KKR Acquires Cheongna Logistics Center

KKR

Transaction marks the largest single asset logistics transaction in South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR, a leading global investment firm, and its affiliated Korean asset manager, Kreate Asset Management (“Kreate”), today announced the completion of the acquisition of Cheongna Logistics Center, a high-quality logistics facility located in Incheon, invested by funds managed by KKR, through a fund managed by Kreate in Korea. This represents the largest single asset logistics transaction in Korea to date.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251229774474/en/

Completed in 2022, Cheongna Logistics Center is a large-scale, modern 4.6-million square feet logistics facility that stands out for its strategic location and strong connectivity to major transportation hubs within the Greater Seoul metropolitan area. Modern logistics facilities play an increasingly critical role in supporting Korea’s rapidly evolving, e-commerce-driven economy as demand for large, high-specification warehouses that can support sophisticated logistics and fulfillment operations continues to grow. Driven by sustained tenant demand and the depth and resilience of Korea’s modern logistics sector, Cheongna Logistics Center is today a fully occupied asset.

Following the acquisition, Kreate, focused on commercial real estate, with expertise in logistics, offices, hospitality and rental housing assets in Korea, will manage and operate Cheongna Logistics Center, while KKR will support on value creation strategies and help maintain the high quality of the asset.

David Cheong, Head of Acquisitions of Asia Real Estate, KKR, said: “As distribution networks become more complex and modern logistics play a growing role in supporting Korea’s modern economy, we are delighted to invest in Cheongna Logistics Center, a leading logistics facility with sophisticated capabilities in a strategic location. We look forward to supporting its continued growth by leveraging our global real estate and logistics expertise alongside Kreate’s local capabilities, while further expanding our exposure in the logistics sector and through deepening our collaboration with Kreate.”

KKR is making its investment predominantly through its Asia real estate strategy. This investment marks KKR’s latest real estate investment in Korea, which has included Incheon Metro Logistics, a prime, large-scale warehouse development in Incheon; Hwaseong Jegi Logistics Centre, a high-quality warehouse in a core logistics location in Hwaseong; Centerfield, a prime office complex in Seoul’s Gangnam Business District; and Namsan Green Building, a quality office building in Seoul’s Central Business District (CBD). This also marks KKR’s latest investment in the logistics space, which has included LOGISTEED, a leading third-party logistics company headquartered in Japan, and Reliance Logistics Group in India.

Additional financial terms were not disclosed.

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.

About Kreate Asset Management

Established in 2024 by global investment firm KKR, Kreate Asset Management is a leading real estate investment management company in Korea. Led by a team of senior executives with a proven track record and extensive management experience in Korea’s real estate sector, Kreate Asset Management focuses on commercial real estate, including offices, logistics centers, hospitality and rental housing assets. Through its robust investment and operational capabilities, Kreate Asset Management provides bespoke partnership capabilities and services to global and domestic investors. For more information, please visit https://kreateam.co.kr/.

Media

For KKR
Wei Jun Ong
+65 6922 5813
weijun.ong@kkr.com

For Kreate Asset Management
Miri Jeon
+82 2-6953-9334
miri.jeon@kreateam.co.kr

Source: KKR

 

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Blackstone Announces Agreement to Acquire a Landmark Japan Logistics Asset, Marking the Largest Logistics Transaction in the Country This Year

Blackstone

TOKYO, JAPAN – December 25, 2025 – Blackstone (NYSE: BX) today announced that Real Estate funds managed by Blackstone (“Blackstone”) have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tokyo C-NX (the “Asset”), a Grade A logistics asset located in central Tokyo. Valued at over JPY 100 billion (US$641 million), this marks the largest logistics transaction in Japan this year and underscores Blackstone’s commitment to investing in sectors that support Japan’s economic growth.

The Asset – a 1.6 million square feet, 5-story warehouse in Tokyo Bay, within a 15-minute driving distance from the city center – serves as a mission-critical distribution hub. Japan continues to see steady demand for high-quality warehousing solutions, driven by its expanding e-commerce sector – now the fourth-largest globally – and a shift towards a more digitalized economy.

Daisuke Kitta, Head of Real Estate Japan, Blackstone, said: “We are pleased to invest in a premium asset in logistics, a fast-growing sector and one of Blackstone’s highest conviction investment themes. This reinforces our focus on investing in critical industries shaping Japan’s future and demonstrates our ability to offer scale, speed, and certainty to Japanese corporates seeking trusted partners to advance their strategic goals. We are committed to partnering with Japanese businesses and continuing to contribute in meaningful ways to the evolution of Japan’s economy.”

Japan is a high conviction market for Blackstone, where the firm has built partnerships with leading corporates including Seibu Holdings, Kintetsu Group, and Sony Group. In recent years, it has accelerated its investments across businesses. In Real Estate, Blackstone has built a diversified portfolio across logistics, residential, hotels, data centers, and offices. Earlier this year, Blackstone completed the acquisition of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho for $2.6 billion (~JPY 400 billion) in the largest real estate investment at the time by a foreign investor. Blackstone is also building its data center presence in Japan through AirTrunk, a leading data center platform in the Asia Pacific region, further strengthening its position as the world’s largest data center provider and a major investor across the AI value chain.

Blackstone is a significant investor in logistics globally. Over nearly 15 years, the firm has made investments at scale in the United States, Europe, and in the Asia Pacific region across Japan, India, Australia, Greater China, and South Korea.

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

Blackstone
Mariko Sanchanta
mariko.sanchanta@blackstone.com
080 8702 7386

Kekst CNC
Minako Otani
blackstone@kekstcnc.com
090-3239-9348

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PAI Partners enters into an agreement for the sale of Uvesco

PAI Partners

PAI Partners, a pre-eminent private equity firm, today announces that it has agreed to sell its entire shareholding in Uvesco, a leading player in the Spanish food distribution sector, to a consortium of institutional investors from the Basque region. The consortium is led by Ángel Jareño, CEO of Uvesco, who will reinvest in the business jointly with other managers and continue to lead the company in its next phase of growth. The group includes: current Uvesco minority shareholders from the company’s founding families; local bank Kutxabank, through its investment vehicle Indar; and Basque private equity firms, Inveready and Stellum.

The transaction follows a successful period of ownership through the PAI Mid-Market Fund (“PAI MMF”), PAI’s fund dedicated to mid-market opportunities.

Headquartered in Guipúzcoa in Spain, Uvesco operates a network of 344 stores under the BM Supermercados and Super Amara brands. The company’s differentiated model is based on proximity stores, with a strong focus on fresh, high-quality and locally sourced products and a solid presence in Northern and central Spain, including the Basque Country, Cantabria, Navarra, La Rioja and Madrid. Uvesco stores feature a wide range of more than 15,000 products, with a high share of manufacturer brands, delivering high customer satisfaction alongside its premium brand positioning.

PAI MMF acquired a majority stake in Uvesco in April 2022, with the aim of supporting the company’s growth and accelerating its development in a fragmented market. Under PAI’s ownership, Uvesco has evolved from a strong local operator into a nationwide grocer, with a growing presence both in Northern Spain and Madrid, and continued market share gains. Uvesco has increased revenues by more than a third to €1.3 billion in 2025 and expanded its footprint with the opening of 50 stores.

Leveraging its deep Food & Consumer expertise and strong track record of supporting growth and transformation, PAI worked closely with the Uvesco management team to drive value creation through organic growth and strategic M&A. This included the acquisition of Hiber supermarkets in the key region of Madrid, while further strengthening governance and leadership. With PAI’s support, Uvesco optimised its commercial offer, strengthened its sales channels, increased online sales, and maximised efficiency through demand planning, improving supply chain and logistics effectiveness and reducing waste.

This agreement further reinforces Uvesco’s commitment to its local roots in the Basque Country and the continuity in its business model that will strengthen the company’s foundational values, focused on high-quality employment, geographical expansion, sustainability and social commitment.

Mateo Pániker Rumeu, a Founding Partner of PAI MMF, said: “Uvesco is a great example of PAI MMF’s strategy of partnering with founding families and strong management teams to support long-term value creation at growth-oriented business in the Real Economy. Leveraging the full knowledge and expertise of the PAI platform, we worked closely with Ángel and his team to strengthen Uvesco, support expansion and position the company for its next phase of growth. We are proud to have been part of Uvesco’s journey and wish the management team every success in this next chapter.”

Ángel Jareño, CEO of Uvesco, said: “I am delighted to be leading Uvesco into its next phase and extend my gratitude to PAI for their significant support in the transformation of Uvesco thus far. This unique consortium empowers Uvesco to continue on its growth path while preserving its autonomy and deep Basque heritage. I look forward to working with the Uvesco team and our new investors as we continue to bring fresh, high-quality and locally-sourced products to consumers across Spain.”

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

About Uvesco

BM Supermercados (Uvesco Grupo) has a total of 344 stores and operates an e-commerce service, supported by four logistics centres. With a nationwide presence across Spain, including Madrid, Ávila, Guadalajara, the Basque Country, Navarra, Cantabria and La Rioja, the company employes more than 7,000 people. It serves as a reference in the sustainable creation of employment and value in the communities in which it operates.

About PAI Partners

PAI Partners is a pre-eminent private equity firm investing in market-leading companies across the globe. The Firm has c. €30 billion of assets under management and, since 1994, has completed over 100 investments in 12 countries and realised more than €33 billion in proceeds from c. 70 exits.

PAI has built an outstanding track record through partnering with ambitious management teams where its unique perspective, unrivalled sector experience, and long-term vision enable companies to pursue their full potential – and push beyond. Learn more at www.paipartners.com.

Contacts

PAI Partners
Dania Saidam
+44 20 7297 4678

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Bharti Enterprises and Warburg Pincus Announce Strategic Investment in Haier India

Warburg Pincus logo

Partnership Set to Fuel Haier India’s Next Phase of Growth

New Delhi, December 24, 2025 – Bharti Enterprises (“Bharti”), one of India’s most prominent and diversified business conglomerates, and Warburg Pincus, the pioneer of global growth investing, today announced a strategic investment in Haier India, a subsidiary of the Haier Group.

Following the completion of the transaction, Bharti and Warburg Pincus will collectively own a 49% stake in Haier India. Haier Group will retain a 49% ownership stake in Haier India, with the remaining stake to be held by Haier India’s management team.

This strategic collaboration will accelerate Haier’s growth and expansion in India by bringing together and leveraging the company’s global excellence in innovation, Bharti’s esteemed standing and resultant networks, and Warburg Pincus’ strong track record of scaling brands into industry leaders.

The partnership will bolster Haier India’s ‘Made in India, Made for India’ vision by deepening local sourcing, expanding manufacturing capacity, driving product innovation, and accelerating market penetration. The new capital infusion will also enhance Haier India’s competitiveness across the entire value chain.

The consumer appliance market in India is witnessing strong growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and increasing penetration of consumer appliances. Haier India is currently among the top three consumer durables companies in the country, with a strong product portfolio spanning categories such as air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, and kitchen appliances. Over the past seven years, the company has achieved a CAGR of approximately 25% in India—one of the highest in the industry—supported by robust performance across product segments and geographies. By combining global innovation with local insights and execution, the partnership will strengthen Haier India’s leadership position in the rapidly growing Indian consumer durables segment.

Bharti expressed that it is pleased to collaborate once again with Warburg Pincus and to partner with Haier to support the next chapter of Haier India’s growth journey. The company looks forward to playing a significant role in the evolving consumer durables industry and leveraging the collective strengths of all parties to meet the needs of Indian consumers. Bharti is confident that Haier India will further consolidate its standing as a leading brand in India, powered by global innovations, enhanced customer services, and best in-class experience.

Warburg Pincus noted that it is excited to join hands once again with Bharti and to partner with Haier in India as it expands its footprint in the fast-growing consumer durables market. This investment reflects Warburg Pincus’s ability to leverage its pan-Asia franchise, deep local insights, global expertise, and its expansive network to support and accelerate growth for leading companies across the region  

Haier highlighted that the collaboration with Bharti Enterprises and Warburg Pincus marks an important milestone in Haier India’s development journey. The strategic partnership fully embodies Haier’s approach of “serving globalization with global capabilities and advancing globalization through localization.” It brings together the complementary strengths of Bharti, a trusted name and leading business conglomerate in India, and Warburg Pincus, whose strong franchises across China and India have helped scale many leading consumer and technology companies. Their combined experience, deep local insights, and global reach will significantly accelerate Haier India’s localized innovation and development.

***

About Bharti Enterprises

Bharti Enterprises is one of India’s leading business conglomerates with interests in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, space communications, financial services, real estate, data centres, hospitality and food processing. Bharti Airtel, its flagship company, is a leading global communications solutions provider with over 600 million customers in 15 countries across India and Africa, with additional presence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through its associate entities. Globally, Airtel ranks among the top three mobile operators with its networks covering over two billion people and is the second largest mobile operator in Africa, providing telecommunications and mobile money services across 14 countries. Airtel Payments Bank, Bharti Enterprise’s banking arm, is among the fastest-growing digital banks in the country, contributing to the Government’s vision of Digital India and advancing financial inclusion. Bharti Real Estate has developed marquee commercial assets like Worldmark at Aerocity, New Delhi and Gurugram and is developing country’s finest Global Business District in Aerocity, New Delhi. Bharti is one of the single largest shareholders in Eutelsat, the world’s first combined GEO-LEO satellite operator, and the second-largest shareholder of Sundrop Brands, a listed FMCG entity formed following the combination of Sundrop Brands Limited and Del Monte Foods, India. Through its international arm, Bharti Global, the enterprise also holds a significant stake in BT Group Plc, the UK’s leading fixed and mobile communications provider.

About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is the pioneer of global growth investing. A private partnership since 1966, the firm has the flexibility and experience to focus on helping investors and management teams achieve enduring success across market cycles. Today, the firm has more than $85 billion in assets under management, and more than 215 companies in their active portfolio, diversified across stages, sectors, and geographies. Warburg Pincus has invested in more than 1,000 companies across its private equity, real estate, and capital solutions strategies.

The firm is headquartered in New York with more than 15 offices globally. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Haier Group

Founded in 1984, Haier Group is a leading global provider of better life and digital transformation solutions, with the purpose of “More Creation, More Possibilities”. Haier has always been user-centered and has built a landscape of three pillars: Smart Living, Comprehensive Health Industry, and Digital Economy Industry. The company has established 10 R&D centers, 35 industrial parks, and 163 manufacturing centers, achieving a global revenue of USD 55.9 billion in 2024. Haier has been ranked in the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for 7 consecutive years. Additionally, Haier has held the No.1 position in Euromonitor Global Major Appliances Brand for 16 consecutive years. Haier has 8 listed companies, with its subsidiary Haier Smart Home named among the Fortune Global 500 and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies.

About Haier India

Established in 2003, Haier India is one of the leading brands in home appliances & consumer electronics in the country. Haier India is committed to bringing the best-in-segment products for customers, in line with its ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for India’ philosophy. With almost two decades of expertise in product innovation, Haier has a vast distribution network across the country along with two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Pune and Greater Noida. Backed by superior technology and customer centricity, the product portfolio ranges from refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, LED TVs, water heaters, deep freezers, and microwave ovens to kitchen appliances, with a special focus on Indian consumer demands.

Media Contacts

Bharti Enterprises

Mehak Kapur

DGM, Corporate Communication, Bharti Enterprises

mehak.kapur@bharti.in

Warburg Pincus

Lisa Liang

Senior Vice President, Asia Head of Marketing and Communications, Warburg Pincus

lisa.liang@warburgpincus.com

Haier Group

Melody Xian

Public Relations Director of Haier Smart Home

Xianguimei.690@haier.com

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Stonepeak to Acquire Majority Controlling Interest in Castrol from bp

Stonepeak

$10.1 billion transaction to support Castrol’s next phase of growth

LONDON & NEW YORK – December 24, 2025  Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, today announced an agreement to acquire a majority controlling interest in Castrol (or “the Company”), a global leader in lubricants, from BP p.l.c. (“bp”) (NYSE: BP) (LON: BP), in a transaction valuing the business at an enterprise value of approximately $10.1 billion. bp will retain a 35% minority interest in Castrol as part of the transaction. In connection with the transaction, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”) will invest up to USD$1.05 billion in support of the transaction, resulting in an indirect stake in Castrol.

Castrol is one of the largest lubricants providers globally and serves consumer automotive customers, as well as commercial and industrial end markets. As an embedded part of the large and diversified global finished lubricants market, Castrol works closely with its customers and consumers to develop and supply highly engineered lubricants for specific applications. The Company manufactures and markets engine oils, industrial fluids, and greases through approximately 20 blending plants and more than 100 third-party facilities and warehouses worldwide across 150 countries. Applications have included servicing the first jet airline, the Concorde, space missions for over 60 years, and many professional auto and bike racing teams, establishing Castrol’s historic and trusted brand identity. The Company’s products are recognized globally for their high performance, premium quality, and use of cutting-edge technology, and are supported by a global workforce of thousands of skilled professionals.

“Lubricants are a mission-critical product, which are essential to the safe and efficient functioning of virtually every vehicle, machine, and industrial process in the world,” said Anthony Borreca, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy at Stonepeak. “Castrol’s 126-year heritage has created a leading market position, an iconic brand, and a portfolio of differentiated products that deliver meaningful value to its customers. We are excited to work alongside Castrol’s talented employees, coupled with bp’s continued guidance as a minority interest holder, as we support the business’s continued growth.”

“We are thrilled to have Stonepeak join us as a partner in Castrol. Stonepeak’s capital support, energy sector expertise, and experience working with similar companies that provide essential services will be immensely additive in helping the business to innovate and grow,” said Michelle Jou, Global CEO of Castrol. “This transaction reflects our commitment to investing in the future and creating new opportunities for growth and success at Castrol, and we are proud that Stonepeak shares in our vision for the business as we take the next step in our journey.”

Commenting on the investment, Bill Rogers, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Energies at CPP Investments said, “Castrol is a high‑quality, global business at the heart of the energy and industrial economy. Its cutting-edge innovations and premium brand position it well for a growing role in emerging applications, from electric vehicles to data centres. Our investment alongside Stonepeak aligns with our strategy of backing businesses that are essential to the energy system. We believe Castrol’s strong market position and diversified growth opportunities will deliver attractive risk‑adjusted returns for the CPP Fund.”

The transaction is expected to close by end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and DLA Piper served as legal counsel, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as financing counsel, and UBS served as financial advisor to Stonepeak.

In addition to the announcement today, an announcement in respect of a mandatory tender offer (“MTO”) to the public shareholders of Castrol India Limited, in accordance with the Indian takeover code was published by UBS Securities India Private Limited as manager in respect of the MTO. The MTO will be proceeded with only upon completion of the Castrol transaction. The relevant details have been included in the Public Announcement on the Securities and Exchange Board of India website. Khaitan & Co served as legal counsel from an Indian law perspective.

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

About Castrol
Castrol, one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, has a proud heritage of innovation and fuelling the dreams of pioneers. Our passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership, has enabled Castrol to develop lubricants and greases that have been at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, air, sea, and space for over 125 years.

Castrol is part of the bp group and serves customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Our branded products are recognized globally for innovation and high performance through our commitment to premium quality and cutting-edge technology.  For more information, please visit: www.castrol.com

Contacts

For Stonepeak: 
Kate Beers / Maya Brounstein
corporatecomms@stonepeak.com
+1 (646) 540-5225

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PAG and KKR to Acquire Sapporo Real Estate from Sapporo Holdings

KKR

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– PAG, a leading Asia-based alternative investment firm, KKR, a leading global investment firm, and Sapporo Holdings Limited (“Sapporo Holdings”) today announced that funds managed by PAG and KKR have signed definitive agreements to acquire 100% of the shares of Sapporo Real Estate Co., Ltd. (“Sapporo Real Estate” or the “Company”) from Sapporo Holdings (the “Transaction”). The acquisition will close in stages over three years, with the acquisition of the first tranche, representing a 51% stake, expected to close on June 1, 2026, to facilitate a smooth handover across all locations, including Ebisu, Tokyo and Sapporo, Hokkaido.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251223525348/en/

For further details, please refer to the timely disclosure announcement issued today by Sapporo Holdings titled “Notice Regarding Transfer of Shares in Connection with the Introduction of External Capital into the Real Estate Business.”

With a history of more than 140 years, Sapporo Holdings today manages three main business verticals and group companies in the alcoholic beverages, food and soft drinks, and real estate sectors. Sapporo Holdings will focus on and further strengthen its alcoholic beverages business, where it has competitive advantages, with the aim of growing as a capital-efficient company that creates satisfying beverage experiences for customers worldwide. To achieve this, Sapporo Holdings will divest its real estate business to funds managed by PAG and KKR, enabling the Company to concentrate its management resources and, as outlined in its “Group Medium- to Long-Term Growth Strategy” dated February 14, 2025, reinvest the proceeds primarily in growth initiatives within its alcoholic beverages business. Sapporo Holdings will strengthen its customer touchpoints and enhance its ability to provide healthier choices to customers.

Under Sapporo Holdings, Sapporo Real Estate owns, operates, and develops a diverse portfolio of commercial, office, hotel, and residential assets primarily located in Ebisu, and Sapporo. Following the transaction, Sapporo Real Estate will become an independent company. Under the ownership of PAG and KKR, the Company will pursue the sustainable enhancement of its real estate and corporate value over the medium-to-long term. PAG and KKR have longstanding track records and experience in real estate investment and will tap into their extensive global networks and operational expertise to support value creation efforts for Sapporo Real Estate’s portfolio while contributing to community-focused urban development.

Representatives of the new shareholders made the following statements:

Jon-Paul Toppino, Co-Founder and President of PAG, said: “PAG is proud to strategically partner with KKR and Sapporo Holdings to support the management and staff of Sapporo Real Estate and the continued development of the Ebisu area. Working closely with the community, government, and tenants, we aim to continue the evolution of the company’s landmark properties as vibrant and sustainable urban destinations.”

Hiro Hirano, Deputy Executive Chairman of KKR Asia Pacific and CEO of KKR Japan, said: “We are proud to deepen our relationship with Sapporo Holdings, a longstanding institution that continues to play a vital role in Japan’s business and cultural landscape, through our strategic partnership with Sapporo Real Estate. Over the past three decades, Sapporo Real Estate has established itself as a top developer, with a strong track record of landmark projects such as Yebisu Garden Place, one of Japan’s most prominent mixed-use projects today. We are pleased to collaborate with PAG to support the Company’s next stage of growth, and look forward to sharing our global network, investment experience and deep operational expertise in development, operations, and hospitality across KKR’s global platform.”

KKR is making its investment predominantly through its Asia real estate strategy. The closing of this transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

About Sapporo Holdings

Since beer production began with the establishment of the Kaitakushi Brewery in Hokkaido, Sapporo Holdings has remained committed to craftsmanship rooted in a careful selection of ingredients, delivering products and services that meet customer expectations. Beginning from its beer business, Sapporo Holdings has expanded into alcoholic beverages, food and beverages, restaurants, and real estate. Through ongoing dialogue with customers, Sapporo Holdings pursues innovation and continuous improvements in quality. By responding to change and taking on new challenges, it aims to further refine its brands in Japan and internationally and achieve steady growth as a brand that holds unique strengths, while advancing sustainability-focused management that addresses environmental and social issues and contributes to the well-being of people and local communities in line with its management philosophy of Creating Joy and Enriching Life.

About Sapporo Real Estate

Sapporo Real Estate Co., Ltd., manages the Sapporo Group’s real estate business and has been engaged in real estate development primarily in the Ebisu and Sapporo areas since its establishment in 1988. Its core properties include Yebisu Garden Place, which opened in 1994, and Sapporo Factory, which opened in 1993. Guided by its management philosophy of “creating and nurturing rich time and rich spaces together with communities and society,” Sapporo Real Estate is committed to developing attractive urban environments where people who live, work, and visit can enjoy themselves and find relaxation.

About PAG

PAG is a leading alternative investment firm focused on APAC with three core businesses: Credit & Markets, Private Equity, and Real Assets. PAG Real Assets is one of Asia-Pacific’s largest and most experienced real estate investment platforms. It aims to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns by focusing on sectors and markets where it has local presence and a demonstrated track record of success. Founded in 1997 as Secured Capital Japan, PAG Real Assets has invested more than $48 billion in Asia-Pacific, acquiring and managing over 7,800 properties. PAG manages capital on behalf of nearly 300 institutional fund investors, including some of the most sophisticated global asset allocators. PAG has 15 key offices globally, and over USD55 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit www.pag.com.

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 Sapporo Holdings:
Communications Department
shpr@sapporoholdings.co.jp

For PAG:
Tim Morrison
pr@pag.com

For KKR:
Wei Jun Ong
weijun.ong@kkr.com
Samuel Brustad
samuel.brustad@kkr.com

Source: KKR

 

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KKR Completes Tender Offer for Forum Engineering

KKR

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Global investment firm KKR today announced the completion of its tender offer for the common shares and share options of Forum Engineering Inc. (“Forum Engineering”; TSE stock code 7088) (the “Tender Offer”) on December 23, 2025. The Tender Offer was made through KJ003 Co., Ltd. (the “Offeror”), an entity owned by funds managed by KKR.

Following the completion of the Tender Offer, the Offeror is expected to acquire 29,761,258 shares of Forum Engineering’s common stock, representing a total ownership ratio of 55.89% on a fully diluted basis. Settlement will commence on December 30, 2025.

In addition to the shares acquired in the Tender Offer, Forum Engineering will conduct a tender offer for its own shares (the “Self-Tender”), in which its major shareholder, La Terre Holdings Co., Ltd., is expected to tender its entire 37.07% stake. After the completion of the Self-Tender, the Offeror aims to acquire all remaining shares through a share consolidation process to achieve full ownership of Forum Engineering. An extraordinary shareholders’ meeting concerning the share consolidation is planned for late February 2026.

KKR is making its investment predominantly from its Global Impact Fund II.

George Aitken, Managing Director and Head of Global Impact Asia Pacific at KKR, said, “We are pleased with the outcome of the tender offer and are delighted to kick-start our strategic partnership with Forum Engineering, which plays an important role in developing skilled engineering talent in Japan. With enhanced training opportunities, the implementation of a broad-based employee ownership program, and access to KKR’s global experience, we aim to support Forum Engineering in creating meaningful and lasting impact for both engineers and the clients they serve.”

For details regarding the Tender Offer, please refer to the release issued by the Offeror today titled “Notice Regarding the Results of Tender Offer for the Shares, Etc. of Forum Engineering Inc. (Securities Code: 7088).”

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.

Disclaimers

This press release should be read in conjunction with the release issued by the Offeror today titled “Notice Regarding the Results of Tender Offer for the Shares, Etc. of Forum Engineering Inc. (Securities Code: 7088)”, which is available on TDNet and on Forum Engineering’s website.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that fall under “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (as amended) and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Due to known or unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors, actual results may differ materially from the predictions indicated by the statements that are implicitly or explicitly forward-looking statements. Neither the Offeror nor any of its affiliates guarantees that the predictions indicated by the statements that are implicitly or expressly forward-looking statements will materialize. The forward-looking statements in this press release were prepared based on information held by the Offeror as of today, and the Offeror and its affiliates shall not be obliged to amend or revise such statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except as required by laws and regulations.

No Offer or Solicitation

The purpose of this press release is to publicly announce the results of the Tender Offer, and the Self-Tender, and it has not been prepared for the purpose of soliciting an offer to sell or purchase in the Self-Tender. When making an application to tender, please be sure to read the Tender Offer Explanatory Statement for the Self-Tender and make your own decision as a shareholder. This press release does not constitute, either in whole or in part, a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase any securities, and the existence of this press release (or any part thereof) or its distribution shall not be construed as a basis for any agreement regarding the Self-Tender, nor shall it be relied upon in concluding an agreement regarding the tender offer.

U.S. Regulations

The Self-Tender will be conducted in compliance with the procedures and information disclosure standards set forth in Japanese law, and those procedures and standards are not always the same as the procedures and information disclosure standards in the U.S. In particular, neither Sections 13(e) nor 14(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended; the same shall apply hereinafter) nor the rules under these sections apply to the Self-Tender; and therefore the Self-Tender is not conducted in accordance with those procedures and standards. In addition, because Forum Engineering is a corporation incorporated outside the U.S., it may be difficult to exercise rights or demands against Forum Engineering that can be asserted based on U.S. securities laws. It also may be impossible to initiate an action against a corporation that is based outside of the U.S. or its officers in a court outside of the U.S. on the grounds of a violation of U.S. securities-related laws. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that a corporation that is based outside of the U.S. or its affiliates may be compelled to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of a U.S. court.

Unless otherwise specified, all procedures relating to the Self-Tender are to be conducted entirely in Japanese. All or a part of the documentation relating to the Self-Tender will be prepared in English; however, if there is any discrepancy between the English-language documents and the Japanese-language documents, the Japanese-language documents shall prevail.

The Offeror and Forum Engineering, and their respective financial advisors and the tender offer agent (and their respective affiliates) may purchase the common shares of Forum Engineering, by means other than the Self-Tender, or conduct an act aimed at such purchases, for their own account or for their clients’ accounts, including in the scope of their ordinary business, to the extent permitted under financial instruments and exchange-related laws and regulations, and any other applicable laws and regulations in Japan, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5(b) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the tender offer period for the Self-Tender. Such purchases may be conducted at the market price through market transactions or at a price determined by negotiations off-market. In the event that information regarding such purchases is disclosed in Japan, such information will also be disclosed on the English website of the person conducting such purchases (or by any other method of public disclosure).

If a shareholder exercises its right to demand the purchase of shares of less than one unit in accordance with the Companies Act, Forum Engineering may buy back its own shares during the tender offer period for the Self-Tender in accordance with the procedures required by laws and regulations.

Media Contacts

Wei Jun Ong
+65 6922 5813
weijun.ong@kkr.com

Samuel Brustad
+81 90 7094 2523
samuel.brustad@kkr.com

Source: KKR

 

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IAS Announces Completion of Acquisition by Novacap

Novacap

Integral Ad Science, a leading global media measurement and optimization platform, announced the successful completion of its acquisition by Novacap, a leading North American private equity firm, in an all-cash transaction that values IAS at approximately $1.9 billion.

“We’re excited to officially enter IAS’s next chapter as a private company, with the support and resources to enhance our leadership in global media measurement and optimization and provide even greater value for our customers around the world,” said Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS. “Our AI-powered platform is already setting the standard for trust and transparency in digital media quality and, with Novacap, we will be well positioned to move even faster to deliver breakthrough solutions that help brands succeed in a complex digital world.”

“IAS is a category leader with significant opportunity to build on their momentum, and we’re thrilled to fuel their continued growth on the path ahead,” said Samuel Nasso, Partner, Technologies, at Novacap. “We look forward to working closely with Lisa and the talented team of IAS employees, with a focus on investing in innovation, scaling globally, and creating transformative value for advertisers and publishers.”

Under the terms of the agreement, IAS shareholders will receive $10.30 in cash for each share of IAS common stock they own. With the completion of the transaction, IAS common stock has ceased trading and IAS will no longer be publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Advisors

Jefferies LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to IAS, and Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal advisor to IAS.

Evercore is serving as financial advisor to Novacap, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is serving as legal advisor to Novacap.

About IAS

http://integralads.comIntegral Ad Science (IAS) is a leading global media measurement and optimization platform that delivers the industry’s most actionable data to drive superior results for the world’s largest advertisers, publishers, and media platforms. IAS’s software provides comprehensive and enriched data that ensures ads are seen by real people in safe and suitable environments, while improving return on ad spend for advertisers and yield for publishers. Our mission is to be the global benchmark for trust and transparency in digital media quality. For more information, visit integralads.com

About Novacap

Novacap is a leading North American private equity investor and one of Canada’s most experienced private equity firms. Founded in 1981 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs, Novacap focuses on control buyouts of middle market and lower-middle market companies across four core strategies: Technologies, Digital Infrastructure, Industries and Financial Services. Novacap combines deep sector expertise and strategic and operational excellence to partner with entrepreneurs and management teams. Since its inception, the firm has made primary and add-on investments in more than 250 companies. With over US $10 billion in assets under management and a presence across offices in Montreal, Toronto, and New York, Novacap accelerates value creation through strategic growth initiatives and a strong focus on execution.

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CapMan Natural Capital announces first close of European Forest Fund IV

Capman

CapMan Natural Capital announces first close of European Forest Fund IV

CapMan Natural Capital has completed the first closing of its fourth main fund, CapMan Dasos European Forest Fund IV. This underscores the confidence of international institutional investors in CapMan Natural Capital’s forestry investment platform and reflects strong demand for professionally managed forestry investment strategies. Fundraising continues, with the objective of building a fund larger than its predecessor vehicles.

The CapMan Dasos European Forest Fund IV is a closed-ended forestry fund targeting long-term value creation through active, sustainable management of European forest assets. The Fund aims to deliver a net internal rate of return of more than 8% by investing in high-quality European forest assets, where active management can unlock additional value beyond biological growth.

The Fund’s investment strategy focuses on building and operating a diversified portfolio of forest assets primarily in Northern Europe, UK and Ireland. These markets are characterised by established sustainable forestry practices, transparent legal frameworks and opportunities for hands-on value creation through active asset management and additional sustainability measures.

“CapMan Dasos European Forest Fund IV builds on our long-standing experience in forestry and our belief that active asset management is essential to unlocking the full value of forests,” says Jyri Hietala, Managing Partner at CapMan Natural Capital. “Beyond steady biological growth, forests increasingly generate additional value as natural capital attributes such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity and land-use optionality are recognised and monetised.”

By combining sustainable forestry operations with measurable climate and biodiversity benefits, the Fund aims to deliver clear impact while potentially realising additional financial value. In addition to wood production, the Fund will collaborate with renewable energy developers to explore renewable energy projects on forestland where appropriate, further enhancing long-term returns while supporting the green transition.

Following CapMan Natural Capital’s established stewardship framework, management of the Fund will have a strong emphasis on sustainable forestry practices, forest certification standards and nature-based solutions. CapMan’s local operating partners and deep regional expertise will play a central role in sourcing assets, executing value-creation initiatives and managing stakeholder relationships across target markets.

“Our investment team has delivered strong results over the years and brings deep experience in the European forestry investments,” says Tapani Pahkasalo, Co-Managing Partner at CapMan Natural Capital. “This experience positions us to deploy capital effectively and to pursue both financial performance and long-term natural-capital outcomes across the Fund’s investments.”

The Fund is structured as an SFDR Article 9 product, committing to sustainable investments. Its sustainable investment objective is aligned with the EU Taxonomy, targeting climate change mitigation. The Fund invests exclusively in FSC or PEFC certified, or certifiable, forests, with a goal of achieving certification for 100% of its assets. Science-based monitoring ensures that carbon stocks, biodiversity metrics, and social indicators are tracked, providing quantifiable environmental and social impact alongside financial returns.

For more information, please contact:

Jyri Hietala, Managing Partner, CapMan Natural Capital, +358 40 359 3566

About CapMan Natural Capital

CapMan Natural Capital is a specialist natural capital asset manager focused on sustainable forestry investments across Europe. The team acquires and actively manages forest and land assets with the objective of delivering long-term risk-adjusted returns alongside measurable environmental outcomes, including climate change mitigation and biodiversity enhancement. CapMan Natural Capital is part of CapMan Plc, formed after acquisition of Dasos Capital in 2024.

CapMan Natural Capital manages approximately 240,000 hectares of land across eight EU countries with a market value of 1.5 billion euros, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s leading independent forest asset managers. The investment team has established a total of 8 forest investment funds and co-investment vehicles since 2009. European Forest Fund IV represents the next phase of growth for the platform, scaling proven strategies across a broader asset base.

About CapMan

CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation and 7.1 billion euros in assets under management. As one of the private equity pioneers in the Nordics we have developed hundreds of companies and assets creating significant value for over three decades. Our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors by enabling change across our portfolio companies. An example of this is greenhouse gas reduction targets that we have set under the Science Based Targets initiative in line with the 1.5°C scenario and our commitment to net-zero GHG emissions by 2040. We have a broad presence in the unlisted market through our local and specialised teams. Our investment strategies cover real estate and infrastructure assets, real asset debt, natural capital and minority and majority investments in portfolio companies. We also provide wealth management solutions. Altogether, CapMan employs around 200 professionals in Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, London, Luxembourg, and Düsseldorf. We are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001. www.capman.com.

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Blackstone Announces Agreement to Acquire Hamilton Island, Australia’s Iconic Resort Destination

Blackstone

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – December 23, 2025 – Blackstone (NYSE: BX) today announced that Real Estate funds managed by Blackstone (“Blackstone”) have entered into an agreement to acquire Hamilton Island, an iconic integrated resort destination in the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia, from the Oatley family. This investment, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, builds on Blackstone’s leading global position in leisure and hospitality, including in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, where it has made significant investments across Australia, Japan, and India.

Hamilton Island is located in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef and one of its great natural wonders. Hamilton Island spans more than 2,800 acres across two islands (around 70% of which remains undeveloped) and comprises five hotels, more than 20 restaurants and bars, 20 retail outlets, an 18-hole championship golf course on neighboring Dent Island, a marina, and a commercial airport. Hamilton Island is a significant employer in the Whitsundays, supporting a large on-island community and workforce as well as a broad network of regional partners, suppliers, and local businesses.

Chris Heady, Chairman of Asia Pacific & Head of Real Estate Asia, Blackstone, said: “Hamilton Island is an exceptional destination, and we are honored to build on the vision and dedication that the Oatley family has brought to investing in its transformation and add a standout asset to our portfolio. Hospitality and leisure is a key investment theme at Blackstone globally including in the Asia Pacific region, where we’ve brought scale and operational expertise to invest in and build leading brands. We are committed to investing in the long-term success of Hamilton Island, its people, and its local businesses and community.”

The Oatley family, Sandy, Ian and Rosalind, said: “We would like to thank our Board and Management for achieving this outcome, and welcome the new owners Blackstone. Hamilton Island has a special place in the hearts of many Australians. For more than two decades the family’s passion, led by Bob Oatley, has made significant investments to transform the island into one of Australia’s most loved and visited destinations, renowned for its natural beauty, variety of world-class accommodation, amenities and experiences, and ensuring its place as Australia’s Tropical Island. We are delighted to have a partner of Blackstone’s calibre and resources to continue the legacy, while supporting our people and island community.”

Australia is home to some of Blackstone’s most significant investments including Crown Resorts, the country’s largest hospitality employer with three premium entertainment and hospitality resorts in Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne; and AirTrunk, the largest data center platform in APAC.

Blackstone is a leading investor in hospitality and leisure globally. Its key investments include an eight-hotel portfolio from Kintetsu Group Holdings in Japan; a joint venture with Panchshil Realty on Ventive Hospitality, which owns and manages a portfolio of luxury hotels in India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka; and Great Wolf Resorts, a leading owner and operator of family-oriented entertainment resorts in the United States.

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

About Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is Australia’s Tropical Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.  Home to a range of stays – including qualia, Beach Club, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, The Sundays, and self-catering holiday homes and apartments – the island offers more than 20 restaurants and bars, a championship 18-hole golf course, a full-service marina, and an extensive program of tours and experiences across the Whitsundays, including access to Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef and the Great Barrier Reef.  Hamilton Island is accessed via direct flights to Hamilton Island Airport and is a major employer in the Whitsundays region. Follow @hamiltonisland on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contacts
Blackstone
Ellen Bogard
Ellen.Bogard@Blackstone.com
+852 9731 9726

MorrisBrown Communications
Olivia Brown
Olivia@morris-brown.com.au
+61 409 524 960

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