led by CEO Brian Neel and CSO Mike Houston, two leaders with deep expertise in deploying best-in-class systems and technologies in the CDMO and broader therapeutics space. Combined with the Landmark Bio leadership team, the leadership at Artis offers unparalleled expertise in translational sciences and clinical research and development.

“Advanced therapies will continue to be a driving force of innovation in the biopharma ecosystem, and we believe the industry is at an inflection point in advancing and developing the critical processes and the manufacturing of these therapies,” said Brian Neel, CEO of Artis BioSolutions. “Landmark Bio has a proven track record of leading advanced therapies through clinical development, and we are excited to build on this foundation with the support of Oak HC/FT.”

Initial funding for Artis is provided by Oak HC/FT. Brian, Mike and team will use this funding to further build out the services and technology platform and fuel future growth.

“Brian and Mike are exceptional leaders with deep domain expertise and experience hyper-scaling advanced therapy tools and services companies,” said Andrew Adams, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Oak HC/FT. “We are proud to partner with them on this journey to unlock new possibilities in the industry with Artis BioSolutions.”

“We see a tremendous opportunity to transform biomanufacturing at scale, and the Artis BioSolutions team has both the innovative drive and operational excellence to make it a reality. We are proud to support the team as they build this platform,” said Andy Smith, Partner at Oak HC/FT.

About Artis BioSolutions

Artis BioSolutions mission is to advance genetic medicines and biologics from early development to market. Designed to support breakthrough treatments, we offer innovative technology, deep expertise, and a client-focused approach to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and scale across various therapeutic areas. Backed by Oak HC/FT, a leading venture and growth equity firm, we empower biopharma companies to bring life-changing therapies to patients faster. Visit us at artisbiosolutions.com.

About Landmark Bio

Landmark Bio is a collective endeavor launched by leaders from academia, the life sciences industry, and world-renowned research hospitals to accelerate the development and industrialization of novel therapeutics. Inspired by recent advancements in cell and gene therapy, Landmark Bio was established to remove barriers in drug development, create accessible capability, expertise, and solutions, and offer a collaboration platform to advance manufacturing technologies for the new generation of medicines to come. Founding partners include Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cytiva, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB), and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Other collaborating institutions include Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Mass General Brigham, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. For more information, visit landmarkbio.com.

About Oak HC/FT

Oak HC/FT is a venture and growth equity firm specializing in investments in fintech and healthcare. Using partnership as a foundation, Oak HC/FT guides companies and founders at every stage, from seed to growth, to create businesses that make a measurable and lasting impact. Founded in 2014, Oak HC/FT has invested in over 85 portfolio companies and has over $5.3 billion in assets under management. Oak HC/FT is headquartered in Stamford, CT, with an office in San Francisco, CA. Follow Oak HC/FT on LinkedIn and X and learn more at https://www.oakhcft.com/.

Categories: News