• KKR’s investment enables nexeye to accelerate further its ambitions to expand its optical and hearing care services within existing and new markets, with a continued focus on customer service, product quality and innovation.

• Under 3i’s ownership, nexeye has pursued a strategy focused on market expansion and championing a value-for-money offering for customers.

Gorinchem (NL) / London (UK), 25 April 2024 – nexeye (the “Company” or “Group”) today announced that a definitive agreement has been signed whereby investment funds and accounts managed by KKR agreed to acquire the Company from investment firm 3i Group plc.

Headquartered in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, nexeye is a leading European provider of value-for-money eye care operating under the Hans Anders, eyes + more and Direkt Optik labels. The Group, its labels and its 3,500 employees together provide affordable, high-quality eye and hearing care to customers across 719 stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Sweden. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Under 3i’s ownership, nexeye expanded into new markets, most notably with the acquisition of eyes + more in 2019, to enhance accessibility and affordability of essential eye and hearing care. Going forward, nexeye will be uniquely positioned to play a key role in addressing long-term trends driving increasing incidence of vision correction concerns, capitalizing on KKR’s extensive sector experience, global platform and successful track record in the industry.

Bart van den Nieuwenhof, CEO of nexeye, said: “I would like to thank 3i for a true partnership under which we successfully created a leading omnichannel optical platform. We strengthened and developed our organization, modernized and opened stores and realized a step change in omnichannel and digital innovation. Now, we are thrilled to continue this growth path together with KKR. We share a vision to establish nexeye as the leader in the European value-for-money optical sector, with a focus on customer service, product quality and innovation. I look forward to our partnership.”

Boris Kawohl, Partner, Consumer sector head at 3i, said: “We are proud of the transformation from Hans Anders at the time of our investment in 2017 to nexeye now. The best value-for-money offering with good quality products and services has been central to all our efforts. As a result, sales and EBITDA have doubled during 3i’s ownership period. We believe nexeye is now ready for the next international growth phase. We thank Bart and the whole nexeye team and wish them all the best going forward.”

Felix Gernburd, Partner at KKR, said: “We believe nexeye offers a differentiated value proposition for consumers. We are excited to invest in nexeye and to support its management team and employees in their continued ambitions to expand the Company’s footprint and offer the best quality eye and hearing care at affordable prices to consumers.”

Simon Bouchard, Director at KKR, continued: “KKR’s extensive experience and global track record of success in the optical sector underscores our commitment to investing in this important industry. We are confident that our investment in nexeye will best position the Company to capture future growth opportunities and establish it as the leader in the European value-for-money optical and hearing care sector in the long term.”

KKR is making its investment in nexeye primarily through its European Fund VI, an $8 billion fund that invests in the growth of leading businesses by providing access to KKR’s extensive network and business building resources.

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

Jefferies LLC and UBS Investment Bank are acting as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor for KKR. Harris Williams and ING Corporate Finance are acting as financial advisors and Clifford Chance LLP is serving as legal advisor for 3i.

-ENDS-

About nexeye

Nexeye is currently active in five European countries with the eyes + more, Hans Anders and Direkt Optik chains. eyes + more operates with 283 stores in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden and Belgium, focusing on affordable, fashionable eye wear and is one of the fastest-growing optical chains in Europe. Hans Anders, founded in 1982, is a leading value-for-money chain in the Netherlands and Belgium with 402 stores offering eye and hearing care. Direkt Optik has 34 optical stores across Sweden, is known for its 3 for 1 offer and highly appreciated for the expertise of the qualified opticians in its stores. In total, nexeye and labels employ more than 3,500 people.

About KKR

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

About 3i Group

3i is a leading international investment manager focused on mid-market Private Equity and Infrastructure. Its core investment markets are northern Europe and North America. For further information, please visit www.3i.com.

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Bridgepoint today announced the sale of its investment in Dorna Sports S.L. to Liberty Media in a transaction which values the company at €4.2 billion.

Dorna is the international sports management, media and marketing company which holds the global rights to organise the MotoGP and WSBK Championships, which together represent the two pre-eminent motorcycle racing series in the world. Bridgepoint has been an investor in the business since 2006.

The transaction represents a full realisation of Bridgepoint’s existing stake along with that of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (‘CPP Investments’) and management, to Liberty Media, which holds the exclusive commercial rights for the FIA Formula One World Championship.

William Jackson, chairman of Bridgepoint Group plc and of Dorna Sports S.L. said: “We’re proud to have partnered with Dorna and its management team for the past 18 years during which time Moto GP has become one of the true global sports brands and enjoys huge success. The partnership has seen MotoGP grow its fan base across five continents and become the world’s most exciting sport.”

The transaction is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to complete later in 2024.

Advisers for Bridgepoint included: Financial – Moelis (company, Bridgepoint, CPP); Morgan Stanley (CPP); Legal – Latham & Watkins; Garrigues (management); Uria (company); Accounting – Deloitte; Tax – EY.

Hendi, founded in 1934, is a European distributor of non-food catering supplies and kitchen equipment for the professional kitchen. Hendi has a wide range of ~4,500 mostly in-house designed products across ~20 different product groups (ranging from small kitchen accessories to large electrical appliances) and sells its products under its own brand. Hendi sells its products through an extensive network of distributors and renowned wholesalers to professionals in more than 60 countries. Hendi generated >€150m revenue in 2023 and serves its customers with ~400 employees from offices in eight countries (Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Italy, Romania, Spain, Greece and Hong Kong) and distribution centres in six countries (Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Romania, Spain and Greece).

The owners of Hendi chose to partner with 365 Capital to further strengthen the organisation to better respond to the opportunities the company sees and to accelerate its European growth plan. Important pillars of the growth plan for the coming years are the expansion and strengthening of Hendi’s presence in the major European hospitality countries and optimisation of the product range. Tom Buch and Jolanta and Maksymilian Kultys will remain involved in the company in their current roles and nothing will change for the employees, customers and suppliers.

365 Capital is a private equity firm active in the (lower) mid-market segment of the Dutch market and focuses on ambitious companies with their headquarters in the Netherlands. 365 Capital is investing in Hendi from its first fund which was closed in April 2021 at €165m. The investment in Hendi is expected to be the last investment from the first fund and 365 Capital will begin fundraising for fund 2 in Q2.

Tom Buch, Jolanta Kultys and Maksymilian Kultys (Hendi): “We are very pleased with the partnership with 365 Capital and believe that their entrepreneurial nature and professional way of working fits well with the culture within Hendi. Through this partnership, we will increase the company’s strength, allowing us to serve our customers even better and accelerate our growth ambitions.”

Hayo van Houten (365 Capital): “We are extremely impressed by Hendi’s growth over the past 10 years and Hendi’s unique position in the European market. Hendi has a broad and loyal customer base who highly value Hendi’s wide range of high-quality products and fast delivery. We are also very impressed by the strong culture and ambition within the company. We look forward to working with Tom, Jolanta, Maksymilian and the broader Hendi team to realise our joint ambitions in the coming years.”

The owners of Hendi were advised by Marktlink (sell-side M&A and legal) and Deloitte (legal).

365 Capital has been advised by OC&C (commercial), KPMG (financial), JB Law (legal), Avaxa (financing) and DLA Piper (legal). The lenders were advised by Clifford Chance (legal).

DENVER, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Accuserve Solutions (“Accuserve” or the “Company”), an independent managed repair services platform, and Aquiline Capital Partners LP (“Aquiline”), a private investment specialist in financial services and related technologies, announced today that they have reached an agreement for a majority investment from Flexpoint Ford (“Flexpoint”), a private equity firm specializing in investments in the financial services and healthcare industries. Flexpoint’s partnership is expected to accelerate Accuserve’s growth as it continues to develop value added property claims solutions for insurance carriers, homeowners, and contractors.

Accuserve is a fast-growing full-service managed repair and home services platform, connecting insurance carriers, homeowners, and contractors through a unified platform that simplifies the property restoration and claims process from incident through repair. The Company has invested significantly in technology to ensure improvement in the property claim workflow with the ultimate objective of removing pain points for all stakeholders.

Flexpoint’s investment, alongside the continued support from Aquiline, is expected to bring significant financial resources, industry expertise, and relationships to Accuserve to further drive continued growth and deliver industry-leading services to its customers. The partnership with Flexpoint will enable Accuserve to expand its contractor networks and service offerings in complementary markets, pursue strategic acquisitions, and enhance its sophisticated technology and data analytic tools.

Hunter Powell, Accuserve’s CEO, has led the company since 2020 and has grown Accuserve to become one of the leading companies in the managed repair market. Mr. Powell, alongside the existing management team, will continue to lead Accuserve during this next phase of growth.

“This investment in Accuserve marks a significant milestone for our Company. Flexpoint’s support will provide the capital and strategic insight needed to continue innovating and developing industry-enhancing solutions for our clients and enable Accuserve to execute on its long-term growth plan. We are grateful for Aquiline’s partnership and look forward to this next chapter,” said Hunter Powell.

Dominic Hood, Managing Director of Flexpoint, commented: “We are excited to partner with Hunter and the Accuserve team as they build an innovative managed repair experience that will deliver claims efficiency to insurance carriers as well as a high-quality experience for policyholders.”

Jennifer Kim, Principal of Flexpoint, added, “Our partnership with Accuserve and Hunter extends Flexpoint’s long track record of partnering with growth-oriented founders in the insurance sector. We look forward to working with Accuserve as it continues its strong growth trajectory.”

Aquiline will remain a significant minority shareholder and will continue to support the Company. “We are delighted to have been able to work so closely with Hunter and the management team over the last few years. We are very proud of their success in building Accuserve’s scale, team and technology and are excited to remain significant investors during this next phase of growth,” said Charles Janeway, Principal of Aquiline.

Waller Helms Advisors and Jefferies LLC acted as financial advisors to Accuserve and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP acted as legal counsel in connection with the transaction. Piper Sandler & Co. acted as financial advisor to Flexpoint and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel in connection with the transaction.

About Accuserve Accuserve is a full-service managed repair platform that provides concierge-style property restoration services. With expertise in water mitigation, interior general contracting, exterior restoration, as well as windows, Accuserve unifies its contractor and carrier partners in delivering an empathetic home restoration experience for property owners. Accuserve’s national network of contractors, partnered with its expert staff and supported by its innovative, unique training and customer support capabilities, deliver high levels of accuracy and tailored service. For more information, visit: www.accuserve.com

About Flexpoint Ford Flexpoint Ford is a private equity investment firm that has approximately $8.1 billion of regulatory assets under management and specializes in privately negotiated investments in the financial services and healthcare industries. Since the firm’s formation in 2005, Flexpoint Ford has completed investments across a broad range of investment sizes, structures, and asset classes. Flexpoint Ford has offices in Chicago, Illinois, and New York, New York. For more information, visit: www.flexpointford.com

Media Contact Prosek Partners on behalf of Flexpoint Ford | Email: pro-flexpointford@prosek.com

About Aquiline Aquiline Capital Partners LP is a private investment specialist based in New York, London, Philadelphia, and Greenwich. It invests across financial services and related technologies. The firm has $10.1 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2023. For more information, visit: www.aquiline.com

Media Contact Apella Advisors | Email: aquiline@apellaadvisors.com

SOURCE Flexpoint Ford