Update advisory board Industry Fund

Anders Invest

Anders Invest Industrie Fonds announces several changes in the composition of the Advisory Board and fund management. After eight years of involvement, Frederik van Beuningen is stepping down as chairman of the Advisory Board due to age. He will be succeeded by current board member Herman Spliethoff. We are very pleased that current member Henk Willem van Dorp wants to complete his third term. In addition, Jan de Wilde will be added as a new member of the Advisory Board. In fund management, Rutger de Vos is transferring his tasks to Gerald van Kooten, so that Rutger can focus more on the portfolio companies.

Advisory Board

Frederik van Beuningen has played an important role in the growth and professionalization of Anders Invest Industriefonds. As co-founder of Teslin and with broad experience in long-term investments and entrepreneurship, he has used his expertise and network to take the fund to a higher level and to represent the interests of investors in fund management. We thank him for his leadership, dedication and commitment in recent years.

Herman Spliethoff will take over the chairmanship. He has extensive experience as an investor, management consultant, entrepreneur and supervisor. He has been co-owner of the Amsterdam shipping company Spliethoff for decades. He gained extensive experience at private equity firms through a management role at QAT Investments and a supervisory role at TBL Mirror Fund. Herman has been involved in the Advisory Board since the establishment of the Industriefonds and thus plays a role in the course and development of the fund. The fund management has always appreciated his level of preparation and substantive input and is pleased that he will take on the role of chairman.

Jan de Wilde (1977) will join the Advisory Board as a new member. Jan was a partner at Nielen Schuman for 20 years, almost from the start of this renowned consultancy firm. In this leading role, he developed into a specialist in M&A transactions for family and founder companies and private equity funds based in the Benelux. He is now an enterprising private investor (also with Anders Invest for several years) and advisor with expertise in mergers and acquisitions and capital structures. With his experience, he will advise the fund management on the further professionalization of investment processes.

Fund management

Rutger de Vos, one of the founding partners of Anders Invest, has worked as a fund manager of the Industrial Fund in addition to his role as investment manager in recent years. His affinity lies mainly with the portfolio companies with the strategic and operational challenges that the manufacturing industry faces. He has therefore decided to focus exclusively on actively supporting the portfolio companies in their growth and strategy from now on. Anders Invest is particularly grateful to him for the commitment and dedication with which he has shaped the team and the fund.

Gerald van Kooten will take over the role of fund manager. Like Rutger, Gerald has been involved with Anders Invest since the start and focuses mainly on acquisitions. This remains his main activity. In close cooperation with the other fund partners, he also takes responsibility for the fund management. Gerald will provide information to industrial fund investors, together with Gert-Jan Huisman, who is responsible for investor relations as managing partner and also supports two large industrial companies. Both will play an active role at the members’ meetings.

With these changes, the Anders Invest Industrie Fonds will continue to support and grow industrial companies in the Netherlands and abroad. We thank all those involved for their efforts and look forward to a successful continuation of our activities under the new composition of the team.

Categories: People

InfraRed appoints Mark Tiner as CFO for its Core Infrastructure Funds

InfraRed Capital Partners

InfraRed Capital Partners (“InfraRed”), the international infrastructure asset manager, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Tiner as CFO, Core Infrastructure Funds, including the key role of CFO of HICL Infrastructure Plc (“HICL”), the FTSE-250 listed core infrastructure investment company, managed by InfraRed.

 

As CFO of HICL, Mark will lead the Company’s financial reporting and portfolio management. This will include key responsibilities for capital management, valuation, portfolio outperformance and financial optimisation. Mark will be a member of the HICL Investment Committee.

Mark brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having held senior finance positions in leading infrastructure and investment management firms. Mark joins InfraRed from Cordiant Digital Infrastructure, where he served as CFO. In this role, he was responsible for all financial reporting, forecasting, control and operations of the £950 million listed investment trust.

Prior to working at Cordiant, Mark was the Chief Financial Officer at Novalpina Capital LLP, where he managed all operational, financial, structuring, and tax functions for a €1 billion fund.

Ed Hunt, Head of Core Infrastructure Funds, InfraRed, said: “Mark’s extensive experience in financial management and his proven track record in both listed investment trusts and the infrastructure sector make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

Mark Tiner, CFO, Core Infrastructure Funds, InfraRed, said: “InfraRed has an impressive and long-standing track record in the core infrastructure sector, and I am delighted to join this experienced team. Funding core infrastructure investment is a growing need for many countries and HICL, a leading investor in this space, has a significant opportunity to lead the way. I’m excited to bring my experience to drive HICL forward on behalf of shareholders.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

About InfraRed Capital Partners

InfraRed Capital Partners is an international infrastructure asset manager, with more than 160 professionals operating worldwide from offices in London, Madrid, New York, Sydney and Seoul. Over the past 25 years, InfraRed has established itself as a highly successful developer and steward of infrastructure assets that play a vital role in supporting communities. InfraRed manages US$13bn of equity capital1 for investors around the globe, in listed and private funds across both core and value-add strategies. InfraRed is part of SLC Management, the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life.

For more information, please visit www.ircp.com.

[1] Uses 5-year average FX as at 30th September 2024 of GBP/USD of 1.2827; EUR/USD 1.1123. EUM is USD 12.803m

Categories: People

Ardian provides financing to support Tenzing’s investment in leading UK accountancy firm Gravita

Ardian

Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, today announces a new Private Credit Financing package, comprising Unitranche and Committed Acquisition Facilities, to support Tenzing Private Equity’s (“Tenzing”) investment in Gravita, a top-30 UK accountancy firm.

Acquired by Tenzing in 2021, Gravita is a leading accountancy services consolidation platform, focused on delivering tech-enabled audit, tax, payroll, accounts, company secretarial and other services to over 8,000 businesses across the UK.  The firm has acquired seven businesses with Tenzing’s backing since 2022, bringing Gravita’s headcount to over 500 FTE today.

“We are delighted to partner with Tenzing in backing Gravita, a leading player in the professional services industry. The company’s management team have demonstrated consistent success in delivering robust growth both organically and through well-integrated M&A.  In particular, Caroline Plumb (CEO) has overseen multiple successful acquisitions since joining and has a clear strategy to make Gravita the UK’s leading tech-enabled accountancy firm for growth businesses.” Stuart Hawkins, Head of Private Credit UK & Managing Director, Ardian

Ardian has a 20-year track record in the Private Credit market, making it one of Europe’s longest-established players.  With offices in major financial hubs across Western Europe, the Private Credit team adopts a multi-local approach in partnering with private equity houses and management teams of high-quality companies who are targeting the next phase of business growth.  This investment comes amidst a strong period of investment activity for Ardian’s Private Credit team.

List of participants

  • Participants

    • Ardian: Raaj Rabheru, Eric Hensen, Nova Kannegieter
    • Tenzing: Rob Jones, Laura Meaden, Maria Tozzi Spadoni

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian is a world-leading private investment house, managing or advising $177bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,850 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks, family offices and private institutional investors worldwide. Ardian’s main shareholding group is its employees and we place great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1,050+ employees, spread across 20 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.
At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last.

Media contacts

Ardian

CohnReznick secures strategic growth investment from Apax Funds

Apax
  • CohnReznick is among the fastest-growing professional services firms in the U.S.
  • The Apax Funds will partner with CohnReznick to drive growth and strengthen its position as a market leader.

CohnReznick LLP (“CohnReznick” or “the Firm”), one of the United States’ leading advisory, assurance, and tax firms, today announced a strategic growth investment from Funds advised by Apax Partners LLP (“Apax”). The transaction marks the first institutional investment in CohnReznick and is expected to help accelerate the Firm’s growth strategy to deliver best-in-class client solutions and create greater career opportunities for employees.

With over 5000 global employees and 350+ partners in 29 offices across the U.S., CohnReznick has a demonstrated track record of above-market organic growth, posting $1.12B in FY25 revenues owing to its deep pool of talented advisers, industry expertise, and extensive service offering. Today, the Firm serves as a trusted adviser to clients in a wide range of industries, including real estate, financial services and financial sponsors, private client services, consumer, manufacturing, renewable energy, and government advisory.

CohnReznick’s delivery of above-market organic growth has been driven by its deep pool of talented advisers and differentiated positioning in key sectors. The Firm holds a strong position in the competitive professional services market, offering a diverse range of services, maintaining industry-leading client satisfaction, and earning recognition as an employer of choice.

In partnership with Apax, CohnReznick intends to invest further in its talent and business to continue to drive growth. Apax will apply its operational expertise and deep experience in professional services to support CohnReznick in advancing its value creation plan, which includes expanding service lines, developing technology-centric client solutions, entering new markets, developing best-in-class talent and advancing its existing tech platform to drive further innovation and efficiency. Apax will also support the Firm in pursuing its targeted acquisitions strategy to further grow its client offering.

David Kessler, CEO of CohnReznick, said: “Our partnership with Apax is a milestone moment in CohnReznick’s history. We have consistently delivered strong growth and cemented our position in the mid-market, thanks to our best-in-class talent, industry expertise, and comprehensive service offerings. This strategic investment from the Apax Funds will help us continue on our growth trajectory, expanding our solutions and geographic presence to meet client needs while continuing to create exciting career growth for our people. We were impressed by the Apax team’s track record in the professional services sector and their experience in driving operational excellence in complex businesses like ours, while continuing to create a best-in-class experience for employees and clients.”

Ashish Karandikar, Partner at Apax Partners, said: “Over the past two years, we have built a strong relationship with the CohnReznick team and have been deeply impressed by the company’s culture, vision, and the consistent growth they have achieved. We are excited to partner with David and the firm’s leadership team to fuel the next phase of growth. Together, we aim to accelerate service line expansion, explore new geographic opportunities, and drive innovation. We look forward to what we are confident will be a highly successful and rewarding partnership.”

Following the closing of the transaction, CohnReznick will operate in an alternative practice structure: CohnReznick LLP, a licensed CPA firm, will provide attest services and Kelly O’Callaghan will serve as CEO — and CohnReznick Advisory LLC (which will not be a licensed CPA firm) will provide tax, advisory, and other non-attest services, led by David Kessler as CEO.

Apax was advised by Guggenheim Securities, LLC and CohnReznick was advised by William Blair & Company, LLC. Koltin Consulting Group served as an additional financial advisor to both Apax and CohnReznick.

Categories: News

Tags:

Aico and Mercur Merge to Form Comprehensive Suite of Solutions for the Office of the CFO

AKKR Logo

Stockholm, SWEDEN & Helsinki, FINLAND – FEBRUARY 26, 2025 — Accel-KKRa global technology-focused investment firm, having completed a majority equity investment in Mercur Solutions (“Mercur”), a leading provider of performance management solutions for mid-sized and large enterprises, today announced Mercur´s merger with Aico, a financial close software platform for mid-market and large enterprises.The merger of Aico and Mercur brings together best-of-breed solutions providers to form a foundational platform as part of the business strategy to serve the Office of the CFO. Aico is known for its financial close capabilities, whereas Mercur helps finance teams budget, forecast, report and analyse company financial data. By integrating Mercur’s powerful corporate performance management (CPM) capabilities with Aico’s seamless financial close platform, the joint companies aim to deliver an end-to-end platform that streamlines financial operations, improves accuracy, increases visibility and drives strategic decision-making for CFOs and their teams.

“CFOs and finance teams today operate in increasingly complex businesses and dynamic environments. Finance professionals need financial software that works hard and works smart – through automation, strong integrations, and complete insight into data – so they can make faster, better decisions and stay one step ahead of business. This partnership brings together two best-of-breed solutions to address the critical needs of modern finance teams,” said Ulf Alkelin, CEO of Aico and Mercur.

Along with an expansion in product offerings, the companies also will see an expanded customer footprint, spanning the Nordics, United Kingdom, Ireland, BENELUX, and DACH. The geographic expansion ensures localised support and coverage of regional needs, while the ability to upsell and cross-sell solutions provides customers with a more comprehensive suite of tools to drive strategic decision-making and business growth.

Maurice Hernandez, managing director at Accel-KKR and a board member of Aico and Mercur quoted, “This merger represents a step forward in our overall goal to be a powerful end-to-end platform that serves the Office of the CFO. We are excited to bring the two companies together, and we look forward to providing support as the business grows.”

The joint companies will be led by Mercur CEO, Ulf Alkelin and supported by an integrated management team comprising leaders from both companies. Aico CEO Marko Voutilainen will transition to a Senior Advisor role to the board.

“I have long seen the growth potential in Aico, and we catalysed that growth with Accel-KKR’s investment in Aico in 2024, and now this merger with Mercur, a well-respected financial performance software leader. This is an exciting time as Aico and Mercur come together and deliver an innovative financial platform to the market. As a Senior Advisor to the board and shareholder in these companies, I wish Ulf and the team good luck, and I am incredibly excited about the possibilities ahead,” stated Marko Voutilainen, Senior Advisor Aico and Mercur.

About Aico Group:

Aico is an advanced financial close platform for mid-market companies and enterprises. Aico helps companies take control of their hectic closing processes, empowering financial teams and freeing time for other important activities. Its customers, including leading European enterprises, achieve a high level of automation and standardisation of processes, faster month-end financial reporting, and assurance of compliance and data accuracy. Established in 2019 in Espoo, Finland, Aico has offices in Finland, Germany, the UK and Latvia. For more information, visit www.aico.ai

About Mercur Solutions:

Mercur Solutions is a leading provider of Corporate Performance Management (CPM) solutions for mid-sized and large enterprises. Our cloud-based platform, Mercur Business Control, enables organizations to optimize their Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Extended Planning & Analysis (xP&A) processes, including budgeting, forecasting, planning, and reporting. By leveraging automation and advanced analytics, we empower businesses with deeper financial insights and enhanced operational efficiency. Founded in Sweden, Mercur Solutions has been at the forefront of innovation in financial management for 50 years. With offices in Sweden and the UK, we continue to support organizations in achieving greater control, accuracy, and agility in their financial operations. For more information, visit www.mercur.com or contact us directly

About Accel-KKR:

Accel-KKR is a technology-focused investment firm with $21 billion in cumulative capital commitments. The firm focuses on software and tech-enabled businesses well-positioned for top-line and bottom-line growth. At the core of Accel-KKR’s investment strategy is a commitment to developing strong partnerships with the management teams of its portfolio companies and a focus on building value alongside management by leveraging the significant resources available through the Accel-KKR network. Accel-KKR focuses on middle-market companies and provides a broad range of capital solutions, including buyout capital, minority-growth investments, and credit alternatives. Accel-KKR also invests across various transaction types, including private company recapitalizations, divisional carve-outs and going-private transactions. Accel-KKR’s headquarters is in Menlo Park, with offices in London, Atlanta, Chicago and Mexico City. Visit www.accel-kkr.com to learn more.

Categories: News

Tags:

Platinum Equity’s 2024 Highlighted by $12.4B Fund VI Close, Ingram IPO, Deal Uptick

Platinum

In spite of a challenging climate for fund raising, Platinum Equity Capital Partners VI (“Fund VI”) closed in 2024 with $12.4 billion in capital commitments, exceeding its target.

The global M&A markets saw some signs of a rebound last year after a slow 2023. Platinum Equity reacted with a combination of discipline and creativity, completing 12 new platform acquisitions and 59 add-ons across multiple sectors. The firm’s credit team also had another active year.

Harvesting value was a top priority with 13 divestitures and several other monetization events.

Arguably the most visible news happened in October when Ingram Micro returned to public markets in an initial public offering. The day served as a reminder of the promise Platinum Equity recognized in Ingram Micro when the firm acquired the technology distributor in 2021.

Platinum Equity Chairman and CEO Tom Gores and the firm continued to make positive impact in the community. Gores’ $3 billion partnership with Henry Ford Health and his alma mater Michigan State University to transform a Detroit neighborhood received critical local approval.

Gores and Platinum Equity continued their support of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, helping raise money for the public charter school in Detroit and working as mentors to JRLA scholars. The firm’s portfolio companies awarded scholarships, raised millions of dollars for charities, and donated time to help those in need.

Although indications are pointing toward a continued M&A uptick in 2025, global activity remains below historical norms. Armed with access to capital and teams capable of pursuing transactions of any size anywhere in the world, the firm is confident in its ability to react to whatever this year has in store.

 

“Although we have grown, we’ve stayed true to our fundamentals. And ultimately, that’s what it’s all about, our ability to execute. The world has gone through up and downs, faced challenges, but Platinum Equity always adjusts.”

Tom Gores, Chairman and CEO, Platinum Equity

 “We’ve been in business for nearly 30 years, and we’ve grown, we’ve matured,” Platinum Equity Founder and CEO Tom Gores said. “We’ve gone through multiple economic cycles, a pandemic, other complicated times.

“Although we have grown, we’ve stayed true to our fundamentals. And ultimately, that’s what it’s all about, our ability to execute. The world has gone through up and downs, faced challenges, but Platinum Equity always adjusts.”

Here’s a look back at 2024:

Platinum Equity Fund VI Closes On $12.4 Billion in Capital Commitments

Fund VI, which closed in the first half of 2024, exceeded its $12 billion target and represents the firm’s largest capital raise to date, surpassing Platinum Equity Capital Partners V, which closed on $10 billion in 2020.

The offering generated high demand from a diverse range of institutional investors around the world and overcame stiff industrywide headwinds that sidelined some managers or forced them to downsize. Fund VI closed with nearly 400 limited partners from 37 countries, featuring a mix of new and long-time investors attracted to the firm’s specialized M&A&O® approach.

Platinum Equity-Backed Ingram Micro Begins Trading on NYSE

Executives from Ingram Micro rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in October to celebrate the global technology distributor’s return to public markets. Since Platinum Equity acquired the business in 2021, the firm has partnered with Ingram on a comprehensive operational improvement plan, accelerated its digital transformation initiatives, and used buy- and sell-side M&A to sharpen the company’s focus on its core business.

Platinum Equity Sells Minority Stake in Jostens, Recaps Balance Sheet

Platinum Equity sold a minority stake in Jostens to Koch Equity Development LLC in a $640 million recapitalization in November. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Jostens is a provider of custom class jewelry, graduation products and yearbooks serving the K-12 and college education markets.

Platinum Equity Closes Multiple Complex Carveouts

Platinum Equity completed the acquisition of a majority interest in Horizon Organic and Wallaby from Danone in April. Horizon Organic’s portfolio of organic dairy products includes milk, creamers and whiteners, yogurt, cheese and butter. Also, Platinum Equity closed its deal with Kohler Co. in May to establish Kohler Energy as a separate independent business and officially rebranded it Rehlko, a provider of resilient energy solutions. Platinum Equity is the majority shareholder in the new company and Kohler Co. remains an investment partner.

Platinum Equity Expands Portfolio of Food and Beverage Investments

In December, Platinum Equity acquired a majority stake in Polli, a producer of pasta sauces and vegetable preserves. In November, Platinum Equity and Butterfly, a private equity firm specializing in the food sector completed the acquisition of Rise Baking Company, a supplier of bakery products. Polli and Rise join Horizon Organic, rum bottler E&A Scheer, wine distributor Fantini Group, sweet biscuits maker Biscuit International and frozen seafood producer Iberconsa as portfolio companies in the food and beverage space.

Sunrise Medical Acquisition Highlight of Firm’s European Activity

Platinum Equity’s London team led the acquisition of wheelchair company, Sunrise Medical, which closed in September. The Germany-based company develops, designs, manufactures and distributes assistive mobility products and solutions such as manual and power wheelchairs. Sunrise Medical’s products are sold through a network of homecare medical product dealers or distributors in more than 130 countries. The E&A Scheer and Polli investments were led by the firm’s European Small Cap team.

Platinum Equity Active on Buy- and Sell-Side in Canada

In July, the firm signed a definitive agreement to acquire Héroux-Devtek, a Québec-based international manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and the world’s third largest landing gear manufacturer. The acquisition subsequently closed in February 2025. On the sell-side, Platinum Equity closed out 2024 year with an agreement to divest Toronto-based Livingston International to Purolator in a transaction that closed in February 2025. Platinum Equity said it will continue seeking opportunities to expand its portfolio of Canadian investments.

Platinum Equity Exits Yak Access, Hunterstown Power

Platinum Equity exited its investment in Yak Access in a $1.1 billion sale to strategic buyer United Rentals. Yak Access provides hardwood, softwood and composite mats for surface protection across both construction and maintenance. Platinum Equity also sold the Hunterstown power generation facility and related assets to a strategic buyer in July.

Platinum Equity Makes Foray Into India

In August, Platinum Equity closed its first deal in India with the acquisition of a majority stake in Inventia Healthcare. The Mumbai-based pharmaceuticals company’s main business is generic drugs. Inventia serves a variety of geographies, including the U.S., the U.K., and Latin America. Platinum Equity said it’s increasingly focused on India as the buyout market there continues to evolve, and more opportunities become available that fit the firm’s operations-intensive approach.

Platinum Equity Small Cap Team Makes Multiple Investments

In February, Platinum Equity’s Small Cap team invested in TAK Communications, a national provider of communications and broadband infrastructure services. TAK’s existing shareholder and management remained with the business to partner with Platinum Equity on the transaction. In July, the Small Cap team invested in a majority stake in Motors & Armatures, Inc. (MARS), a distributor of HVAC/R parts, supplies and equipment in the U.S. and Canada.

Platinum Equity Credit Strategy Delivers Lending, Financing, Credit Solutions

In June, Platinum Equity’s credit team provided a first-lien term loan to Westphal Technik, a vertically integrated manufacturer of injection molded plastic components that serves the healthcare and consumer packaged goods end markets. In October, the firm announced a new and upsized second-lien term loan for Railway Equipment Leasing and Maintenance Inc., and in December the credit team led acquisition financing for Branding Iron Holdings in connection with Kingswood Capital Management’s purchase of the company. Branding Iron provides branded and private label protein products.

Tom Gores-Backed New Center Development Receives Detroit OK

The Detroit City Council approved the $3 billion mixed-used development project to transform the New Center neighborhood.  Gores will build housing, greenspace, walkable areas and attract retail partners as part of the project, which is expected to begin in 2025.

Gores, Platinum Equity Continue Support for JRLA Scholars

Tom Gores and Platinum Equity continued their support for the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a public charter high school founded by former NBA player and media personality, Jalen Rose. In the summer, the Detroit Golf Club hosted the school’s 14th charity celebrity golf outing, which was sponsored by Gores and Platinum Equity.

Platinum Equity Portfolio Companies Continue Charitable Work

Among many charitable efforts, multiple portfolio companies rushed to help residents in the southeastern U.S. after Hurricanes Milton and Helene devastated communities. Diversey, a Solenis company, awarded 18 scholarships valued at $1,000 each for infection prevention professionals to attend the APIC 2024 Annual Conference and Exposition in June in San Antonio. In April, Club Car hosted its annual Club Car Championship tournament, which raised $450,000 for charities in Savannah, Ga. US LBM Foundation raised more than $2.75 million for a variety of charities from its eighth annual golf outing.

Categories: News

Tags:

Blackstone Announces $5.6 Billion Final Close for Blackstone Energy Transition Partners IV at Hard Cap

Blackstone

New York – February 26, 2025 – Blackstone (NYSE: BX) today announced the final close for its energy-transition-focused private equity fund, Blackstone Energy Transition Partners IV (“BETP IV”). BETP IV closed at its hard cap of $5.6 billion and is approximately 33% larger than its predecessor vehicle.

Blackstone Energy Transition Partners (“BETP”) is Blackstone’s energy-focused private equity business, which seeks to help energy companies build enterprises at scale that can deliver cleaner, more reliable and more affordable energy to meet global needs. BETP has been recognized as Private Equity International’s Energy Private Equity Firm of the Year for an unprecedented three years in a row (2021-2023) and was awarded IJ Investor’s Market Innovation of the Year award for North America in 2024 (for transactions occurring in calendar year 2023).

David Foley, Global Head of Blackstone Energy Transition Partners, said: “We believe there is immense opportunity to deliver attractive returns to our limited partners through investments that benefit from the growing demand for electricity, grid reliability and energy efficiency. We are appreciative of this vote of confidence from our investors and are excited to continue partnering with outstanding management teams to build leading companies that are helping support a more reliable, affordable and secure transition to a cleaner energy future.”

Notable energy transition investments include Energy Exemplar, which supports grid reliability with a software platform that allows decision-makers to accurately model electric, gas and water energy markets; Sediver, the world’s leading manufacturer of the toughened glass insulators that enable electric transmission grids; Westwood Professional Services, a leading engineering and consulting firm; Trystar, a premier provider of backup power management solutions; Lancium, a developer providing long term contracted electrical grid access to large scale data centers, and Potomac Energy Center, a 774-megawatt natural gas and hydrogen-ready power plant, among others.

About Blackstone Energy Transition Partners   

Blackstone Energy Transition Partners is Blackstone’s energy-focused private equity business, a leading energy investor with a successful long-term record, having invested approximately $23.5 billion of equity globally across a broad range of sectors within the energy industry. Our investment philosophy is based on backing exceptional management teams with flexible capital to provide solutions that help energy companies grow and improve performance, thereby delivering cleaner, more reliable and affordable energy to meet the needs of the global community. In the process, we build stronger, larger scale enterprises, create jobs and generate lasting value for our investors, employees and all stakeholders.

Contacts

Matt Anderson
(518) 248-7310
Matthew.Anderson@Blackstone.com

Ellie Gottdenker
(347) 610-8646
Ellie.Gottdenker@blackstone.com

Categories: News

Tags:

Adelis and four entrepreneur-led companies join forces to create Circura Danmark, a leading provider of rehabilitation services in Denmark

Adelis Equity

Adelis Equity Partners and four owner-led rehabilitation services companies establish Circura Danmark A/S, which will be a leading group focused on building improvement and rehabilitation for companies, housing associations and public customers in Denmark. With total annual revenue around DKK 750 million and a strong position in a growing market, Circura Danmark and Adelis have an ambition of expanding throughout Denmark through growth and acquisitions.

Circura Danmark has 400 employees in the four entrepreneur-led partner companies Arne Pedersen A/S, Lundbæk & Hansen Bygningsforbedring A/S, LKA Entreprise A/S and Egon Olsen & Søn A/S, which are local market leaders in rehabilitation services and construction works. The companies continue as independent entities with their own company names, locations and management teams in a decentralized group structure with a lean management setup. Cooperation between the companies will contribute to driving development, strengthening sustainability efforts and expanding the group going forward.

“As part of Circura Danmark, the entrepreneurs will get access to capital and tools enabling them to comply with the increasingly strict demands for quality and sustainability in the construction and rehabilitation market, which is expected to show attractive growth rates in the coming years. We see great potential in driving the consolidation of well-run entrepreneurial-led companies with stable earnings and focus on rehabilitation projects and service work as well as close customer relations. Through cooperation, the companies can obtain synergies and develop their competitiveness, making Circura Danmark stand out very clearly from the other players in the Danish market,” say Erik Hallert and Jesper Bahlke at Adelis.

Circura Danmark will draw on Adelis’ comprehensive experience from the construction and rehabilitation sector in the Nordics, where the portfolio includes Circura (Sweden), re:mount (Finland) and Vokstr (Norway).

”We are pleased with this display of trust from the entrepreneurs in the four companies, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation in the coming years. We have gained valuable experience with similar investments in the Nordics and are convinced that Circura Danmark will also be able to obtain a leading position in the Danish market,” says Torbjörn Torell, who will step in as chairman of Circura Danmark and has 45 years of experience from the construction and rehabilitation industry as chairman of Circura Sverige as well as former CEO of One Nordic, Svevia and Bravida, among others.

The companies are focused on creating value for customers in mainly smaller rehabilitation projects and through services, and the partnership will strengthen competitiveness through knowledge sharing, expansion of the offering to customers and scale benefits from being part of a larger group.

“Together, we will have an even higher competency level and a wider and stronger service offering to the benefit of our customers. We are maintaining the local presence and look forward to pursuing growth opportunities together. At the same time, we will jointly take on the task of developing and improving the important efforts within the sustainability field,” says Kim Pedersen (CEO, Arne Pedersen) and Kim Hansen (CEO, Lundbæk & Hansen).

“We are looking forward to the cooperation in Circura Danmark and drawing on our common knowhow, experience and competencies across the companies when we work for our customers with the same sharp focus on quality and accountability, which have always been key to us,” says Kenneth Valentin (CEO, LKA Enterprise) and Michael Hoff-Møller (CEO, Egon Olsen).

Philip Dithmer will join as CFO and Head of M&A. Further, the management team will include a CEO who will be announced later.

Approval from competition authorities is expected no later than April.

For additional information:

Torbjörn Torell, Chairman

Phone: +46 705 77 40 40

Erik Hallert, Adelis Equity Partners

Phone: +46 709 36 80 41

Jesper Bahlke, Adelis Equity Partners

Phone: +46 704 10 45 24

About Circura Danmark

Circura Danmark is a leading group of construction and rehabilitation companies with a primary focus on services, rehabilitation projects and stable earnings. The group is based on a decentralized and customer-oriented business model, which provides the partner companies with the benefits of being part of a larger group. Circura Danmark is comprised of four companies, which are local market leaders, generate total annual revenue of around DKK 750 million and have around 400 employees. For more information, please visit www.circuradanmark.dk.

About Adelis Equity Partners

Adelis is a growth partner for well-positioned companies in the Nordic and DACH regions. Adelis partners with management and/or owners to build businesses in growth segments and with strong market positions. Since raising its first fund in 2013, Adelis has been one of the most active investors in the Nordic middle-market, making 45 platform investments and more than 260 add-on acquisitions. Adelis manages approximately €3.0 billion in capital. For more information, please visit www.adelisequity.com.

Categories: News

Ardian to acquire an additional 10% stake in Heathrow

Ardian
  • 26 February 2025

  • Infrastructure

  • United-KIngdom, London

 6 minutes de lecture

This statement should be read in conjunction with Ferrovial’s statement issued today.

•    Ardian became the largest shareholder of Heathrow on 12th December 2024, acquiring a 22.6% stake from Ferrovial, CDPQ and USS; the acquisition of a further 10% stake would increase Ardian’s ownership to 32.6%.
•    On 12th February 2025, Heathrow launched the largest investment pro-gramme in the airport’s history, with a multi-billion pound plan to upgrade and expand the “UK’s Gateway to Growth”.
•    Heathrow’s strong results today further support the need for a hub airport that has the capacity to ensure sustainable trade, business, and passenger travel throughout the UK and across the world. 

Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, today announces that it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire an additional 10 per cent stake in FGP Topco Ltd (TopCo), the holding company for Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd, from Ferrovial SE and other TopCo shareholders, including CDPQ (the Transaction).

Ardian completed the acquisition of a 22.6 per cent stake in TopCo on 12th December 2024.

“Since we became the largest shareholder of Heathrow in December, the airport has continued to perform strongly with traffic reaching 83.9 million passengers in 2024.  We are delighted to be working with our fellow shareholders, the Heathrow management team and the UK authorities on our shared ambition to deliver sustainable growth of this iconic infrastructure. Investment in Heathrow will deliver economic benefits across the entire country.
We are passionate about infrastructure and the role it plays enabling growth while supporting the transition to net zero. The Transaction is a further sign of our strong commitment to investing in essential infrastructure in the UK.”
Mathias Burghardt, Executive Vice President, CEO of Ardian France and Head of Infrastructure, Ardian

“There is strong demand for aviation which is underpinning the growth at Heathrow. We believe there are ways to build, expand and grow in a sustainable way and we will explore these with all stakeholders.”
Juan Angoitia, Co-Head of Infrastructure Europe and Senior Managing Director, Ardian

The transaction is subject to complying with the right of first offer (ROFO) which may be exercised by TopCo shareholders pursuant to the Shareholders’ Agreement and the Articles of Association of the company. Full completion of the acquisition under the agreement is also subject to the satisfaction of ap-plicable regulatory conditions.

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian is a world-leading private investment house, managing or advising $177bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,850 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks, family offices and private institutional investors worldwide. Ardian’s main shareholding group is its employees and we place great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1,050+ employees, spread across 20 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.

Through its direct infrastructure investment activities, Ardian has significant experience in owning and operating European airports. In the UK, Ardian was a 49% shareholder of London Luton Airport from 2013 until 2018. During Ardian’s period of ownership, a signifi-cant redevelopment of the terminal, transport links and infrastructure was successfully completed in close cooperation with Luton Borough Council. In Italy, Ardian was an indirect shareholder of Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Naples and Turin airports alongside their regions and municipalities.

At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last.

Press contact

Liz Morley

liz.morley@5654.co.uk+44 (0) 7798683108

Categories: News

Tags:

Julius Clinical Strengthens its European Capabilities by Expanding Operations in Poland

Ampersand

Zeist, Netherlands, February 25, 2025 – Julius Clinical, a science-driven global CRO specializing in Neurological, Cardio-Metabolic, Renal and Rare Diseases, is pleased to announce the establishment of Julius Clinical Poland, a new operational hub in Krakow. This expansion reinforces Julius Clinical’s position as a global leader in CNS and Cardio-Metabolic research while enhancing its pan-European capabilities in clinical trials.

With a strong track record of over 15 clinical trials conducted in Poland during the last years, Julius Clinical recognizes the country’s exceptional potential as a key clinical research hub in Europe. Poland offers a highly skilled workforce, a robust healthcare infrastructure, and a proven commitment to clinical research, making it an optimal destination for expanding the company’s European footprint. The new affiliate will enable more efficient patient recruitment, improved site selection, and seamless regulatory compliance, ultimately accelerating the development of innovative therapies.

Martijn Wallert, CEO of Julius Clinical, said: “Expanding into Poland marks a strategic milestone for Julius Clinical. We are strengthening our presence in Eastern Europe, making Poland a central hub for our regional operations and expanding our ability to support clinical research across neighboring countries.”

Radek Korba, Country Manager Poland, brings long-standing collaboration experience with Julius Clinical, ensuring a smooth transition for customers and partners. “Poland is a pivotal market in clinical research, and our local presence allows us to drive innovation while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. We are excited to strengthen collaborations with investigators, healthcare institutions, and regulatory bodies to deliver impactful research,” said Korba.

Julius Clinical’s expansion into Poland aligns with its broader strategy of providing world-class, scientifically driven clinical research services globally. With this move, the company reinforces its commitment to accelerating medical breakthroughs through cutting-edge trial designs, access to diverse patient populations, and deep scientific expertise.

Julius Clinical is supported by Ampersand Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm with deep expertise in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

About Julius Clinical

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Zeist, The Netherlands, Julius Clinical is a leading CRO specializing in CNS, Cardio-Metabolic, Renal, and Rare Diseases. With over 380 clinical trials and 220,000+ subjects across 39 countries, Julius Clinical combines scientific leadership, operational excellence, and a global network of research sites to deliver tailored solutions for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic partners.

For more information, visit https://www.juliusclinical.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Ampersand Capital Partners

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

For additional information, visit https://ampersandcapital.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

For more information on Julius Clinical services:

Email: businessdevelopment@juliusclinical.com

For more information on this press release, please contact:

Toni Kovandjieva

Marketing Manager, Julius Clinical

Email: toni.kovandjieva@juliusclinical.com

Categories: News

Tags: