Omada A/S to receive strategic investment from CVC Capital Partners’ Growth Fund and GRO Capital

CVC and GRO partner with management team to further accelerate product innovation, partner network expansion and marketing efforts.

Omada A/S (“Omada” or the “Company”), a global leader of identity governance and administration (“IGA”) software and services, today announced that CVC Capital Partners’ Growth Fund (“CVC Growth Partners” or “CVC”) and GRO Capital (“GRO”) have agreed to become new majority shareholders and provide further capital into the Company to accelerate growth.

CVC Growth Partners and GRO will partner with Omada’s management team to further accelerate Omada’s product innovation, grow its partner network in North America and Europe, enhance sales and marketing efforts, as well as continue expanding its strong position in Europe and building greater depth in the North American market.

Omada is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with over 270 employees across offices in Europe and North America. The Company helps its customers globally to govern and control users’ access rights to enterprise systems and data, reduce risk of accidental or wrongful data access, and ensure compliance with regulation (such as GDPR) as well as industry-specific legislation.

Omada’s software platform, the Omada Identity Suite (“OIS”), is a best-in-class next generation IGA solution. OIS, together with the Company’s unique best practice process framework for identity management and access governance, enables enterprises to manage identities and govern their access on an ongoing basis across heterogeneous IT systems, including major IT vendor platforms delivered on-premises and in the cloud, and a number of legacy and modern applications. The demand for Omada’s offerings has been increasing globally along with customer awareness of potential solutions to their complex identity governance challenges, and the Company has grown revenues at a compounded annual growth rate of over 40% for the last 2 years.

“We are excited about the partnership with CVC and GRO and we look forward to working with them to fulfil our joint vision to serve the majority of enterprises of the world with our strong Identity & Access Governance solution”, said Morten Boel Sigurdsson, CEO and founder of Omada. “CVC and GRO represent a unique combination of competencies that will support our expansion in North America, Europe and other markets. The need for IGA solutions is rapidly increasing across markets as more and more organisations realise the need for a flexible IGA solution to protect them from hacking, insider threats, increased compliance requirements and the consequences of GDPR.”

“The increasingly complex IT world and more stringent compliance requirements globally will continue to drive strong demand for Omada’s next generation identity governance solution, as the Company has proven its ability to successfully solve complex problems for its customers”, said Sebastian Kuenne, who leads CVC Growth Partners in Europe. “Omada represents an exciting opportunity and is a perfect fit for our growth fund, which focuses on high-growth software and technology-enabled business services companies. We, together with GRO, are thrilled to partner with Morten and the entire executive team to expand Omada’s offering and global presence.”

“We have followed Omada for close to a decade and are very impressed with the product and their blue-chip customer base. This investment is perfectly aligned with GRO’s strategy of investing in outstanding technology companies and helping accelerate their growth”, said Morten Weicher, partner at GRO Capital. “Morten Sigurdsson has built a very strong team and assembled a deep bench of highly skilled and ambitious individuals operating in a unique culture of teamwork, delivery, and customer service.”

With the entrance of CVC and GRO, C5 Capital (“C5”) will no longer be shareholders in Omada. “We are pleased to have contributed to the growth of Omada since 2015”, said Andre Pienaar, managing partner and founder at C5 Capital.

Morten Weicher, Sebastian Kuenne, Lars Dybkjær (Managing Partner of GRO Capital), and John Clark (Managing Partner of CVC Growth Partners) will join Omada’s board of directors.

Closing of the transaction is anticipated to take place in December 2018, and is subject only to mandatory competition approvals.

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Altas Partners to Acquire Tecta America

Altas Partners

OCTOBER 29, 2018

Altas Partners to Acquire Tecta America from ONCAP

Toronto, ON and Rosemont, IL – October 29, 2018 – Altas Partners (“Altas”), a long-term oriented investment firm, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Tecta America Corporation (“Tecta America” or the “Company”) from ONCAP, the mid-market private equity platform of Onex (TSX:ONEX). Tecta America is a national leader in commercial roofing services in the U.S. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Tecta America is the nation’s premier commercial roofing contractor, employing more than 3,000 roofing professionals and operating across more than 60 locations from coast to coast. The Company provides a comprehensive set of commercial roofing services to national and local customers across a spectrum of industries and end markets. Tecta America’s full suite of value-added roofing services includes installation, replacement, repairs and maintenance, new construction, disaster response and advanced sustainability options.

“We are thrilled to partner with Altas as we continue to execute on our growth opportunities – both organically and through selective acquisitions. Furthermore, we’re excited to leverage the firm’s support and expertise as we continue to focus on delivering best-in-class service to our customers and being the employer of choice in the roofing industry,” said Mark Santacrose, President and CEO of Tecta America. “We greatly value the support and commitment ONCAP provided throughout its ownership, as well as its confidence in our people and our future.”

“Tecta America’s strength as a national company with deep local relationships has enabled its evolution into the largest commercial roofing contractor in the U.S.,” said David Brent, a Partner at Altas. “This opportunity is an excellent fit with our long-term investment strategy and approach of partnering with outstanding management teams. We look forward to supporting the team at Tecta America as it continues to provide its customers with exceptional service and capitalize on the significant growth opportunities that lie ahead.”

“We’re proud of everything we accomplished together with Tecta America. During our ownership period, we worked closely with Tecta management to enhance the Company’s acquisition capabilities and strengthen the business’ operating performance. We wish the Tecta America team all the best as they continue to execute on their proven growth strategy,” said Edmund Kim, a Principal at ONCAP.

The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

About Altas Partners

Altas Partners is an investment firm with a long-term orientation focused on acquiring significant interests in high-quality, market-leading businesses in partnership with outstanding management teams. Key elements of the firm’s approach include prudent capital structures, active ownership through strategic and operational support and an emphasis on sustainable value creation. Altas invests on behalf of endowments, foundations, public pension funds and other institutional investors.

For more information: http://www.altaspartners.com.

About Tecta America Corporation

Tecta America is the nation’s premier commercial roofing contractor with more than 60 locations from coast to coast. Tecta America’s unyielding commitment to quality, expertise, and professionalism have helped it become the industry leader in commercial roofing. Providing installation of all types, replacement, repairs and maintenance, new construction, disaster response, sustainability options and more, Tecta America offers the responsiveness of a local roofing contractor backed by the resources and stability of a national provider.

For more information: http://www.tectaamerica.com.

About ONCAP

ONCAP is the mid-market private equity platform of Onex. In partnership with operating company management teams, ONCAP invests in and builds value in North American headquartered medium-sized businesses that are market leaders and possess meaningful growth potential.

Onex is one of the oldest and most successful private equity firms. Through its Onex Partners and ONCAP private equity funds, Onex acquires and builds high-quality businesses in partnership with talented management teams. At Onex Credit, Onex manages and invests in leveraged loans, collateralized loan obligations and other credit securities. Onex has more than $33 billion of assets under management, including $6.8 billion of Onex proprietary capital, in private equity and credit securities. With offices in Toronto, New York, New Jersey and London, Onex and the team are collectively the largest investors across Onex’ platforms. Onex shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol ONEX.

For more information: https://www.oncap.com or https://www.onex.com.

Media Contacts:

Altas Partners
Sard Verbinnen & Co.
Andrew Cole / Julie Rudnick
(212) 687 8080

Tecta America Corporation
Robin Hollerich
rhollerich@tectaamerica.com
(248) 220 1467

Onex
Emilie Blouin
Director, Investor Relations
(416) 362 7711

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ONCAP to Sell Tecta America to Altas Partners

Onex

Toronto, Ontario and Rosemont, Illinois October 29, 2018 – Altas Partners (“Altas”), a long-term oriented investment firm, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Tecta America Corporation (“Tecta America” or the “Company”) from ONCAP, the mid-market private equity platform of Onex (TSX: ONEX). Tecta America is a national leader in commercial roofing services in the U.S. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Tecta America is the nation’s premier commercial roofing contractor, employing more than 3,000 roofing professionals and operating across more than 60 locations from coast to coast. The Company provides a comprehensive set of commercial roofing services to national and local customers across a spectrum of industries and end markets. Tecta America’s full suite of value-added roofing services includes installation, replacement, repairs and maintenance, new construction, disaster response and advanced sustainability options.
“We are thrilled to partner with Altas as we continue to execute on our growth opportunities – both organically and through selective acquisitions. Furthermore, we’re excited to leverage the firm’s support and expertise as we continue to focus on delivering best-in-class service to our customers and being the employer of choice in the roofing industry,” said Mark Santacrose, President and CEO of Tecta America. “We greatly value the support and commitment ONCAP provided throughout its ownership, as well as its confidence in our people and our future.”

“Tecta America’s strength as a national company with deep local relationships has enabled its evolution into the largest commercial roofing contractor in the U.S.,” said David Brent, a Partner at Altas. “This opportunity is an excellent fit with our long-term investment strategy and approach of partnering with outstanding management teams. We look forward to supporting the team at Tecta America as it continues to provide its customers with exceptional service and capitalize on the significant growth opportunities that lie ahead.”
“We’re proud of everything we accomplished together with Tecta America. During our ownership period, we worked closely with Tecta management to enhance the Company’s acquisition capabilities and strengthen the business’ operating performance. We wish the Tecta America team all the best as they continue to execute on their proven growth strategy,” said Edmund Kim, a Principal at ONCAP.
The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

About Altas Partners
Altas Partners is an investment firm with a long-term orientation focused on acquiring significant interests in high-quality, market-leading businesses in partnership with outstanding management teams. Key elements of the firm’s approach include prudent capital structures, active ownership through strategic and operational support and an emphasis on sustainable value creation. Altas invests on behalf of endowments, foundations, public pension funds and other institutional investors.
For more information: http://www.altaspartners.com.

About Tecta America Corporation
Tecta America is the nation’s premier commercial roofing contractor with more than 60 locations from coast to coast. Tecta America’s unyielding commitment to quality, expertise, and professionalism have helped it become the industry leader in commercial roofing. Providing installation of all types, replacement, repairs and maintenance, new construction, disaster response, sustainability options and more, Tecta America offers the responsiveness of a local roofing contractor backed by the resources and stability of a national provider.
For more information: http://www.tectaamerica.com.

About ONCAP
ONCAP is the mid-market private equity platform of Onex. In partnership with operating company management teams, ONCAP invests in and builds value in North American headquartered medium-sized businesses that are market leaders and possess meaningful growth potential.
Onex is one of the oldest and most successful private equity firms. Through its Onex Partners and ONCAP private equity funds, Onex acquires and builds high-quality businesses in partnership with talented management teams. At Onex Credit, Onex manages and invests in leveraged loans, collateralized loan obligations and other credit securities. Onex has more than $33 billion of assets under management, including $6.8 billion of Onex proprietary capital, in private equity and credit securities. With offices in Toronto, New York, New Jersey and London, Onex and the team are collectively the largest investors across Onex’ platforms. Onex shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol ONEX.

For more information: https://www.oncap.com or https://www.onex.com.
For further information:
Altas Partners
Sard Verbinnen & Co.
Andrew Cole / Julie Rudnick
+1.212.687.8080
Tecta America Corporation
Robin Hollerich
rhollerich@tectaamerica.com
+1.248.220.1467
Onex
Emilie Blouin
Director, Investor Relations
+1.416.362.7711

 

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Ratos AB: CEO Peter Nilsson to leave Speed Group

Ratos

Peter Nilsson is stepping down from his role as CEO of Ratos’s subsidiary Speed Group. The company’s CFO, Anders Appelqvist, has been appointed Acting CEO until a permanent CEO has been recruited.

Outgoing CEO Peter Nilsson was initially a member of Speed Group’s Board of Directors before taking over as CEO in autumn 2016. Peter is now leaving the company and Anders Appelqvist, who currently serves as the company’s CFO, has been appointed Acting CEO. Anders will take office effective immediately and the process to recruit a permanent replacement has begun.

“During his time as CEO, Peter has contributed to Speed Group’s substantial growth. Under Peter’s leadership, the company has become a national supplier of logistics services through the acquisition of Samdistribution in Stockholm and the first third-party logistics (3PL) supplier in the Nordic region to invest in an Autostore system. Since Speed Group’s focus has now shifted from growth to consolidation and profitability-enhancing measures, Peter is now leaving the company and Anders is taking over as Acting CEO,” says Christian Johansson Gebauer, Director at Ratos and responsible of Speed Group.

Ratos became the majority owner of Speed Group in 2015. The company is now a national supplier of logistics services and services for staffing, recruitment and education, with strong growth in an attractive underlying market. Speed Group has approximately 1,200 employees and sales of SEK 673m for the rolling 12-month period ending 30 September 2018.

For further information, please contact:

Christian Johansson Gebauer, Director, +46 8 700 17 00

Helene Gustafsson, Head of IR and Press, Ratos, +46 8 700 17 98

Financial calendar from Ratos:
Year-end report 2018                                     15 February 2019
Annual General Meeting                                 8 May 2019

Ratos owns and develops unlisted medium-sized companies in the Nordic countries. Our goal as an active owner is to contribute to long-term and sustainable business development in the companies we invest in and to make value-generating transactions. Ratos’s portfolio consists of 12 medium-sized Nordic companies and the largest segments in terms of sales are Construction, Industrials and Consumer goods/Commerce. Ratos is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and has approximately 12,300 employees.

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Midlothian Capital Partners acquires PGL in £467m deal

Midlothian

London, 26 October, 2018

Midlothian Capital Partners (“MCP”) and a consortium of investors have agreed to acquire HB Education Limited (“HB Education”) – the holding company for PGL – for a value of £467 million.

HB Education is the UK’s leading outdoor education and study travel group. The market leading company provides residential adventure and study trips for schools, youth organisations and young people through the PGL brand, along with educational travel tours for schools and further/higher education students through NST, EST and Studylink. In addition, Travelplus (Germany) offers language travel and gap year experiences.

The vendor was Cox & Kings, the longest established travel company in the world.

This is Midlothian’s third consumer sector deal in the past two years following the £210m acquisition of Dobbies Garden Centres from Tesco in 2016 and the £110m purchase of Park Leisure, the holiday home operator, in 2017.

MCP received financing support through funds managed by Ares Management Ltd. The existing HB Education management team will stay in post and plan to expand the business both in the UK and internationally. It currently owns 26 Regional Activity Centres in the UK, France, Spain and Australia.

The company was founded in the late 1950’s by Peter Gordon Lawrence, initially providing canoe trips on the River Wye.  In 2007 it was acquired by Holidaybreak plc and merged with NST to create the leading experiential learning programme business in the UK. It was acquired by Cox & Kings in 2011.

Midlothian’s Neil Currie is Chairman-designate of HB Education. He said:

“HB Education is an industry-leading operator within both the residential outdoor activity and educational travel sectors. PGL is a much-loved brand among teachers and students and has created lasting, happy memories – including many among our own families.

We are delighted that the existing management team, led by CEO John Firth and CFO Peter Churchus, have agreed to remain with the company and partner with us. They have led HB Education impressively through its most successful growth period and their focus on customer satisfaction and team culture is a key reason for our interest in the group.”

Andrew Bracey of MCP, said:

“This transaction follows our recent acquisitions of Dobbies Garden Centres and Park Leisure and further demonstrates the strength of our network and operating model, as well as our ability to build close relationships with principals. PGL/HB Education adds another highly relevant and customer-focused business to our portfolio – crucial attributes within a rapidly changing consumer sector.”

Aidan Clegg of MCP, said:

“Cox & Kings have been excellent owners of the company, a pleasure to deal with and we look forward to continuing our relationship following the transaction.”

John Firth CEO of HB Education, said:

We are delighted that MCP has been chosen as the next owner of our company. We feel that MCP’s values align strongly with those of our staff and customers and we look forward to partnering with them as we open a new chapter in our long history of excellence and growth.”

Mike Dennis, Co-Head European Credit at Ares, said:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with MCP and HB Education on this transaction. This is our third transaction with MCP and based on their significant experience in related sectors through their existing portfolio investments, we are confident that MCP represents a strong and appropriate partner for the company as it enters the next phase of its development”

Peter Kerkar, Group CEO of C&K, said:

“We are delighted that the education business has found a home with Midlothian as we are certain that they will continue to invest and develop the education business.”

Advisers to MCP include: Rothschild (financial), Slaughter and May (legal), and EY (accounting and tax).

Advisors to Cox & Kings include: Eversheds Sutherland (legal) and Baird (financial) and Axis Capital

Advisers to Ares include: Dechert LLP (legal)

ENDS

Contact:

Montfort Communications

Nick Miles 07739 701634

James Olley 07974 982302

 

About Midlothian Capital Partners

Midlothian Capital Partners is a consumer-focused investment company. The three founders of MCP (Andrew Bracey, Aidan Clegg and Neil Currie) have more than 70 years combined experience in consumer facing businesses in corporate finance, private equity, research and business management. The three founders will all join the board of HB Education.

About Ares Management, L.P.

Ares Management, L.P. is a publicly traded, leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $121.4 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2018 and 18 offices in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Since its inception in 1997, Ares has adhered to a disciplined investment philosophy that focuses on delivering strong risk-adjusted investment returns throughout market cycles. Ares believes each of its three distinct but complementary investment groups in Credit, Private Equity and Real Estate is a market leader based on assets under management and investment performance. Ares was built upon the fundamental principle that each group benefits from being part of the greater whole. For more information, visit www.aresmgmt.com.

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KKR To Invest in Epic Games

KKR

trategic investment partners include KKR, ICONIQ Capital, Smash Ventures, aXiomatic, Vulcan Capital, Kleiner Perkins, and Lightspeed Venture Partners

CARY, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Epic Games is pleased to announce it has received an investment of approximately $1.25 billion from KKR, ICONIQ Capital, Smash Ventures, aXiomatic, Vulcan Capital, Kleiner Perkins, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.

This investment creates powerful partnerships with highly strategic investment firms and individuals at the forefront of technology, entertainment, professional sports, esports, and live events.

These investors join Tencent, Disney and Endeavor as minority shareholders in Epic, which continues to be controlled by founder and CEO, Tim Sweeney.

“We’re excited to partner with the finest minds in the financial, sports, and entertainment communities. This reinforces Epic’s position of leadership in real-time 3D technology, and accelerates our ability to improve the way people play, work, and interact with the world,” said Sweeney.

“Epic Games has fundamentally changed the model for interactive entertainment under the company’s visionary leadership,” said Ted Oberwager of KKR. “Alongside a special group of investors, we are thrilled to support Epic’s dedicated employees and the passionate community of players and developers that lies at the heart of everything that Epic Games does.”

The Raine Group and Guggenheim Securities, LLC are acting as financial advisors to Epic Games. Smith Anderson is acting as legal advisor to Epic Games.

About Epic Games

Founded in 1991, Epic Games is the creator of Fortnite, Unreal, Gears of War, Shadow Complex, and the Infinity Blade series of games. Epic’s Unreal Engine technology brings high-fidelity, interactive experiences to PC, console, mobile, AR, VR and the Web. Unreal Engine is freely available at unrealengine.com. For more information, visit epicgames.com and check out @EpicGames.

Contacts
Epic Games
Dana Cowley
Dana.Cowley@epicgames.com

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Horizon-backed Wireless Innovation acquires Rock Seven and YB Tracking

Horizon Capital

Wireless Innovation, a specialist Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and communications provider, backed by Horizon Capital, today announces the acquisition of Rock Seven Mobile Services Limited and YB Tracking Limited.

Founded in 2008, Rock Seven and YB Tracking provide connectivity and hardware, which enable customers to track assets and IoT devices in remote and hazardous locations utilising the Iridium satellite network. The business has demonstrated significant growth, expanding sales by 200% over the last two years, and will allow the enlarged group to access new fast-growing markets in the M2M sector.

Richard Searle, CTO of Rock Seven said, “We are excited to be joining with Wireless and taking advantage of the exciting opportunities being part of a larger group will bring. Having Horizon Capital’s backing will allow us to continue our innovation and expansion in this rapidly growing market.”

The acquisition of Rock Seven and YB Tracking will add considerable scale to the Wireless Innovation platform, which itself has continued its double-digit organic growth rate, expanded internationally, increased its workforce and significantly enhanced its underlying connectivity end points.

Commenting on the acquisition, Phil Rouse, CEO at Wireless Innovation said, “Welcoming Rock Seven and YB Tracking into the group enables us to significantly strengthen our product and services offering, commercial experience and technical ability. In addition to this, Rock Seven and YB Tracking share our customer-focused and entrepreneurial culture which will continue as Nick Farrell, Richard Searle and Andrew Jackson drive the success of Rock Seven and YB Tracking whilst enhancing the offering of the group.”

Luke Kingston, Partner at Horizon Capital said, “It’s been a transformational year for Wireless Innovation both in terms of organic and now acquisitive growth. At the time of our original investment we made a significant capital commitment to Phil and the team in executing their ambitious strategy and we look forward to continuing to support them with further acquisitions. We are pleased to have completed a deal so soon after Horizon Capital’s launch.”

Wireless Innovation were advised by Deloitte, Dow Schofield Watts, Latitude Consulting, Harrison Clark Rickerbys and Forward Corporate Finance.

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CapMan Nordic Real Estate II leases large retail area in central Oslo to Power

CapMan Nordic Real Estate II fund has let approx. 1,800 sqm of retail space at Lille Grensen 5 to Power, the large and well-known pan Nordic electrical retailer.

Power has leased the entire basement, ground and first floor retail space for a period of 11 years. The property is a 4,700 sqm mixed retail and office building located on Lille Grensen, a well-known pedestrianised street in the heart of Oslo city centre which connects with both Karl Johans gate, the premier retail street in Oslo, and Grensen.

“We are very excited to sign a long-term agreement with Power, who we think is an ideal tenant for this property. Leasing to an exciting brand such as Power within six months of our previous tenant vacating clearly demonstrates the attractiveness of our property both in terms of quality and location. Lille Grensen 5 is CapMan Real Estate’s second investment in Oslo and we are pleased to intensify our co-operation with both tenants and property professionals in the Norwegian market,” comments Ed Williams, Managing Partner at CapMan Real Estate.

Power wishes to strengthen its position in Oslo and will, through this store, create a future-oriented retail outlet that takes into account the role and impact of e-commerce. Power expects to launch its store of the future during March 2019.

Malling & Co and CLP acted for CapMan in the transaction.

CapMan Nordic Real Estate II is a €425 million fund raised in August 2017. The focus of the fund is to acquire mainly office, retail and residential properties located in established submarkets of major Nordic cities.

CapMan Real Estate has a team consisting of over 30 real estate professionals in Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen. CapMan Real Estate was established in 2005 and it currently has over €1.7 billion of assets under management.

For further information, please contact:
Ed Williams, Managing Partner, CapMan Real Estate, tel. +46 76 506 20 71

About CapMan
CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value-creation in its target companies and assets. We offer a wide selection of investment products and services. As one of the Nordic private equity pioneers we have developed hundreds of companies and real estate and created substantial value in these businesses and assets over the last 30 years. CapMan employs today approximately 120 private equity professionals and has approximately €2.8 billion in assets under management. We mainly manage the assets of our customers, the investors, but also make investments from our own balance sheet. Our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors. Our current investment strategies cover Real Estate, Buyout, Russia, Credit, Growth Equity and Infra. We also have a growing service business that currently includes procurement services (CaPS), fundraising advisory (Scala Fund Advisory), and fund management services. www.capman.com
twitter.com/CapManPE

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Nexstim secures Business Finland funding for the development of wireless EMG devices

Helsinki, Finland: 25 October 2018 – Nexstim Plc (NXTMH:HEX, NXTMS:STO), the targeted neuromodulation company developing, and marketing pioneering navigated personalised, non-invasive brain stimulation systems for the treatment of Major Depression Disorder (MDD), announces today that it has secured € 342 thousand in the form of future R&D loans from Business Finland. The funding is part of the ELASTRONICS project to develop wireless Electromyography (EMG) devices. ELASTRONICS (Enabling the Future of Wearable Electronics) is Finland’s largest research project for stretchable electronics technologies and production processes.

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Blackstone Energy Partners Announces Acquisition of Ulterra Drilling Technologies from American Securities

Blackstone

New York, October 23, 2018 – Blackstone Energy Partners announced today that it has entered into binding agreements to acquire a controlling, majority interest in Ulterra Drilling Technologies (“Ulterra” or the “Company”) from affiliates of American Securities LLC.  American Securities and certain members of management will retain a minority equity interest in the Company going forward.  Financial terms were not disclosed.  The transaction is expected to close prior to year-end 2018.

Ulterra is the largest pure-play, independent supplier of polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) drill bits to the oil and gas industry.  The Company is one of the fastest growing PDC drill bit manufacturers, having more than doubled total revenue since 2016.  Ulterra currently has a leading position in many of the most active U.S. onshore oil and gas basins, including the Permian and Eagle Ford, and has a growing presence internationally.  Ulterra’s singular focus on PDC drilling technology allows it to deliver the highest level of customer service and customization to producers across a wide range of basins and geological formations, driving industry leading performance and durability.

The Company is led by a best-in-class management team who will continue in their current roles going forward, including Chief Executive Officer, John Clunan, and Chief Financial Officer, Maria Mejia, who are joined by a dedicated workforce of more than 600 employees worldwide.  “We are very excited about having Blackstone as a partner as we enter the next phase of growth.  Blackstone’s in-depth knowledge of the energy markets through their upstream and midstream companies will provide valuable insight for Ulterra.  We are also excited to have American Securities continue their involvement with the company. This new team will enable the continued expansion for our people, our culture, and our partners,” said John Clunan.

From Blackstone Energy Partners
“Drill bits are a mission-critical downhole consumable product, which are poised to benefit from drilling activity, particularly in the most economic oil and gas plays in North America.  Ulterra is well-positioned to serve producers in these plays given its portfolio of premium PDC drill bits that deliver best-in-class performance and reliability.  We look forward to partnering with American Securities and the Ulterra team as the Company enters this next phase of growth. We believe that high-quality equipment manufacturers such as Ulterra will continue to represent attractive investment opportunities, including potential add-on acquisitions for Ulterra, or new standalone opportunities in oil field services and equipment,” said Eric Liaw, Senior Managing Director of Blackstone Energy Partners.

From American Securities
“During our partnership, John and the talented Ulterra management team have established Ulterra as a market leader through their best-in-class products and focus on customer service,” said Kevin Penn, a Managing Director of American Securities.  “We continue to believe in Ulterra and are excited to remain equity holders in the Company alongside the management team and Blackstone to pursue Ulterra’s next phase of growth,” added Michael Sand, a Managing Director of American Securities.

Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to Blackstone.  Barclays served as financial advisor to Blackstone.  Simmons & Company International, Energy Specialists of Piper Jaffray and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC acted as financial advisors to American Securities and Ulterra. Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel to American Securities and Ulterra.

About Ulterra
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Ulterra is a leading manufacturer of PDC drill bits to the oil and gas sector.  The Company has nearly 250,000 square feet of engineering, manufacturing and service space in Fort Worth, Texas, Leduc, Alberta in Canada and global locations in Oman, Colombia, Argentina, Kurdistan, and is soon to open in Saudi Arabia.  With locations all throughout the United States, Canada, and international, Ulterra’s field service locations are conveniently located near the drilling activity to provide direct support for your drilling operations.  For more information, please visit www.ulterra.com

About Blackstone Energy Partners
Blackstone Energy Partners is Blackstone’s energy-focused private equity business, with a successful record built on our industry expertise and partnerships with exceptional management teams.  Blackstone has invested or committed over $16 billion of equity globally across a broad range of sectors within the energy industry.

Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with $457 billion in assets under management, include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.

About American Securities
Based in New York with an office in Shanghai, American Securities is a leading U.S. private equity firm that invests in market-leading North American companies with annual revenues generally ranging from $200 million to $2 billion and/or $50 million to $250 million of EBITDA. American Securities and its affiliates have approximately $23 billion under management. For more information, visit www.american-securities.com.

Contacts
Blackstone Media Relations
Paula Chirhart
(212) 583-5011
paula.chirhart@blackstone.com

American Securities
Amy Harsch
(212) 476-8071
aharsch@american-securities.com

Ulterra Drilling Technologies
Aron Deen
(817) 551-0089
adeen@ulterra.com

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