CVC welcomes strategic minority partnership investment from KKR into Etraveli Group

CVC Capital Partners

CVC Capital Partners (“CVC”) today announced that KKR has agreed to acquire a significant minority stake in global travel technology company Etraveli Group. The strategic partnership between CVC and KKR positions Etraveli Group for an exciting next chapter of growth and reinforces its position as the world’s largest flight intermediary and fulfilment company outside of China. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Etraveli Group operates a sophisticated Flight Tech Platform that delivers airline tickets to nearly 50 million travellers annually across 75 markets. With a mission to offer the broadest range of high-quality air content – easy to book and competitively priced – the company leverages AI-driven technology, deep industry expertise and strong strategic partnerships. Its services are delivered through its own consumer-facing brands such as Gotogate, Mytrip and Flightnetwork, as well as through its booking and fulfilment solutions for global partners like Booking.com, Radisson Hotel Group and TUI.

“We are excited to welcome KKR as a new investment partner, given their strong track record in the global travel and technology markets,” said Mathias Hedlund, Etraveli Group’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is another landmark moment for Etraveli Group that strengthens our global position and marks the next chapter in our effort to bring innovation and expertise to facilitate flight purchases for customers around the world. Together with CVC and KKR, we look forward to accelerating the expansion of our global B2B Flight Tech Platform and continuing to deliver smart, seamless travel solutions together with our partners.”

CVC’s Technology and Nordic teams led the acquisition of Etraveli Group from media company ProSiebenSat.1 in 2017, partnering with management to accelerate the company’s transformation into the global market leader. Today, Etraveli Group facilitates over €15 billion of flight sales annually, having consistently delivered strong double-digit growth, with earnings today approximately 4x higher than at the time of the CVC fund’s original investment. Etraveli Group is well-positioned for sustained growth, underpinned by its strategic partnership with Booking.com, a robust pipeline of B2B opportunities and a promising fintech offering.

Quotes

Mathias and his team have built a world-leading e-commerce platform for flights and it has been an absolute pleasure to have supported them over the past eight years, delivering significant growth for Etraveli Group.

Lorne Somerville and Gustaf Martin-LöfCVC

“Mathias and his team have built a world-leading e-commerce platform for flights and it has been an absolute pleasure to have supported them over the past eight years, delivering significant growth for Etraveli Group. We look forward to continuing our involvement with the business as a joint shareholder with our new partners at KKR and we’re excited to embark on the next phase of the journey with the company,” said Lorne Somerville, Chairman of Etraveli Group and a Managing Partner of CVC, and Gustaf Martin-Löf, Partner of CVC.

Blaine MacDougald, Partner and Co-Head of the Strategic Investments Group at KKR, said: “Etraveli Group has established itself as a clear global leader in flight technology with a unique platform, deep industry integration and a strong track record. We are pleased to partner with the Etraveli Group’s leadership team and CVC to deliver a tailored capital solution that will help support Etraveli Group’s continued expansion and innovation. This investment builds on KKR’s commitment to backing European champions and contributing to the growth of high-quality, tech-enabled businesses.”

KKR is investing in Etraveli Group primarily through funds and accounts managed by its Strategic Investments Group, which provides structured partnership capital solutions, alongside the full breadth of KKR’s value-added resources to market leading businesses.
J.P. Morgan Securities Plc acted as Exclusive Financial Adviser to CVC, in connection with KKR’s minority partnership investment into Etraveli Group.

Bridgepoint to partner with mydentist, the UK’s leading provider of affordable dentistry, as Palamon exits

Bridgepoint
  • Bridgepoint to acquire a majority stake in mydentist from Palamon Capital Partners
  • mydentist management team remain invested while Palamon Capital Partners fully divests its holdings
  • With Bridgepoint’s backing, mydentist will continue to expand its clinical team, invest in digital transformation, and grow its network to improve access to affordable, high-quality dental care

 

Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors, today announced that funds advised by Bridgepoint have agreed to acquire a majority stake in mydentist, the UK’s leading provider of affordable dentistry, from Palamon Capital Partners, a pan-European growth buyout private equity investor.

The current management team, led by Nilesh Pandya, CEO of mydentist, will remain invested in mydentist, while existing shareholder Palamon Capital Partners will fully exit its holding.

mydentist operates more than 500 dental practices across the UK. With over 3,500 dental professionals and more than 2,500 surgeries nationwide, mydentist is the UK’s largest dental provider by revenue, practices and clinicians.

Over the past few years, mydentist has delivered strong performance, underpinned by increased access to affordable dental care for NHS and private patients, continued investment in the latest digital infrastructure, and a focus on building the leading practice network and clinical support in UK dentistry.

Bridgepoint will support mydentist in growing its clinical team and expanding access to high-quality affordable dental care. This will be underpinned by continued investment in digital transformation and state-of-the-art equipment, including the roll-out of more intra-oral scanners and other tools to improve  patient care and journey, and clinical efficiency.

Bridgepoint brings deep experience in healthcare services and dental businesses, with its investment in Oris Dental, one of Scandinavia’s leading dental groups, and previous investment in Oasis Dental Care, which Bridgepoint transformed into a UK market leader before its successful sale to Bupa in 2017.

Palamon acquired a majority stake in mydentist in 2021 and subsequently sold subsidiary DD Group (formerly Dental Directory), the UK and Ireland’s leading supplier of specialist dental and medical aesthetics products, to accelerate investment in the core dental services business.

Nilesh Pandya, CEO of mydentist, said: “Today marks an exciting new chapter for mydentist, for our clinicians and practice teams, and – most importantly – for our patients. We are deeply proud of the business we have built to date, and I would like to thank Palamon for their support over the last few years. Our new partnership with Bridgepoint will provide the deep market knowledge and expert resources to help us accelerate the next stage of our growth, ensuring we can provide high-quality, affordable oral care to more patients than ever before.

“We will achieve this by driving digital innovation to optimise our clinical outcomes and patient journey, investing further and faster in our state-of-the-art practice network to transform how dentistry is delivered and bring it into accessible consumer settings, and continue expanding our industry-leading support team so that we can truly be the best place to work anywhere in UK dentistry.”

Tom Riall, Executive Chairman of mydentist, said: “We are delighted to welcome Bridgepoint as our new investment partner. This unlocks an exciting new future for mydentist with a significant opportunity for us to further invest in NHS dentistry and cement our position as the undisputed market champion of affordable dentistry across the UK.”

Jamie Wyatt, Partner at Bridgepoint, said: “We are delighted to invest in the UK dental sector again and to partner with the mydentist management team, whom we have known for many years, to support the next chapter of their growth. With strong foundations, a compelling model, and clear opportunities for expansion, from clinician recruitment to digitisation and M&A, the business is well positioned to scale its impact even further and continue to support more patients to access high-quality, affordable dental care.”

Fabio Massimo Giuseppetti, Partner at Palamon, said: “In 2021, we took the opportunity to re-invest with the mydentist leadership team in their pioneering vision to transform UK dentistry with a high-quality, affordable dental offering that delivers best-in-class care, greater choice for patients, and freedom, flexibility and support for clinicians. We are proud to have supported mydentist’s stellar management team to shape the company’s strategic direction, including the successful divestment of its subsidiary DD Group in 2022, which allowed us to accelerate investment across digitisation, estate transformation and modernisation, and operational excellence. I thank the entire mydentist team for their commitment and look forward to seeing the next phase of growth.”

The transaction is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q3 2025.

mydentist was advised by Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc (Financial Advisor) and Slaughter and May (Legal Advisor).

Bridgepoint was advised by Rothschild & Co (Financial Advisor), EY-Parthenon (Financial, Tech & Cyber DD), and Latham & Watkins (Legal Advisor).

Palamon Capital Partners was advised by Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc (Financial Advisor) and Slaughter and May (Legal Advisor).

Categories: News

CVC welcomes strategic minority partnership investment from KKR into Etraveli Group

KKR

Stockholm, Sweden, 21 July, 2025 

CVC Capital Partners (“CVC”) today announced that KKR has agreed to acquire a significant minority stake in global travel technology company Etraveli Group. The strategic partnership between CVC and KKR positions Etraveli Group for an exciting next chapter of growth and reinforces its position as the world’s largest flight intermediary and fulfilment company outside of China. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Etraveli Group operates a sophisticated Flight Tech Platform that delivers airline tickets to nearly 50 million travellers annually across 75 markets. With a mission to offer the broadest range of high-quality air content – easy to book and competitively priced – the company leverages AI-driven technology, deep industry expertise and strong strategic partnerships. Its services are delivered through its own consumer-facing brands such as Gotogate, Mytrip and Flightnetwork, as well as through its booking and fulfilment solutions for global partners like Booking.com, Radisson Hotel Group and TUI.

“We are excited to welcome KKR as a new investment partner, given their strong track record in the global travel and technology markets,” said Mathias Hedlund, Etraveli Group’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is another landmark moment for Etraveli Group that strengthens our global position and marks the next chapter in our effort to bring innovation and expertise to facilitate flight purchases for customers around the world. Together with CVC and KKR, we look forward to accelerating the expansion of our global B2B Flight Tech Platform and continuing to deliver smart, seamless travel solutions together with our partners.”

CVC’s Technology and Nordic teams led the acquisition of Etraveli Group from media company ProSiebenSat.1 in 2017, partnering with management to accelerate the company’s transformation into the global market leader. Today, Etraveli Group facilitates over €15 billion of flight sales annually, having consistently delivered strong double-digit growth, with earnings today approximately 4x higher than at the time of the CVC fund’s original investment. Etraveli Group is well-positioned for sustained growth, underpinned by its strategic partnership with Booking.com, a robust pipeline of B2B opportunities and a promising fintech offering.

“Mathias and his team have built a world-leading e-commerce platform for flights and it has been an absolute pleasure to have supported them over the past eight years, delivering significant growth for Etraveli Group. We look forward to continuing our involvement with the business as a joint shareholder with our new partners at KKR and we’re excited to embark on the next phase of the journey with the company,” said Lorne Somerville, Chairman of Etraveli Group and a Managing Partner of CVC, and Gustaf Martin-Löf, Partner of CVC.

Blaine MacDougald, Partner and Co-Head of the Strategic Investments Group at KKR, said: “Etraveli Group has established itself as a clear global leader in flight technology with a unique platform, deep industry integration and a strong track record. We are pleased to partner with the Etraveli Group’s leadership team and CVC to deliver a tailored capital solution that will help support Etraveli Group’s continued expansion and innovation. This investment builds on KKR’s commitment to backing European champions and contributing to the growth of high-quality, tech-enabled businesses.”

KKR is investing in Etraveli Group primarily through funds and accounts managed by its Strategic Investments Group, which provides structured partnership capital solutions, alongside the full breadth of KKR’s value-added resources to market leading businesses.

J.P. Morgan Securities Plc acted as Exclusive Financial Adviser to CVC, in connection with KKR’s minority partnership investment into Etraveli Group.

 

– Ends –

About Etraveli Group

Etraveli Group (ETG) is a global technology company headquartered in Sweden. The company specialises in delivering high-quality flight content through flexible technology solutions – empowering both consumers and the companies that serve them. Etraveli Group’s services span the full flight journey – from search to booking to fulfilment – offered via leading consumer brands such as Gotogate, Mytrip and Flightnetwork, as well as through global partnerships with Google Flights, Skyscanner, KAYAK, Booking.com and others. ETG also operates TripStack, an airline integration platform, and Flightmate (Flygresor.se), a leading flight metasearch engine. The Group encompasses a team of over 3,100 professionals, working across offices and tech hubs in Sweden, Greece, Poland, the UK, Canada, India and Uruguay. For more information, visit: www.etraveligroup.com

About CVC

CVC is a leading global private markets manager with a network of 30 office locations throughout EMEA, the Americas, and Asia, with approximately €202 billion of assets under management. CVC has seven complementary strategies across private equity, secondaries, credit and infrastructure, for which CVC funds have secured commitments of over €260 billion from some of the world’s leading pension funds and other institutional investors. Funds managed or advised by CVC’s private equity strategy are invested in approximately 140 companies worldwide, which have combined annual sales of over €168 billion and employ over 600,000 people. For further information about CVC please visit: https://www.cvc.com/. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About KKR

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

 

Media Contacts

For Etraveli Group
Kristoffer Rengfors
press@etraveligroup.com

For CVC
Carsten Huwendiek
+44 207 420 4200
chuwendiek@cvc.com

For KKR
Miles Radcliffe-Trenner
media@kkr.com

 

 

Bencis announces sale of Curtec

Bencis

Boston, MA & Rijen, Netherlands — July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Ampersand Capital Partners (“Ampersand”), a private equity firm specializing in growth equity investments in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, today announced the acquisition of CurTec Group B.V. (“CurTec”), a Netherlands-based manufacturer of high-performance plastic packaging solutions for pharmaceutical and specialty chemical applications from Bencis Capital Partners (“Bencis”) in partnership with management.

Headquartered in Rijen (Netherlands), CurTec has manufacturing operations in the Netherlands and the United States and sales offices across Europe, North America and Asia. CurTec designs and manufactures GMP-compliant, UN-certified packaging solutions engineered for the secure storage and transport of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients and other high-value and sensitive biopharma and chemical ingredients used in regulated environments where cleanliness, compliance and durability are critical.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ampersand as our new partner as we focus on scaling U.S. operations, advancing product innovation, expanding our footprint and growing into adjacent markets,” said Bart van Berkel, CEO of CurTec. “Their deep expertise in the life sciences supply chain and their US network will help accelerate our global presence while reinforcing our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.”

“CurTec is a premium brand trusted by leading pharmaceutical companies – including those within Ampersand’s portfolio – for its exceptional product quality and regulatory standards,” said Hidde Van Kerckhoven, Principal at Ampersand. “We look forward to working closely with Bart and his team to expand capacity, strengthen commercial capabilities, and support long-term growth.”

“We look back on a very successful partnership with CurTec and the team, evolving into a global leader in regulated packaging through innovation, operational and ESG excellence, and a clear focus on pharma,” said Zoran van Gessel, Managing Partner at Bencis. “It’s been a pleasure supporting CurTec over all those years together with Fred Lammers, the former CurTec CEO, and we wish the team and Ampersand continued success in this next chapter.”

CurTec recently expanded its manufacturing footprint with the opening of a state-of-the-art facility in Westminster, South Carolina, complementing its European site and positioning the company to better serve the fast-growing North American market. Its global customer base includes over 300 companies across pharma, specialty chemicals, and high-integrity logistics.

New product launches such as the Fold Pack – which improves handling and supply chain efficiency – demonstrate CurTec’s leadership in sustainable GMP packaging solutions aligned with evolving industry standards.

About Ampersand Capital Partners

Ampersand Capital Partners, founded in 1988, is a middle-market private equity firm with $3 billion of assets under management, dedicated to growth-oriented investments in the healthcare sector. With offices in Boston, MA, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, Ampersand leverages a unique blend of private equity and operating experience to build value and drive long-term performance alongside its portfolio company management teams. Ampersand has helped build numerous market-leading companies across each of the firm’s core healthcare sectors.

For additional information, visit  ampersandcapital.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Bencis

Bencis is an independent investment company founded in 1999. The company supports entrepreneurs and management teams in realizing growth ambitions and invests in successful businesses in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. With offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Düsseldorf, Bencis combines extensive experience in growth, acquisitions, and sustainable business practices.

For additional information visit www.bencis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About CurTec

CurTec is a premium manufacturer of high-performance plastic packaging for the pharmaceutical, specialty chemicals, and logistics industries. With production facilities in Europe and the United States, CurTec partners with over 300 companies worldwide to ensure the safe, clean, and efficient transport of valuable goods. The company is committed to innovation, sustainability, and quality, helping customers protect their products and enhance supply chain performance.

For additional information, visit  www.curtec.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Marc Martens
MarCom Manager
+31 6 4625 8649
marc.martens@curtec.com

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EQT to Acquire Adevinta’s Spanish Online Classifieds Businesses

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  • The EQT X fund has agreed to acquire Adevinta’s Spanish operations (“Adevinta Spain”), including leading Spanish online classifieds platforms such as Coches.net, InfoJobs, Milanuncios, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia
  • Adevinta Spain’s underlying markets are supported by favourable secular megatrends in their respective verticals, such as an increasing shift from offline to online marketing, as well as significant value to customers driven by the platforms’ strong brand recognition
  • EQT will support the continued growth momentum of the various platforms, capitalizing on EQT’s strong digital expertise, “local with locals” approach, and extensive global track record in the online classifieds sector

EQT is pleased to announce that the EQT X fund (or “EQT”) has agreed to acquire Adevinta’s Spanish operations from Aurelia Netherlands TargetCo B.V.

Adevinta Spain encompasses some of Spain’s most well-established online classifieds platforms, including Coches.net, InfoJobs, Milanuncios, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia:

  • Coches.net, Spain’s leading digital automotive classifieds platform, supports approximately 7,000 dealers and 20 million monthly visitors by providing an online vehicles marketplace for car owners and buyers.
  • InfoJobs is Spain’s leading online job marketplace, connecting a broad base of candidates with an extensive network of employers.
  • Fotocasa and Habitaclia support real estate agents as well as home buyers and sellers in Spain by providing an online real estate classifieds marketplace.
  • Milanuncios is one of Spain’s largest general classifieds platforms, allowing users to buy and sell goods and services across various categories including consumer goods, vehicles, and other categories

EQT will support Adevinta Spain’s growth as it transforms into a fully independent company by accelerating product innovation, improving customer experience, and expanding AI and technology infrastructure. EQT will work closely with the leadership teams of the various platforms to support their long-term strategy.

This acquisition builds on EQT’s track record in the online classifieds sector globally and its long-standing presence in Spain. Recent transactions in the region include the acquisition of Universidad Europea, a leading private higher education platform in Spain and Portugal, and a growth investment in TravelPerk, a leading global travel and expense management platform based in Barcelona. 

Bert Janssens, Co-Head of Private Capital Europe & North America at EQT, said: “Adevinta Spain represents a highly thematic investment within one of EQT’s core sub-sectors, consumer internet. This investment reflects our strategy of backing high-growth platforms and partnering with world-class Management teams. We’re impressed by the businesses and look forward to supporting Adevinta Spain and its leadership team as they enter this next phase of growth.”

“Adevinta Spain’s platforms are leaders in their respective verticals in Spain, which gives them a promising base from which to further grow,” said Carlos Santana, Partner and Head of Spain & Italy Private Capital at EQT. “We’re excited to partner with the Management teams to help them scale, modernize and continue delivering value to Spanish customers and businesses.”

The transaction is subject to customary conditions and approvals. It is expected to close during Q1 2026. With this transaction, EQT X is expected to be 60 – 65 percent invested (including closed and/or signed investments, announced public offers, if applicable, and less any expected syndication).

Clifford Chance served as legal counsel to EQT and Ernst & Young as financial, tax and carve-out advisor.

Contact
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

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About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with €‌​​266​‌ billion in total assets under management (€141 billion in fee-generating assets under management) as of 30 June 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 LinkedInXYouTube and Instagram

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Sdui Group Secures Strategic Investment to Accelerate its Mission to Become the Operating System for European Schools

BainCapital

Koblenz, Germany and London – July 21, 2025 – Sdui Group, a leading European provider of cloud-based administrative software for K-12 schools, today announced a new growth investment led by Bain Capital’s Tech Opportunities fund, with participation from existing investors HV Capital and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). The funding will be used to strengthen Sdui Group’s product suite, deepen its support for educational institutions, and further its ambition to become the unified digital platform for education in Europe.

Founded in 2018 in Germany, Sdui Group provides a fully integrated suite that supports schools across administrative needs from communication, attendance, scheduling, grading, and more. Today, Sdui Group serves thousands of institutions across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain, and is continuing to expand into new regions. Its modern, modular software is trusted by individual schools, districts, and governments to streamline operations. Sdui Group’s suite improves the experience for all stakeholders – teachers, students, administrators, and parents – and gives back valuable time to focus on teaching and learning.

As European school systems face rising complexity, increased digital expectations, and expanding public support and funding for education technology, institutions are looking for modern, reliable platforms that simplify their daily workflows. With a user-first approach and scalable, compliant cloud architecture, Sdui Group is well-positioned to lead this shift.

“This is a moment of transformation for education in Europe,” said James Stevens, a Partner in Bain Capital’s Tech Opportunities business. “Sdui Group is emerging as a trusted and capable partner to help schools navigate that change. Daniel and his team have built a modern, intuitive platform that directly addresses the daily challenges of school administration. We’re excited to support their continued growth and impact across the region.”

Sdui Group has already built strong momentum through both organic growth and acquisitions. The company has successfully integrated several regional software players, expanded its capabilities, and continues to invest in innovation, reliability, and user experience.

“Bain Capital’s approach is unique – they combine strategic vision with real operational support,” said Daniel Zacharias, Founder and CEO of Sdui Group. “They’ve taken the time to truly understand our mission and the realities schools face every day. With their support – and the continued backing of HV and HTGF – we’re accelerating our work to build the digital backbone of European schools.”

“We’ve been proud to back Daniel and Sdui Group since the early days and are thrilled to continue supporting this next phase of growth,” said Felix Klühr, Partner at HV Capital. “Bain Capital’s experience scaling software companies globally makes them a valuable addition to the partnership.”

###

About Sdui Group

Founded in Germany in 2018, the Sdui Group has developed into a leading provider of cloud-based software that enables digital communication and administration for schools and educational institutions across Europe. As a reliable partner, Sdui Group supports individual institutions, governments and ministries in their digitalization effort, and develops innovative cloud-based solutions for schools and preschools.

Sdui Group’s suite of tools supports messaging, attendance, scheduling, grading, and more—making everyday school workflows simpler, more secure, and more effective. The company is based in Koblenz, Germany and currently employs around 230 people based in several European countries.

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 $185 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.baincapital.com. Follow @BainCapital on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

Bain Capital’s Tech Opportunities business (baincapitaltechopportunities.com) aims to help growing technology companies reach their full potential. We focus on companies in large, growing end markets with innovative or disruptive technology where we believe we can support transformational growth. Our dedicated, tenured team has deep experience supporting growing technology businesses—bringing together differentiated backgrounds in private and public equity investing as well as technology operating roles. We invest behind fundamental long-term tailwinds as technology penetrates across industries, creating a large and growing number of investment opportunities.

About HV Capital

HV Capital is one of the leading early-stage and growth investors in Europe. With nine fund generations in 25 years and €2.8 bn in managed assets, HV Capital is one of the continent’s most active investors. The investment team has many years of experience in identifying European startups with great potential for success. In addition to international success stories like Flix, Zalando, Delivery Hero, Sumup, and Depop, innovation leaders such as Quantum Systems, Marvel Fusion, Sennder, Neura Robotics, Enpal, and Isar Aerospace are also part of the portfolio. HV Capital has invested in more than 250 internet and technology companies, supporting startups with ticket sizes ranging from €0.5m to €60m. It is one of Europe’s few venture capital firms that can finance startups through all growth phases. HV Capital has a team of more than 60+ investment and operations professionals who provide a variety of perspectives and expertise across the venture capital landscape (hvcapital.com).

About High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF)

HTGF is one of the leading and most active early-stage investors in Germany and Europe, financing startups in the fields of Deep Tech, Industrial Tech, Climate Tech, Digital Tech, Life Sciences and Chemistry. With its experienced investment team, HTGF supports startups in all phases of their development into international market leaders. HTGF invests in the pre-seed and seed phase and can participate significantly in further financing rounds, since 2024 with the HTGF Opportunity growth fund. HTGF has a fund volume of over 2 billion euros. Since its inception in 2005, HTGF has financed more than 780 startups and successfully sold shares in almost 200 companies.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, KfW Capital and numerous companies are invested in the HTGF seed funds. Investors in the HTGF Opportunity growth fund include the ERP Special Fund and KfW with the resources of the Zukunftsfonds (“Future Fund”). Further information can be found at HTGF.de or on LinkedIn and on the Zukunftsfonds page.

 Europe

 Jason Lobo

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Ardian finalizes the lease of office property at Via Vespucci 2 in Milan

Ardian

Acquired in December 2022, the property, located in the strategic Porta Nuova district, is being extensively redeveloped into a modern, forward-looking workspace, meeting the highest international ESG standards.
• Ardian reaffirms its role as a key player in the green office sector in prime locations, a market characterized by steadily growing demand and a very limited supply.

Ardian, a world-leading private investment firm, and Investire SGR, a leading asset & investment management company in the real estate sector in Italy, announce that they have leased the entire property at Via Amerigo Vespucci 2 in Milan.

The 10-storey standalone property, spanning approximately 10,000 sqm, is undergoing extensive redevelopment as part of a major investment plan to create a cutting-edge structure focused on sustainability and innovation, qualifying it as a Net Zero Energy Building. The project is designed to minimize energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by integrating renewable energy sources, such as geothermal systems and rooftop solar panels. The building aims to keep emissions below 65 kWh/sqm and will achieve LEED Platinum, BREEAM Very Good, WELL Gold, Wired Score, and EPC A certifications.

The project has been designed by Stefano Belingardi Architetti – an Italian firm with a proven international track record. It features over 1,300 sqm of terraces offering unique views of Milan’s skyline, a rooftop with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, a hidden 200-sqm inner garden, and an agora enhanced by a system of striking stepped platforms that create dynamic communal spaces for users.

The intervention has completely repositioned the property, addressing the growing demand for green office spaces in prime locations across Milan and Europe, amid an increasingly limited supply. This structural shortage is driving up rental values and reshaping the market, which is now more focused on assets in key urban areas that align with the evolving needs of tenants. In addition, the project has revitalized an iconic building in one of Milan’s most dynamic districts, widely recognized as a hub for urban innovation.

“This important lease is further recognition of the project’s quality and Ardian’s vision in promoting work environments that are sustainable, innovative, and focused on well-being. It has attracted top-tier international tenants thanks to a real estate development strategy focused on both energy performance and sensitivity to the surrounding urban context. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at creating new and lasting value through modern, efficient assets that are seamlessly aligned with the dynamics of today’s market.” Rodolfo Petrosino, Head of Real Estate Southern Europe and Senior Managing Director, Ardian

“Vespucci 2 is the demonstration that offices are far from dead; on the contrary, they continue to attract growing demand from multinational companies, particularly when located in prime areas and equipped with high environmental sustainability performance. We are observing this trend across major European cities, and it’s even more noticeable in Milan due to a lack of quality stock and a limited pipeline of future operations. We are particularly proud of this lease, confirming the strength of our investment strategy in this asset class and our team’s ability to deliver high-impact value-enhancement initiatives.” Matteo Minardi, Head of Real Estate Italy and Managing Director, Ardian

“We are proud to have supported Ardian in this transaction, aimed at enhancing a strategic asset in one of the most dynamic areas of Milan. Through an approach based on environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and innovative design, we contribute to bringing back to the market a building capable of meeting the new demand for high-quality workspaces. When reimagined through an ESG lens, the office asset class continues to offer concrete opportunities to attract international tenants and generate value for investors.” Alessandro Polenta, Managing Director, Investire SGR

Dils and JLL advised Ardian on the transaction.

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian is a world-leading private investment firm, managing or advising $180bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,850 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks, family offices and private institutional investors worldwide. Ardian’s main shareholding group is its employees and we place great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1,050+ employees, spread across 19 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.
At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last.

ABOUT INVESTIRE SGR

Investire SGR SpA is a leading asset and investment management company in the Italian real estate market, with approximately €7 billion in assets under management, over 60 real estate funds and SICAFs, and a specialized team of 140 professionals with deep expertise across the real estate sector (offices, residential, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics). Investire SGR provides fund management, asset management, advisory, acquisition and development services, and acts as a trusted partner to both Italian and international investors.

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ARDIAN

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Cottonwood Technology Fund’s first investment from our new Fund IV

We are proud to announce Cottonwood Technology Fund‘s first investment from our new Fund IV: inPhocal. A real deep tech impact investment. This Dutch deep tech startup has developed a revolutionary laser-based marking technology that eliminates ink and enables high-speed, high-precision marking on curved and complex surfaces. inPhocal’s sustainable and scalable approach is poised to transform industrial marking across sectors such as food & beverage, semiconductors, and beyond. We look forward to supporting inPhocal’s growth as they expand their impact globally.

▶️ Ink‑free laser marking: Replaces traditional inkjet printing (such as expiry dates, QR codes) with a patented laser-based method—eliminating toxic ink, reducing maintenance, and avoiding messy consumables High-Tech Systems

▶️ Curved‑surface capability: Can print on complex shapes—eg bottles, cans, fruits & eggs—with precision comparable to flat surfaces, thanks to extended focal depth

▶️ High throughput & speed: Achieves marking speeds up to ~3000 unique QR codes/minute; roughly 3× faster than conventional inkjet and up to 10× faster than typical laser systems

▶️ Extended focus range: Optical innovation extends laser’s effective focal depth by up to ~400×, enabling high-quality marking despite surface irregularities

▶️ Seamless integration: Plug‑and‑play design fits into existing production lines without causing downtime or requiring major retrofits .

▶️ Energy & environmental benefits: Consumes up to 50× less energy than inkjet printers, prevents plastic sticker waste, reduces food recalls through more durable codes, and lowers CO₂ emissions.

For more info visit  the website of inPhocal

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York Space Systems Parent Company to Acquire ATLAS Space Operations to Expand Mission Delivery and Space-to-Ground Capabilities

Ae Industrial Partners

Acquisition will strengthen York’s position as a fully integrated space solutions provider for national security and commercial missions

DENVER, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — York Space Systems (York), a defense technology company transforming how the United States builds and operates space-based capabilities, today announced that its parent company has agreed to acquire ATLAS Space Operations (ATLAS), a pioneer in Ground Software as a Service (GSaaS) for satellite communications. The move brings York a powerful, software-led ground architecture that simplifies operations, removes integration barriers, and enhances space-to-ground resilience—accelerating York’s ability to deliver secure, mission-ready space systems at unmatched speed and value.

ATLAS will play a key role in York’s Golden Dome architecture, a next-generation defense solution that unifies spacecraft, software, and ground operations to deliver full-spectrum capabilities across contested environments. ATLAS will continue to operate independently under its existing brand, serving its diverse portfolio of customers across the space industry.

Founded in 2015, ATLAS delivers secure, cloud-native connectivity through its Freedom® software platform, which provides a single API access point to a global network of more than 50 antennas in 20+ countries and is the only GSaaS provider based in the United States. By shifting the complexity of satellite communications from hardware to software, ATLAS has built a federated network-of-networks that enables real-time tasking, automated scheduling, and seamless cloud delivery of mission data. The result is a flexible, scalable solution that reduces cost, risk, and time to orbit for a growing roster of government and commercial customers.

“ATLAS has built one of the most sophisticated and secure ground communications platforms in the industry,” said Dirk Wallinger, CEO of York. “This acquisition will enhance York’s ability to deliver mission-ready systems on the timelines our customers demand while continuing to support the broader space ecosystem with best-in-class ground solutions.”

The Freedom® platform simplifies ground operations through a single API that abstracts away the complexities of legacy ground station networks. Whether operating a single satellite or a proliferated constellation, customers can onboard faster, stream data directly to the cloud, and flexibly access global infrastructure without building it themselves.

“York shares our vision for a future where space systems are faster, smarter, and seamlessly integrated,” said Corey Geer, CEO of ATLAS. “Together, we are building the infrastructure to meet that future head-on, reducing risk, increasing resilience, and enabling critical data delivery on demand.”

This acquisition will strengthen York’s ability to deliver integrated, mission-ready systems by pairing its high-performance spacecraft and software-defined operations with ATLAS’s proven ground communications platform. Thereby enhancing end-to-end mission delivery, and accelerating deployment timelines, improving data flow from space to ground, and enabling more resilient, autonomous operations across both commercial and national security missions.

The acquisition of ATLAS is pending FCC approval and other customary closing conditions.

About York Space Systems

York Space Systems is a defense technology company transforming how the United States builds and operates space-based capabilities. As the leading provider of proliferated warfighter space solutions, York delivers fully integrated, mission-ready systems, combining high-performance spacecraft, software-defined operations, and ground-based autonomy, at unmatched speed and value.

With a foundation in high-rate manufacturing and systems-level integration, York is driving the convergence of hardware, software, and mission autonomy to redefine how the U.S. executes national defense from space. By enabling real-time intelligence and resilient, scalable infrastructure, York empowers a smarter, faster, and more adaptive defense posture. Learn more at http://www.YorkSpaceSystems.com

About ATLAS Space Operations, Inc.

ATLAS Space Operations is the leading provider of Ground Software as a Service™ in the space communications industry. Recognized repeatedly for technological innovation and industry leadership, ATLAS’s Freedom® software platform provides cloud-native connectivity, global antenna access, real-time tasking, and streamlined data handling. Learn more at atlasspace.com

SOURCE York Space Systems

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Advent to acquire majority stake in Reckitt’s Essential Home portfolio

Advent

London, UK, 18 July, 2025 – Advent, a leading global private equity investor, today announced that it has reached an agreement to invest in Reckitt’s Essential Home portfolio (“Essential Home”), whereby Advent will acquire a 70% stake to facilitate the company’s accelerated growth and innovation over the years to come as a standalone business.

The carve-out of Essential Home will create a dedicated global home care platform with an iconic portfolio of leading brands – including Air Wick, Calgon, Woolite, Cillit Bang, and SBP – that are widely known and trusted by consumers worldwide. Essential Home’s brands generate ~US$2.6bn net revenue across more than 70 markets, and fulfil consumer needs in key areas of everyday life.

The transaction values Essential Home at an enterprise value of up to US$4.8 billion (including up to US$1.3 billion of contingent and deferred consideration). As part of the transaction, Reckitt will continue to support Essential Home by retaining a significant minority interest of 30%, thereby affirming the company’s strong value creation prospects. Advent and Reckitt are aligned in their strategic vision and demonstrate a shared commitment to enhancing the company’s long-term performance.

Under Advent’s ownership, Essential Home will operate as a standalone business, building on the strong foundations established by Reckitt over the last decade. Advent will prioritise increased investment in brand equity, new product development and marketing, aimed at elevating the consumer experience and strengthening partnerships with retailers.

Nicolas Chavanne, Managing Director, Advent, commented, “As a global private equity firm with a strong track record both in executing carve-outs and in backing iconic consumer brands, Advent is well positioned to support Essential Home in the next phase of its journey. We intend to accelerate investment across the brand portfolio to drive growth and innovation, and create value for both Essential Home’s consumers and trade partners.”

Paolo D’Orso, CEO, Essential Home added: “Our portfolio of market-leading brands has strong foundations and significant value creation potential. Advent is the ideal partner for Essential Home’s next chapter, given their strong expertise in consumer and successful track record in executing complex carve-outs. We are excited about the future of the business as a leading standalone home care platform, and are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable growth by investing in the brand and product portfolio.”

Ranjan Sen, Managing Partner, Advent, said, “We are delighted to partner with Reckitt and the Essential Home management team. The carve-out represents a unique opportunity to create a focused, scaled platform of globally recognised home care brands that operate in attractive categories with structural growth tailwinds. We are confident we can build on the portfolio’s strong foundations to drive operational excellence and unlock the brands’ full potential. We look forward to working closely with Reckitt and the Essential Home leadership team on this exciting journey.”

Advent brings significant expertise in executing complex carve-outs and transforming businesses. A proven track record of more than 10 corporate carve-outs in Europe over the past decade includes Envalior (2023), MangoPay (2022), Evri (2020), Aareon (2020), TK Elevator (2020), Röhm (2019), INNIO (2018), and Zentiva (2018).

Additionally, Advent is a leading growth-focused investor in the consumer sector, including recent examples such as Parfums de Marly (2023), Zimmermann (2023) led by the European team, and Sauer Brands (2025), Orveon (2021) in the United States.

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

About Advent

Advent is a leading global private equity investor committed to working in partnership with management teams, entrepreneurs, and founders to help transform businesses. With 16 offices across five continents, we oversee more than USD $94 billion in assets under management* and have made over 430 investments across 44 countries.

Since our founding in 1984, we have developed specialist market expertise across our five core sectors: business & financial services, consumer, healthcare, industrial, and technology. This approach is bolstered by our deep sub-sector knowledge, which informs every aspect of our investment strategy, from sourcing opportunities to working in partnership with management to execute value creation plans. We bring hands-on operational expertise to enhance and accelerate businesses.

As one of the largest privately-owned partnerships, our 660+ colleagues leverage the full ecosystem of Advent’s global resources, including our Portfolio Support Group, insights provided by industry expert Operating Partners and Operations Advisors, as well as bespoke tools to support and guide our portfolio companies as they seek to achieve their strategic goals.

To learn more, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

*Assets under management (AUM) as of March 31, 2025. AUM includes assets attributable to Advent advisory clients as well as employee and third-party co-investment vehicles.

About Reckitt

Reckitt makes the products people trust to care for the ones they love. It is home to some of the world’s best-loved consumer health and hygiene brands, including Dettol, Durex, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mucinex, Nurofen, Strepsils, Vanish and Veet. Consumers are at the heart of everything Reckitt does. By creating innovative, science-backed solutions, the business supports people every day to live healthier lives.

Reckitt exists to protect, heal and nurture in the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. This commitment goes beyond the products it makes. Through its actions, Reckitt expands access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities. It supports the planet by reducing waste, conserving resources and driving sustainable innovation.

Reckitt believes good health starts at home. With every action it takes, Reckitt strives to make its consumers’ lives easier, cleaner and healthier, to strengthen communities and to create a more sustainable future. Find out more, or get in touch at www.Reckitt.com

Media Contacts

Peter Folland

Senior Communications Manager, Advent

pfolland@adventinternational.co.uk

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