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MariaDB Completes Series C Funding Led by Alibaba Group, Finishing 2017 With $54M in Global Investment

Tesi

MariaDB® Corporation, the company behind the fastest growing open source database, today announced that it raised $27 million in an investment led by Alibaba Group, with participation from existing investors Intel Capital, California Technology Ventures, Tesi, SmartFin Capital and Open Ocean. Combined with a recent $27 million investment from the European Investment Bank (EIB), this latest capital brings MariaDB’s total funding this year to $54 million.

Funding from Alibaba and European Investment Bank accelerates worldwide opportunity for MariaDB as the open source database standard

 

MariaDB will continue its collaboration with Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group, to deliver new solutions for the cloud and emerging use cases. MariaDB reaches more than 60 million developers worldwide through its inclusion in every major Linux distribution, as well as a growing presence in the world’s major cloud providers. The latest investments reflect the rising interest in MariaDB from every commercial region around the world.

“Companies around the world are standardizing on open source for modern application development,” said Michael Howard, CEO of MariaDB Corporation. “From global banks to leading telecommunication companies, MariaDB is selected over proprietary offerings for its complete set of database features built for the next generation of applications. This investment allows MariaDB to further accelerate growth, while delivering new solutions for the cloud and automation through machine learning.”

MariaDB’s open source model and active community participation enable the company to iterate more quickly and add new industry-leading capabilities faster than closed, proprietary software vendors like Oracle. Technology giants Alibaba, Tencent, Facebook and others have established collaboration with MariaDB to develop and incorporate significant features including multi-source replication, encryption, point-in-time rollback and more that address new and emerging challenges and opportunities.

Alibaba Cloud is a valued MariaDB contributor and user. MariaDB and Alibaba Cloud companies have worked closely together to enhance features of products such as AliSQL, a cloud-friendly open source project that enables Alibaba’s work with MariaDB.

“MariaDB is becoming the gold standard for enterprise-grade open source databases,” said Jin Li, Vice President of Alibaba Cloud. “We believe that the symbiotic relationships found in the open source community contribute to the success of both MariaDB’s database technology and our cloud platform, and we have an opportunity to build some truly innovative solutions for cloud, on premise and hybrid deployments.”

MariaDB Empowers Mobility in the Cloud

With the widespread adoption of cloud architectures, comes increasing concern that cloud vendor lock-in brings the same lack of choice as proprietary systems. In contrast, MariaDB is deployment agnostic, free from cloud vendor lock-in and engineered to handle transactional, analytical, and web-scale workloads across any public, private or hybrid topology. MariaDB’s mobility affords customers unparalleled flexibility and power with a best-of-breed, open source database.

Record MariaDB Business Growth

Today’s global investment news comes on the heels of a momentous 2017 fiscal year, which ended September 30, with record business growth.
● Rapid Revenue Expansion: MariaDB ended the fiscal year and last quarter with historical revenue gains. The average deal size doubled as customers deployed MariaDB across growing segments of their business, including the first enterprise-wide replacement and migration from Oracle Enterprise to MariaDB.
● New Database Solution Offerings: In 2017, MariaDB continued its track record of innovative development through the availability of two new database solution offerings: MariaDB TX, a complete database solution for transactional workloads, and MariaDB AX, a modern data warehousing solution for high-performance analytics.
● Debuted Inaugural MariaDB User Conference: In April, MariaDB hosted its first-ever annual user conference to address the fast growing business usage of MariaDB. With participation from hundreds of customers, partners and developers from around the world, the conference reflected MariaDB’s growing global presence in the enterprise.

As a general purpose database, MariaDB has been deployed to support a wide range of applications in every industry, from credit card transactions and investment applications in banking, to customer phone data and billing applications in telecom, to inventory, purchases and order fulfillment applications in e-commerce. With the ability to fulfill any transactional or analytical workload, MariaDB supports the most critical applications at companies around the world. Its widespread use across Linux distributions and cloud platforms, as well as its ease of use, have quickly made MariaDB the open source database standard for the modern enterprise.

Additional Resources
● Visit www.mariadb.com
● Follow @mariadb on Twitter
● Read MariaDB’s blog


About MariaDB Corporation
MariaDB Corporation is the company behind MariaDB, the fastest growing Open Source database. MariaDB, with a strong history of community innovation and enterprise adoption, provides the most functionally complete open source database. MariaDB powers applications at companies including Google, Wikipedia, Tencent, Verizon, DBS Bank, Deutsche Bank, Telefónica, Huatai Securities and more.

MariaDB solutions are engineered to run on any infrastructure – bare metal servers, virtual machines, containers, public and private clouds – and is available in all leading Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, and is the default database in openSUSE, Manjaro, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) / CentOS / Fedora, Arch Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise and Debian, with a reach of more than 60 million developers worldwide.

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Danfoss acquires Visedo – world-leading expert in electric solutions

Tesi

Danish family company Danfoss has acquired Visedo, a company specializing in electric powertrains and components. Visedo is a world-leading expert in electric solutions for the off-highway and marine markets, and a Tesi portfolio company since 2013. With this step, Danfoss is responding to the growing customer demand for electric solutions to reduce emissions and pollution and to increase productivity. Visedo is headquartered in Lappeenranta in Finland.

Kimmo Rauma, Head of Visedo, Picture: Junnu Lusa

“Acquiring new innovative technology is an important part of our investment in growth, and I am excited about the really great Visedo team joining Danfoss and our future journey. Electrification is a fast-developing area and holds tremendous potential, and Visedo is a great example of how we can focus on customer needs and at the same time strengthen our offering by providing a broader range of solutions,” says Kim Fausing, president and CEO.

“This is a great day for Lappeenranta,” says Tuomo Rönkkö, Chairman of the board for Visedo. “The acquisition acknowledges the knowhow and excellence built over the years between Visedo and the Lappeenranta University of Technology. The long-term commitment of the original investors and the ability to find the best experts to work for the company have been the base for this success story. We are happy the story will continue and bring more investments to the entire region.”

Visedo will be integrated into the Danfoss Power Solutions business segment. The acquisition of this electric systems business is in line with Danfoss’ strategic focus on adding electric solutions as a key competency and a key part of the company’s approach to enable electrification across the global businesses.

“With this acquisition, we position Danfoss and the Danfoss Power Solutions business even stronger. We see a growing demand for electric solutions within off-highway vehicles and the marine market in response to the more stringent emissions regulations being imposed in these markets, as well as efficiency and productivity gains that these solutions bring. Danfoss will, based on this acquisition, continue to invest in electrification to further strengthen our position in the industry. I look forward to welcoming the highly experienced and dedicated Visedo team to Danfoss and to our business,” says Eric Alström, President, Danfoss Power Solutions.

“Joining forces with Danfoss means a quantum leap for our mission to end pollution with our electric solutions. Together with Danfoss, we will have more capacity and investment for greater innovation and market opportunities,” says Kimmo Rauma, Head of Visedo.

“Visedo has been able to quickly position itself as the leading technology provider in its sector. It has shown that a start-up can disrupt a rather conservative market with an intelligent hardware driven business model by combining electrical engineering and software development in which Finland has long and successful history. Above all Visedo is all about its highly skilled personnel and exceptionally strong corporate culture,” comments Jussi Sainiemi, Investment Director at Tesi.

The acquisition includes all Visedo subsidiaries globally and a design and manufacturing site located at its headquarters in Lappeenranta.

The parties have not disclosed the purchase price or other conditions of the acquisition.

For more information:
Danfoss Media Relations, Tel: + 45 70 20 44 88

Jussi Sainiemi, Investment Director, Tesi
+358 40 564 4660
jussi.sainiemi@tesi.fi

 

Founded in 2009, Visedo is a Finnish manufacturer of smart hybrid and electric drivetrains for electric vehicles across the marine industry, commercial vehicle and heavy-duty machinery sectors. Visedo powertrains are suitable for hybrid and electric systems within the power range of 30-2,000kW. Visedo’s head office is located in Lappeenranta, Finland, and the company has subsidiaries in the Netherlands and Hong Kong. Visedo has a broad, international client base, with exports to Europe and Asia representing 90 percent of its sales. More information at www.visedo.com

Danfoss engineers technologies that enable the world of tomorrow to do more with less. We meet the growing need for infrastructure, food supply, energy efficiency and climate-friendly solutions. Our products and services are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, motor control and mobile machinery. We are also active in the field of renewable energy as well as district heating infrastructure for cities and urban communities. Our innovative engineering dates back to 1933 and today Danfoss is a world-leader, employing 26,000 employees and serving customers in more than 100 countries. We are privately held by the founding family. Read more about us at www.danfoss.com.

Tesi (Finnish Industry Investment Ltd) is a venture capital and private equity company that accelerates companies’ success stories by investing in them directly and via funds. Tesi always invests together with other investors, providing them with access to high quality deal-flow in Finland. Our investments under management total 1 billion euros and we have altogether 723 companies in portfolio. www.tesi.fi / @TesiFII

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Up-and-coming Customer Data Platform CrossEngage obtains fresh capital

Project A

The MarTech startup company based in Berlin convinces new investors – Vorwerk Ventures is on board

Berlin, November 1st 2017 – The Berlin-based marketing technology company CrossEngage will receive additional funding of 5 million euros. After its successful foundation in July 2015 and subsequent 7-digit seed financing round at the beginning of 2016, the company is attracting new investors and additional ownership interests from existing shareholders. The new round of financing will be led by Vorwerk Ventures as a new shareholder, as well as the existing investor Earlybird Venture Capital. The existing investors Project A, VC Fonds Kreativwirtschaft which is managed by IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft, Cavalry Ventures, 42 Capital, Capnamic Ventures, Ventech and TA Ventures are also increasing their holdings.

In the last two years, the Berlin-based company has focused on product development and grown into a leading customer data platform on the German market. CrossEngage technology enables advertisers to reach their target audiences through individualised messages and automated selection and combination of marketing channels. User data from online and offline marketing channels are summarised and evaluated in real time. This enables marketers to immediately implement consistent campaigns across all marketing channels. Customers such as Contorion, BodyChange, HelloFresh and Deutsche Bahn Vertriebs GmbH are already working successfully with the CrossEngage solution.

The two founders Dr. Markus Wübben and Manuel Hinz are now using the new capital from this financing round to expand their international business and further develop the technology. The aim is to further optimise the platform and offer an even more effective cross-channel marketing approach by applying artificial intelligence, especially on an international level. CrossEngage has been active on the UK market since September 2017. Dan McKinnon, Head of Sales UK, is responsible for customer expansion in London.

US market researcher Gartner published its annual analysis report on business technologies in August 2017. 32 trends were analysed in the “Hype Cycle for Digital Marketing and Advertising”. Gartner already described customer data platforms as an up-and-coming, innovative solution for marketers in last year’s report. In the current report, the market researcher emphasises the benefits of bundling all customer data within a customer data platform as the basis for effective and flexible marketing. The challenge and at the same time the pressure for marketers to have a 360° customer view for a relevant and personalised cross-device and cross-channel address is currently at its peak. CrossEngage is the pioneer in the German market for this trend.

Norbert Muschong, General Manager Vorwerk Ventures, comments: “We see strong growth potential in CrossEngage and are convinced by its technological know-how. We believe that the start-up’s technology can also compete internationally and we are therefore very optimistic that the company will continue to establish itself strongly in the coming year”.

Dr. Florian Heinemann, Partner at Project A, adds: “Within the last two years, CrossEngage has developed an effective and competitive MarTech platform, which offers real orchestration of marketing tools and, above all, has already convinced well-known customers. We are pleased about the success and look forward to continuing to accompany the Berlin team on its way into the international market”.

About CrossEngage

CrossEngage is a leading customer data platform for cross-channel campaign management. The technology enables customer loyalty and thus increases marketing profitability through personalised, real-time campaigns across all channels. Customers include Deutsche Bahn Vertrieb, HelloFresh, Contorion, BodyChange, Stylefile, Friendsurance and Mycs. In addition to Vorwerk Ventures, Project A, Earlybird Venture Capital, VC Fonds Kreativwirtschaft managed by IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft, Capnamic Ventures, Ventech, 42 Capital and Cavalry Ventures, the sponsors include numerous business angels who are prominent in the field. The Berlin location currently employs 45 people. www.crossengage.io

 

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Kano Raises $28M in Series B, and Brings New Computer Kits to More Than 4,500 Retail Stores

Index Ventures

Today, DIY computer company Kano announced a mass North American rollout into more than 4,500 retail stores, stocking its creative computing kits in every Best Buy and Target, select Walmart stores, Microsoft Stores, Jet.com and The Source, as well as existing partners Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Indigo and Toys R Us. This expansion is fueled by $28M in new funding.

The Series B round was led by the Thames Trust and Breyer Capital, with Index Ventures, the Stanford Engineering Venture Fund, LocalGlobe, Marc Benioff, John Makinson, Collaborative Fund, Triple Point Capital, and Barclays participating.

At more than 1,000 stores, Kano’s full line of all-ages computer and coding kits – including the new Pixel Kit, Motion Sensor Kit, and Computer Kit Complete – will be presented on interactive displays, both on shelves and on end-cap fixtures, heading up the new STEM category.

Kano shipped the first “computer anyone can make” in September 2014, and is now expanding its retail presence more than four-fold. Its kits are deployed in more than 1000 education programs worldwide. Its community of beginner developers, in 86 countries, many as young as six, have shared overin the last year alone. These beginners spend 13.5 hours, close to Snapchat, on the company’s Computer Kits during the first 30 days. Kano describes itself as a new kind of computer company, focused on creation, not just consumption.

“Kano has grown into a category leader, with hardware and software that prepares all ages for the future,” said Jim Breyer, Founder and CEO of Breyer Capital. “The financing, expansion into mass retail, and new products will expose the unique Kano experience to millions more.”

“The opportunity for Kano and other creative, educational platforms like Codecademy and Roblox is growing,” said Danny Rimer, General Partner at Index Ventures.

“We believe that the time has come for a new kind of computing, premised on people’s need to understand and shape the world around them – not just swipe, tap, and wait for the latest similar-looking screen,” said Alex Klein, Kano’s Co-founder and CEO. “The next generation is rising and ready to make their own technology.”

Kano is already collaborating with the Best Buy Foundation, bringing Computing Kits and workshops to schools and academies across North America as well as supporting the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s ConnectHome initiative, where it provides kits and digital literacy training to underserved communities. The company will also be participating in the Barnes & Noble Mini Maker Faire on November 11th and 12th. All ages will be able to make their first computer and test the range of Kano kits at hundreds of participating stores.

Kano kits combine device building (computers, sensors, light boards) and creative coding with a free online community, available to makers across the globe. The product lineup ranges from the free Kano App and the $29.99 Motion Sensor Kits, to the $249.99 Computer Kit Complete, a build-your-own laptop. Kano is the only end-to-end system in the ed-tech category, and demystifies computing for all ages through simple steps, physical building, and play.

The Computer Kit, starting at $149.99, is the original build-your-own-computer. It comes with all the bits and books you need to make a powerful PC, and a suite of onboard software challenges, that let you explore the terminal, Hack Minecraft, make music, and build apps, leveling up as you go.

The $29.99 Motion Sensor Kit opens up infrared technology and lets you learn to code apps, music, and games, controlled with hand gestures. The $79.99 Pixel Kit is a DIY light board that lets you draw & code animations, interactive apps and art. You can try Kano Code, the most playful learn-to-code platform, here, and explore community creations here.

“The Source is very excited to be featuring Kano products as part of its gifting line up this holiday season. Not only are they fun but also introduce new skills and learning opportunities,” said Ron Craig, Vice President, Marketing and Operations at The Source.

“Best Buy Canada is excited to partner with Kano in bringing their computer building kits for youth to our stores,” said Zayn Jaffer, Best Buy Canada’s Vice President of Emerging Business. “These products will help youth learn about the physical and software components of computers, while providing invaluable educational skills in coding and programming. These skills are important for future generations to learn early on.”

For videos, please check the Kano YouTube Channel. For other press materials, please click here.

About Kano

Inspired by a challenge from a 6-year-old, Kano creates computer and coding kits for all ages, all over the world. Its mission is to make technology as simple and fun to create as it is to consume. Kano launched the first computer anyone can make on Kickstarter in 2013 – it raised $1.5M, the largest ever ed-tech crowdfunding on the platform, with the backing of thousands of young people, artists, makers and teachers worldwide. It became the UK’s fastest growing tech startup in 2016 and Fast Company’s ninth most innovative company in consumer electronics in 2017.

Unlike other “kid tech” toys, Kano kits let beginners build real devices, and offer a range of learn-to-code environments. It takes makers from block based to real text coding, including Python, JavaScript and Unix commands, and into collaborative coding on the Kano World community platform. Over 200,000 applications and over 33 Million lines of code have been uploaded so far by creators of all ages.

The original build-and-code-your-own computer remains a crowd favorite, with 85% 5 star reviews on Amazon.com and a Net Promoter Score of 55. Kano also works with local communities to bring digital literacy to underserved areas in Africa, Asia, and North America.

The company has been boosted by the involvement and endorsements of customer, Pong inventor Al Alcorn, supermodel, athlete, artist, and British Prime Minister. Its most recent product is the Computer Kit Complete, a powerful, educational build-your-own laptop for $249.

The London company was co-founded by Saul Klein, Yonatan Raz-Fridman and Alex Klein.

Kano is the recipient of the first ever Cannes Lion for Product Design, Gold; the Red Dot Product Design Award; the Edison Award in Gaming/Computing, Gold; the German Design Award, Gold; the International Design Society of America, Silver; the Webby Award and People’s Voice Award; The International Design Excellence Award, Silver; and D&AD (In Book Award).

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Axcel teams up with family behind world-leading producer of accessories for pick-up trucks

Axcel

Axcel is partnering with the owners of Danish company Mountain Top Industries, one of the world’s leading producers of pick-up accessories. The company has grown rapidly in recent years and has brought Axcel on board to support its continued expansion and entry into new markets. Mountain Top is currently owned by Marie-Louise and Lars Bjerg, who will remain both shareholders and board members.

Mountain Top Industries has been producing accessories for pick-up trucks since 1978 and has evolved in close association with its customers, which include leading pick-up producers such as Ford, Nissan, Renault, VW, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota.

Almost 170 employees work in design, development and production at Mountain Top’s facilities in Frederikssund, Denmark. The company’s main market is currently Europe, where it is the market leader, but there is also potential for global expansion:

“After several years of rapid growth, the next step in our journey is to expand both sales and production in a number of new markets, which we believe can best be achieved in partnership with Axcel,” says CEO Marie-Louise Bjerg. “We moved into Australia in 2014, but we also see considerable potential in markets such as the US, which is more than 20 times the size of the European market. We look forward to taking Mountain Top to the next level together with Axcel with all its experience of international expansion.”

Mountain Top’s move into the global market has led to a doubling of sales outside Europe in the past four years to 20% of total turnover.

“We’ve come a long way under family ownership since the business was founded in 1951, so it was a big decision to sell,” says Lars Bjerg. “But after lengthy deliberation and dialogue, we feel sure that Axcel can help take Mountain Top Industries forward.”

The pick-up truck market in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America has a long track record of stable growth, so Axcel sees good opportunities for continued expansion:

“Through a focus on product development, quality and service, Marie-Louise and Lars Bjerg have built a business with a wide range of good products and high customer satisfaction,” says Christoffer Müller, the officer responsible for the investment at Axcel. “In addition, Mountain Top has achieved a high degree of efficiency in all processes, so our future focus will be on generating growth in both established and new markets, including the US, where 3 million pick-up trucks are sold every year.”

Mountain Top is the second investment for Axcel’s fifth fund, Axcel V. The transaction is subject to approval from the competition authorities.

 

About Mountain Top Industries

Mountain Top has been producing accessories for pick-up trucks since 1978 and has around 170 employees working on design, development and production in Frederikssund, Denmark. In 2014, the company also opened a sales office in Australia. Mountain Top supplies accessories to carmakers such as Ford, Nissan, Renault, VW, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota for factory fitting, but also to the aftermarket. The company has won Danish business paper Børsen’s Gazelle Award for fast-growing companies eight times, most recently in 2017, and is the current holder of PwC Denmark’s Owner-Manager of the Year Award.

About Axcel

Founded in 1994 by a group of Denmark’s largest financial and industrial institutions, Axcel is a Nordic private equity firm focusing on mid-market companies and has a broad base of both Danish and international investors. Axcel has raised five funds with total committed capital of around EUR 1.9 billion to date. These funds have made 48 platform investments, with more than 90 major add-on investments and 37 exits. Axcel currently owns 11 companies with combined annual revenue of around EUR 1.2 billion and some 6,000 employees.

 

Further Information: 

Axcel:

Director, Christoffer Müller

Tel: +45 29385366

E-mail: cm@axcel.com

 

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Cinven to acquire a majority stake in Planasa

Cinven

Investment in leading global berry supplier to capitalise on growth in health and wellness segment
International private equity firm, Cinven, today announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Planasa (‘the Group’), a leading global operator in the agri-food sector, for a consideration of approximately €450 million. Planasa specialises in plant research, nursery and fresh produce.  Alexandre Darbonne, CEO and current owner of the company, will continue to hold a significant shareholding.
Headquartered in Valtierra, Spain, Planasa is one of the leading plant variety and nursery operators within the berry fruit category worldwide. The Group provides seeds, plants and R&D services to farmers, and fresh produce to retailers across the world. Planasa has benefitted from strong growth in its end-markets, underpinned by broader consumer health and wellness trends and a rise in global berry consumption. With 2,080 employees worldwide, Planasa supplies customers globally from its 12 production sites across Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Cinven’s Consumer and Iberia teams identified Planasa as an attractive investment opportunity, given:
  • Berries represent an attractive growth category globally, driven by underlying health and wellness trends in consumer diets, together with an increase in demand for convenience;
  • Planasa is a market-leading player with a strong reputation for developing value-added products through investment in R&D. Planasa has a proven track record of developing high quality breeds, such as the Adelita Raspberry, and strong technical capabilities which provide support services to farmers and retailers;
  • Attractive growth prospects, with international expansion opportunities in geographies such as Mexico and China, together with an attractive pipeline of new product categories;
  • Fragmented market with potential for consolidation through buy and build, with the Group having successfully acquired and integrated three acquisitions in the past five years;
  • Strong management team, led by owner and CEO, Alexandre Darbonne, with potential to further strengthen the team following five generations of family ownership; and
  • Strong track record of financial performance, with double-digit annualised revenue and profit growth over the past five years.
Jorge Quemada, Partner at Cinven, commented:
“Having mapped the Iberian market closely, we proactively identified Planasa together with our Consumer team, given its focus on the health and wellness sector. Our Iberian team was able to build a good relationship with Planasa’s owner and CEO to execute this primary investment.  We are fully aligned with the highly capable and experienced team at Planasa on our vision for the Group and focused on creating a strong platform for further international growth.”
Maxim Crewe, Partner at Cinven, added:
“Planasa is well positioned to benefit from the strong growth in global berry consumption, underpinned by consumer trends in health and wellness, as well as snacking and convenience. Planasa is a leading player in the industry with strong R&D capabilities, global operations and excellent revenue and EBITDA growth.  It is a value-added partner to both farmers and customers, delivering products with higher agronomic performance through improved yields and resistance to diseases, as well as improved taste.”  
CEO of Planasa, Alexandre Darbonne, said:
“Planasa grows proprietary varieties of species, particularly berries, from its own production sites located across EMEA, Asia and the Americas; we have a world class R&D function, as well as facilities for growing, packaging and distributing our products.
 
“We are delighted that Cinven is partnering with us to further internationalise and professionalise our operations, as well as enabling us to expand into new areas of business through continued investment in R&D.  The combination of its experienced team and Consumer expertise makes them an excellent partner for the business. Planasa is set to benefit from significant growth in the coming years, both organically as well as through further add-on acquisitions, and we look forward to working with Cinven and benefiting from their expertise in these areas.”
Completion of the acquisition of Planasa is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

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Ardian signs deal to acquire majority stake in the Babeau-Seguin group

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Ardian

Paris – October 30, 2017 – Ardian, the independent private investment company, today announces the signing of a deal with NiXEN, the management and the other historical shareholders, to acquire a majority stake in the Babeau-Seguin Group, the third builder of single-family detached houses in France.

NiXEN acquired a majority stake in the group in December 2011 alongside its founder and President Bruno Babeau, as well as its management team and its financial co-investors, including Pechel Industries and the other historical investors.

During the last years, NiXEN has supported the growth strategy implemented by Bruno Babeau and his teams. Since 2010, the Babeau-Seguin Group’s turnover has almost doubled and is expected to reach more than €180m in 2017. With ten renowned brands, including the Maisons Babeau-Seguin brand, the Group offers a range of over 200 homes.

Bruno Babeau, President of the Babeau-Seguin Group, said: “The Babeau-Seguin Group has benefitted from the knowledge and know-how of NiXEN in terms of strategy. We now rely on Ardian’s investment to allow us to continue our strategy of geographic development, through internal and external growth, with a single goal: using our size to provide our clients with unbeatable value for money.”

Alexis Lavaillote, Managing Director at Ardian Expansion, added: “We are well versed in the sector having invested in another regional player several years ago. We are pleased to be working with the Babeau-Seguin Group and would like to thank Bruno Babeau and his team for their trust. The market for the construction of single-family houses is very fragmented and we will continue to support the external growth strategy of the management team, among other things.”

“With Bruno Babeau we have successfully led an active strategy of organic growth, with the opening of more than 15 new agencies and investment in five construction build-ups, which has allowed us to create better links across the territory as well as accelerate the group’s digital progress ”, said Pierre Rispoli, CEO of NiXEN Partners.

This investment would be the sixth made by the Ardian Expansion IV fund, which raised €1 billion in 2016. The fund targets investments in high-growth businesses, the value of which can reach 225 million euros, in France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain. Ardian’s investment is awaiting approval from antitrust authorities.

www.babeau-seguin.fr

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian, founded in 1996 and led by Dominique Senequier, is an independent private investment company with assets of US$65bn managed or advised in Europe, North America and Asia. The company, which is majority-owned by its employees, keeps entrepreneurship at its heart and delivers investment performance to its global investors while fuelling growth in economies across the world. Ardian’s investment process embodies three values: excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship. Ardian maintains a truly global network, with more than 470 employees working through twelve offices in Paris, London, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid, Zurich, New York, San Francisco, Beijing, Singapore, Jersey, Luxembourg.

The company offers its 610 investors a diversified choice of funds covering the full range of asset classes, including Ardian Funds of Funds (primary, early secondary and secondary), Ardian Private Debt, Ardian Buyout (including Ardian Mid Cap Buyout Europe & North America, Ardian Expansion, Ardian Growth and Ardian Co-Investment), Ardian Infrastructure, Ardian Real Estate and Ardian Mandates.

www.ardian.com

ABOUT NiXEN

An independent management company, NiXEN accompanies French SME and mid-market companies in their strategic and equity growth as part of majority buyout operations. NiXEN invests more than €10M per transaction in companies with revenues over €40M and intervening in its three sectors of expertise: health, services and specialized retail. As a responsible and committed investor, NiXEN establish strong and authentic partnerships with these companies, bringing them an experienced team with a development focus, notably on build-ups and in the international arena, pursuing a shared goal to create value. Main portfolio companies: Buffalo Grill, Babeau-Seguin, Carré Blanc, La Grande Récré, Vulcain, weave.

Main former portfolio companies: Labco, Vedici, Asteelflash, Ceva, Newrest, CTM Style.

www.nixen.com

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

NiXEN: Pierre Rispoli, Johann le Duigou, Steven Barrois
Pechel Industries: Bertrand Hainguerlot
Seller advisor:
Mergers and acquisitions advisor: Lincoln International (Dominique Lecendreux, Arnaud Dudognon, Serge Palleau, Julien Chevrier, Margaux Lamothe)
Financial advisor: EY (Paul Gerber, Stéphane Vignals, Guillaume Lestang)
Strategic advisor: LEK (David Danon-Boileau, Frédéric Dessertine, Servane Perrot)
Tax, legal and social advisor: STC Partners (Bertrand Araud, Delphine Bariani, Etienne Pujol)
Legal advisor: De Pardieu Brocas Maffei (Guillaume Touttée, Frédéric Tual)

Ardian: Alexis Lavaillote, Caroline Pihan, Sacha Azuelos
Buyer advisor:
Mergers and acquisitions advisor: Invest Securities (Bertrand Le Galcher Baron, Rémi Pollet)
Financial advisor: Accuracy (Arnaud Lambert, Luojia Zhang, Jean Schott)
Strategic advisor: Advancy (Patrick Pudduy, Stepan Wildt, Charlotte Morizot)
Legal advisor: Weil, Gotshal & Manges (Frédéric Cazals, Maxime Fradet)
Financial advisor: WGM (Cassandre Porges)
Tax advisor: WGM (Edouard de Lamy)
Competition law advisor: WGM (Romain Ferla)
Digital advisor: Niji (Romain Delavenne, Céline Feron)
Insurance: Marsh (Jean-Marie Dargaignaratz, Ersida Ago)
Management Advisor:
Financing: SECC Group (Denis Gouaille)
Legal: Cabinet Ratheaux (Gaétan de la Bourdonnaye)

PRESS CONTACTS

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Shoreline secures investment from Blue Bear Capital, Alliance Venture, and Investinor

Alliance Venture
Shoreline AS, a data analytics and simulation software company focused on the energy industry, has secured growth equity funding from a group of international venture capital funds, including US-based Blue Bear Capital LLC and leading Nordic investors Alliance Venture AS and Investinor AS.
Shoreline AS, a data analytics and simulation software company focused on the energy industry, has secured growth equity funding from a group of international venture capital funds, including US-based Blue Bear Capital LLC and leading Nordic investors Alliance Venture AS and Investinor AS. Shoreline has already achieved a strong position in the offshore wind market, providing software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) to many of the largest offshore wind developers, operators, and supply chain partners. The company will use this new investment capital to further develop its simulation software and machine learning capabilities, and also expand into additional energy markets such as onshore wind and hydro, where Shoreline has demonstrated initial traction.

Shoreline’s solutions are based on internally developed simulation and optimization algorithms that streamline how operators, project developers, equipment manufacturers and service providers work to develop and construct new projects and manage existing assets.

“After almost two years of operations and with several major international players as customers, it was natural to take the company to the next level and speed up development,” says Ole-Erik Vestøl Endrerud, CEO of Shoreline AS. “We aim to serve a growing market demand and continue to improve the capacity and functionality of our software as we move into new markets. In the early summer, work began to assess different capitalization options and it became clear that we wanted experienced international investors in the shareholder base to help support this growth.”

With Blue Bear Capital, Alliance Venture and Investinor as shareholders, Shoreline has established a strong financial and strategic platform for further development of the product platform and markets.

Ernst T. Sack of Blue Bear Capital Partners states: “Shoreline combines a differentiated software solution with a strong commercial management team, in some of the fastest growing markets in the energy industry. And the company has proven they can execute. We are excited to partner with Shoreline to help their customers build better projects, faster, with lower risk and higher uptime.”

Managing partner in Alliance Venture, Jan-Erik Hareid adds: “We are really impressed with the team, as well as the growth and progress in Shoreline over the last two years. We are excited about the future potential based on the unique position Shoreline has taken in the rapidly growing offshore wind market.”

“Shoreline is a very exciting company with unique technology and a strong team. Investinor’s mandate implies that we always partner with other investors and thus act as a spearhead for private capital aiming to invest in the venture market. We look forward to working with Blue Bear Capital and Alliance Venture and we are confident that the new shareholders will be important contributors to further development,” says Jan Morten Ertsaas.

For more information:
Ole-Erik Vestøl Endrerud, CEO, Shoreline AS
Phone: +47 47378157
Email: endrerud@shoreline.no

About Shoreline AS:
Shoreline AS is a B2B enterprise SaaS software company, which today sells its products MAINTSYS™, SIMSTALL™ and Planner as subscription service to energy industries. The products can be used to plan, optimize and analyze the development, construction and operation of energy production facilities. These products are based on internally developed and proprietary simulation and optimization algorithms. Shoreline AS is currently established or represented in Stavanger, Esbjerg, Hamburg, Seoul and Palo Alto.

About Blue Bear Capital LLC:
Blue Bear Capital LLC is a venture capital fund investing in digital technologies for the global energy industry. The firm backs companies taking proven technology concepts like machine learning, industrial IoT, and cyber security, and applying them in large energy markets including oil and gas, wind, solar, and energy storage. Blue Bear has offices in California, Texas, and the UK.

About Alliance Venture AS:
Alliance Venture is a Norwegian venture capital firm with offices in Oslo and Silicon Valley, investing in early stage technology companies, with a focus on SaaS. (Total capital under management is 850 MNOK (about € 100 million).)

About Investinor AS:
Investinor is an evergreen venture capital fund wholly owned by the Norwegian government. Investinor manages NOK 4.2 billion (MEUR 470), and has approximately 45 portfolio companies. One of Investinor’s ambitions is to be the preferred gateway to Norway for leading international investors.

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DH Private Equity Partners announces sale of TMF Group to CVC

DH Private Equity Partners, the European private equity firm, has today announced that its fund, DH V, and other shareholders have agreed to sell their entire stake in TMF Group, a leading provider of high value business services to organisations globally, to funds advised by CVC Capital Partners for €1.75bn.  The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2018 subject to regulatory approvals.

TMF Group was formed by the June 2011 merger of TMF and Equity Trust.  DH Private Equity Partners acquired TMF in October 2008 and subsequently completed the transformational acquisition of Equity Trust in January 2011.  The merger delivered significant cost synergies and generated cross selling opportunities to support organic growth.

Historically, the majority of TMF’s revenues were generated in Europe, where the company had a long-established, strongly competitive position.  During DH Private Equity Partners’ ownership, through a combination of new greenfield sites and 32 acquisitions, TMF Group has built out its presence in other parts of the world and, as a result, now offers a unique global platform.  By the end of 2016, revenue and EBITDA had grown by 148% and 131% respectively since DH Private Equity Partners acquired the business in 2008.

The sale of DH V’s stake in TMF Group represents the seventh successful exit from the fund, with one further asset remaining before the fund portfolio is fully realised.

Commenting on the transaction Dick Hanson, the Senior Partner of DH Private Equity Partners and Chairman of TMF Group, said: “We are very proud to have supported TMF as it has developed into a truly global integrated services platform supporting multinational and local organisations.  In our time of ownership, we have worked closely with the company, supporting its acquisition strategy and helping to grow its revenues, profits, international footprint and employee base.  We have had a very strong partnership with the management team, led by Frederik van Tuyll, and wish the company well under new owners.”

Frederik van Tuyll, CEO of TMF Group, added: “We have enjoyed an outstanding relationship with DH Private Equity Partners which, since acquiring us, has made a significant contribution to our growth. We have a unique global platform, exceptional talent, and a diverse client base that gives us every confidence that the coming years will be as successful as those previously.”

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Valedo invests in the security installation and service market, through the establishment of Prosero Security

Valedo

Valedo Partners III AB (“Valedo”) has invested in a number of Nordic companies in the market for installation and service of locks, alarms and surveillance solutions. The ambition with the merger of a number of regionally complementary companies with similar service offerings and a shared vision, is to consolidate, professionalise and develop the industry.

The transaction was initiated by a number of entrepreneurs in the industry which, together with Valedo, created Prosero Security. The group is present in a number of locations in Sweden and Norway and generates annual sales of more than SEK 450 million.

Alongside Valedo, all previous owners, key employees and board members have invested in the Company.

The terms and conditions of the transactions are not disclosed.

For further information on Prosero Security, please contact:
Stefan Sandström, CEO
+46 706 75 57 58
stefan.sandstrom@prosero.com

About Valedo:

Valedo is an independent Swedish investment group that invests in high-quality small and mid-cap companies in the Nordic region. Valedo focuses on companies with clear growth and development potential where Valedo can actively contribute to and accelerate the companies’ development. Being an active owner and contributor of both capital and industrial experience, Valedo helps to ensure that its companies can achieve their full potential. Valedo has completed 23 platform investments and more than 100 add-on acquisitions. Valedo’s businesses have a combined revenue of SEK ~4 500 million with ~3 300 employees in more than 20 countries. Valedo’s exited businesses have on average grown by ~250% during Valedo’s ownership.

www.valedopartners.com

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