Captek Softgel International Acquires J+D Labs

Swander Pace

Captek Softgel International Acquires J+D Labs

Cerritos and Vista, CA – August 4, 2017 – California-based Captek Softgel International, Inc. (CSI), a leading contract manufacturer of custom dietary supplements is pleased to announce its acquisition of J+D Labs Pharma Manufacturing, Inc. Captek Softgel International is a portfolio company of Swander Pace Capital, and the acquisition of J+D Labs is a continuation of SPC’s focus on investing in and growing industry-leading vitamin, mineral, and supplement companies.

For decades J+D Labs has been well recognized in the nutraceutical industry as a first-class manufacturer of health and wellness supplements producing more than 1,000 unique formulations. More recently J+D Labs has brought NutraStock® to the market, more than 250 bulk stock dietary supplements manufactured in the USA.

Captek CEO David Wood said this union will result in a greater diversity of offerings and services within the supplement channel. “We have long regarded J+D Labs’ reputation and the significance of what they bring to the table as a leader in the industry,” he said. J+D Labs’ extensive experience manufacturing a wide-range of softgels, specialized tablets, capsules, and powder formulations was a perfect complement to Captek’s offerings. Wood stated, “Going forward, we are committed to our collective success through focusing on our customers,  sharing best practices,  and continuing our best-in-class quality and compliance standards.”

“This acquisition is positive for everyone: for our employees, our suppliers, our customers, and the end-users,” said J+D Labs owner, Jay Majmudar. CSI is well established in more than 20 countries. “We are happy to play a key role in helping to expand distribution even further. We will continue to make quality, price, and timely delivery a top priority,” emphasized Majmudar.

The newly joined companies will continue to produce high quality products in both Cerritos and Vista, CA. This will give customers the business continuity planning they have long sought by having the ability to have their products manufactured at either site. As a result, more than 300,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehousing, and analytical testing labs will immediately bring to market greater capacity, expertise, comprehensive turnkey packaging, the benefits of enteric coating, and more.

In the coming months the combined company will work with its customer-facing teams to communicate its newly expanded product and service offerings to both existing and prospective customers.

 

About Captek Softgel International, Inc.

Captek Softgel International, Inc. (CSI) is a privately-owned, FDA registered and audited, GMP-certified, full-service contract manufacturer of custom dietary supplement formulations.

CSI features high efficiency encapsulation lines operating 24/5, capable of producing more than three billion softgels annually. The facility encompasses approximately 163,000 square feet of production, analytical laboratory, pilot laboratory, and warehousing space. Captek fully complies with FDA cGMP’s and has been independently certified by NSF International. For more information, visit www.capteksoftgel.com.

 

About Swander Pace Capital

Swander Pace Capital (SPC) is a private equity firm that invests in companies that are integral to consumers’ lives. SPC’s consumer industry expertise informs the firm’s strategic approach and adds value through access to its proven SPC Playbook, senior team and extensive network. The firm partners with management teams to help build companies to their full potential. SPC invests in businesses across three domains of consumer lifestyles: Food & Beverage, Body & Wellness and Home & Family. With offices in San Francisco, New Jersey and Toronto, SPC has invested in more than 45 companies and raised cumulative equity commitments of approximately $1.8 billion since 1996. SPC’s current investments in the vitamin, mineral, and supplement industry include Captek Softgel International, Inc., Swanson Health Products, and Reliance Holdings, in additional to its prior ownership of ReNew Life Formulas, Inc. and Santa Cruz Nutritionals. For more information, visit www.spcap.com.

 

About J+D Labs Pharma Manufacturing, Inc.

J+D Labs is a privately-owned, premier, custom manufacturer of nutraceuticals based in Vista, California. With more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, they have grown their business to include more than 300 team members including pharmacists, microbiologists, administrative staff, skilled technicians, engineers and chemists—all working together in a state-of-the-art, 135,000-square-foot facility to produce the highest quality dietary supplements. For more information visit www.jdlabs.com.

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Mizuho Financial Group and WiL Establish Joint Venture focused on New Business Creation

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Mizuho Financial Group and WiL Establish Joint Venture Focused on New Business Creation

Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (President & CEO: Koji Fujiwara) , a core subsidiary of Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (Presid
ent & Group CEO: Yasuhiro Sato), and WiL LLC. (CEO: Gen Isayama, referred to along with its subsidiaries
as “WiL Group” below) are pleased to announce the establishment of Blue Lab, Co., Ltd. (President, CEO, & Representative Director: Daisuke Yamada) for the purpose of creating new business.
Blue Lab aims to drive business generation through innovative technological advances, including
those being made by shareholders who have contributed to the establishment of the company (listed
below) in their own fields. More specifically, Blue Lab is focused on the creation and commercialization of next
-generation business models through FinTech initiatives such as the creation of a global settlement platform,
development of software to automate operational tasks using AI and big data, and optimization of
supply chain management and trade finance through commercialization of blockchain technology, as
well as through IoT-related advancements within the shareholders’ respective industries and in general.
Mizuho is committed to pursuing the incorporation of new, innovative technologies into our
business in order to provide customers with consistently better services.

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Allianz and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board to invest in Gas Natural Fenosa’s gas distribution business in Spain

Allianz

Allianz Capital Partners and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB”), through its wholly owned subsidiary, CPP Investment Board Europe S.a.r.l., signed an agreement today with Gas Natural Fenosa (“GNF”) to acquire a 20% minority equity interest in its gas distribution business in Spain (“GNDB”).

Allianz Capital Partners, on behalf of the Allianz Group, and CPPIB will invest EUR 1,500 m for the 20% equity interest. The equity investments for Allianz Capital Partners and CPPIB are EUR 600 million and EUR 900 million, respectively. Allianz Capital Partners and CPPIB are long-term infrastructure investors with significant experience investing in regulated utilities, including the gas sector, and with a strong track-record of partnering with strategic investors in infrastructure businesses.

“GNDB represents an attractive opportunity for our customers and is fully aligned with our investment strategy of investing in core infrastructure assets. We are very pleased to be entering into a new partnership with GNF as a leading international energy group and look forward to further strengthening our relationship with GNF and CPPIB and to support the continued success of this high quality business,” said Christian Fingerle, Chief Investment Officer at Allianz Capital Partners.

“GNDB is a core infrastructure asset that fits well with CPPIB’s infrastructure portfolio, providing long-term stable cash flows for the CPP Fund. We look forward to establishing an enduring partnership with GNF and Allianz in this world-class business, and in adding to our investments in Spain,” said Cressida Hogg, Managing Director, Global Head of Infrastructure, CPPIB.

GNDB is the largest gas distribution network in Spain with more than 5.3 million connection points and serving some 1,100 municipalities. It serves a geographically diversified residential and industrial customer base across Spain, providing its customers with access to a cost-efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly source of energy. Post transaction, GNF will continue to own an 80% equity shareholding in GNDB, which will remain a core part of GNF’s portfolio.

Commenting on this agreement, Rafael Villaseca Marco, Chief Executive of GNF, said, “GNDB is a premium asset in the gas sector in Spain and essential part of our investment strategy. We welcome the opportunity to partner with these two well renowned long-term infrastructure investors and continue to invest in further expanding the gas network in Spain and maintaining high efficiency of operations and quality of customer service.”

Completion of the transaction, which is subject to certain regulatory approvals, is expected by January 2018.

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Partners Group acquires CB16 office tower in La Défense

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Partners Group acquires CB16 office tower in La Défense

Paris Partners Group, the global private markets investment manager, has agreed to acquire an office building, CB16Tower, in the La Défense business district of Paris, France, on behalf of its clients.

The purchase price for the building is EUR 170million. CB16 Tower is a 28-story building with a total floor area of 30,000 square meters situated in one of Paris’ prime business Districts, with excellent public transport links to the Greater Paris area. Constructed in 1971, the building underwent a complete renovation In 2003 to provide an efficient, modern, high -standard property with green certification.

Partners Group will partner with local operator Aquila Asset Management in order to actively manage the property on behalf of existing and future tenants, with plans to execute a value-added business plan including renovation in order to improve the property’s occupancy.

Mike Bryant, Managing Director, Co-Head Private Real Estate, Partners Group, comments: “La Défense is experiencing a steady recovery in demand for office space compared to previous years and the acquisition of CB16 Tower is a great way to gain exposure to the area at a good point in the cycle.

Given the visibility on income this investment brings and the quality of the building, the tower fits well with Partners Group’s relative value focus on acquiring office property below replacement cost in decentralized locations in Tier 1 cities, where pricing does not yet reflect attractive fundamentals.”

About Partners Group

Partners Group is a global private markets investment management firm with over EUR 57 billion (USD 66billion) in investment programs under management in private equity, private real estate, private infrastructure and private debt. The firm manages a broad range of customized portfolios for an international clientele of institutional investors. Partners Group is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland and has offices in San Francisco, Denver, Houston, New York, São Paulo, London,

Guernsey, Paris, Luxembourg, Milan, Munich, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Manila, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney. The firm employs over 950 people and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: PGHN) with a major ownership by its partners and employees.

 

Investor relations contact

Philip Sauer

Phone: +41 41 784 66 60

Email: philip.sauer@partnersgroup.com

 

Media relations contact

Jenny Blinch

Phone: +41 41 784 65 26

Email: jenny.blinch@partnersgroup.com

www.partnersgroup.com

 

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Ardian takes majority stake in CNC technology company imes-icore

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Ardian takes majority stake in CNC technology company imes-icore

Eiterfeld/Frankfurt, August 2nd 2017 – Ardian, the independent private investment company, today announces the acquisition of a majority stake in imes-icore GmbH (imes-icore), a specialist manufacturer of computer numerical control (CNC) and computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems predominantly focusing on the medical industry, and headquartered in Eiterfeld, Germany.

Ardian will acquire the stake from current majority shareholder, Hugo Isert, as part of a succession planning programme. Current CEO, Christoph Stark, will retain a significant minority stake, and will continue to manage the business. In the course of this transaction, members of the management team will also become shareholders in the company.

imes-icore_logo

imes-icore was founded in 2002 by Hugo Isert and Christoph Stark, and develops, produces and sells specialist CNC-CAD/CAM systems for milling, water jet and laser cutting, and 3D printing. The company has close to 150 employees and in 2016 generated sales of approximately EUR 30 million.

imes-icore’s main competency lies in machine systems for the automated production of dentures such as dental caps and bridges, implant superstructures or prostheses. The company’s products are used in dental laboratories, clinics and dental milling centres. imes-icore also offers specialized industrial production solutions for numerous industries such as e.g. jewellery, orthopaedic and automotive sectors as well as for model/mould construction. Sales to customers in more than 100 countries are handled primarily through distribution partners.

With the support of Ardian, imes-icore plans to increase its range of services and key account management as well as expanding internationally, both organically and through targeted acquisitions.

Christoph Stark, CEO and co-founder of imes-icore, said: “The partnership with Ardian is an important milestone in the development of imes-icore. Ardian’s extensive industrial experience, financial strength and global platform will support us in realising our potential for national and international growth. Our well-established brand, unique product and service portfolio, and clear focus on innovation is valued by customers worldwide. We intend to grow our strong market position in our core segment by further building on our dental laboratories business as well as expanding our activities in the segments of practice laboratories and automated systems for milling centres. We will continue to develop these specific market segments going forward, on both the product development and sales sides.”

Marc Abadir, Managing Director of Ardian Expansion, said: “imes-icore is acknowledged throughout the industry as a leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the dental sector. It has significant potential for growth in a fragmented market environment, led by a highly capable CEO, Christoph Stark. We look forward to supporting the company and management team in realising the firm’s potential for growth.”

This is the fifth investment of Ardian Expansion Fund IV which closed at €1 billion in 2016. The fund invests in high-growth companies with a value of up to EUR 225 million in France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.

The transaction remains subject to approval from the competition authorities, and financial details have not been disclosed.

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian, founded in 1996 and led by Dominique Senequier, is an independent private investment company with assets of US$62 billion managed or advised in Europe, North America and Asia. The company, which is majority-owned by its employees, keeps entrepreneurship at its heart and delivers investment performance to its global investors while fuelling growth in economies across the world. Ardian’s investment process embodies three values: excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship.

Ardian maintains a truly global network, with more than 460 employees working through twelve offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore and Zurich. The company offers its 580 investors a diversified choice of funds covering the full range of asset classes, including Ardian Funds of Funds (primary, early secondary and secondary), Ardian Private Debt, Ardian North America Direct Buyout, Direct Funds (Ardian Mid Cap Buyout, Ardian Expansion, Ardian Growth, Ardian Co-Investment), Ardian Infrastructure, Ardian Real Estate and customized mandate solutions with Ardian Mandates.

ABOUT IMES-ICORE

Imes-icore was established in 2002 as a spin-off from the isel Group, which has been in business since 1972. The company currently has around 150 employees at its Eiterfeld site. It develops, produces and sells specialist CNC-CAD/CAM systems for milling, water jet and laser cutting as well as 3D-printing. The firm’s products are used in dental laboratories, clinics and dental milling centres. imes-icore also offers specialized industrial production solutions for numerous industries such as e.g. jewellery, orthopaedic and automotive sectors as well as for model/mould construction. Sales to customers in more than 100 countries are handled primarily through distribution partners. imes-icore generated sales of around EUR 30 million in 2016.

COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE TRANSACTION

Ardian Team: Marc Abadir, Dirk Wittneben, Yannic Metzger, Max Dolata
Financial: Deloitte (Egon Sachsalber)
Commercial: L.E.K. (Tobias Kösters, Nicole Damani)
Legal Corporate: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Dr. Christoph Brenner, Dr. Fabian von Samson)
Legal Finance: Willkie, Farr & Gallagher (Jan Wilms)
Tax: Taxess (Gerald Thomas, Richard Schäfer)
Insurance: Aon (Dr. Christoph von Lehmann)
M&A Advisory: Raymond James (Dirk-Oliver Löffler)
Debt Advisory: DC Advisory (Daniel Gebler)
M&A Advisory (sell-side): UniCredit (Michael Bälz, Garbor Grailach)
Legal (sell-side): McDermott, Will & Emery (Dr. Clemens Just, Norman Wasse)

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Investment in Middle eastern bakery business

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Investment in the Middle Eastern bakery business via the Gulf Japan Food Fund, a Private Equity fund set up to promote exports to that region -Supporting expansion of Japanese food and agricultural exports-

 

In July 2017, the Gulf Japan Food Fund (below: “GJFF”), owned by investors including Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (President & CEO: Koji Fujiwara) and The Norinchukin Bank (President & CEO:Yoshio Kono), invested in Yamanote Atelier Restaurant LLC (below: “Yamanote”; owners: Sheikh Suhail Al Maktoum, Mrs Hamda Al Thani), a firm developing a Japanese bakery business in Dubai, U.A.E.

The GJFF is a private equity fund set up to promote export growth of Japan’s agricultural, forestry and fisheries products and the food security of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries (below: “GCC”), mainly in financial terms. The fund began investment operations on 3 March, 2016. Fund stakeholders on the Japanese side, apart from Mizuho Bank and Norinchukin Bank, also include the Cool Japan Fund, a public/private fund. Those on the Middle Eastern side include the Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), and sovereign wealth funds. Together, all these organizations have collectively invested USD 390 million.

Yamanote is a bakery chain established by Dubai’s Ruling Family, based on the concept of “Japanese Bakery”. It emphasizes high quality and food safety, and imports most of the ingredients from Japan. The firm plans to benefit from this time’s investment round by constructing central kitchen facilities and expanding its branch network mainly in the GCC countries.

By supporting Yamanote’s business expansion through investment, the GJFF intends to promote further export growth not only of Japan’s agricultural products like dairy goods, wheat, rice and azuki beans but also the country’s other food and agricultural products like confectionery goods and beverages.

Going forward, Mizuho Bank and Norinchukin Bank plan to continue contributing to the creation of added value and new markets in the agricultural and food business, via the GJFF.

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

The Norinchukin Bank

 

 

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EQT Mid Market invests in a group which owns ILA Vietnam

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EQT Mid Market invests in a group which owns ILA Vietnam

  • EQT Mid Market invests in a group which owns ILA Vietnam, a premium market leader in the English Language Training (“ELT”) sector in Vietnam
  • Strategy is to support continued growth and development of the company to stay ahead of its peers, through enhancements of the academic product offering, learning experience and environment, and network expansion, by leveraging on EQT’s experience and network globally

The EQT Mid Market investment strategy (“EQT Mid Market”) invests in a group which owns ILA Vietnam (“ILA” or the “Company”). An early pioneer in the premium ELT industry, ILA has a well-established reputation and a history that goes more than 20 years back. Today, ILA has over 20,000 ELT enrollments across Vietnam, and in addition offers overseas study consultancy, teacher training services and corporate English training.  ILA strives to be at the forefront in delivering high quality and up-to-date programs to its students across Vietnam.

Mr. Johan Bygge, Chairman of EQT Asia Pacific said: “We are excited to see EQT Mid Market join forces with a market leader in Vietnam’s ELT sector such as ILA. The vast EQT experience, insights and network in the education sector globally, will be of great support in taking ILA to the next level.”

“We are impressed by the Company’s premium curriculum offering and delivery methods, which have been key reasons for its long-term success. Going forward, there will be very interesting opportunities to grow the ILA offering to students all across Vietnam.” says Mr. Tak Wai Chung, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT Mid Market.

Contacts
Tak Wai Chung, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT Mid Market +65 6595 1830
EQT Press Office +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT
EQT is a leading alternative investments firm with approximately EUR 37 billion in raised capital across 24 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.
More info: www.eqtpartners.com

About ILA Vietnam
ILA Vietnam is a leading premium ELT service provider in Vietnam. The Company offers premium English Language Training, overseas study consultancy, teacher training services and corporate English training.
More info: http://ilavietnam.edu.vn/

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Schroders completes acquisition of Adveq

Schroder Adveq

Schroders is today announcing the completion of the acquisition of Adveq, a leading asset manager investing in private equity globally.

The acquisition, which was announced on 20 April 2017, has now received approval from the regulators. Adveq has been renamed Schroder Adveq.

The acquisition of Adveq accelerates the growth of Schroders private assets business, with more than $7 billion of client commitments, complementing existing capabilities and expertise in the real estate and infrastructure finance sectors.

Sven Lidén, CEO of Schroder Adveq commented:

“We are pleased to have received such a high level of support from our clients and other stakeholders for our partnership with Schroders.

Schroder Adveq, as we are now known, remains committed to delivering the strong investment performance and high quality client service that investors have come to expect from our team over the 20 years since we first launched.”

Stephen Mills has joined the Schroder Adveq board as Executive Chairman. Bruno Raschle, founder of Schroder Adveq, remains on the board in a new capacity of non-executive Vice Chairman.

Headquartered in Switzerland, Schroder Adveq employs over 100 people around the world. Adveq’s clients include some of the largest and most highly regarded institutional investors and pension funds in Switzerland and Germany. In recent years, Adveq has also successfully established a premium client base in the US and other international markets.

For further information on Schroder Adveq, please contact:

Anelia Fikiina, CNC Communications

Tel: +44 (0)203 219 8887 /  schroderadveq@cnc-communications.com

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Marle completes the acquisition of SMB Medical

ik-investment-partners

Marle, the leading European orthopaedic manufacturer backed by IK VII Fund since 2016, is accelerating its development through the acquisition of SMB Medical. Marle acquired 100 percent of the shares of SMB Holding AG, the parent company of SMB Medical SA, from Swiss Patrimonium Private Equity and various minority shareholders. The transaction was closed on 27 July 2016.

Based in Sant’Antonino, Switzerland, and with 85 employees, SMB Medical is a well-established contract manufacturer, producing tailor-made forged orthopaedic implants in all available medical alloys.

Unifying the complementary companies SMB Medical and Marle secures long-term prospects of both brands. Customers will benefit from an extended product range and broader geographic presence. The enlarged group consolidates its rank amongst the top three contract manufacturers for orthopaedic implants worldwide and as the European leader offering one-stop-shop solutions for their customers across the globe.

Heimo Wabusseg, CEO of SMB Medical, is enthusiastic about the acquisition: “by integrating with Marle, SMB Medical will further grow its position in the market by expanding its customer portfolio and investing in new technologies.”

“With SMB Medical, we gain access to attractive new customer segments. SMB Medical offers high quality standards and will enrich the group with a complementary and adjacent product range,” added Antonio Gil, CEO of Marle.

“The acquisition of SMB Medical is a key milestone in the development of Marle, adding additional manufacturing capabilities and a deep understanding of the market,” said Rémi Buttiaux, Partner at IK Investment Partners.

The financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

For any questions, please contact:

IK Investment Partners
Mikaela Hedborg
Director Communications & ESG
Phone: +44 77 87 573 566

About Marle
Marle has a 30-year track record serving the orthopaedic implant industry and specialises in the precision forging, machining and finishing of hip knee, shoulder, spine and extremities implants as well as instruments. It has acquired and developed a wide span of technologies dedicated to the medical industry and now offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of manufacturing services in the orthopaedics market. From a modest forging operation with 11 employees in 1978, Marle was shaped into the European leader it is today. For more information, visit www.marle.fr

About SMB Medical
SMB Medical has a history of almost 30 years in the production of orthopaedic and osteosynthesis implants in all available medical grade titanium alloys, cobalt chrome alloys and stainless steels. It uses state-of-the-art technology of forging, machining and finishing processes to develop custom solutions for its clients in the orthopaedic market. For more information, visit www.smb-medical.com

About IK Investment Partners
IK Investment Partners (“IK”) is a Pan-European private equity firm focused on investments in the Nordics, DACH region, France, and Benelux. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €9 billion of capital and invested in over 100 European companies. IK funds support companies with strong underlying potential, partnering with management teams and investors to create robust, well-positioned businesses with excellent long-term prospects. For more information, visit www.ikinvest.com

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EQT VII to acquire leading specialist mortgage provider BlueStep Bank

  • EQT VII to acquire Sweden based BlueStep Bank, the leading specialist mortgage provider in the Nordic region
  • BlueStep Bank has pioneered the specialist mortgage market in Sweden and Norway, providing more than 29,000 customers with loans since 2005
  • EQT VII will support BlueStep Bank on its continued growth and transformation journey by investing in the organization and supporting further expansion

The EQT VII fund (“EQT VII”) and Bregal Investments (“Bregal”) announced today that EQT VII has entered into an agreement to acquire BlueStep Holding AB (“BlueStep Bank” or “the Company”) from funds managed by Bregal Capital LLP and advised by EMK Capital LLP, and other owners.

Since its foundation in 2005, BlueStep Bank has pioneered the specialist mortgage market in Sweden and Norway. By a differentiated approach to customer on-boarding and loan underwriting, focusing on the customer’s underlying loan servicing ability, BlueStep Bank has provided more than 29,000 customers with loans since inception, building a loan portfolio of SEK 13 billion. BlueStep Bank is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and has approximately 200 employees.

“We are very excited to become part of the EQT family”, says Öyvind Thomassen, CEO of BlueStep Bank. “EQT’s entrepreneurial approach, vast sector knowledge and digital capabilities will be of valuable support in our continued growth ambitions”.

Albert Gustafsson, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT VII, adds: “We are impressed by BlueStep Bank’s operations, track record and management team. The Company has created the specialist mortgage market in the Nordic region and has a market leading position today. We are convinced that EQT VII is the right partner to support the development of BlueStep Bank by focus and investment into further growth.”

Patrik Johnson, Partner at Bregal Capital LLP and EMK Capital LLP said: “BlueStep Bank is a responsible lender serving an important and growing niche. We are grateful to the management team for their significant achievement in building BlueStep Bank into what it is today and believe that they together with EQT have many exciting opportunities ahead of them”.

The transaction is subject to ownership approval from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority and from competition authorities, and is expected to close during fourth quarter of 2017. The parties have agreed not to disclose the transaction value.

Contacts:
Albert Gustafsson, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT VII +46 8 506 553 44
Öyvind Thomassen, CEO BlueStep Bank +46 8 501 005 04
EQT Press Office +46 8 506 553 34

About EQT
EQT is a leading alternative investments firm with approximately EUR 37 billion in raised capital across 24 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtpartners.com

About BlueStep Bank
BlueStep Bank AB (publ) is a Swedish bank with presence in Sweden and Norway. The bank is specialized in catering for the growing share of the population that are not being served by traditional banks. BlueStep focuses on understanding each customers’ situation and their future financial capabilities. BlueStep offers both lending products and deposits. The company has been operating since 2005 and have approximately 200 employees. The Company has its headquarter in Stockholm, an office in Helsingborg and a branch office in Oslo, Norway. BlueStep Bank is licensed by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.

More info: www.bluestepbank.com  

About EMK Capital
EMK Capital LLP is an independent private equity firm, established to continue the investment track record of Edmund Lazarus (previously Founder and Managing Partner of Bregal Capital) and Mark Joseph (previously Founder and Partner at Oakley Capital Private Equity) and to continue to manage portfolio companies of Bregal Capital. EMK is focused on investing in businesses with unrecognised and/or hard to realise value and where EMK can support management teams in executing transformative change. The firm closed its first fund in May 2017 at its hard cap of £575 million.

More info: www.emkcapital.com

About Bregal Investments
Bregal Investments is a global private equity firm which has over US $10 billion in invested or committed capital. The firm invests through several dedicated funds including: Bregal Freshstream, a UK and Benelux focused middle market private equity fund, Bregal Unternehmerkapital, Equity Capital for mid-sized companies in German-speaking Europe, Bregal Partners, a North American middle market private equity fund, Bregal Energy, an Energy-focused private equity fund, Bregal Sagemount, a U.S. private equity fund for growth companies, Bregal Private Equity Partners, a global investor in private equity funds and secondaries.

More info: www.bregal.com

 

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