Category Archives: News

Storykit raises $10M to fuel global growth

Bonnier Ventures

Storykit, the leading video creator in the Nordics, announced today it has raised $10 million USD in funding, in a growth financing round led by Expedition Growth Capital.

Storykit has almost doubled in 2021, leveraging artificial intelligence to enable companies to create more video than ever before. With the new funding they will accelerate innovation and expansion at an even higher pace.

“We are thrilled to partner with Expedition Growth Capital to realize the enormous potential of Storykit. Video is the number one format for social channels in 2022 and beyond, and with Storykit any marketer or communicator can leverage the power of video. We’ve experienced colossal growth over the past few years, which reflects the increasing demand for organizations to create video with high quality and flexibility, in an ultra-high tempo. We’re really looking forward to fulfilling the strong market demand for our video creator on a global scale,” said Peder Bonnier, CEO and co-founder of Storykit.

Serving predominantly large and medium sized enterprises, Storykit has quickly grown to become the leading video creator in the Nordics, and has recently expanded into several European markets. Key customers include Skandia, Dun & Bradstreet, the City of Stockholm and Lufthansa Systems.

“We have nearly doubled our revenues in the last twelve months, fully on our own cash flow, and are happy to have found yet another partner who is interested in building long lasting, economically viable businesses, without having to compromise on growth. This investment will enable us to further invest in our already market leading product, and expand to more markets and customer segments”, says Peder Bonnier.

Expedition Growth Capital is a $200+ million London-based growth equity fund, focused solely on investing in fast growing and capital efficient B2B software companies in Europe and Israel. This is their first investment in the Nordics.

“Since our first conversations with Storykit in 2020, we have been energised by their commitment to building a company for the long term. This is our first investment in Sweden, and we are delighted to be partnering with such a high quality group of founders and investors”, said Oliver Thomas, Managing Partner of Expedition Growth Capital.

David Olsson, who led the investment and will join Storykit’s board of directors, adds:

“Storykit is addressing an increasingly universal corporate and departmental need – to rapidly produce video content that is highly professional, brand aligned, and cost effective. We see enormous potential for the company in the years ahead and look forward to being a supportive partner for the Storykit team.”

 

Storykit was founded in 2018 by Fredrik Strömberg and Peder Bonnier. By building the complete video creator they aim to enable everyone who can write text to create video. With over 500 customers, and tens of thousands of users all over the world, they are well on their way. For more information, see www.storykit.io

Expedition Growth Capital is a software-specialist growth equity investor, currently investing a $200 million fund. The firm provides growth capital, shareholder liquidity and supportive minority partnership to rapidly growing, capital efficient software companies across Europe and Israel. For more information see www.expedition.capital.

Categories: News

KKR Releases 2022 Global Macro Outlook

KKR

Henry McVey: A Different Kind of Recovery

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR, a leading global investment firm, today released its 2022 Global Macro Outlook piece by Henry McVey, Head of Global Macro and Asset Allocation (GMAA) and CIO of KKR’s Balance Sheet.

In “A Different Kind of Recovery,” McVey outlines his team’s perspective on entering a period of reflation that will look dramatically different from other recent economic recoveries and why this environment will favor investors who take a thematic top-down approach and are willing to lean into uncertainty.

In McVey’s view, the following five factors make this recovery unlike the prior cycle that unfolded after the 2008 downturn:

  1. This recovery is being driven by the West, not the East.
  2. It is heavily front-loaded, with the one-two punch of both monetary and fiscal stimulus.
  3. Input costs, the team believes, will stay higher for longer, driven by rising wages and reconfiguration of global supply chains.
  4. Periodic growth slowdowns will likely be more driven by supply constraints rather than demand issues, with COVID flare-ups and the global energy transition amplifying tightness in supply.
  5. Outside of China, real rates generally will lag this cycle.

Against this economic backdrop, McVey and his team highlight the following top-down themes for investors to consider as they look ahead to 2022:

  • Pricing Power: Higher input costs and supply chain pressures have created an environment that strongly favors companies with pricing power, which leads us to expect a major valuation differential to emerge between price makers and price takers.
  • Collateral-Based Cash Flows: Given the unusual backdrop of rising cyclical inflation, more stimulus, and higher commodity prices, we believe that demand for collateral-based cash flows, including Infrastructure, Real Estate, and Asset-Based Finance, will accelerate more than many investors now think.
  • Digitalization and Decentralization: We are in an “innovation boom” and the pace of disruption only continues to accelerate. In particular, we believe that blockchain-driven decentralization is a cross-industry development that investors should watch closely.
  • Normalization and Return to Services: We believe that investors should consider increasing exposure to the service sector, which is likely to grow with consumers ramping up their exposure to “experiences” over the next 24-36 months. We are not bearish on goods, but some mean reversion in the services sector is likely to occur, we believe.
  • The Energy Transition: Environmental considerations are a major investment opportunity, particularly amidst growing concerns about supply chain resiliency. This mega theme is broad-based, and as such, we think that almost all aspects of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are worth considering, including climate action.
  • Savings Bull Market: There are several important forces to consider that we think make savings an extremely compelling investment theme to pursue, including retirement products and financial planning linked to intergenerational wealth transfer.

In addition to the aforementioned insights and themes, the report details the GMAA team’s updated views on growth, interest rates, commodities, currencies, and asset allocation. It also provides a view on potential macro and geopolitical risks, as well as possible hedging strategies to mitigate downside risk.

Links to access this report in full as well as an archive of Henry McVey’s previous publications follow:

  • To read the latest Insights, click here.
  • To download a PDF version, click here.
  • For an archive of previous publications please visit www.KKRInsights.com.

About Henry McVey

Henry H. McVey joined KKR in 2011 and is Head of the Global Macro, Balance Sheet and Risk team. Mr. McVey also serves as Chief Investment Officer for the Firm’s Balance Sheet, oversees Firmwide Market Risk at KKR, and co-heads KKR’s Strategic Partnership Initiative. As part of these roles, he sits on the Firm’s Investment Management & Distribution Committee and the Risk & Operations Committee. Prior to joining KKR, Mr. McVey was a Managing Director, Lead Portfolio Manager and Head of Global Macro and Asset Allocation at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM). Learn more about Mr. McVeyhere.

About KKR

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

The views expressed in the report and summarized herein are the personal views of Henry McVey of KKR and do not necessarily reflect the views of KKR or the strategies and products that KKR offers or invests. Nothing contained herein constitutes investment, legal, tax or other advice nor is it to be relied on in making an investment or other decision. This release is prepared solely for information purposes and should not be viewed as a current or past recommendation or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. This release contains projections or other forward-looking statements, which are based on beliefs, assumptions and expectations that may change as a result of many possible events or factors. If a change occurs, actual results may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date such statements are made, and neither KKR nor Mr. McVey assumes any duty to update such statements except as required by law.

Media:
Cara Major or Julia Kosygina
212-750-8300
media@kkr.com

Source: KKR

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DL Energy to Acquire Minority Stake in CPV Fairview Energy Center from Apollo Infrastructure

Transaction Comes Amid Strong Performance of CPV Fairview, a Leading Local Provider of Environmentally Responsible Electric Power

NEW YORK and SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) and DL Energy today announced that DL Energy has agreed to acquire a 25% equity interest in CPV Fairview Energy Center (“CPV Fairview”) from Apollo Infrastructure Funds. CPV Fairview is a state-of-the-art 1,050MW power generation company dedicated to increasing America’s energy sustainability by providing safe, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally responsible electric power.

The Apollo Funds invested in CPV Fairview in 2018, supporting the energy center’s construction and strong operations since. CPV Fairview, based in Jackson Township, PA, has the capacity to supply more than 1 million homes and businesses with electricity. It is one of the most efficient gas units in the PJM-MAAC region and serves an increasingly critical role in helping Pennsylvania meet its energy demands while lowering energy costs and emissions.

“We are proud to have supported CPV Fairview’s construction and operations to-date as the facility helps Pennsylvania access cleaner, more reliable power while creating new, high-quality jobs,” said Apollo Partner Trevor Mills. “CPV Fairview is well positioned to continue growing and serving the community under its existing and future new owners CPV, Osaka and DL Energy.”

Apollo’s Co-Head of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Geoffrey Strong added, “Through this infrastructure fund investment, we are pleased to have helped construct and operate a state-of-the-art power facility and it’s representative of the many commitments we are making across the Apollo platform into the power and utilities sectors.”

Apollo has been highly active in investing in power and utilities and also in supporting companies driving the clean energy transition. In November, Apollo Funds acquired a 50% stake in leading energy storage and renewable energy platform, Broad Reach Power, and recently committed more than $820 million of funding to NextEra Energy Partners for its stake in a renewable energy generation portfolio. Notable activity also includes the formation of a joint venture with Johnson Controls, IonicBlue, to provide sustainability and energy efficiency services for commercial buildings; an equity commitment to FlexGen Power Systems; fund portfolio company Takkion acquiring RENEW, a leading O&M solutions provider for the renewable energy market; investing in sustainable bioenergy producer AS Graanul Invest; and forming a joint venture to accelerate growth of Great Bay Renewables.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by Q1 2022. As a result of the transaction, DL Energy will join CPV Fairview’s existing equity owners Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) and Osaka Gas.

Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. served as financial advisors and Vinson & Elkins LLP served as legal counsel to the Apollo Funds in the transaction.

About Apollo
Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. We seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade to private equity with a focus on three business strategies: yield, hybrid and equity. Through our investment activity across our fully integrated platform, we serve the retirement income and financial return needs of our clients, and we offer innovative capital solutions to businesses. Our patient, creative, 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, 2021, Apollo had approximately $481 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

About DL Energy
DL Energy is a Korean company founded to be a global provider in the energy and infrastructure sectors with a particular focus on power and resources.  It intends to cover the full energy value chain of investment, development, financing, EPC and O&M through its EPC track records, in-house O&M/procurement capabilities and relationship with major developers and financial institutions. DL Energy has participated in various Independent Power Provider deals and invested more than 5.8GW conventional, renewable power plants not only in developed countries such as USA, Korea and Australia, but also in developing countries such as Jordan, Chile, Bangladesh, Pakistan where the demand for electricity is rapidly rising. To learn more, please visit www.dlenergy.co.kr.

Apollo Contact Information:

For Investors:
Noah Gunn
Global Head of Investor Relations
(212) 822-0540
IR@apollo.com

For Media:
Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
(212) 822-0491
Communications@apollo.com


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Source: Apollo Global Management, Inc.

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Francks Kylindustri continues its expansion in Norway through the acquisition of Invent

Segula

After the recently announced acquisition of Therma, Francks continues its Norwegian expansion through the acquisition of Invent AS in Bergen. Invent will together with Therma get a market leading position in Bergen. Invent has a long history and broad competence primarily in cooling and ventilation. The current owners will continue to develop the company in collaboration with Francks. Invent has a turnover of ca. NOK 35m.

 “We are very pleased that Invent – with its high competence and experience – has chosen to join Francks. Invent and Therma Bergen will form a strong team and get a market leading position in Bergen. Invent is a well-established family business with strong local roots that shares our vision and our values. It is very exciting to continue the future journey together when we now further expand our platform in Norway”, says Tomas Berggren, CEO of Francks Kylindustri.

“We are excited to be part of Francks and their expansion in Norway. Through our joint expertise, we will develop our offering in design, installation, and service to provide a stronger customer value proposition. Together with Francks and Therma, we look forward to leverage our joint base of expertise, experience and synergies to accelerate our growth in the expansive Bergen region” says Andreas Berg Peschina, CEO of Invent AS.

Francks Kylindustri is the leading Swedish provider of industrial and commercial refrigeration solutions with 28 offices across Sweden, from Malmö in the south to Luleå in the north.

For further information, please visit www.francksref.com or contact:

Marcus Planting-Bergloo, Managing Partner, Segulah Advisor AB
+46 70 229 11 85, planting@segulah.se

Tomas Berggren, CEO, Francks Kylindustri Sweden AB
+46 70 540 50 42, tomas.berggren@francksref.com

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CONET Group acquires Karlsruhe-based ISB AG

IK Partners

CONET Group acquires Karlsruhe-based ISB AG, strengthening its market position in the public and automotive sectors

Common values and matching areas of focus form an ideal basis for successful cooperation in the CONET group of companies.

Hennef, December 15, 2021 – IT consulting firm CONET and the consultants and software developers of Karlsruhe-based ISB AG will combine their industry expertise, development know-how and consulting experience in the future. With this step, the two companies that have been successful individually in the IT services market for more than 30 years, will benefit from complementary services and customer relationships, particularly in the public and automotive sectors. The acquisition of ISB AG was supported by IK Partners, CONET Group’s majority investor, with whom CONET is consistently pursuing its growth course.

ISB AG, founded in 1981, has around 250 employees and specialises in software development and IT consulting. With the addition of ISB AG, which has its headquarters in Karlsruhe and offices in Berlin, Mainz and Stuttgart, the CONET group of companies is expanding its market position in key segments and extending its portfolio of solutions in the fast-growing consulting and service sectors of process automation, software development and digitalisation in public administration and industry.

Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed and the completion of the transaction is subject to legal and regulatory approvals.

“We have found an ideal new partner in ISB AG,” explains Anke Höfer, CEO of the CONET group of companies. With their distinctive expertise, especially in the areas of software development and process consulting, we are complementing our portfolio in a targeted manner and are jointly pursuing the strategy of further expanding our market position as a valued digitalisation partner.” ISB’s management team is guided by the same values as we are and has built a strong and innovative company that always keeps its finger on the pulse of digital development. We look forward to working with them to develop even more powerful solutions for our customers.”

Ralf Schneider, who has been a member of the ISB AG Executive Board since 2005, adds: “Open and cooperative partnership, respect, personal responsibility and, last but not least, transparency and a long-term approach are central cornerstones of our corporate philosophy. CONET Group shares these guiding principles, which are laid down in its corporate constitution CONET LIFE. This is the ideal basis for us to create maximum added value for our customers with our deep understanding of processes, industry knowledge and the highest methodological and technological competence and to offer our employees excellent prospects. We are looking forward to the future together in a strong group of companies!”

IK Partners
Deekeling Arndt/AMO
Natascha Divac
Phone: +49-162-9981108
natascha.divac@deekeling-arndt.com

CONET Technologies Holding GmbH
Simon Vieth, Spokesman
Phone: +49 2242 939-246
presse@conet.de

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Oakley agrees sale of TechInsights and follow-on investment

CVC Capital Partners

Oakley Capital Fund IV will acquire a majority stake alongside CVC Growth Funds to benefit from business’ strong future growth potential

Oakley Capital (“Oakley”) has announced that Oakley Capital Private Equity III (“Fund III”) has reached an agreement to sell its stake in TechInsights, an information services platform for the microelectronics sector. The exit will generate a gross return on investment of c.18.8x MM and c.82% IRR to Fund III. As part of the transaction, Oakley Capital Fund IV (“Fund IV”) will acquire a majority stake in TechInsights alongside CVC Growth Funds (“CVC Growth”) to benefit from the strong future growth potential of the business, as well as the significant strategic and sectoral synergies CVC Growth offers.

Fund III first invested in TechInsights in 2017 as a carveout from AXIO Group. During its period of ownership, Oakley has supported management in transforming the business model by shifting its revenue base from one-off projects to higher quality subscription revenues. The integration of three bolt-on acquisitions further strengthened its position as a leader in its field, and today TechInsights provides syndicated content to blue chip companies around the world.

The fresh investment from Fund IV and CVC Growth will support an ambitious, multi-year expansion programme to capitalise on promising growth opportunities that management have identified across TechInsights’ core markets and in new verticals. Management are fully committed to remaining with the business and TechInsights will continue to be led by CEO Gavin Carter.

Oakley Capital Managing Partner Peter Dubens commented: “Gavin and his team have transformed TechInsights into a highly successful subscription business, and we look forward to supporting them on the next stage of the company’s development. We’re also pleased to welcome CVC Growth as co-investors with their strong track record backing high-growth, technology and information services businesses.”

TechInsights CEO Gavin Carter commented: “Several years ago, on the foundation of our world-leading reverse engineering, we began to develop the go-to information platform for those interested in microelectronics. We have come a long way, yet there is much opportunity ahead in this innovation-fuelled sector. Continuing our strong partnership with Oakley and now with the support of CVC Growth, we initiate a new investment programme and embark on an ambitious growth plan, working with current and prospective customers to further develop our capability and platform.”

Sebastian Künne Managing Director at CVC Growth commented: “CVC has a proven track record of teaming up with like-minded investors to take businesses to the next level. We look forward to partnering with Oakley Capital and working closely with Gavin and his team to continue building a leading information services platform for the microelectronics industry.”

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Artefact aims to become the world’s leading data services group following Ardian’s successful purchase offer.

Ardian

Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, together with Cathay Capital, are pleased to announce that their simplified tender offer for the remaining shares of Artefact, a leader in data services, has been accepted.

As the required conditions were met at the closing of the offer, the mandatory withdrawal on Artefact shares will be effective as of 21 December 2021 at €7.80 per share. Artefact’s legacy managers are also supporting this offer by reinvesting substantially alongside Ardian, to ensure the continuity of governance with Vincent Luciani as Group CEO.

Artefact was founded in 2014 by Vincent Luciani and Guillaume de Roquemaurel. After rapid international expansion, Artefact established itself as a leader in data-driven business transformation, with the aim of creating value by bridging the gap between data and business.

Today, Artefact has a global network, with operations across the world in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas and Africa, and over 800 employees. The company has partnered with major brands such as L’Oréal, Danone, Sanofi Orange and also supports major international accounts across a range of sectors from FMCG, Retail, Luxury, Telecoms, Healthcare, Tourism and Industry including for example: Samsung and Unilever.

Artefact’s data offerings have demonstrated their ability to scale AI projects globally, especially as only 10 to 15% of companies are currently incorporating data science-based solutions into their operations successfully. Artefact enables the implementation of fundamental services such as data governance and infrastructure, and the development of specialized solutions (call centre automation, demand forecasting, recommendation engines, and fraud detection). Artefact also has the most complete data-driven marketing portfolio on the market.

In a market driven by exponential growth in data, Ardian’s Expansion team, alongside Cathay Capital, a global investment firm with a strong presence in Asia, will support Artefact’s management team in a new phase of acceleration with the aim of becoming a global data services leader.

The new shareholders will support the group in its geographical expansion in Europe, Asia and the United States thanks to their global network and the significant resources that will be provided to the Group. Artefact will invest in an ambitious recruitment program for new talent with the aim of tripling its workforce by 2025, with already 500 recruitments planned for 2022. Finally, the Group will be an active player in the consolidation of the market by accelerating strategic acquisitions in a still highly fragmented data services market.

Artefact’s strength lies in the excellence of its people who are drawn to a company dedicated to building the next generation of “data leaders”. Strong human values, a committed CSR policy, and a continual job training, make Artefact one of the data industry’s most sought-after employers.

“The alliance with Ardian definitely marks a major turning point in the history of Artefact. The delisting and the arrival of a shareholder like Ardian, a strategic and long-term oriented investor, allows us to deploy an ambitious growth and recruitment plan, anchored on the high added value of our talents.” Vincent Luciani, Co-Founder and CEO of Artefact

“Our objective is to support this excellent management team in its ambition to become a world leader in data services. Our global network, expertise and significant resources will be available to Artefact and will help accelerate the group’s growth by strengthening its appeal to new talent by pursuing an ambitious market consolidation strategy.” Marie Arnaud-Battandier, Managing Director, Expansion team, Ardian

“We’re delighted to partner with Artefact and its management team alongside Ardian in a new phase of development. Artefact has built a strong client-recognized expertise in the field of data services and benefits from major growth potential in France and abroad. Cathay Capital will support Artefact’s ambitious organic and external growth strategy thanks to our technological know-how and ecosystem, especially in China.” Jérémie Falzone, Partner, Cathay Capital

PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION

  • Ardian

    • Marie Arnaud- Battandier, Stephan Torra, Thomas Grétéré, Leslie Parmast.
    • Legal advisors: Latham & Watkins (Olivier Du Mottay, Olivia Rauch-Ravisé, Philippe Tesson, Mayssa Sader Michel Houdayer)
    • Financial advisors: Sycomore Corporate Finance (Tristan Dupont, Olivier Barret, Pierre-Arnaud De Lacharrière, Marion Pouchain), Clipperton Finance (Nicolas von Bulow, Martin Vielle), Natixis Partners (Philippe Charbonnier)
    • Financial advisors for the public offer: Société Générale (Stéphanie Kordonian, Stephane Krief, Asgar Sondarjee, Florent Guillermain)
    • Commercial Due Diligence: Bain & Company (Daphné Vattier, Thibaud Chabrelié, Guillaume Tobler)
    • Financial Due Diligence: Alvarez & Marsal (Ghislain De Seze, Simon Regad, Guillaume Blanchard)
    • Legal, tax and social Due Diligence: Kpmg Avocats (Xavier Houard, Thomas Chardenal)
    • Insurance Due Diligence: Finaxy (Deborah Hauchemaille)
    • Debt: Eurazeo (Eric Gallerne, Olivier Sesboüe), Tikehau, Eiffel, Bpi – Conseil juridique financement des banques: Paul Hastings (Olivier Vermeulen)

  • Cathay Capital

    • Jérémie Falzone, Benoît Seringe, Bertrand Uchan, Marc Lin
    • Commercial Due Diligence: Roland Berger (Jean-Michel Cagin, Cyrille Vincey)
    • Legal advisors: Hogan Lovells (Stéphane Huten, Arnaud Deparday)

  • Artefact

    • Vincent Luciani CEO Artefact
    • Guillaume De Roquemaurel Président du Conseil De Surveillance Artefact
    • Hayette Soltani Chief Financial Officer Artefact
    • Legal advisors: BDGS (Youssef Djehane, François Baylion, Marie Dupin, Jules Brizi)
    • Legal advisors to the management: Jausserand & Audouard (Tristan Audouard, Carole Degonse, Antoine Le Roux)
    • Financial advisors: Cambon Partners (Guillaume Teboul, Michael Azencot, Samuel Koubi, Côme Mullie)
    • Financial Due Diligence: Alvarez & Marsal (Frédéric Steiner, Nicolas Guillo, Baptiste Rideau)
    • Legal, tax and social Due Diligence: EY (Mathieu Dautriat, Charles Moulette, Solal Blanc, Adrien Khaznadji, Sylvie Magnen, Thomas Jaegle)

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian is a world leading private investment house with assets of US$120bn managed or advised in Europe, the Americas and Asia. The company is majority-owned by its employees. It keeps entrepreneurship at its heart and focuses on delivering excellent investment performance to its global investor base. Through its commitment to shared outcomes for all stakeholders, Ardian’s activities fuel individual, corporate and economic growth around the world.
Holding close its core values of excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship, Ardian maintains a truly global network, with more than 800 employees working from fifteen offices across Europe (Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Zurich), the Americas (New York, San Francisco and Santiago) and Asia (Beijing, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul). It manages funds on behalf of more than 1,100 clients through five pillars of investment expertise: Fund of Funds, Direct Funds, Infrastructure, Real Estate and Private Debt.

www.ardian.com

ABOUT CATHAY CAPITAL GROUP

Cathay Capital Group is a global investment firm supporting companies at all stages throughout North America, Asia, Europe and Africa. By helping navigate the opportunities of globalization and sustainable transformation, Cathay is the partner of choice for companies aspiring to lead markets and make a positive impact. Its global platform connects people – from investors and entrepreneurs to management teams and leading corporations – across continents to share knowledge, the tools to scale, and achieve the extraordinary. Founded in 2007 with a strong entrepreneurial heritage, Cathay Capital now manages over $4.5B in assets, has completed over 220 buyouts, growth and venture capital investments with the global reach and local expertise from offices in Paris, New York, Shanghai, Munich, San Francisco, Beijing, Singapore, Shenzhen and Tel Aviv.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter @CathayCapital

www.cathaycapital.com

ABOUT ARTEFACT

Artefact is a next-generation end-to-end data services company specialising in data transformation and data & digital marketing, transforming data into impact across the entire enterprise value chain Artefact’s unique approach, by bridging the gap between data and businesses, enables our clients to achieve their business goals in a dedicated and efficient manner. Our 800 employees combine their multi-disciplinary skills to help companies innovate and grow. Our cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence technologies and agile methods ensure the success of our clients’ AI projects, from design to deployment, training and change management. With 16 offices in Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America and Africa, we partner with leading global brands such as Orange, Samsung, L’Oréal, and Sanofi.

www.artefact.com

Media contacts

ARDIAN – Image 7

Anne-Charlotte Créac’h

accreach@image7.fr +33 1 53 70 94 21

Anatole Flahault

aflahault@image7.fr +33 1 53 70 74 26

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CONET Group acquires Karlsruhe-based ISB AG, strengthening its market position in the public and automotive sectors

IK Partners

Common values and matching areas of focus form an ideal basis for successful cooperation
in the CONET group of companies.

Hennef, December 15, 2021 – IT consulting firm CONET and the consultants and software developers
of Karlsruhe-based ISB AG will combine their industry expertise, development know-how and
consulting experience in the future. With this step, the two companies that have been successful
individually in the IT services market for more than 30 years, will benefit from complementary services
and customer relationships, particularly in the public and automotive sectors. The acquisition of ISB
AG was supported by IK Partners, CONET Group’s majority investor, with whom CONET is consistently
pursuing its growth course.

ISB AG, founded in 1981, has around 250 employees and specialises in software development and IT
consulting. With the addition of ISB AG, which has its headquarters in Karlsruhe and offices in Berlin,
Mainz and Stuttgart, the CONET group of companies is expanding its market position in key segments
and extending its portfolio of solutions in the fast-growing consulting and service sectors of process
automation, software development and digitalisation in public administration and industry.
Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed and the completion of the transaction is
subject to legal and regulatory approvals.

“We have found an ideal new partner in ISB AG,” explains Anke Höfer, CEO of the CONET group of
companies. With their distinctive expertise, especially in the areas of software development and
process consulting, we are complementing our portfolio in a targeted manner and are jointly pursuing
the strategy of further expanding our market position as a valued digitalisation partner.” ISB’s
management team is guided by the same values as we are and has built a strong and innovative
company that always keeps its finger on the pulse of digital development. We look forward to working
with them to develop even more powerful solutions for our customers.”
Ralf Schneider, who has been a member of the ISB AG Executive Board since 2005, adds: “Open and
cooperative partnership, respect, personal responsibility and, last but not least, transparency and a
long-term approach are central cornerstones of our corporate philosophy. CONET Group shares these
guiding principles, which are laid down in its corporate constitution CONET LIFE. This is the ideal basis
for us to create maximum added value for our customers with our deep understanding of processes,
industry knowledge and the highest methodological and technological competence and to offer our
employees excellent prospects. We are looking forward to the future together in a strong group of
companies!”

About ISB
ISB AG develops customised software solutions in the areas of software engineering and IT consulting.
As an innovative IT service provider, ISB AG has been supporting customers from the fields of industry
and public administration in the implementation of their software development projects for three
decades. Renowned industrial companies, federal, state and local authorities trust the expertise of ISB
AG. The company currently employs more than 250 process specialists, consultants and developers at
five locations in Germany, with its headquarters in Karlsruhe and offices in Mainz, Stuttgart and Berlin.
www.isb-ag.de

About CONET
“Success. Our passion.” CONET is the competent IT consulting company for SAP, Infrastructure,
Communications, Software and Consulting in the focus areas of Cyber Security, Cloud, Mobility and
Data Intelligence. With around 1,000 employees, CONET is one of the best medium-sized IT houses in
Germany. Well-known companies and organisations from industry & commerce, the public sector and
defence & public security have trusted the experts of the medium-sized group of companies since
1987. With its headquarters in Hennef, CONET has thirteen locations in Germany, Austria and Croatia.

For more information, visit https://www.conet.de/DE/conet

About IK Partners
IK Partners (“IK”) is a European private equity firm focused on investments in the Benelux, DACH,
France, Nordics and the UK. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €14 billion of capital and invested in
160 European companies. IK supports companies with strong underlying potential, partnering with
management teams and investors to create robust, well-positioned businesses with excellent longterm prospects. For more information, visit www.ikpartners.com

IK Partners
Deekeling Arndt/AMO
Natascha Divac
Phone: +49-162-9981108
natascha.divac@deekeling-arndt.com
CONET Technologies Holding GmbH
Simon Vieth, Spokesman
Phone: +49 2242 939-246
presse@conet.de

Categories: News

Alcami Announces the Acquisition of Masy BioServices

Ampersand
Acquisition to add 375,000 ft² of cGMP Biostorage and Pharma Support Services

Alcami logo

Wilmington, North Carolina – December 15, 2021 – Alcami Corporation, a leading pharmaceutical and biotech contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced today it has completed the acquisition of Masy Systems Inc. (“Masy” or “Masy BioServices”), a preferred provider of cGMP Biostorage and pharma support services. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of Masy adds complementary service offerings and further reinforces Alcami’s ambitious growth and expansion initiatives,” commented Patrick D. Walsh, Chairman and CEO of Alcami.

Masy was founded in 1984 by entrepreneurs Laurie and John Masiello and operates three cGMP Biostorage facilities in Massachusetts, all within 1-hour of Boston and Cambridge, with a fourth facility coming online in early 2022. The company offers secure and tightly controlled cGMP temperature storage from -196˚C to 70˚C, including all ICH stability conditions, for various materials including vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, cell banks, tissues, compounds, and medical devices. The company’s pharma support services include equipment calibration, large-scale validation and qualification projects, SenseAnywhere monitoring solutions, and validation and calibration equipment sales and rentals. Masy’s additional pharma support service operations are located in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and North Carolina.

“We built an amazing company at Masy and are thrilled to partner with the Alcami team, as our combined resources and capabilities will result in enhanced support for our customers,” commented Masy co-founder Laurie Masiello. In addition, Steve Lane will continue in his current executive leadership role at Masy and commented, “I look forward to the successful integration and continuing to build a strong and enduring business.”

Masy clients will gain immediate access to Alcami’s comprehensive service offerings ranging from analytical development and testing to full drug product development and manufacturing, both sterile fill-finish and oral solid dose. Similarly, Alcami’s extensive client base will have access to Masy’s available and growing cGMP Biostorage capacity and extensive pharma support services.

About Alcami

Alcami is a contract development and manufacturing organization headquartered in North Carolina with over 40 years of experience advancing products through every stage of the development lifecycle. Leveraging four US-based scientific campuses, Alcami serves pharmaceutical and biotech companies of all sizes providing customizable and innovative solutions for analytical development, clinical to commercial sterile and oral solid manufacturing, packaging, microbiology, and environmental monitoring services. Alcami’s private equity ownership includes Madison Dearborn Partners and Ampersand Capital Partners. For more information, please visit alcaminow.com.

About Masy BioServices

Masy, founded by John and Laurie Masiello in 1984, has provided quality solutions to the life sciences community for nearly 40 years and meets rigorous qualifications for NVLAP accreditation to ISO 17025:2017 as well as ISO 9001:2015 certification. Services include calibration of primary standards and critical test equipment; validation and IQ/OQ/PQ of environmental chambers, autoclaves, and thermal warehouse mapping; and lab equipment rentals and sales. Masy offers premier cGMP biorepository options, with secure and tightly controlled temperature storage from -196˚C to 70˚C, including all ICH stability conditions, for various materials including vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, cell banks, tissues, compounds, and medical devices. For more information, please visit masy.com.

Media Contact

Michael Walsh
Alcami Corporation
Michael.walsh@alcaminow.com

Categories: News

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KKR Launches Self-Storage Investment Platform with Jonathan Perry

KKR

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced the launch of a platform to invest in self-storage real estate across the United States. Industry veteran Jonathan Perry will serve as CEO of the platform, Alpha Storage Properties (ASP), and work closely with KKR’s real estate team to acquire and manage a portfolio of self-storage assets in high-growth markets and strategic infill locations across the country.

Over the past few months, prior to the launch of ASP, KKR’s real estate funds have purchased 16 self-storage assets for approximately $300 million across major growth markets, including, Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver the Inland Empire, Nashville, Orlando and Phoenix. The seed portfolio includes approximately 11,700 units or 1.2 million square-feet. The go-forward ASP platform led by Jonathan Perry will further accelerate the firm’s self-storage strategy and enhance its presence in the sector.

“We are thrilled to launch ASP under Jonathan’s leadership. His deep knowledge of the self-storage sector will help accelerate the growth of our portfolio,” said Roger Morales, KKR Partner and Head of Real Estate Acquisitions in the Americas. “Self-storage is a resilient sector that has experienced steady growth over the past 30 years and we are seeing an increase in demand resulting from the evolving relationship people have with their living space, the cost of housing and accelerated trends in net migration.”

Jonathan Perry has over two decades of experience in the self-storage industry serving in senior leadership roles for a number of leading publicly listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) and during his career had led over $4.0 billion of storage transactions.

Mr. Perry most recently served as President and Chief Investment Officer at Jernigan Capital (NYSE: JCAP), where he was responsible for overseeing all investment and asset management activities. Previously, Mr. Perry spent 10 years with CubeSmart (NYSE: CUBE), rising to the level of Chief Investment Officer where he lead all external growth initiatives including joint venture investment activity, the third party management business and acquisitions. Mr. Perry began his career at Storage USA where he worked in various finance and real estate roles for the company and its successor GE Capital Real Estate.

“I am excited to collaborate with KKR to build a leading national portfolio of self-storage real estate. I was immediately impressed by the KKR real estate team’s rigorous approach to asset selection, deep presence in fast growing Sun Belt markets and strong focus on building lasting partnerships. We are launching ASP with a high-quality seed portfolio and I believe our platform is well positioned as an aggregator, owner and operator in a fragmented market,” said Mr. Perry.

Since launching a dedicated real estate platform in 2011, KKR has grown real estate assets under management to approximately $36 billion across the U.S., Europe and Asia as of September 30, 2021. The global real estate team consists of over 135 dedicated investment professionals, spanning both the equity and credit businesses.

About KKR

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

Media
Miles Radcliffe-Trenner
(212) 750-8300
media@kkr.com

Source: KKR & Co. Inc.

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