Gimv further invests in industrial automation and becomes majority owner of workpiece carrier specialist Variotech
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Tue, May 24, 2022 08:00 CET Report this content
Adelis and Håndverkskompaniet partner to create a leading building rehabilitation group in Norway. The group will focus on the growing segments for rehabilitation and renovation, and aims to consolidate the market and double revenue by 2025, through acquisitions and organic growth.
The Norwegian market for building rehabilitation, renovation and related services amounts to some NOK 200 billion per year and has seen stable historical growth. The market is expected to continue to grow, due to significant rehabilitation needs in both the public and commercial sector. At the same time, the industry is adapting to more ambitious sustainability targets, which include a shift from new build to rehabilitation, but also more innovative production processes, energy-efficient solutions, and circular models for re-usage of material and products.
“Adelis has followed the rehabilitation services market over many years and consolidated this industry in other Nordic markets. We see continuously increasing requirements in terms of quality and sustainability. Environmental emissions for the transformation of existing buildings and the reuse of materials are far more sustainable than replacing existing buildings with new ones. There is room for a larger professional group in this market, and we see Håndverkskompaniet as a strong platform to create such a group in Norway,” says Lene Stern from Adelis.
“We believe in a decentralized model where entrepreneurs can continue to operate under their own brand and nurture their own culture, while taking part in a larger group and collaborate and realize synergies. Our ambition is to strengthen the Norwegian group with another two to four companies during the first year”, says Jørgen Møinichen from Adelis.
Håndverkskompaniet is a Norwegian company specialized on building renovation and rehabilitation services in the Oslo area. The company was first established in 1994 and is a specialist on complex renovation projects related to offices, commercial buildings, sports facilities and other public specialist buildings.
“We believe Håndverkskompaniet has significant growth potential and know that Adelis has extensive experience in developing business services companies. The owners and the management team are excited to partner with Adelis to create the leading building rehabilitation services group in Norway,” says Håndverkskompaniet’s CEO Sivert Varvin.
Petter Eiken will be the new Chairman of Håndverkskompaniet and the future renovation services group, “Building restoration and renovation services will only be more important going forward and is a key enabler to a more sustainable society. I look forward to working together with Håndverkskompaniet and Adelis to develop a leading rehabilitation group in Norway”.
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals. The parties have chosen not to disclose the purchase price.
For further information:
Future chairman of the group: Petter Eiken, petter.eiken@pelican.as, +47 982 10 000
Adelis Equity Partners: Lene Stern, lene.stern@adelisequity.com, +46 70 281 34 24
About Håndverkskompaniet
Håndverkskompaniet is a Norwegian construction company focused on building renovation and restoration services in the Oslo area. The company was established in 1994 by two founders that are still active in the company. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway. For further information, please visit www.handverkskompaniet.no.
About Adelis Equity Partners
Adelis is a growth partner for well-positioned, Nordic companies. Adelis partners with management and/or owners to build businesses in growth segments and with strong market positions. Since raising its first fund in 2013, Adelis has been one of the most active investors in the Nordic middle-market, making 32 platform investments and more than 150 add-on acquisitions. Adelis today manages approximately €2 billion in capital. For more information, please visit www.adelisequity.com.

IK Partners (“IK”) is pleased to announce that the IK IX Fund has signed an agreement to acquire MÜPRO Group GmbH (“MÜPRO” or “the Company”), a leading solutions provider and supplier for applications in pipe fixing technology. IK is acquiring a majority stake from Perusa Partners Fund II L.P. (“Perusa”), advised by Perusa GmbH, alongside management who will be reinvesting. Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.
Founded in 1964, MÜPRO is a German-based speciality manufacturer and distributor of pipe fixing technology for technical building equipment, sanitary, heating, ventilation and air conditioning applications (“SHVAC”). MÜPRO has a comprehensive and modular product portfolio complying with requirements including, noise reduction, fire protection and corrosion resistance. MÜPRO is active in a growing market driven by the need for investment and the upgrading of SHVAC installations to increase energy efficiency and improve building-related decarbonisation.
The Company is headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, with over 460 employees serving over 12,000 customers ranging from small local installers to large installers who manage complex construction projects. MÜPRO has a strong presence in its key markets, namely Germany, Benelux and France while also growing its presence in other European markets as well as India and the Middle East. With the support of Perusa since 2018, MÜPRO has enjoyed stable long-term growth, strengthened its position and gained market share.
Through the partnership with IK, MÜPRO aims to grow its footprint in existing markets, continue its journey of digitisation, expand into adjacent geographies and drive market consolidation. The Company will continue to be led by the CEO, Dr Wolfgang Gödel and his team.
Dr Wolfgang Gödel, CEO at MÜPRO, said: “We strongly believe that partnering with IK will provide us with the resources and tools needed to continue our growth trajectory. We look forward to expanding our international reach and continuing our digitisation journey. Since inception, the Company has gone from strength to strength and we thank the team at Perusa for all their support.”
Anders Petersson, Managing Partner at IK and Advisor to the IK IX Fund, said: “We have been impressed with MÜPRO’s development and ability to adapt to customer needs and grow to establish a leading position in its core markets. This has been based on its strong product and service offering and innovation capabilities. Building on this solid foundation and success across its entire portfolio, we are looking forward to working together with Wolfgang and his team to continue the journey and extending their success by expanding into new territories.”
Dr Christian Hollenberg, Managing Director at Perusa’s Advisor in Germany, said: “We’re delighted with the progress MÜPRO has made during Perusa’s ownership. Since 2018, we have seen the company flourish in existing markets and expand into adjacent territories. We wish the team, along with IK, all the very best for the future.”
Completion of the transaction is subject to legal and regulatory approvals.
For further questions, please contact:
IK Partners
Vidya Verlkumar
Phone: +44 (0) 7787 558 193
vidya.verlkumar@ikpartners.com

Ahlström Capital’s wholly owned investment company Ahlstrom Capital B.V. has today signed an agreement to acquire 60% of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Decor business. The Decor business is transferred to a newly formed company that is to be named Munksjö. The acquisition is a perfect fit in Ahlström Capital’s Forest & Fiber focus area and offers good value creation opportunities.
Ahlström Capital has been a long-term owner of Munksjö since 2013 as the combination of Munksjö AB and Ahlstrom’s Label and Processing business was completed. Since 2017, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has developed the Decor business from an established European business to a leading international player, well positioned to serve its customers globally. A growth platform in South America was established through the acquisition of Caieiras’s specialty paper mill in Brazil and the fastest growing decor paper market, China, was entered through the acquisition of decor paper manufacturer Minglian New Materials Technology in Xingtai.
“Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Decor business is a leading global business with a broad product portfolio and a market-leading brand, Munksjö. This business is already the leader in higher value market segments and has strengthened the competitiveness in standard decor papers with a footprint in China following the acquisition of Minglian New Materials Technology. For Ahlström Capital the Decor business is a key investment in our Forest & Fiber focus area”, comments Lasse Heinonen, President and CEO of Ahlström Capital.
The Decor business has operated under the Munksjö brand for more than 25 years and the brand is recognized for outstanding quality and service across the decor industry. Ahlstrom Capital B.V. will be the majority owner in the new Munksjö company with a 60% ownership, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is remaining as a minority owner together with Nidoco AB. As a standalone company the Decor business will accelerate its growth, strengthen its competitiveness and global leadership in innovation.
The closing of the transaction is subject to the approval of the competition authorities.
For further information, please contact:
Lasse Heinonen, President and CEO Ahlström Capital, tel. +358 10 888 4113
Camilla Sågbom, Director, Corporate Communications and Responsibility, +358 10 888 4182
About Decor business area
Products: Decor papers are primarily used in laminated wood-panel based furniture, flooring and other interior and exterior building material applications.
Key markets: Europe, North and South America, China and selected export markets
Production: Germany (Unterkochen and Dettingen), Spain (Tolosa), France (Arches), Brazil (Caieiras) and China (Xingtai)
Net sales: Approx. EUR 500 million
Employees: 1,200 people
About minority owners
Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s mission is to expand the role of fiber-based solutions for sustainable everyday life. Annual net sales of the company is about EUR 3.1 billion and it employs some 8,000 people.
Nidoco AB is a Swedish investment company whose strategy is to create long-term value through active ownership of public and private companies. Nidoco is currently a leading shareholder of three listed companies with head offices in the Nordic region, and has direct and indirect investments in more than 300 unlisted companies globally. Nidoco is an independent part of the Virala Group.
Ahlström Capital is one of Finland’s largest investment companies with a long history of 170 years. We are a family-owned investment company that creates value for our owners by investing in industrial companies, real estate and forest. In 2021, the annual net sales of our portfolio companies was approximately EUR 4.4 billion and they employed almost 13,500 people in 33 countries. Our current portfolio includes significant holdings in the listed companies Detection Technology Plc, Glaston Corporation, and Suominen Corporation. In addition, the portfolio includes Ahlström Invest B.V. (including a significant ownership in Ahlstrom-Munksjö), Enics AG, M&J Recycling A/S as well as an investment in the AC Cleantech Fund. Our portfolio also includes major real estate and forest holdings.

Munich, May 10, 2022 – The European Imaging Group (“EIG”), a subsidiary of AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA (ISIN: DE000A0JK2A8), closed the acquisition of a majority stake in Cyfrowe.pl (“Cyfrowe”). The company is the leading Polish omni-channel speciality retail operator of high-end photo and video equipment for professionals and enthusiasts. This transaction reinforces EIG’s position as the leading pan-European photo and video specialist multi-channel retailer and offers a base for further expansion into Central and Eastern European markets.
Cyfrowe is headquartered in Gdansk and maintains close partnerships with the major blue-chip brands in the industry. It runs five successful retail destination stores across Poland and a renowned e-commerce platform. The offering is based on both new as well as used equipment and is complemented by a comprehensive range of services, such as customer training and workshops. Cyfrowe has built high levels of brand awareness and is managed by a strong team led by founder and CEO Jaroslaw Banacki, who will remain a significant minority shareholder. Banacki will continue to run the company and will be responsible for Cyfrowe’s future development.
Richard Glatzel, Group CEO of the European Imaging Group, states: “We are ambitious to strengthen our position as the pan-European market leader in our field. Adding Cyfrowe represents our step into the Eastern European Market, further increasing EIG´s reach throughout the continent and leveraging synergies.”
Jaroslaw Banacki, Founder and CEO of Cyfrowe, comments: “Today, Cyfrowe is the leading omni-channel photo and video retailer in Poland. With the completion of our partnership with EIG, we are excited to see the opportunities this will bring and to continue on our successful growth path.” With the founder staying on bord, EIG will have access to the longstanding Cyfrowe industry know-how and expertise, that can be combined with EIG’s wealth of knowledge to capture future growth opportunities.

Altor Fund V (“Altor”) has signed an agreement to enter a partnership with the founders of Audiowell, the Swedish founded international music group. The founders will remain owners and continue in their operational roles.
Andreas Romdhane and Josef Svedlund, launched the Audiowell Group with a mission to increase the quality of lifestyle music by dedicating time, resources and partnering up with talented creators. They have the ambition to enable musicians, songwriters, and creators to live off their music in today’s music industry.
Both founders have worked for more than 20 years as music producers and songwriters, scoring several UK #1 singles, and working with diverse artists such as Westlife, Kelly Clarkson, Diana Ross and Il Divo to name a few. In 2013, they decided to work more closely with artists and creators, identifying talent on YouTube and supporting them by increasing production quality and broadening their reach, publishing music across multiple platforms. Their first signing to the label was Sofia Karlberg. Her rendition of Crazy in Love became viral on YouTube. Today she has over 2 million followers and over 600 million streams across multiple platforms.
Audiowell is located in a music studio complex in the heart of Stockholm, from where it supports over 100 music creators spanning from the US to Hong Kong and South America and focusing on a broad range of genres such as Jazz, Relaxation, Acoustic, Dance, Rock, Classical. In 2021, the company generated in excess of 150M SEK in revenues and have generated billions of streams across 50+ streaming platforms.
Audiowell and Altor have partnered up together with leading producer and co-investor Martin Sandberg (a.k.a. Max Martin), who will provide strategic advice to the company and founders.
”There is so much creativity that needs an outlet. To come to the studio every day and work with our fantastic team of creators is pure joy.” says Andreas Romdhane. “Now we want to step up the pace, and that is where Altor and Max Martin come in. They can help support us in scaling our team so that we can focus on supporting our creators and releasing quality music.” continues Josef Svedlund.
“Audiowell has a tremendous track record, and we were immediately struck by the sheer talent of Josef and Andreas and their creator network. We are very proud to have partnered up together with them and producer Max Martin and look forward to being a strategic partner in their future growth ambitions.” says Andreas Källström Säfweräng, Partner at Altor.
For more information, please contact:
Tor Krusell, Head of Communications at Altor, tor.krusell@altor.com, +46 705 43 87 47
About Altor
Since inception, the family of Altor funds has raised some EUR 8.3 billion in total commitments. The funds have invested in excess of EUR 5 billion in more than 85 companies. The investments have been made in medium sized predominantly Nordic companies with the aim to create value through growth initiatives and operational improvements. Among current and past investments are Iyuno-SDI, Meltwater, RevolutionRace, Raw Fury and Totême. For more information visit www.altor.com.

Amsterdam, 20 May 2022
Bencis acquired a majority interest in Nooteboom Textiles from prior owner Egeria. Nooteboom, founded in 1852, is the leading European textile wholesaler specialised in women and children’s fabrics for home sewing and small tailors as well as home-decoration. Headquartered in Tilburg, the Netherlands, Nooteboom operates with approximately 100 employees and reaches more than 5,000 B2B customers in over 50 countries.
Under Egeria ownership, Nooteboom transitioned from a historically family-led company to a company with an independent management team. Through its recently enhanced e-commerce platform and increased operational efficiencies Nooteboom is ideally positioned to become the European wide go-to supplier for finished textile fabrics. Bencis will support the company in further building this leading position by focussing on international expansion through Nooteboom’s tailored commercial approach and by establishing strategic partnerships across the European fabrics market.
Michiel Dreesmann and Joost Tabbers, CEO and CFO of Nooteboom are excited about the new partnership with Bencis and are looking forward to further build on the company’s growth story together. Michiel Dreesmann: “With Bencis, we found the ideal partner for our next phase of growth. Their experience with international expansion, B2B e-commerce platforms and their people-centred approach are a perfect fit for Nooteboom.”

Amsterdam, 20 May 2022 – Egeria and Bencis Capital Partners (“Bencis”) have completed the sale of Nooteboom Textiles, the leading European wholesaler in finished textile fabrics.
Over the last four years, Nooteboom transitioned from an owner-led company to a company with an independent management team. We are proud to have supported the company in developing an e -commerce platform, improving its operational efficiency, enhancing its commercial approach and creating a solid ESG product portfolio. Nooteboom further strengthened its leading position as a wholesaler in finished textile fabrics, improving its margins and realizing growth across Europe.
Backed by its strong track record, we believe that the company is ready to continue to realize further growth with its new shareholder. We wish the company and her employees all the best for this next phase.
About Nooteboom Textiles
Founded in 1852, Nooteboom is the leading European textile wholesaler specialised in women and children fabrics for home sewing and small tailors as well as home-decoration. Headquartered in Tilburg, the Netherlands, Nooteboom operates its warehousing activities with approx. 100 employees reaching over 5,000 B2B customers in over 50 countries.
About Egeria
Established in 1997, Egeria is an independent Dutch investment company focused on mid-sized companies in the Netherlands and DACH region. Egeria invests in healthy businesses with an enterprise value of between EUR 50 million and EUR 350 million, and believes in building businesses jointly with entrepreneurial management teams (Boldly Building Together). Egeria Private Equity Funds has interests in 12 companies in the Netherlands and Germany, while Egeria Evergreen has investments in 7 companies. Egeria’s portfolio companies generate combined revenues of more than EUR 2 billion and employ circa 12,000 people.
About Bencis
Bencis is an independent investment company that supports business owners and management teams in achieving their growth ambitions. Working out of offices in Amsterdam and Brussels, and more recently in Düsseldorf, Bencis has been investing in strong and successful businesses in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany since 1999.

akeover makes Zibber the largest player in real estate presentation
Zibber, specialist in real estate presentation and related services to real estate agents, will partner with Mentha to achieve accelerated, sustainable growth. Mentha will play an active role in this strategy by contributing knowledge and resources. The first step is the acquisition of industry peer Topr, making Zibber the largest provider of visual content for real estate promotion.
Zibber provides services to support brokers and project developers in the sale of real estate, such as attractive images, detailed floor plans and measurement reports using 3D laser scanning. These services are in high demand and the company has the ambition to continue to grow, driven by an optimal customer experience and employee satisfaction. It wants to expand its presence in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and also make inroads into other countries. Mentha has extensive experience in exploiting the growth potential of profitable companies, has supported many organizations in comparable international expansion and has previously invested in related business models, in which visual content plays an important role.
The first step in the collaboration is the acquisition of Topr, which provides comparable services and has a great deal of knowledge of 3D visualization in-house. The 3D service developed by Topr visualizes, among other things, project-based new construction. Zibber’s pointcloud technology, which uses 3D laser scans to create highly accurate floor plans and measurement reports, offers a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. Customers of both companies can now benefit from the combination of these services.
Dogan Kahveci, co-founder of Zibber: “We always look ahead and have big plans. With Mentha on board, we can execute these plans even faster. Their knowledge and experience is of great value, and they understand our vision. The acquisition of Topr is a clear example of this. Thanks to the good relationship between all the parties involved, this deal was concluded quickly and smoothly. We are looking forward to a bright future!”
Edo Pfennings, partner at Mentha: “End-to-end visual content services are playing an increasingly important role for real estate agents in the sales success of real estate, and Zibber is a forerunner in this. The ambition that Dogan and Hans and their team have is ample motivation for us to enter into a collaboration and to take their growth plans to an even higher level.”

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