EQT completes sale of shares in Azelis Group NV

eqt
  • The sale resulted in aggregate gross proceeds of c. EUR 366 million, of which EQT received c. EUR 333 million

Akita I S.à r.L., an entity indirectly controlled by an affiliate of the fund known as EQT VIII (“EQT”) is pleased to announce the completion of the sale (the “Sale”) of 20 million shares in Azelis Group NV (EBR:AZE) (the “Company”) for aggregate gross proceeds of c. EUR 366 million. As part of the Sale, EQT will receive gross proceeds of c. EUR 333 million. The Sale was completed on February 28, 2025. BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan acted as joint global coordinators for the Sale.

Contact

EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

About EQT

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 269 billion in total assets under management (EUR 136 billion in fee-generating assets under management), within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
Follow EQT on LinkedInXYouTube and Instagram

About Azelis

Azelis is a leading global innovation service provider for the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry. The Company serves more than 63,000 customers who benefit from its application know-how, technical support and have access to a wide product portfolio from more than 2,800 specialty raw material producers. The company has more than 4.200 employees and is present in over 65 countries, with 70 application laboratories globally.

This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States or elsewhere. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or an exemption from registration. There will be no public offering of any of the securities mentioned in this press release in the United States.

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Carlyle and Arcmont provide €470 million financing package to Bianalisi

Carlyle

Milan, Italy, 28 February 2025 – The Global Credit platform of Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) and Arcmont Asset Management, a leading European private credit asset management firm, today announced that they have arranged – together with Natixis – a €470 million financing package for Bianalisi, a leading independent platform for integrated healthcare diagnostics in Italy. The transaction will enable Bianalisi to continue supporting the ongoing expansion of its platform by investing in the consolidation of the Italian healthcare diagnostics market as well as to refinance existing debt

With a widespread presence in 13 Italian regions, Bianalisi offers a full range of services in clinical laboratory diagnostics, outpatient care and diagnostic imaging through a network of 350 labs and sample collection points, more than 70 outpatient care facilities, and 46 diagnostic imaging centers. Bianalisi has enjoyed significant growth over its 30-year history, both organic and through M&A, thanks to the efforts of its experienced management team, who today is led by CEO Giovanni Gianolli. Since receiving investment from Charme Capital Partners – an Italian private equity firm investing in Italy, UK and Spain – in 2021, Bianalisi has enjoyed an acceleration of its growth journey, with over 60 acquisitions completed since then.

Giovanni Gianolli, CEO of Bianalisi, said: “Thanks to this transaction, Bianalisi has secured substantial financial resources to continue its growth journey. We are delighted to partner with global investors such as Carlyle, Arcmont and Natixis who have chosen to support the continued consolidation project of Bianalisi in a highly promising sector. Their expertise and capital will help us further capitalize on the fragmented Italian healthcare market as we look to grow upon our strong market position.” 

Nicola Falcinelli, Deputy Head of European Private Credit at Carlyle, said: “We are pleased to support Bianalisi to further expand its delivery of critical healthcare services to Italian patients and healthcare professionals. The Italian market is one Carlyle knows well and we have been very active providing flexible credit solutions to both sponsor-backed and non-sponsored companies to further their growth.” 

Vanni Mario Zanchi, Partner at Arcmont, said: “We are pleased to provide this significant backing for Bianalisi, one of Italy’s leading medical diagnostics businesses. It meets many of the criteria we look for in an investment, including financial strength and stability and significant scope for continued growth. We look forward to working closely with Giovanni and his team in achieving their business goals while serving the needs of thousands of patients every day.” 

 

 

About Bianalisi

Bianalisi is a leading independent integrated diagnostics platform in Italy, offering healthcare services in laboratory diagnostics, outpatient diagnostics, and imaging diagnostics. With a widespread presence across 13 Italian regions, Bianalisi serves over 15,000 patients daily. Each year, the Group performs more than 1.5 million outpatient and imaging diagnostic visits and conducts approximately 20 million clinical tests, thanks to the work of over 1,500 doctors and 1,000 employees.

 

 

About Carlyle

Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit, and Global Investment Solutions. With $441 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies, and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,300 people in 29 offices across four continents.

Carlyle’s Global Credit platform manages $192 billion in assets under management, as of December 31, 2024. It regularly pursues investments in privately negotiated capital solutions partnering with high-quality sponsors and leading family or entrepreneur-owned companies.

Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.

 

 

About Arcmont

Arcmont Asset Management, an investment affiliate of Nuveen, the investment manager of TIAA, is a private debt asset management firm providing flexible capital solutions to a wide range of businesses in Europe. Established in 2011, Arcmont has raised approximately €31 ($33) billion in assets to date from institutional investors globally and has committed over €31 ($33) billion across more than 410 transactions. With a highly experienced investment team, a strong investment track record and deep technical expertise, Arcmont offers creative and flexible capital solutions to European businesses, with the reliability of a partner that values long-term relationships. Headquartered in London, Arcmont’s presence spans Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris, Stockholm and New York. it maintains a local origination network and builds and preserves close relationships with sponsors, borrowers and local intermediaries. To learn more about Arcmont, visit www.arcmont.com.

 

 

 

Media Contacts

Bianalisi

Francesca Alibrandi (Value Relations)

+39 335 8368826

f.alibrandi@vrelations.it

Antonella Martucci (Value Relations)

+39 340 6775463

a.martucci@vrelations.it

 

Carlyle

Andrew Kenny

Andrew.kenny@carlyle.com

+44 7816 176120

 

Marina Riva

M.Riva@barabino.it

Barabino

+39 347 2975426

 

 

Arcmont
Prosek
pro-arcmont@prosek.com

United Petfood extends partnership with Waterland to drive global growth ambitions

Waterland

Ghent, 27 February 2025 – United Petfood, the European market leader in pet food, has announced an extension of its strategic partnership with investment fund Waterland. This collaboration, which began nearly nine years ago, is entering a new phase to support ambitious growth plans in Europe, the United States, and beyond.

“Over the past decade, we’ve achieved remarkable growth with Waterland by our side. Together, we’ve established United Petfood as a global leader in pet food production,” says Dominiek Dumoulin, founder and chairman of United Petfood. “Now we’re ready to take the next step with new investments and expansions to serve our customers even better around the world.”

Expanding Across Europe and the United States
United Petfood is actively growing its presence in both Europe and the United States. In Europe, the company is prioritizing geographic expansion and diversifying its product portfolio. New production facilities are being developed in countries such as Romania and Poland, while efforts are underway to strengthen its position in key markets like the UK, Denmark, and Portugal. In Poland, a new pet snack factory is being built, while snack production is being expanded in Spain. Additionally, the wet food factory in Poland is being upgraded to meet growing demand. In the United States, expansion is a key focus for United Petfood. The company recently acquired a dry food production facility in Indiana. “The U.S. market offers tremendous growth potential. We aim to bring this production site to full capacity quickly and are exploring further expansion opportunities, including potential new factories and acquisitions,” Dumoulin adds.

Commitment to Sustainable Growth and Product Diversification
United Petfood is committed to offering a comprehensive and diverse range of products to customers worldwide. “While dry food remains our largest segment, we’re making significant investments in wet food and snacks to meet the growing demand for innovative, premium pet food,” explains Dries Eeckhout, CEO of United Petfood. Recent investments have significantly increased production capacity for wet food and snacks, allowing the company to provide a broader and more complete range of products to its customers. Sustainability is a core pillar of United Petfood’s growth strategy. “Our aim is not just to grow but to do so responsibly and sustainably. By strategically investing in our facilities, teams, and processes, we’re ensuring that our growth is built to last,” Eeckhout says. “The dedication, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees have been instrumental in driving our growth and international expansion over the years.”

Renewed Partnership and Financial Structure
To enable these ambitious growth plans, United Petfood and Waterland have renewed their partnership. Waterland recently secured a new fund from institutional investors, which has resulted in an updated capital structure and an extended investment horizon, while maintaining the same collaborative framework. The focus remains on strengthening the company’s position in existing markets and seizing new opportunities worldwide.

Looking to the Future
With 25 factories across Europe, the United States, and Turkey, exports to more than 100 countries, and revenues exceeding €1.3 billion in 2024, United Petfood’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. Beyond its expansions in Europe and the U.S., the company is also eyeing opportunities in markets like Asia. “Our mission is to stay close to our customers and offer an innovative, wide-ranging product portfolio. Together with Waterland, we’re determined to realize this vision and further solidify United Petfood’s position as a global leader in pet food,” Dumoulin concludes.

About United Petfood 
United Petfood is a leading producer of pet food, specializing in dry and wet food, biscuits, and snacks for dogs and cats. The company primarily manufactures private label products and collaborates closely with customers worldwide. With over 2,600 employees and a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, United Petfood continues to meet the demands of the rapidly growing pet care market. For more information, please visit: www.unitedpetfood.com


Press Contact:

Laurence Van Doosselaere – vandoosselaere@waterland.be | +32 473 88 05 21

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Accel-KKR Credit Partners Provides Growth Financing to OneShield

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Accel-KKR Credit Partners Provides Growth Financing to OneShield 

Menlo Park, CA & Marlborough, MA – Feb 27, 2025 – Accel-KKR Credit Partners today announced that it has provided growth financing to OneShield Software, a provider of core software systems to property & casualty  insurance carriers and managing general agents, including  startup insurers. Accel-KKR Credit Partners is a private credit fund managed by Accel-KKR, a leading global software-focused investment firm headquartered in Silicon Valley.  

“We are excited to announce our new partnership with Accel-KKR,” said Cameron Parker, CEO of OneShield. “We have spent the last few years investing in both of our platforms (OneShield Enterprise and OneShield Market Solutions), and we are leaning heavily into artificial intelligence to unlock additional value for our insurance customers. We have long been impressed with the depth and breadth of Accel-KKR’s software expertise, as well as their strategic insights on opportunities to further our upward momentum.” 

Founded in 1999, OneShield offers two innovative platforms for insurance carriers to provide a system of record and manage day-to-day operations. The software allows growing insurance companies to have continuity in technology across policy administration, billing and claims management. Additionally, OneShield offers enhanced capabilities including reinsurance, large schedule policy support and in-house agency management. With support for over 90 lines of businesses and deep experience in specialty lines, OneShield can help insurers quickly stand-up new insurance products to respond to evolving market needs.  

OneShield was acquired in September 2020 by a search fund led by brothers Cameron and Brandon Parker, with Pacific Lake Partners and Bain Capital Credit serving as anchor investors. Since that time, OneShield has grown with its existing insurance customers, and added numerous new logos to its roster. 

“Accel-KKR Credit Partners is the right partner for OneShield at this stage of our journey,” said Brandon Parker, President & COO of OneShield. “We were looking for a financing partner with a long-term perspective who understands the nuances of growing software companies. The team at Accel-KKR is very knowledgeable about our space and brought strategic capital solutions to the table. We look forward to the next chapter of growth with Accel-KKR as our financing partner.”  

“OneShield is led by a talented team who is bringing a fresh perspective to a mature market,” said Samantha Shows, Managing Director at Accel-KKR. “We have been impressed to see the evolution of the business since Cameron and Brandon’s stewardship, and we look forward to seeing the company continue its acceleration in the insurtech market.” 

About OneShield: 

OneShield provides business solutions for property and casualty insurers and MGAs of all sizes. The cloud-based and SaaS platforms include enterprise-level policy management, billing, claims, rating, relationship management, product configuration, business intelligence, and smart analytics. Designed specifically for personal, commercial, and specialty insurance, OneShield solutions support over 90 lines of business. OneShield’s clients, some of the world’s leading insurers, benefit from optimized workflows, pre-built content, seamless upgrades, collaborative implementations, and pricing models designed to lower the total cost of ownership. OneShield’s global footprint includes corporate headquarters in Marlborough, MA, with additional offices throughout India. Visit www.OneShield.com to learn more.  

About Accel-KKR: 

Accel-KKR is a technology-focused investment firm with over $21 billion in cumulative capital commitments. The firm focuses on software and tech-enabled businesses, well-positioned for topline 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 Atlanta, Chicago, London, and Mexico City. Visit accel-kkr.com to learn more. 

About Accel-KKR Credit Partners: 

Accel-KKR Credit Partners provides debt financing to leading software businesses. The fund structures non-dilutive investments for founder-owned businesses and flexible credit products for institutionally-owned businesses.  The debt capital is used to support acquisitions, dividends, shareholder buy-backs, and growth investment. Accel-KKR Credit Partners has completed over 80 investments and has deployed over $1 billion in capital. 

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IDHL acquires The MTM Agency to scale integrated offer

Bridgepoint

Leading digital agency IDHL today announces the acquisition of marketing and communications specialists The MTM Agency.

From SEO pioneers to integrated digital marketing leaders, IDHL has evolved over 25 years to become one of the UK’s most comprehensive growth partners for ambitious businesses. From a foundation of search engine optimisation powered by proprietary technology IDHL has since expanded both organically and through strategic acquisitions across the digital landscape.

2024 marked a transformative milestone as the group united eight of their nine agencies under a collective vision to build the UK’s leading growth-centric digital services agency to deliver value for clients and partners.

The acquisition of The MTM Agency accelerates IDHL’s ability to deliver strategic advice across the entire communications landscape by bolstering its industry leading capabilities in performance, web, eCommerce and data intelligence as well as deep technical expertise. Aligned to IDHL’s mission to accelerate growth for ambitious businesses and brands in the digital economy, the strategic addition brings sophisticated complementary capabilities in creative, strategy and insight, as well as influencer marketing and PR.

The acquisition sees IDHL welcome over 80 new colleagues in Southampton, bringing fresh perspectives to solving clients’ challenges and expanding the agency’s strong UK footprint which includes teams in London, Leeds and Manchester.

The MTM Agency’s creative, strategic client-centric approach and vast experience in delivering for B2B brands will enhance IDHL’s offer to its existing national roster of clients whilst creating fresh opportunities to forge new client relationships.

The transaction is supported by IDHL’s existing investment partner Bridgepoint, which partnered with the company in 2021 via Bridgepoint Development Capital, a lower middle-market fund focused on supporting fast-growing businesses across Europe.

Speaking about the acquisition, Ben Wood, IDHL CEO, said:

“At IDHL, we are laser-focussed on providing world-class integrated digital solutions to drive growth for our clients’ businesses.

Driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, IDHL has evolved by responding to client demand – scaling with new services and solutions to meet their changing needs. This continues to be delivered through organic growth and strategic acquisitions to strengthen our integrated offering.

The acquisition of The MTM Agency brings our expert teams and leading capabilities together to create a powerful full-service offer that enables us to deepen our understanding of clients’ businesses and their consumers to deliver even more valuable outcomes.”

Gordon Hawes, Co-owner of The MTM Agency, said:

“For my co-owner Paul Jones and I, The MTM Agency becoming part of the IDHL family is the culmination of an incredible 16-year journey that brought together an exceptional team delivering innovative, insight-driven, and creative solutions which make a positive impact in a rapidly evolving landscape.

IDHL has shown a deep appreciation for The MTM Agency’s culture, creativity, and ambition, and a clear vision for how we can grow together. Its investment brings the scale, resources, and expertise that will ensure both our people and our clients continue to thrive.”

Wes Maynard, Managing Director of The MTM Agency, said:

“Joining with IDHL represents an exciting new chapter for everyone at The MTM Agency. The agency was built on a foundation of creativity, collaboration, and purpose, and this next step allows us to continue to build on those values whilst enhancing our offering and staying true to what makes The MTM Agency unique.

By tapping into IDHL’s network of talent, technology, and performance-driven expertise, we strengthen our ability to deliver powerful, insight-led strategies that own the space between brand, creative, and digital.

I want to thank Gordon and Paul for everything they have done to make The MTM Agency the business it is today, and I look forward to working with IDHL to build on the strength of their legacy and shape the next phase of The MTM Agency’s evolution.”

Robin Lawson, Partner at Bridgepoint, said:

“IDHL’s continued growth is underpinned by a clear vision to build a market-leading digital services platform, with support from Bridgepoint. The acquisition of The MTM Agency strengthens IDHL’s capabilities and further enhances its highly attractive suite of integrated, insight-led marketing solutions. We’re pleased to support Ben and the team as they continue to scale and expand IDHL’s market reach.”

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Aquiline to Acquire SEI’s Family Office Services Business

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Aquiline
Following the transaction’s close, the business will operate as Archway, capitalizing on the well-known and respected brand of the Archway Platform within the family office market.

PHILADELPHIA and OAKS, Pa., Feb. 27, 2025 – Aquiline, a private investment firm specializing in financial services and technology, and SEI® (NASDAQ:SEIC) today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement for Aquiline to acquire SEI’s Family Office Services business. Following the transaction’s close, the business will operate as Archway, capitalizing on the well-known and respected brand of the Archway PlatformSM within the family office market.

SEI’s Family Office Services business delivers technology and outsourced services that connect and power the accounting, investment management, and reporting functions of family offices and family office divisions of financial intermediaries. SEI’s Archway Platform is designed to streamline family office operations and deliver advanced financial reporting for ultra-high-net-worth families. As of Dec. 31, 2024, SEI’s Family Office Services business had $723 billion in assets on the Archway Platform.1

“The Archway Platform has long been the premier provider of accounting and reporting software solutions to family offices across the country. Its powerful general ledger engine can support the most complex families, and we are excited to further invest and extend the platform. We are delighted to be partnering with SEI, a leader in the financial services industry who has shepherded this business for nearly a decade.”

Vincenzo La Ruffa,

Managing Partner at Aquiline, commented

“As part of SEI’s broader growth strategy, we’re committed to investing in the areas of our business where we believe we can drive growth, and for more than seven years, we’ve made substantial investments in the solutions and capabilities we deliver for the family office segment. Our talented team has worked tirelessly to build and grow this business, evidenced by its strong reputation in the family office market and our award-winning Archway Platform. We’re proud of their contributions to SEI’s growth, and we could not be more appreciative of their dedication to advancing the technology solutions and delivering best-in-class service for our clients. Aquiline is a well-respected investment partner across the financial services industry. With their strategic commitment to transforming the client experience and streamlining complex family office operations, we believe they can accelerate growth and adoption of the Archway Platform across the private wealth landscape.”

Sandy Ewing,

Head of SEI’s Family Office Services business, added

The total purchase price is $120 million, and the transaction is expected to close in late second quarter 2025, subject to applicable regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to Aquiline, and Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal counsel to Aquiline. Holland & Knight served as legal counsel to SEI.1Assets on platform is not indicative of potential revenue.

About Aquiline

Aquiline Capital Partners LP (“Aquiline”) is a private investment firm based in New York, London, and Philadelphia, that is dedicated to financial services and technology. As of September 30, 2024, Aquiline has approximately $11.3 billion of assets under management and has deployed approximately $7.0 billion of capital across the firm’s three strategies in private equity, venture, and credit.

For more information about Aquiline, its investment professionals, and its portfolio companies, visit www.aquiline.com.

About SEI®

SEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) is a leading global provider of financial technology, operations, and asset management services within the financial services industry. SEI tailors its solutions and services to help clients more effectively deploy their capital—whether that’s money, time, or talent—so they can better serve their clients and achieve their growth objectives. As of Dec. 31, 2024, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.6 trillion in assets. For more information, visit seic.com.

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning or the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe” and “continue” or “appear.” SEI’s forward-looking statements include its’s current expectations as to:

  • its strategic focus;
  • the expected closing date of the transaction discussed in this release; and
  • the operations and prospects of the business after the closing of the transaction described in this release.

You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, as they are based on the current beliefs and expectations of SEI’s management and subject to significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of SEI’s management and are subject to change. Although SEI’s management believes the assumptions upon which it bases SEI’s forward-looking statements are reasonable, they could be inaccurate. The risks and uncertainties in connection with such forward-looking statements related to the acquisition include, but are not limited to:

  • the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could delay the closing of the proposed acquisition;
  • the possibility of non-consummation of the proposed acquisition;
  • the failure to satisfy any of the conditions to the proposed acquisition;
  • the possibility that a governmental entity may prohibit the consummation of the proposed acquisition or may delay or refuse to grant a necessary regulatory approval in connection with the proposed acquisition.

Some of the additional risks and important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those described in SEI’s forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of SEI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

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CBPE exits Centralis to HGGC

CBPE

CBPE is pleased to announce it has realised its investment in Centralis, a leading international alternative asset and corporate services provider, to HGGC, a middle market private equity firm based in Palo Alto, California. The transaction marks CBPE’s second successful investment in the sector, having listed international corporate services provider JTC on the London Stock Exchange Main Market in 2017.

CBPE partnered with the management team in a primary buyout of Centralis in May 2020. The last five years have seen significant investment in the business, with headcount growing from 134 to 440 along with new systems and technology to support future sustainable growth. Alongside continued double-digit organic growth, the business has completed and integrated seven acquisitions since CBPE invested. These acquisitions have expanded Centralis’ presence within alternative assets, a large and growing end market, alongside its existing client base of blue chip multi-national corporates. Combined organic and inorganic growth has led to revenue increasing over threefold under CBPE’s investment. The transaction is expected to generate a return of 5.3x MoC for CBPE Fund IX, dependent on the timing of completion.

 

It has been a pleasure to work with Aidan and the team over the last five years. The business has developed and grown significantly over this time, while retaining the commitment to exceptional client service which is at the heart of its success. We wish them every success on the next stage of their journey.

Ian Moore, Managing Partner
CBPE

 

We selected CBPE as a partner because of their knowledge and experience of our sector, and of supporting professional services firms with ambitious growth plans. They have been a true partner to Centralis at every step of the way. I am proud of what we have achieved over the last five years, and am excited to be continuing onto the next stage with HGGC.

Aidan Foley, CEO
Centralis

 

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CBPE’s investment in Centralis was led by Ian Moore, with support from Adam Richardson and Maximilian O’Connell.

The transaction was supported by Baird (M&A), Reed Smith (Legals), PWC (FDD, IT, Operations, Tax), Oliver Wyman (CDD), Kroll (Regulatory), Gallaghers (Insurance) and Anthesis (ESG). Management were advised by SPB (Legals) and Liberty (Corporate Finance).

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BC Partners acquires a majority stake in premium animal health brand PetLab Co.

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  • Investment leverages BC Partners’ expertise in the pet sector, building on its successful investments in Chewy, PetSmart, VetPartners and Antelliq.
  • PetLab Co. is a premium and fast-growing brand within one of the highest growth pet product categories, driven by increased awareness and education on the benefits of supplements.

BC Partners, a leading international investment firm, today announced that it has agreed to acquire a majority stake in PetLab Co., a rapidly growing independent pet supplement brand headquartered in London. The co-founders will also retain a significant investment in the Company. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2018, PetLab Co. is dedicated to enhancing pet health and wellness with supplements crafted from premium, science-backed ingredients. The company has quickly established itself as a premium global brand with a loyal, recurring customer base. PetLab Co.’s product portfolio includes probiotic chews, dental cleaning powders, allergy and immune chews, and joint care chews, among others. These supplements address common pet ailments such as mobility issues, digestive problems, and allergies, promoting overall wellness and vitality.

Similar to the human world, increased awareness and education on the benefits of supplements are driving the growth of health-conscious pet parents. As a result, the pet supplements category is one of the fastest-growing segments in the pet products market. PetLab Co. is well positioned to capitalize on these growth trends, thanks to its unique ability to connect with pet parents through an innovative and engaging social media and online presence.

BC Partners will partner closely with PetLab Co.’s founders to support the company’s next stage of growth, leveraging its extensive experience and proven track record in the pet care industry. With prior investments in companies such as Chewy, PetSmart, VetPartners, and Antelliq, BC Partners brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a robust network to this partnership. This collaboration aims to accelerate PetLab Co.’s growth trajectory, driving innovation and expanding its product portfolio and market presence.

Michael Chang, Partner and Co-Head, Healthcare at BC Partners: “Our investment in PetLab Co. underscores BC Partners’ partnership approach, supporting entrepreneurs in high-growth businesses where we bring differentiated sector knowledge and experience. BC Partners has a longstanding track record in the pet care space through our investments in PetSmart/Chewy and added knowledge in pet health and wellness through our experience building Chewy Health and investing in VetPartners and Antelliq. PetLab Co. has distinguished itself as a standout performer in the growing, wellness-focused pet supplement category. We are excited to work with the PetLab Co. team on the next stages of the company’s growth, driven by our shared mission of improving the lives of pets.”

Chris Masanto, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, PetLab Co: “As pet owners ourselves, we founded PetLab Co. in 2018 to provide the best wellness products for our own pets and share them with other pet parents. Welcoming BC Partners to the PetLab Co. family brings not only financial support but also invaluable industry expertise and relationships. We are thrilled to partner with a firm that shares our commitment to pet wellness. To the team at PetLab Co, thank you for 6 years of relentless hard work. I couldn’t be more excited taking this next step in our journey with you all and BC Partners who I am confident can help take us to the next level. The future couldn’t be brighter.”

BC Partners was advised by Kirkland & Ellis LLP (legal counsel), JP Morgan (financial advisor) and PwC. PetLab Co. was advised by Bank of America

+++

–ENDS —

Media enquiries

BC Partners Luke Charalambous E: luke.charalambous@BCPartners.com T: +44 7775 180 721

About BC Partners BC Partners is a leading investment firm with circa €40 billion in assets under management across private equity, private debt, and real estate strategies. Established in 1986, BC Partners has played an active role for over three decades in developing the European buy-out market. Today BC Partners integrated transatlantic investment teams work from offices in Europe and North America and are aligned across our four core sectors: TMT, Healthcare, Services & Industrials, and Consumer. Since its foundation, BC Partners has completed over 128 private equity investments in companies with a total enterprise value of over €160 billion and is currently investing its eleventh private equity buyout fund. For further information, please visit https://www.bcpartners.com/

About PetLab Co. PetLab Co. is on a mission to deliver breakthrough pet health. Every day, we are realizing our vision to be the world’s most trusted pet health partner by providing innovative and clinically-tested health solutions, educating and engaging pet parents, and making ourselves available to the pet community. Together, with our team of industry veterans, PhD Nutritionists, Product Experts, Clinical Scientists, and Specialized Veterinarians, we employ an inquisitive and ambitious approach to R&D in the nutraceutical space that is grounded in (1) scientific evidence and testing and (2) creating new-to-science, proprietary active-ingredient blends that directly address the root causes of specific pet health issues. A recent powerful example of PetLab Co.’s commitment to groundbreaking R&D is ProBright® Advanced—a powder supplement that represents significant innovation in canine dental care.

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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.

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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.

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