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East Capital and Nordecon Sign Contract for Construction of First Phase of Park Rae, Estonia’s Largest Logistics Park

East Capital

Several leading Estonian construction companies participated in the tender for the first phase of the construction of Park Rae, which is set to become one of the largest logistics and light industrial parks in the Baltics. The tender was organised by East Capital Real Estate AS, the third largest property manager in the Baltics, who selected Nordecon AS as the winner.

On 2 February, East Capital Park Rae and Nordecon signed a contract to build the first building of the 130,000 m² logistics and light industry park, planned for the 30-hectare site in Rae Municipality, near Tallinn, at Pähklimäe road 11.T The cost of the construction contract, which covers the construction of the first building and accompanying outdoor areas, is 15.8 million euros.

Park Rae is situated in an exceptional location for logistics – only a 15-minute drive from Tallinn`s city centre, in Rae Parish, with excellent access to the Tallinn ring road and the Tartu highway.

In the first phase, a 32,000 m² building will be constructed, of which approximately 1,200 m² will comprise office space that can be expanded according to tenants’ needs. The building permit has been obtained, and work will begin as soon as the working design is completed, aiming for spring 2026 with an ambitious target move-in date in first half of 2027.

Tanel Tamme, Head of Design and Construction at East Capital Park Rae, says, “The project aims to set a new standard in the market, both in terms of quality and innovative solutions. We are focusing not just on the development of commercial space, but on offering a comprehensive solution that combines logistics and light industry buildings with office space, as well as recreation areas. Our goal is to create a space that embodies the idea of ‘Designed for people. Built for tomorrow’ – a place where companies can create a comprehensive working environment by combining logistics and production with high-quality, modern office space that meets the standard of offices in central Tallinn, but at a more flexible price.”

Deniss Berman, Member of the Management Board of Nordecon:
“We are pleased to be working with the East Capital Real Estate team and to contribute to the development of a new logistics and industrial park that will set a new quality benchmark for the entire region. One of Nordecon’s key strengths is the construction of functionally well-thought-out business environments, and the first phase of the Park Rae project enables us to apply our previous experience to the fullest. Our objective is to create a sustainable, high-quality and long-lasting environment that delivers genuine value to both the developer and future users.”

Nordecon’s main activity is general contracting in construction and design. The company has extensive experience in the construction of buildings for various purposes, including commercial and retail buildings, apartment buildings, and public buildings. Nordecon’s strength lies in complex and technically demanding projects, through which the company contributes to the creation of higher quality, safer, and more sustainable public spaces throughout Estonia.

According to Martin Otsa, Investment Manager at East Capital Real Estate, Nordecon’s bid best met the criteria for the construction project. “The entire construction process will focus on sustainability and innovation, with great attention paid to energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials, innovative design, and smart solutions that support employee well-being. The goal is to achieve LEED Platinum green certification, which has not yet been awarded to any logistics park in the Baltics. This will be an important step forward, setting the tone for the implementation of environmentally friendly solutions in the logistics sector.”

The 2024 architectural competition for the construction of the logistics park was also an innovative step for the logistics sector. The competition was won by the architectural company DAGOpen with their “EASTWOOD” submission. Other project participants include studio Argus, responsible for interior design solutions; Projektibüroo, playing a key role in general design; Inseneribüroo Telora, performing owner supervision; and Certify, advising on LEED certification matters.

The Park Rae development is a valuable addition to East Capital’s portfolio, strengthening the company’s position in the Baltic commercial real estate market. The project will also contribute to the local economic development of Rae Parish, creating new jobs and enhancing the business environment in the region.

Contact Information

Martin Otsa, Head of Investments, East Capital Real Estate
martin.otsa@eastcapital.com

Jessica Scott, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, East Capital Group
mediaenquiries@eastcapital.com

 

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Bain Capital and FREO Group Announce Sale of Estel Building in Barcelona

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Estel Building Barcelona

ONDON and BARCELONA — January 30, 2026 – Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm, and FREO Group (FREO), an international investment and management firm, today announced the sale of the Estel Building located in central Barcelona to InmoCaixa, the real estate subsidiary of CriteriaCaixa.

The transaction, the largest in terms of value for a single property in the Barcelona office market to date, successfully completes the renovation and transformation of one of the city’s most iconic assets.

Since acquiring the building in 2021, Bain Capital and FREO have carried out a comprehensive renovation plan for the property, which included as its main aspects the structural renovation of the asset, creating single tenant floors of more than 5,000 sqm, various commercial premises, and numerous number of amenities for tenant use, including, highlighting a large auditorium with capacity for more than 300 people, a gym and two canteens, as well as a communal garden courtyard and a roof top with 360-degree views of the city of Barcelona.

The Estel Building, located at the intersection of Avenida Roma and Carrer de Mallorca, has a a gross leasable area of 52,000 sqm. Today, the building is over 93 percent leased to a mix of international technology and innovation tenants, AstraZeneca as the anchor tenant. It holds LEED and WELL Platinum certifications, along with WiredScore and SmartScore Platinum ratings.

This investment is part of Bain Capital’s Europe Real Estate strategy, which focuses on developing and repositioning high-quality assets in markets with limited supply. This transaction is also aligned with FREO Group’s approach

“The fundamental transformation of Estel represents our commitment to delivering best-in class assets, meeting ever increasing tenant demand, through local management and operational precision,” said Rafael Coste Campos, a Partner at Bain Capital. “We’re proud to have delivered a high-quality, sustainability-led asset, with our partners at FREO. This asset demonstrates our ability to deliver fundamental value to our investors through differentiated off-market sourcing, heavy CAPEX program, successful leasing and optimized exit, navigating a complex market environment.”

“This sale is the outcome of a full-cycle investment built on vision, partnership, and performance,” said Francisco Bello, an Operating Partner at Bain Capital. “We continue to see opportunity in high-barrier European markets where repositioning and thematic investment can unlock durable value.”

“At FREO Group, we are adding this major project to our track record of asset repositioning projects in Europe, generating significant value for the cities where they are located, the surrounding area and its residents, as well as for the tenants themselves, providing them with properties of the highest quality and services, and always committed to sustainability and technology,” said Jorge Gutiérrez, Managing Director of FREO Group.

Advisors
Bain Capital and FREO Group enlisted the architectural firm BCA for the design and project management, with Savills advising on the commercial aspects of the transaction and the firm Cuatrecasas for legal and tax advice.

ENDS

About Bain Capital
Founded in 1984, Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private investment firms. We are committed to creating lasting impact for our investors, portfolio companies, and the communities in which we live. As a private partnership, we lead with conviction and a culture of collaboration, advantages that enable us to innovate investment approaches, unlock opportunities, and create exceptional outcomes. Our global platform invests across five focus areas: Private Equity, Growth & Venture, Capital Solutions, Credit & Capital Markets, and Real Assets. In these focus areas, we bring deep sector expertise and wide-ranging capabilities. We have 24 offices on four continents, more than 1,900 employees, and approximately $215 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.baincapital.com. Follow @BainCapital on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

About FREO Group
Established in 1996, FREO Group is an independent international investor, developer and manager of high-quality real estate. From 13 offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the USA, FREO has worked on more than 50 projects totaling in excess of 2 million square meters. Further information is available at www.freogroup.com.

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Transaction between EQT and Eutelsat to carve out satellite ground infrastructure into SatPort Infrastructure will not proceed

eqt

The EQT Infrastructure VI fund (“EQT Infrastructure”) confirms that the contemplated transaction announced on 9 August 2024 will not proceed. EQT Infrastructure had agreed to acquire a majority stake in Eutelsat Group’s Ground Station Infrastructure Business through a newly created portfolio company, SatPort Infrastructure. As part of the transaction, Eutelsat had agreed to reinvest to own 20% of SatPort Infrastructure.

The transaction will not proceed due to conditions precedent to closing not being satisfied. EQT Infrastructure remains fully committed to the growth of its portfolio company SatPort Infrastructure and will continue to invest in and develop the platform as a standalone business. SatPort Infrastructure will continue to pursue its strategy of building a resilient, secure and scalable satellite ground infrastructure platform, serving a broad range of satellite operators, governments and enterprise customers.

Without the closing of this transaction, EQT Infrastructure VI is expected to be 60-65 percent invested (including closed and/or signed investments, announced public offers, if applicable, and less any expected syndication).

Contact

EQT Press Office

press@eqtpartners.com

About EQT

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization focused on active ownership strategies. With a Nordic heritage and a global mindset, EQT has a track record of more than three decades of developing companies across multiple geographies, sectors and strategies. EQT has investment strategies covering all phases of a business’ development, from start-up to maturity. EQT has €‌​​270​‌ billion in total assets under management (€141​‌ billion in fee-generating assets under management) as of 31 December 2025, within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets.

With its roots in the Wallenberg family’s entrepreneurial mindset and philosophy of long-term ownership, EQT is guided by a set of strong values and a distinct corporate culture. EQT manages and advises funds and vehicles that invest across the world with the mission to future-proof companies, generate attractive returns and make a positive impact with everything EQT does.

The EQT AB Group comprises EQT AB (publ) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, which include general partners and fund managers of EQT funds as well as entities advising EQT funds. EQT has offices in more than 25 countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas and has more than 1,900 employees.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
Follow EQT on LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram

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Carlyle to sell Iwasaki Electric to Stanley Electric

Carlyle

Tokyo, Japan – 29 January 2026 – Global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) today announced that it has agreed to sell Iwasaki Electric Co. Ltd. (“Iwasaki”), a leading Japanese provider of light sources, lighting fixtures, optical and environmental equipment, and related solutions, to Stanley Electric Co. Ltd. (“Stanley Electric”), a Japanese manufacturer primarily engaged in automotive equipment, electronic components, and applied electronic products. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close by April 2026.

Carlyle acquired Iwasaki in 2023 and has since worked closely with management to drive sustainable, long-term growth and strengthen the company’s position in its two core businesses: Lighting Solutions and Applied Optics and Environment Solutions.

This was achieved through reorganizing Iwasaki’s manufacturing footprint, including production sites and the consolidation of subsidiaries, to enable tighter integration between manufacturing and sales. These initiatives helped establish a highly competitive organizational structure that supported the company’s transition from a legacy High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) lamp–based business model to an LED business, as the industry accelerated its shift towards LED. In addition, the business’ shift from a product-centric business model to a solution-centric model was accelerated by positioning Connected Smart Lighting (“CSL”), which enables remote lighting control, as a key driver, to meet the growing market opportunity. This includes industrial light sources and irradiation systems utilizing diverse optical technologies for applications such as curing, sterilization, and heating. This resulted in the business delivering integrated and higher value-add products and solutions that are essential to social and industrial development, including decarbonization, energy efficiency and disaster prevention and mitigation.

Yoshitake Ito, President and CEO, Iwasaki, said: “Our partnership with Carlyle has played an important role in Iwasaki’s growth by enabling manufacturing footprint reorganizations and delivering growth initiatives. We would like to thank the Carlyle team for their support and collaboration and for all that we have accomplished together. We are pleased to enter our next phase of growth with Stanley Electric and are excited to unlock new opportunities by leveraging our complementary capabilities and shared vision.”

Taiji Isono, a Managing Director in the Carlyle Japan advisory team, said: “We are delighted to have supported Iwasaki through a period of significant growth, working closely with President and CEO Yoshitake Ito and the management team. Together we have invested in people, manufacturing and product development capabilities, and strategically repositioned the company’s business model, which has delivered strong growth. We look forward to seeing Iwasaki continue to thrive with its new partner.”

The sale of Iwasaki builds on Carlyle’s well-established track record of investing in industrial businesses in Japan. Investments in this space include Rigaku, Enewill, Kokusai Kogyo, and SENQCIA. Carlyle has invested more than 700 billion yen across over 40 Japanese companies since entering the market in 2000.

 

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About Carlyle 
Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across its business and operates through three segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit, and Carlyle AlpInvest. With $474 billion of assets under management as of September 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 2,400 people in 27 offices across four continents. Further information is available at carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group and on X at @OneCarlyle.

Media Contacts

Carlyle

Andrew Kenny
+44 7385 662334
andrew.kenny@carlyle.com

Kaede Haseda
+81 80 4209 1053
kaede.haseda@carlyle.com

 

Brunswick Group

Masato Ui
+81 80 6538 2109
carlylejp@brunswickgroup.com

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Apollo Provides €900 Million Refinancing for Pan-European Logistics and Industrial Portfolio Owned by Cerberus and Arrow Capital Partners

Apollo logo

Bespoke, senior secured solution to refinance institutional-quality portfolio and consolidate lender base

NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that Apollo-managed funds have completed an approximately €900 million senior secured financing of a pan-European logistics and industrial portfolio owned by a joint venture between an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management (“Cerberus”), a global alternative investment manager, and Arrow Capital Partners (“Arrow”), a specialist investor, credit provider, developer and manager of real estate in Europe and Asia-Pacific .

The investment, split among three separate senior loan facilities, will primarily refinance existing debt of the Strategic Industrial Real Estate (“SIRE”) platform, a joint venture between Cerberus and Arrow. The portfolio comprises 92 institutional-quality assets totaling more than one million square meters of urban and mid-box logistics and industrial space. The portfolio has a diversified tenancy base anchored by long-term, investment grade occupants and is located across key, high-demand European distribution corridors in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Poland.

Ben Eppley, Partner and Head of Real Estate Credit, Europe at Apollo, said, “This bespoke solution refinances a diversified, high-quality portfolio of strategically located logistics and industrial assets, which benefit from resilient demand and supply dynamics. We continue to see strong interest from sponsors seeking holistic, single lender solutions where we can transact with certainty and scale.”

Julio Dominguez, Head of European Financings at Cerberus, commented, “Apollo’s investment reflects the strong market recognition of the value we have built across our SIRE platform. With a high-quality portfolio and robust market fundamentals, this refinancing supports our commitment to advancing our strategy across Europe.”

Apollo’s Real Estate Credit business continues to be one of the most active non-bank lenders across Europe. Other recent investments include senior financing for a UK portfolio of purpose-built student accommodation assets as well as senior financing for Shadowbox Studios’ Shinfield Studios, a new major film and TV production hub in the UK.

Gibson Dunn and Greenberg Traurig acted as legal counsel to the Apollo funds. Eastdil advised Cerberus, and Linklaters acted as legal counsel to Cerberus.

About Apollo
Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of September 30, 2025, Apollo had approximately $908 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

About Cerberus

Founded in 1992, Cerberus is a global alternative investment firm with approximately $70 billion in assets across complementary credit, real estate, and private equity strategies. Cerberus invests across the capital structure where it believes its integrated investment platforms and proprietary operating capabilities can help improve performance and drive long-term value. Cerberus’ tenured teams have experience working collaboratively across asset classes, sectors, and geographies as they seek to achieve strong risk-adjusted returns for investors. For more information, visit www.cerberus.com.

About Arrow Capital Partners

Arrow Capital Partners is a private real estate company which invests in equity and debt opportunities specialising in cross-border transactions where it can use its platform and balance sheet to invest with its US and Asia-Pacific capital partners into Europe, as well as European and US investors into the Asia-Pacific region.

Arrow has eight offices covering those markets, with assets of over $5bn across office and logistics assets, including developments. The Partners each have a minimum of 20 years investment experience and have been responsible for overseeing US$25bn across all asset classes in multiple jurisdictions, plus a US$8bn development pipeline. Additional information can be found at: www.arrowcapital.co.uk.

Apollo Contacts

Noah Gunn
Global Head of Investor Relations
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0540
IR@apollo.com

Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0491
Communications@apollo.com

Cerberus Contacts

Jason Ghassemi
Chief Communications Officer
Communications@cerberus.com

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CMA CGM and Stonepeak Announce Groundbreaking Terminal Joint Venture, UNITED PORTS LLC

Stonepeak
  • JV includes a quality portfolio of 10 major CMA CGM-operated terminals worldwide, including in the U.S., Brazil and Spain, as well as across Asia.
  • Stonepeak to invest $2.4 billion to acquire a 25% minority stake in the newly formed JV.
  • The new JV structure will drive accelerated investments in new terminal opportunities.

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, United States, January 28, 2026 — The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, and Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, announced today an agreement to launch UNITED PORTS LLC, a U.S. Joint Venture (“JV”) to acquire 10 of the major CMA CGM-operated port terminals worldwide. The JV is backed by a $2.4 billion investment from Stonepeak for a 25% minority stake.

“The creation of United Ports LLC, our joint venture with Stonepeak, marks an important step in the development of our terminal activities in the United States and globally,” said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group. “Through this strategic partnership, we bring together ten CMA CGM-operated terminals across six countries, including major facilities such as FMS in Los Angeles, Port Liberty in New York, Santos in Brazil and Nhava Sheva in India. By joining forces with a partner with strong infrastructure expertise, we strengthen our ability to invest further in our port terminals, secure access to key gateways and enhance service quality for our customers.”

“Container terminals play an essential role in global trade and are among the most difficult to substitute or replicate transportation infrastructure assets,” said James Wyper, Senior Managing Director, Head of U.S. Private Equity, and Head of Transportation & Logistics at Stonepeak. “This joint venture represents a truly differentiated opportunity to invest in a high-quality portfolio of strategically located terminals alongside one of the largest and most respected shipping and logistics groups in the world. We look forward to working closely with CMA CGM’s expert team to support this critical infrastructure.”

A global joint venture spanning 10 major CMA CGM-operated ports

The transaction will include 10 key assets: Los Angeles Fenix Marine Services (United States), Port Liberty terminals in New York and Bayonne (United States), Santos terminals (Brazil), CSP Valencia and CSP Bilbao (Spain), Terminal Maritima del Guadalquivir (Spain), TTI Algeciras (Spain), Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (India), CMA CGM Kaohsiung Terminal (Taiwan), and Gemalink in Cai Mep (Vietnam).

A strategic investment securing immediate funding for port infrastructure development

CMA CGM and Stonepeak will respectively hold 75% and 25% ownership stakes in United Ports LLC, while CMA CGM will retain full operational control. CMA CGM plans to reinvest the $2.4 billion in proceeds from the transaction in the continued growth of Group core businesses, while expanding supply chain capacity to meet the ever-growing demand for state-of-the-art shipping and logistics solutions across sea, land, air and logistics.

Long-term support to drive growth of a top-class international terminal portfolio

Today’s announcement is also the beginning of a long-term relationship between CMA CGM and Stonepeak, including the potential to develop and support future investment capacity and new terminal projects in the U.S. and globally. As part of the transaction, Stonepeak will have the opportunity to contribute an additional $3.6 billion in funding for future joint terminal projects.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals, including relevant antitrust and foreign direct investment approvals.

***

About CMA CGM
The CMA CGM Group is a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions. Present in 177 countries, the Group employs 160,000 people worldwide. As the world’s 3rd largest shipping company, CMA CGM serves over 420 ports with a fleet of more than 650 vessels. Its subsidiary CEVA Logistics is a leading global logistics player, and CMA CGM AIR CARGO operates a dedicated air freight fleet. The Group is committed to the energy transition, with an objective of Net Zero Carbon by 2050, and engages globally through the CMA CGM Foundation in humanitarian aid and education. For more information, please visit cmacgm-group.com

About Stonepeak
Stonepeak is a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximately $80 billion of assets under management. Through its investment in defensive, hard-asset businesses globally, Stonepeak aims to create value for its investors and portfolio companies, with a focus on downside protection and strong risk-adjusted returns. Stonepeak, as sponsor of private equity and credit investment vehicles, provides capital, operational support, and committed partnership to grow investments in its target sectors, which include transport and logistics, digital infrastructure, energy and energy transition, and real estate. Stonepeak is headquartered in New York with offices in Houston, Washington, D.C., London, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. For more information, please visit www.stonepeak.com.

Media Contacts

For CMA CGM: press-relations@cma-cgm.com

H/Advisors Abernathy
Deven Anand
212-371-5999 / deven.anand@h-advisors.global

For Stonepeak:
Kate Beers / Maya Brounstein
646-540-5225 / corporatecomms@stonepeak.com

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EQT Foundation opens applications for breakthrough science grants to reduce dependence on critical minerals for the green transition

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Critical Minerals Science Grant

  • EQT Foundation opens applications for deeptech solutions grants, tackling critical mineral dependence in climate technologies
  • The program will award between EUR 25,000 and EUR 100,000

EQT Foundation is launching a new open call for proposals under its Science Grants program, focused on critical mineral substitutes for the green transition. The program will award catalytic, non-dilutive grants of €25,000 to €100,000 to researchers developing high-risk, high-impact deeptech solutions that reduce or eliminate the use of critical and strategic raw materials in key climate technologies. Designed to accelerate bold scientific ideas with strong translational potential, the call is open to scientists affiliated with accredited nonprofit institutions worldwide.

The global transition to net zero depends on technologies such as batteries, electric motors, power electronics, photovoltaics, and electrolyzers. Many of these rely on a narrow set of critical minerals whose supply is concentrated, volatile, and often associated with significant environmental and social costs. As demand for clean technologies scales, dependence on these materials risks creating bottlenecks, increasing costs, and slowing decarbonization efforts. (1)

This grant call aims to support frontier science that replaces or radically reduces the use of critical minerals, while improving performance, cost, and sustainability. The program seeks solutions that begin in the lab but are designed to move toward real-world deployment, helping to unlock resilient and scalable pathways for the green transition.

The program seeks research at the intersection of deeptech innovation and climate application, with a focus on:

  • Substitutes for critical minerals in energy storage and conversion: materials, chemistries, and device architectures that reduce reliance on constrained inputs in batteries and electrochemical systems, while remaining manufacturable and competitive
  • Rare-earth-free magnets and machine designs: innovations that significantly reduce or eliminate rare earth elements in magnets, motors, and generators without unacceptable efficiency or performance trade-offs
  • Earth-abundant materials for solar, power electronics, and grid technologies: materials and system designs that reduce dependence on scarce inputs while meeting stability, reliability, and manufacturability requirements
  • Circular substitutes through recycling, reuse, and “virtual” substitution: technologies that displace virgin critical mineral demand through novel recovery, purification, and re-manufacturing approaches

Cilia Holmes Indahl, CEO of EQT Foundation, comments: “The green transition cannot scale if it remains constrained by a small set of critical minerals with fragile supply chains. Through this grant program, we aim to support bold scientists developing frontier materials and technologies that can fundamentally change how clean energy systems are built.”

In addition to funding, selected grantees will benefit from access to EQT’s global network, including technical experts, potential industry partners, and tailored commercialization and founder support to help bridge the gap from scientific discovery to scalable impact.

Applications open on January 27, 2026, and close on February 25, 2026, at 23:59 CET. 

Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of scientific, technical, and translational experts. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews with the EQT Foundation team, with final decisions communicated shortly thereafter.

To apply, visit:
https://eqtgroup.com/eqt-foundation/grant-submission

1. International Energy Agency. (2021). Reliable supply of minerals. In The role of critical minerals in clean energy transitions (World Energy Outlook Special Report). IEA. https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions/reliable-supply-of-minerals

Contact
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

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About EQT

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 270 billion in total assets under management (EUR 141 billion in fee-generating assets under management) as of 31 December 2025, 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 LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram

About EQT Foundation

EQT Foundation is a philanthropic organisation and long-term shareholder of the global investment organization EQT, founded by partners at EQT. The Foundation supports scientists and entrepreneurs bringing breakthrough solutions from lab to market, combining EQT’s expertise with catalytic investments and grants. With a focus on supporting scientific progress in underfunded areas of climate and health, the Foundation provides a learning platform for EQT employees to develop and work collaboratively across the globe, while engaging in philanthropy and making a positive impact.

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Bain Capital Enters Fixed-Base Operator Sector with Acquisition of APP Jet Center

BainCapital

Acquisition of five-location FBO platform from Ridgewood Infrastructure marks entry into aviation services infrastructure

BOSTON – January 27, 2026 – Bain Capital today announced its entry into the fixed-base operator (“FBO”) sector through the acquisition of APP Jet Center, a provider of aviation services at high-quality, supply-constrained airports in the United States. Mark Johnstone, the former CEO of Signature Aviation, will lead the business. Financial terms of the acquisition of APP Jet Center from Ridgewood Infrastructure were not disclosed.

APP Jet Center is a well-established FBO operator with a portfolio of five locations across the U.S., serving business and general aviation customers in markets including South Florida, the Washington, D.C. region, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Denver. The platform provides a full suite of aviation real estate and related services, including aircraft hangar space and fueling. Bain Capital will look to actively expand APP’s footprint with additional high-quality assets serving supply-constrained markets.

Demand for private and business aviation services has been supported by long-term growth in flight activity, modernized aircraft that require modern hangar infrastructure, and airport environments that limit new development. These dynamics, combined with the more operational nature of the business, make FBOs well suited to Bain Capital’s thematic, value-add investment approach.

“APP Jet Center is a strong starting point for our FBO strategy, as the business operates at attractive, capacity-constrained airports and has built long-standing relationships with airport authorities and customers” said Chris Leddy, a Managing Director at Bain Capital Real Estate. “We see an opportunity to support the growth of the platform through continued investment in facilities, operations, and leadership, applying the same disciplined, active ownership approach that has guided our work across other operationally intensive real estate sectors.”

Mr. Johnstone and his team of highly experienced aviation professionals, will focus on enhancing the platform’s operations and selectively expanding its footprint in attractive markets, while investing across the existing network to meet the growing demand for aircraft hangar storage.

“I am truly excited by the acquisition of APP Jet Center and see this as a tremendous foundation for our new FBO journey,” said Mr. Johnstone. “We will focus on our employees, customers, and safety as we build on the great work of the APP Jet Center team. Looking ahead, we plan to thoughtfully expand our presence in core markets and to support the long-term structural growth of private and business aviation.”

The launch of the FBO platform builds on Bain Capital’s more than 40-year history of investing across the aviation industry, including aircraft leasing, aviation services, and transportation-adjacent businesses.

This investment reflects Bain Capital’s ability to bring together operational expertise and sector knowledge. “We continue to believe that aviation is a space that will benefit from outsized growth and can create durable value across market cycles” added Matt Evans, a Partner at Bain Capital Special Situations.

DLA Piper, led by Drew Rosenberry and Neil K. Vohra, served as legal advisor to Bain Capital.

About Bain Capital 
Founded in 1984, Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private investment firms. We are committed to creating lasting impact for our investors, teams, businesses, and the communities in which we live. As a private partnership, we lead with conviction and a culture of collaboration, advantages that enable us to innovate investment approaches, unlock opportunities, and create exceptional outcomes. Our global platform invests across five focus areas: Private Equity, Growth & Venture, Capital Solutions, Credit & Capital Markets, and Real Assets. In these focus areas, we bring deep sector expertise and wide-ranging capabilities. We have 24 offices on four continents, more than 1,850 employees, and approximately $215 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.baincapital.com. Follow @BainCapital on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

About Ridgewood Infrastructure
Ridgewood Infrastructure is a leading infrastructure investor in the U.S. lower middle market with sectors of focus including Water, Energy Transition, Transportation, and Utilities. For more information, visit www.ridgewoodinfrastructure.com.

 

Media Contacts

 Eddie de Sciora

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Blackstone Announces Agreement to Acquire Arlington Industries

Blackstone

New York – January 26, 2026 – Blackstone (NYSE: BX) and Arlington Industries, Inc. (“Arlington”) announced today that funds managed by Blackstone Energy Transition Partners (“Blackstone”) have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Arlington, a leading designer and manufacturer of electrical products in the United States.

Founded in 1949, Arlington designs and manufactures a range of electrical products such as fittings, enclosures and other components. The company’s innovative solutions are used across commercial, industrial and data center facilities. Amid increasing electrification trends, Arlington’s products play a vital role in supporting the growing needs of electrical distributors and contractors.

Tom Gretz, President of Arlington, said: “We are thrilled to be entering into this new partnership between Arlington and Blackstone. With support from Blackstone, we will continue to deliver innovative and dependable solutions to electrical contractors. I am incredibly proud of what our team has built and excited about the next phase of growth.”

Betty (Elizabeth) Stark, Chairman of Arlington’s Board, added: “This transaction with Blackstone marks an exciting new chapter for Arlington. Blackstone will be a terrific steward of the company and will unlock new opportunities for Arlington’s employees, customers and representatives.”

Bilal Khan, Senior Managing Director, and Mark Zhu, Managing Director, at Blackstone Energy Transition Partners, said: “Arlington has built an excellent reputation for its high quality and innovative products delivering market leading solutions for its diverse customer base. Together with Blackstone’s scale, resources and global network, we look forward to further expanding Arlington’s product offerings and supporting the company’s track record of innovation and long-term growth.”

Arlington represents the latest in a number of recent transactions Blackstone Energy Transition Partners has announced behind its high-conviction investment themes in electrification and the ongoing energy transition, including Alliance Technical Group, Maclean Power Systems, Wolf Summit Energy, Hill Top Energy Center, Shermco, Enverus, Lancium, Westwood, and others.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions. UBS Investment Bank acted as financial advisor to Arlington, and Sullivan & Cromwell acted as legal advisor to Arlington.

About Arlington
Arlington is a leading domestic manufacturer of high performance electrical products. To meet the evolving needs of the electrical industry, Arlington continuously develops unique and innovative products that meet the quality standards its customers expect. Arlington designs and engineers a comprehensive portfolio of innovative products built to simplify installation and enhance performance. The company was founded in 1949 and acquired by the Stark family in 1956. Learn more at https://www.aifittings.com/.

About Blackstone Energy Transition Partners
Blackstone Energy Transition Partners is Blackstone’s strategy for control-oriented equity investments in energy-related businesses, with a successful long-term record, having committed over $27 billion of equity globally across a broad range of sectors across the energy transition landscape. Our investment philosophy is based on backing exceptional management teams with flexible capital to provide solutions that help energy companies grow and improve performance, thereby delivering more reliable, affordable and cleaner energy to meet the needs of the global community. In the process, we work to build stronger, larger scale enterprises, create jobs and generate lasting value for our investors, employees and all stakeholders. Further information is available at https://www.blackstone.com/our-businesses/blackstone-energy-transition-partners/.

About Blackstone
Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager. Blackstone seeks to deliver compelling returns for institutional and individual investors by strengthening the companies in which the firm invests. Blackstone’s over $1.2 trillion in assets under management include global investment strategies focused on real estate, private equity, credit, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, secondaries and hedge funds. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow @blackstone on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

Media Contacts
Arlington
Ray Barnes
rbarnes@aifittings.com

Blackstone
Jennifer Heath
Jennifer.Heath@Blackstone.com

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EQT to Launch USD 371 million Tender Offer for MAMEZO

Mamezo

  • QT has announced the launch of a USD 371 million tender offer to privatize MAMEZO, a Japanese IT services company that supports enterprises in modernizing IT systems and adopting artificial intelligence more effectively
  • The transaction marks EQT’s first IT services investment in Japan, reinforcing the firm’s ambition to expand its presence in the market and aligning with its global thematic focus on technology and technology-enabled services
  • Following a successful completion of the acquisition, EQT will support MAMEZO’s ongoing operations and strategic priorities through its mid-market buyout strategy, drawing on its long-standing presence in Japan and experience in scaling technology services companies

TOKYO – 23 January 2026 – EQT today announced that BPEA EQT Mid-Market Growth Partnership (the “MMG Fund” or “EQT”) will launch a tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to acquire MAMEZO Co., Ltd. (“MAMEZO” or the “Company”; ticker symbol: TSE 202A), a Japanese IT services company that supports enterprises in modernizing IT systems and adopting artificial intelligence, at an offer price of JPY 3,551 per share.

Headquartered in Tokyo, MAMEZO is a leading IT consulting firm that helps companies modernize IT systems, design digital platforms and system architecture, and enhance their organization capabilities to work with new technologies, including AI and cloud adoption. The Company works closely with clients in the manufacturing, automotive, and financial services sectors, helping them improve operational efficiency and address labor and productivity challenges by implementing AI, Robotics, and other digital technology.

Following the successful completion of the acquisition, EQT expects to acquire full ownership of MAMEZO to support the Company’s ongoing operations and strategic priorities, leveraging EQT’s extensive track record in technology-enabled services and its long-standing presence in Japan. EQT will collaborate with Itochu Corporation as a strategic partner to drive long-term value for the company.

Tetsuro Onitsuka, Partner, EQT Private Capital Asia, said: “Japan is entering a pivotal phase in its digital and AI transformation, and MAMEZO is well-positioned to support enterprises navigating this shift. This investment reflects EQT’s long-standing presence in Japan and the deep relationships we have built with founders, management teams and advisors over many years. It also marks EQT’s first entry into the IT services sector in Japan and aligns with our conviction in the structural growth of technology-enabled services and the increasing importance of AI-driven digital transformation across industries. Through our mid-market strategy, EQT is able to partner with high quality companies across the full spectrum of growth. We look forward to supporting the Company’s continued development as part of EQT’s broader presence in Japan.”

EQT’s mid-market buyout strategy is a natural extension of EQT’s established large-cap buyout platform in Asia Pacific and leverages EQT’s pan-Asian presence to support portfolio companies. EQT has been an active investor in the technology and technology services sector in Asia Pacific through its mid-market and large-cap strategies. EQT’s mid-market portfolio includes, but is not limited to, CareNet and HRBrain in Japan, Compass Education in Australia, and WSO2 and Indium in India.

Please note that the consummation of the acquisition is subject to customary conditions.

The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, and may not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or solicitation. Any offer or solicitation in respect of the BPEA EQT Mid-Market Growth Partnership will be made only through a confidential private placement memorandum and related documents which will be furnished to qualified investors on a confidential basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution to persons in the United States of America. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration thereunder or pursuant to an available exemption therefrom. Any offering of securities to be made in the United States would have to be made by means of an offering document obtainable from the issuer or its agents and would contain detailed information about the issuer and its management, as well as financial statements. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

Regulations on Solicitation

This press release is intended to provide information relating to the Tender Offer to the public and has not been prepared for the purpose of soliciting an offer to sell shares. If shareholders wish to sell their shares, they should first read the Tender Offer Explanation Statement concerning the Tender Offer for information on the means by which they may tender their shares in the Tender Offer. This press release shall neither be, nor constitute a part of, an offer to sell or purchase, or a solicitation to sell or purchase, any securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation may not be permitted, and neither this press release (or any part of it) nor its distribution shall be interpreted to constitute the basis of any agreement in relation to the Tender Offer, and this press release may not be relied upon at the time of entering into any such agreement.

US Regulations

The Tender Offer will be implemented in compliance with the procedures and information disclosure standards of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan, which are not necessarily identical to the procedures and information disclosure standards applied in the United States. Specifically, the requirements of Section 13(e) and Section 14(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended, the “Securities Exchange Act”) and the rules promulgated thereunder do not apply to this Tender Offer, and the Tender Offer is not necessarily in compliance with those procedures and standards. Any financial information contained in this press release has been prepared based on Japanese generally accepted accounting principles, which may not be comparable to the financial statements of U.S. companies. In addition, it may be difficult for shareholders to enforce their rights or make claims arising under U.S. securities laws, since the Company is incorporated outside the United States and all or some of its directors and officers are residents outside the United States. In addition, shareholders may not be able to commence legal proceedings in courts outside of the U.S. against a non-U.S. company or its directors or officers for violations of U.S. securities laws, and U.S. courts may not grant jurisdiction over a non-U.S. company or its directors or officers.

The Tender Offeror, its financial advisors and the tender offer agent (and their respective affiliates) may purchase or take actions to purchase, by means other than the Tender Offer, shares, or options representing shares, of the Company for their own account or for the account of their customers, to the extent permitted by Japanese financial instruments exchange laws and other applicable laws and regulations in Japan, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5(b) of Securities Exchange Act.

If any shareholder of the Company exercises their right to require the purchase of shares less than one unit as prescribed by the Japanese Companies Act, the Company may purchase its own shares during the Tender Offer period in accordance with applicable legal procedures.

All procedures relating to the Tender Offer will be conducted in the Japanese language. While some or all documents related to the Tender Offer may be prepared in English, the Japanese-language documents will prevail in the event of any discrepancies between the English and Japanese documents.

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. Actual results may differ materially from the projections or expectations expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements due to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. None of the tender offeror, the Company, or any of their respective affiliates guarantees that the forward-looking statements expressed or implied herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to the tender offeror as of the date of this release. Except as required by law, neither the tender offeror nor any of its affiliates undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Other National Regulations

The release, issue or distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Persons who come into possession of this press release should inform themselves of and observe any applicable restrictions. In any jurisdiction where the conduct of the Tender Offer is unlawful or subject to regulatory restrictions, this press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or buy any securities or a solicitation of such an offer, and shall be deemed to have been sent for information purposes only.

Contact:
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

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About EQT

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 270 billion in total assets under management (EUR 141 billion in fee-generating assets under management) as of 31 December 2025, 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 LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram

About MAMEZO
MAMEZO Co., Ltd. was founded in 1999 with the aim of promoting software engineering, including object-oriented technology, across industries and enterprises. Since its establishment, the company has focused on AI-driven software engineering, engaging in initiatives such as robotics, factory digitalization through AI and IoT, integration of in-vehicle ECUs, and the modernization of core enterprise systems using ERP and open-source technologies. With deep expertise in both hardware and software, as well as extensive experience in the development and application of AI, MAMEZO supports companies in enhancing their digital competitiveness.

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