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BOND Launches Exclusive Aviation Club for the Premium Private Flyer with $350M Investment Led by KKR

KKR

Powered by Bombardier Aircraft and Services, BOND Offers Fractional Ownership of Factory-New Super Mid- and Large Cabin Challenger 3500, Global 6500 and Global 8000 Aircraft

First-Of-Its-Kind Service Agreement with Bombardier Ensures Industry-Leading Reliability and On-Time Performance

With Support from KKR and Select Group of Founding Partners, BOND Creates A New Category in Private Aviation Defined By Unsurpassed Quality, High-Touch Service, Capital-Efficient Ownership, and Lowest Owner-to-Aircraft Ratio in the Industry

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BOND, the world’s first premium fractional aviation company, today announced the close of $320 million in preferred equity and debt financing led by credit funds and accounts managed by leading global investment firm KKR, with $30 million of equity funding from a select group of founding partners. In a market where demand for private flying is at record highs and fractional ownership is outpacing every other category of business aviation, BOND introduces a model built for premium private flyers who value exclusivity over scale.

Launched in strategic collaboration, with a fleet composed exclusively of Bombardier aircraft, BOND introduces “Fractional 2.0” – ownership for a new generation of private flyers who expect reliability, service excellence, and capital-efficient ownership. The company’s $1.7 billion firm order and services agreement includes 50 factory-new Challenger 3500 and Global 6500 aircraft and options for 70 more Challenger and Global planes. With those additional aircraft, BOND’s Bombardier purchase could exceed $4 billion in value.

BOND’s agreement with Bombardier also creates a first-of-a-kind, fully integrated OEM–operator service agreement to maximize uptime and provide exceptional operational reliability. The relationship ensures BOND members benefit from Bombardier’s U.S. service network, and on-site maintenance resources dedicated solely to the BOND fleet.

With its launch, BOND will introduce the first 100-percent super-midsize and large-cabin fractional fleet in private aviation, creating a category built entirely around long-range comfort, precision, and availability. It will also operate the first 100% flight-attended fleet in fractional aviation, redefining service standards and delivering a level of personalization unmatched in the industry.

Led by industry veteran Bill Papariella, Chairman and Group CEO, BOND’s leadership team brings decades of operational experience with a record of delivering strong performance and managing complex aviation operations.

Alongside KKR, the company also launches with the support of a select group of large family office founding partners. Together, their perspective as sophisticated investors and flyers helps ensure BOND is built around the needs of the customers it is designed to serve.

“We created BOND to deliver on the promise of what private aviation was always meant to be — personalized, predictable, and with exceptional levels of service,” said Bill Papariella, Chairman and Group CEO of BOND. “We are not building for scale. We are building for the select few who expect service perfection every time they fly.”

“We are proud to collaborate with BOND and its proven leadership team led by Bill Papariella, whose vision and track record in private aviation are well recognized,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “This agreement goes beyond an aircraft order, it marks a first-of-a-kind, uniquely integrated service collaboration. BOND’s confidence in our top-ranked global service network reinforces our position as the benchmark for reliability, responsiveness and customer support, delivering the peace of mind that only Bombardier can provide.”

“We are thrilled to build on our longstanding relationship with Bill and his team as they launch BOND,” said Patrick Clancy, Director at KKR. “We believe BOND represents the next evolution in private aviation – a model that prioritizes quality, service, and efficiency over scale. This team’s proven track record, coupled with the strength of the Bombardier collaboration, makes BOND well positioned to set a new standard for premium private travel.”

A Model Designed for Best-in-Class Reliability and an Unrivaled Customer Experience

Key elements of BOND’s model include:

  • Fewer owners per aircraft, limited to 10 per aircraft which is lowest in the industry
  • Exclusive fleet, reserved only for fractional owners – no jet-cards or charter dilution
  • Standby capacity increasing reliability, with reserved aircraft pre-positioned to cover peak customer demand
  • First-of-a-kind OEM service agreement, backed by dedicated resources in Bombardier’s top-rated network
  • Flight attendants on every flight, including super-midsize jets, an industry first
  • The highest-paid and most experienced pilots
  • 100% Super-mid and Large Cabin fleet
  • Evergreen membership with an intelligent capital efficient design

Members will begin flying in early 2027. For more information, please visit www.bond.co

 

About BOND

BOND is the world’s first premium fractional aviation company. Through a first-of-its-kind, fully integrated OEM–operator service agreement with Bombardier, BOND defines a new category in private aviation built on unsurpassed quality, high-touch service, capital-efficient ownership, and the lowest owner-to-aircraft ratio in the industry.

About KKR

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

Contacts

BOND@trailrunnenrint.com

 

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Defense Tech Unicorn Govini Surpasses $100 Million ARR Milestone

BainCapital

$150 million growth investment positions the Company to continue to expand its market leadership and accelerate innovation

ARLINGTON, Va. – Oct. 13, 2025 – Govini, the software leader in transforming the Defense Acquisition process, today announced that it surpassed $100 million in ARR and secured a $150 million growth investment from Bain Capital, which will allow the company to continue to expand its product offerings, grow its team of technologists and defense experts, and enhance its best-in-class data capabilities to meet exploding demand across the national security community.

“I founded Govini to create an entirely new category of software built to transform how the U.S. government uses AI and data to make decisions,” said Govini Founder and Executive Chairman Eric Gillespie. “After methodically developing our proprietary technology, that vision is now a reality. This investment validates not just the current position achieved by our incredibly talented team, but also our long-term goal of fundamentally rewiring how defense and national security communities make decisions with AI and data.”

Govini’s flagship product, Ark, is a suite of AI-enabled applications trusted by every department of the U.S. military and other federal agencies. Powered by Govini’s proprietary National Security Knowledge Graph, Ark accelerates workflows across the entire spectrum of Defense Acquisition including Supply Chain, Science & Technology, Production, Logistics, Sustainment, and Modernization.

“National security today is defined by speed—speed to build, to adapt, to fight,” saidGovini CEO Tara Murphy Dougherty. “Our software delivers that speed, replacing slow, archaic acquisition processes with a system built for modern competition. By equipping the Department of War with the capabilities to outpace, out-innovate, and out-fight those who threaten us, we are turning the outdated acquisition system into a force multiplier that delivers decisive advantage. This capital ensures we can scale rapidly to meet the surging demand for our products, which gives the United States the edge it needs to win.”

The investment comes at a time when Defense Acquisition is increasingly recognized as critical to America’s national security posture. Govini’s software-first approach combines cutting-edge AI technology with unmatched defense data to solve acquisition challenges that have plagued the Department of War for decades.

“We’re thrilled to support Govini’s next phase of growth as it continues to revolutionize how the U.S. government acquires and deploys the capabilities that keep us safe. Govini sits in a completely unique position at the intersection of national security, data, and software—areas that are increasingly vital to America’s strategic interests,” said Scott Kirk, Partner at Bain Capital Tech Opportunities. “The company’s proven platform and dominance of this category position it as an indispensable partner to defense and civilian agencies alike.”

This coincides with a series of expanded deployments across the DoW, U.S. intelligence community, and other national security agencies, reaffirming Govini’s position at the forefront of transforming Defense Acquisition into a platform for sustained military readiness and American global leadership. These include a 5-year DoW-wide contract from the U.S. Army, a $50 million award from the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition & Sustainment (OUSW A&S), an extension of Govini’s support for the Minuteman III program, Impact Level 5 Authority to Operate (IL5 ATO) for three military departments, and a $919 million government-wide supply chain risk illumination contract sponsored by OUSW A&S.

About Govini

Govini builds software to accelerate the Defense Acquisition Process. Ark, Govini’s flagship product, is a suite of AI-enabled applications, powered by integrated government and commercial data, that solves problems across the entire spectrum of Defense Acquisition, including Supply Chain, Science & Technology, Production, Logistics, Sustainment, Modernization. With Ark, the Acquisition community eliminates slow, manual processes and gains the ability to rapidly imagine, produce, and field critical warfighting capabilities. Ark transforms Defense Acquisition into a strategic advantage for the United States.

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Kailera Therapeutics Announces $600 Million Series B Financing to Further Advance Pipeline of Next-Generation Therapies for the Treatment of Obesity

BainCapital

  • Financing led by new investor Bain Capital Private Equity with participation from new and existing investors to support continued development of a differentiated, late-stage portfolio of obesity treatments
  • Proceeds support advancement of KAI-9531, an injectable GLP-1/GIP dual agonist with potentially best-in-category weight loss, to global Phase 3 trials by year end
  • Kailera continues to progress clinical development across its broader pipeline of oral and injectable obesity therapies

Waltham, Mass., October 14, 2025 — Kailera Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing a differentiated, late-stage portfolio of next-generation therapies for the treatment of obesity, today announced a $600 million Series B financing led by new investor Bain Capital Private Equity.  The financing will be fully funded at closing and will support the advancement of Kailera’s leading obesity portfolio, including a global Phase 3 clinical program of Kailera’s lead candidate KAI-9531, an injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist with potentially best-in-category weight loss.

Additional new investors in the Series B round comprise leading mutual funds and investors, including Adage Capital Management LP, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), Invus, Janus Henderson Investors, Perseverance Capital, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Royalty Pharma, Surveyor Capital (a Citadel company), accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., and an undisclosed large mutual fund. Kailera’s existing investors, Atlas Venture, Bain Capital Life Sciences, RTW Investments, and Sirona Capital, also participated in the round.

Kailera completed End-of-Phase 2 meetings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and plans to initiate its global Phase 3 program by year end. The Phase 3 program will include two trials in adults living with obesity or overweight with comorbidities, with and without type 2 diabetes, and an additional trial in adults living with a BMI of 35 or higher.

“We are excited to welcome our new investors and extend sincere appreciation to our current investors for their continued confidence in our vision,” said Ron Renaud, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kailera. “With an increasing global population affected by obesity and limited options for those living with higher BMIs, the need for effective treatment options has never been greater. With this funding, we will accelerate the advancement of our pipeline, including our lead program KAI-9531 that has the potential to deliver substantial weight loss for people living with obesity.  We look forward to starting our global Phase 3 trials of KAI-9531 by the end of this year—marking a pivotal step in our mission to deliver therapies that empower people with obesity to transform their health and live fuller, healthier lives.”

The financing will also advance KAI-7535, an oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist that demonstrated competitive weight loss in a Phase 2 clinical trial in China, to global clinical trials. Additionally, the company continues to progress its earlier stage programs, KAI-4729, an injectable GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor tri-agonist, and KAI-9531 formulated as a once-daily oral tablet.

Beyond its current pipeline, Kailera has certain rights to new formulations of licensed products and rights of first refusal over selected assets in Hengrui’s metabolic disease portfolio.

“Kailera is uniquely positioned to make an impact beyond the current market leaders with a lead asset poised to set the bar for the next generation of obesity treatments. The company’s broader portfolio – spanning diverse mechanisms of action and routes of administration – further supports its potential to be a leader in obesity care,” said Chris Gordon, Partner and Global Co-Head of Bain Capital Private Equity.  “We are impressed with the significant progress Kailera has made in just one year, having assembled a world-class, experienced team while successfully executing critical steps to advance its differentiated and broad pipeline of obesity treatments. We’re proud to join this high-caliber investor syndicate in supporting their mission to address one of the most pressing global health challenges,” added Andrew Kaplan, Partner at Bain Capital Private Equity.

In conjunction with the financing, Mr. Kaplan will join Kailera’s Board of Directors. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

About Kailera Therapeutics 
Kailera Therapeutics (Kailera) is developing a broad, advanced, and differentiated portfolio of clinical-stage injectable and oral therapies for the treatment of obesity. Kailera’s most advanced program, KAI-9531 (being developed in China as HRS9531), is an injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that has demonstrated positive clinical trial results in obesity in China. The Company is also advancing a diversified pipeline leveraging several mechanisms of action and routes of delivery. Kailera’s mission is to develop next-generation weight management therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. The Company is based in Waltham, MA and San Diego, CA. For more information, visit www.kailera.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

 

Media Contacts

 Scott Lessne / Charlyn Lusk

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Ecorobotix Secures $150M to Accelerate AI-Powered Plant-by-Plant™ Care, Unveiling New Innovation at Agritechnica

ECBF

Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland – 13 October 2025 – Ecorobotix, the global leader in AI-powered Ultra-High Precision (UHP) spraying, is driving the future of sustainable agriculture with innovations that improve crop health and efficiency. Building on rapid growth, proven field results, and a strong financial foundation with $150 million raised in Series C ($45m, 2024) and Series D ($105m, 2025), the company will present its latest advancements at Agritechnica this November in Hanover.

Central to Ecorobotix’s momentum is its Plant-by-Plant™ AI technology, which can distinguish and treat each individual plant with unmatched precision, using a spray footprint of just a few centimeters. This approach reduces the use of pesticides and other crop protection products by as much as 95% while maintaining effectiveness. For growers, the benefits are far-reaching: the safe use of non-selective products, lower input costs, compliance with increasingly strict regulations, and ultimately, higher yields.

Fueling Innovation Through Investment
These new advances are made possible thanks to the company’s strong backing from global investors. The Series D round was led by Highland Europe, one of the continent’s top venture capital funds, with ECBF and McWin Capital Partners also joining as new investors.

 “These latest investment rounds have allowed us to accelerate our innovation, expand into new crop types, broaden our product range, and bring our advanced crop algorithms to market faster,” said Dominique Mégret, CEO of Ecorobotix. “Thanks to the trust of our investors, we are scaling a proven solution to help deliver better-quality food for the world.”

Showcasing New Innovation at Agritechnica 2025
This November at Agritechnica, Ecorobotix will unveil its latest innovation, setting a new standard for crop protection worldwide.
“Farmers today face rising costs, labor shortages, and pressure to reduce inputs while still producing more food,” added Mégret. “Our new innovation takes precision even further to help them meet those challenges.” 

About our New Investors

Highland Europe
Highland Europe invests in exceptional growth-stage technology and consumer companies. Formally launched in 2012, Highland Europe has raised over €2.75 billion. Highland’s collective history of investments across the US, Europe and China includes 45+ IPOs, 150+ M&A exits and 40 billion-dollar-plus companies.

ECBF
The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is the leading venture capital fund dedicated to accelerating Europe’s transition to a sustainable, circular bioeconomy. With €300 million under management, ECBF invests in growth-stage companies. As an Article 9 SFDR fund, ECBF combines rigorous ESG standards with deep industry expertise to scale impactful innovations.

McWin Capital Partners
McWin Capital Partners (“McWin”) is a specialist private equity and venture capital firm, dedicated to the food ecosystem. With deep industry expertise across three business segments; Food Tech, Foodservice and Restaurants, McWin’s purpose is to lead the food industry through positive change and create value on behalf of investors and portfolio companies of the McWin Funds by leveraging its scale, network and experience to deliver outstanding returns.

Ecorobotix also acknowledges the vital support of its long-term partners such as 4FOX Ventures, AQTON, BASF Venture Capital, Capagro, Cibus Capital, Flexstone Partners, Fondation Domaine de Villette, Meritech, Stellar Impact, Swisscanto, Swisscom Ventures, and Yara Growth Ventures.

About Ecorobotix
Ecorobotix is a Swiss B Corporation® certified company whose mission is to transform agriculture through artificial intelligence and ultra-precise spraying technologies. With more than 25 crop algorithms now supported, its flagship product, ARA, is the world’s most versatile ultra-high-precision sprayer, capable of targeting specific crops as well as different types of weeds. Present in more than 20 countries in Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, Ecorobotix is redefining the standards of sustainable crop protection.

Press contact | ECBF Management GmbH
Cornelia Mann | pr@ecbf.vc| +49.160.892.774.4

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SAMY strengthens European leadership in social-first communications with team5pm acquisition

Bridgepoint

SAMY has announced the acquisition of team5pm, a data-driven social agency known for creating social-first content that helps brands stand out in a crowded landscape.

With the integration of team5pm, SAMY is ready to serve global and local clients with a leading Social Media solution across Europe. Its current presence in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the UK, Germany and Finland will expand to include the Netherlands, Sweden, and Poland, effectively covering most of the region.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, team5pm brings advanced capabilities in data-driven, long-format video content rooted in their unique expertise in YouTube and Social SEO —critical as consumers increasingly use social platforms for search.

This strategic move enables SAMY to extend its industry-leading capabilities across all platforms with data driven content in social media, influencer marketing, amplification and social commerce, with added expertise in long-form video and YouTube — reinforcing its positioning as a full-service, social-first agency leading the evolution of brand communications.

Team5pm’s successful track record with global brands such as Prime Video, Volkswagen and Philips, alongside a shared data-driven approach to social first communication, make the agency a prime strategic fit for SAMY.

“Our shared vision of leading the evolution of brand communication in a social-first world—combining  intelligence-fueled creativity, unique deep platforms and formats expertise supported by proprietary technology, creates the foundation for a seamless and successful integration, ensuring we can better serve both current and future clients.” said Juan Andrés, CEO at SAMY.

Jelmer Wind, CEO of team5pm, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “The industry is evolving fast. Social, influencers, and new technologies like AI are transforming how we operate, fueling client demand for integrated, global solutions. At team5pm, we’ve always strived to lead. To truly amplify our vision and operate on a grander scale, we are proud to partner with SAMY. This powerful next step, joining a network of over 900 colleagues across 20 offices, brings together our unique strengths with their innovative, global platform. We are excited to work together to shape the future of social-first marketing.”

As part of this strategic acquisition, team5pm’s partners will also join SAMY shareholders, underscoring a deep commitment to the combined entity’s future.

Bridgepoint Group is one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors, specialising in private equity, infrastructure and private credit.

With over $86 billion of assets under management and a strong local presence in Europe, North America and Asia, we combine global scale with local market insight and sector expertise, consistently delivering strong returns through cycles.

Bridgepoint Advisers Limited, a subsidiary of Bridgepoint Group plc, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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KKR Completes Acquisition of OSTTRA From S&P Global and CME Group

KKR

October 10, 2025

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced that investment funds managed by KKR have completed the acquisition of OSTTRA, a leading provider of post-trade solutions for the global OTC market, from S&P Global and CME Group. The terms of the deal for OSTTRA equaled total enterprise value at $3.1 billion.

Established in 2021 as a joint venture between CME Group and S&P Global, OSTTRA serves the global financial ecosystem with a comprehensive suite of critical post-trade offerings across interest rates, FX, credit and equity asset classes. OSTTRA provides end-to-end connectivity and workflow solutions to banks, broker-dealers, asset managers, and other market participants across trade processing, trade lifecycle, and optimization.

Guy Rowcliffe and John Stewart will continue to lead the OSTTRA management team. Building on OSTTRA’s strong foundation as a trusted provider of critical market infrastructure, KKR will support the Company’s customer-centric growth by increasing OSTTRA’s investments in technology and innovation across its leading post-trade solutions platform.

KKR will also support OSTTRA in creating a broad-based equity ownership program to provide all of the company’s nearly 1,500 employees the opportunity to participate in the benefits of ownership.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and BofA Securities, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett served as financial and legal advisors, respectively, to KKR. Barclays served as financial advisor and Davis Polk served as legal advisor to S&P Global. Citi served as financial advisor and Skadden served as legal advisor to CME Group.

About OSTTRA

OSTTRA provides critical post trade infrastructure to global financial markets. Launched in 2021 through the combination of four businesses that have been at the heart of Post Trade innovation for more than 20 years (MarkitServ, Traiana, TriOptima and Reset), the OSTTRA network connects thousands of market participants to process millions of trades each day, streamlining end to end workflows – from trade capture and confirmation, through portfolio optimisation, to clearing and settlement. For additional information, please visit www.osttra.com.

About KKR

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

Media

OSTTRA:
Ted Harvey
+447515961906
osttra@aspectusgroup.com

KKR:
Lauren McCranie
212-750-8300
media@kkr.com

Source: KKR

 

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Endalia Appoints Javier Velasco as New CEO to Lead its Next Growth Chapter

AKKR Logo

he Spanish HCM and Payroll software company continues to build on its strategy with the support of Accel-KKR

Zaragoza, October 6, 2025 — Endalia, a leading provider of cloud-based HCM and Payroll solutions, has announced the appointment of Javier Velasco as its new CEO, succeeding Javier Moreira, who will take on a new leadership role within the Accel-KKR portfolio. Backed by Accel-KKR, Endalia’s majority investor since 2020, the company is entering a new phase focused on innovation and strategic growth.

Leadership Transition and Strategic Continuity

After a successful tenure leading Endalia, Javier Moreira will take on a leadership role at another Accel-KKR portfolio company. As of October 1st, Javier Velasco, formerly Endalia’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been promoted to the CEO position.

“I’m approaching this new chapter with energy and a strong commitment to consolidating Endalia as a benchmark in technological innovation for people management. Our goal is to continue creating real value for our clients and strengthening their trust in us,” said Javier Velasco, Endalia’s new CEO.

Velasco takes the helm at a time of strength and expansion for the company, supported by a committed team and a clear growth roadmap.

Over the past years, Javier Velasco has led key areas at Endalia, including operations, implementation, and customer support. As COO, he was responsible for optimizing internal processes, scaling services, and ensuring client satisfaction, contributing significantly to Endalia’s sustained growth.

Prior to joining Endalia, Javier held global leadership roles in the software and technology sector, where he focused on scaling operations, driving business growth, and delivering high-impact solutions for customers across different markets.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built at Endalia and confident in Javier Velasco’s ability to lead the company forward. His deep understanding of the organization and strong commitment to both the team and clients make him the ideal leader for Endalia’s next chapter,” said Javier Moreira, who will join the company’s board.

Supported by Accel-KKR to Accelerate Growth

In late 2020, Endalia received a majority growth investment from Accel-KKR, a global software-focused private equity firm based in Silicon Valley. This was followed by a subsequent investment aimed at strengthening Endalia’s market position and accelerating its expansion.

With Javier Velasco at the helm, Endalia and Accel-KKR plan to build on the company’s strength in Spain and explore new strategic growth opportunities.

“Endalia is entering the next chapter in its journey. With a strong foundation of customer-centricity, the company is well-positioned to accelerate its impact under Javier Velasco’s leadership. We’re confident that this transition will continue the effort and momentum for our clients and reinforce Endalia’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and forward-thinking solutions,” John Crowell, Principal at Accel-KKR and Endalia board member.

About Endalia

Endalia offers a fully integrated, modular HCM and Payroll platform that covers processes such as organizational and people management, time tracking, absences and vacations, performance, travel, and expenses. It also provides Payroll outsourcing services, fully integrated with other HR processes, offering a unique, transparent end-to-end solution. Under the motto “Just One. Just HR Lovers,” Endalia helps clients centralize all HR processes in a single tool, automate manual tasks, and provide outstanding service — establishing itself as a top-tier HR Tech solution in

 

Categories: People

BASF and Carlyle reach binding transaction agreement on coatings business to create a leading standalone company

Carlyle

  • Enterprise value of €7.7 billion agreed for BASF’s automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish coatings and surface treatment businesses

  • Carlyle to leverage its global industrial and carve-out expertise to support BASF Coatings’ next phase of growth 

  • BASF to hold equity stake in coatings business to continue building on today’s success 

  • Subject to customary regulatory approvals, closing is expected in Q2 2026

Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Washington D.C. – October 10, 2025 – BASF and funds managed by global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG), in partnership with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), have entered into a binding agreement relating to BASF’s automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish coatings, and surface treatment businesses (“BASF Coatings”). 

The enterprise value of the transaction amounts to €7.7 billion. Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026. This transaction, together with the already closed divestiture of the decorative paints business, value BASF’s entire Coatings division at an enterprise value of €8.7 billion and an implied 2024 EV/EBITDA multiple before special items of approx. 13x. This represents a significant step in unlocking the value of BASF’s standalone businesses, as the company swiftly executes its Winning Ways strategy. BASF will also reinvest in the coatings business holding a 40% equity stake and will receive pre-tax cash proceeds of approx. €5.8 billion at closing of the transaction.

BASF Coatings is a global player in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. The business operates in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific, and generated sales of approx. €3.8 billion in 2024.

Working closely alongside management, Carlyle will support the future growth of the business through investing in its commercial capabilities, innovation pipeline, and organizational structure to enhance customer focus. Carlyle will leverage its strong track record and extensive experience in successful carve-outs of industrial and chemical assets, following previous investments in Axalta, Atotech, and Nouryon. 

“We are delighted to partner with Carlyle, whose sector expertise, carve-out capabilities and collaborative approach will help position BASF Coatings for long-term success,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. “By retaining an equity stake, we are showing our belief in Coatings’ future value creation and upside potential. The passion, expertise, and customer focus of our Coatings team is what makes this business outstanding.”

“The transaction announced today opens a new chapter of opportunity for BASF Coatings, building on today’s success and shaping an even stronger future,” said Anup Kothari, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE and responsible for the Coatings division.

“BASF Coatings is an exceptional platform with leading technologies, a world-class management team, strong customer partnerships, and a truly global footprint,” said Martin Sumner, Global Head of Industrials, and Tanaka Maswoswe, Partner at Carlyle. “We see compelling opportunities to leverage our global platform to support the business becoming an established independent leader. This transaction exemplifies Carlyle’s ability to execute complex carve-outs in partnership with leading global corporates.”

“QIA is pleased to partner with Carlyle to support the next phase of BASF Coatings’ continued growth,” said Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA. “This investment aligns with QIA’s approach of investing in industry leaders and is testament to our belief in the long-term resilience of German businesses.”

Business continuity for customers will be ensured throughout the transaction process. In accordance with legal requirements and local practice, employee representatives will be involved.

Further information

BASF will host a conference call on the transaction on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 14:00 to 14:30 CEST. The webcast will be available at: http://basf.com/conference-call-2025-10-10.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

Forward-looking statements and forecasts relating to BASF

This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current estimates and projections of the Board of Executive Directors and currently available information. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of the future developments and results outlined therein. These are dependent on a number of factors; they involve various risks and uncertainties; and they are based on assumptions that may not prove to be accurate. BASF does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this release above and beyond the legal requirements.

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 Carlyle AlpInvest. With $465 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2025, 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 27 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.

About QIA 

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar. QIA was founded in 2005 to invest and manage the state reserve funds. QIA is among the largest and most active sovereign wealth funds globally. QIA invests across a wide range of asset classes and regions as well as in partnership with leading institutions around the world to build a global and diversified investment portfolio with a long-term perspective that can deliver sustainable returns and contribute to the prosperity of the State of Qatar.

BASF contacts:

Dr. Stefanie Wettberg

+49 621 60-48002

stefanie.wettberg@basf.com

Jens Fey

+49 621 60-99123

jens.fey@basf.com

Carlyle contacts: 

Brittany Bensaull

+1 (212) 813-4839

Brittany.Bensaull@carlyle.com

Andrew Kenny

+44 7385 662334

andrew.kenny@carlyle.com

Lonna Leong

+852 9023 1157

lonna.leong@carlyle.com

QIA contact:

media@qia.qa

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819 Capital Partners launches 819 Seed Fund!

819 Capital Partners

Deventer, 9 October 2025 – 819 Capital Partners announces the launch of 819 Seed Fund, a new €9 million fund established with support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

819 Seed Fund is designed to address the growing demand for venture capital among early-stage deep tech and med tech companies, offering ticket sizes from €250k – €1.5M. Its mission is to help entrepreneurs develop, validate, and scale breakthrough technologies in the Netherlands.

By investing at this critical stage, we aim to strengthen the Dutch startup ecosystem and support entrepreneurs shaping the future of technology.

For more information: https://819-capital.com/819-seedfund/

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Our Investment in n8n: The AI platform for automation

Accel

written by

Ben Fletcher

Rich Wong

Jakob Buchmayer

Enterprises have reached a tipping point in their AI investments. Pilots are widespread, but most companies have yet to translate those experiments into full workflow transformations. Their ability to capture the value that AI promises depends on integrating an increasing number of task and function-specific AI agents and systems across their businesses.

n8n has built the missing piece that enterprises need in order to translate their AI investments into real, durable value for their organizations. Its central system of record enables companies to build, evaluate, observe, and orchestrate agentic automations across their global operations, all while integrating directly into their existing workflows through over 1,000 native integrations, APIs, ETL connectors, and MCPs.

Accel’s Ben Fletcher and n8n’s Jan Oberhauser together in Berlin.

Today, we’re pleased to announce that Accel has led the Series C in n8n’s AI-native workflow automation platform. This funding round follows explosive, capital-efficient growth over the past year that has seen n8n become the underlying infrastructure for orchestrating and integrating agents into leading enterprises. We’re grateful to be joined by a variety of angels and strategic partners, including CrowdStrike’s George Kurtz, NVIDIA’s NVentures, and Deutsche Telekom’s T.Capital.

Previous generations of automation software relied on “if this, then that” deterministic logic. It’s a fundamental mismatch for agentic AI workflows, and diminishes the potential value LLMs promise. n8n has built the automation and orchestration layer for the AI era: today, more than 80% of workflows built on n8n embed AI agents.

n8n has dramatically expanded the share of work that can be automated. Teams can fully customize workflows, mixing AI agents with deterministic steps and team inputs where required. The range of use cases on n8n is vast: AI builders define full backend logic. Fortune 500 companies standardize operations spanning IT, finance, marketing automation, and security orchestration. System integrators have transformed customer support, sales, and DevOps with easy AI automations. No matter where customers are on their AI journey, n8n makes it easy to unlock real value and efficiency gains.

What truly sets n8n apart is its radically open “Fair Code” model and the community it has inspired. n8n has become a Top 50 GitHub Project with over 145,000 stars, and is now supported by a vibrant community of more than 700,000 active developers. n8n users also tend to be n8n evangelists: extending it through workflow templates and integrations, and spreading the word across online forums. Community members now organize over 60 community events around the world each year.  In this, we’ve recognized a similarity with some of Accel’s most notable investments – Atlassian, Slack, Vercel, Webflow –  that built effusive, loyal communities centered around great products.

n8n events around the world focused on builders

At Accel, we’ve long believed in partnering with the builders creating the foundational tools powering software. Accel portfolio companies Cursor, Linear, Lovable, Supabase and Vercel are rapidly defining the next-gen AI stack. n8n is the next step of this thesis, providing the open, community-first operating system to embed AI into daily work. We’re grateful to Jan and his team for trusting Accel as a partner for their next phase of global growth and we look forward to the remarkable journey ahead.

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