CompuGroup Medical enters into an investment agreement with CVC Capital Partners

CVC Capital Partners

CVC announces intention to launch a voluntary public tender offer to all free float shareholders

  • CVC to launch voluntary public tender offer for EUR 22.00, subsequent delisting envisaged
  • Significant premium of 51.1% to the 3M VWAP and 33.5% to closing price as of December 6, 2024 provides shareholders with opportunity to realize value immediately
  • Founding family Gotthardt and related shareholder Koop sign strategic partnership agreement with CVC and will retain majority stake
  • The road to CompuGroup Medical’s long-standing goal of improving healthcare worldwide through digitalization is being strengthened.
  • This partnership brings CGM customers further increased quality, highest safety and even stronger focus on innovation
  • CompuGroup Medical employees will remain part of a company that is even more ambitious, with a determined will to grow and a high level of innovation
  • Managing Directors, Supervisory Board and Administrative Board welcome strategic partnership with CVC and voluntary public tender offer

Koblenz – CompuGroup Medical SE & Co. KGaA, one of the world’s leading e-health providers, has been improving healthcare by digitizing medical care for more than 30 years. CompuGroup Medical’s software supports medical and organizational processes in doctors’ and dentist’s offices, pharmacies, laboratories, hospitals and social institutions daily. This provides medical professionals with more time for their patients and helpful medical information for the benefit of everyone in the healthcare system.

Today, CompuGroup Medical announced a strategic partnership agreement with CVC Capital Partners, one of the world’s leading private equity firms, and GT1 Vermögensverwaltung GmbH, CompuGroup Medical’s majority shareholder. The partnership with CVC will become effective if a holding company controlled by investment funds advised and managed by affiliates of CVC Capital Partners successfully completes a voluntary public tender offer for all outstanding shares of CompuGroup Medical at a price of EUR 22.00 per share in cash. The offer corresponds to a premium of 51.1% to the volume-weighted average price over the past three months.

The founding family Gotthardt and related shareholder Dr. Reinhard Koop, who together hold 50.1% of all shares, will retain their majority stake in CompuGroup Medical. CompuGroup Medical founder Frank Gotthardt will remain Chairman of the Administrative Board, while Prof. (apl.) Dr. med. Daniel Gotthardt continues as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Administrative Board.

The partnership with CVC is expected to support the long-term innovation and growth strategy of CompuGroup Medical. Together, CompuGroup Medical and CVC plan to drive innovation in healthcare for the benefit of patients and healthcare providers worldwide. The joint goal is to reliably empower medical professionals with next generation products and strong customer support.

Prof. (apl.) Dr. med. Daniel Gotthardt, CEO of CompuGroup Medical said: “At CompuGroup Medical, our highest priority is to provide customers – medical doctors, dentists, healthcare practitioners, hospitals and pharmacies and other healthcare providers – with the best possible solutions to advance healthcare. Based on innovative, data-based and AI-empowered solutions, we have the unique opportunity to add a new dimension to healthcare in the years to come. CVC’s extensive expertise in investments in the healthcare industry and software business will support us to deliver our strategy as planned. Our envisaged partnership will catalyze the next phase of innovation and expansion, for the benefit of our customers, and ultimately patients.”

Daniela Hommel, CFO of CompuGroup Medical, commented: “The Managing Directors welcome the envisaged strategic partnership with CVC due to their international network and deep industry expertise in the software and healthcare sectors. Partnering with CVC will allow us to take advantage of greater growth opportunities, such as investments in inorganic growth and increasing our focus on cloud-based products and AI-powered solutions. It will be particularly advantageous, when speed is of essence regarding financing. For our shareholders, the offer represents the opportunity to realize their investment at a premium of 51.1 % to the volume-weighted average price over the past three months.”

Frank Gotthardt, company founder and Chairman of the Administrative Board added: “The purpose of CompuGroup Medical remains unchanged: Nobody should suffer or die because at some point medical information was missing. Over decades, our customers and employees have appreciated the stability provided by a strong anchor shareholder. CompuGroup Medical will remain family-owned going forward. And I am convinced we have found the perfect partner to build on that strength to write the next successful chapter in our company history.”

Daniel Pindur, Managing Partner at CVC, said: “CompuGroup Medical has written an unparalleled success story over the past 30 years. There are only a handful of those founder-led stories in Germany. It has become a real European champion in digitization. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Gotthardt family and the team, leveraging CVC’s experience in strategic partnerships with founder-led family businesses. Together, we want to write the next chapter of healthcare.”

Can Toygar, Senior Managing Director at CVC, added: “In light of demographic changes and professional labor shortages, the healthcare market will need more digital solutions. CGM is an outstanding company, and uniquely positioned to transform healthcare in Europe, making it better and more efficient. Together, we will focus on investments in modern, data-based products and improving service quality for medical doctors, pharmacists and nursing staff.”

Offer Details

CVC intends to launch a voluntary public tender offer to all CompuGroup Medical free float shareholders for EUR 22.00 per share in cash. The offer corresponds to a premium of 51.1% to the volume-weighted average price over the past three months and will be subject to a minimum acceptance threshold of 17% and customary regulatory conditions, including antitrust clearance. Upon completion of the offer, and combined with founding family Gotthardt and related shareholder Dr. Koop, the strategic partners will hold at least 67% of all shares. The parties have agreed not to enter into a domination and/or profit and loss transfer agreement for a period of two years following the closing of the offer.

The Managing Directors, Supervisory Board and Administrative Board of CompuGroup Medical welcome the strategic partnership with CVC. CompuGroup Medical Management SE and the Supervisory Board intend to recommend the acceptance of the offer, subject to their review of the offer document. They will provide a reasoned statement pursuant to § 27 WpÜG after publication of the offer document by CVC. After completion of the tender offer, the management of CompuGroup Medical and CVC have agreed to take the company private by way of a delisting offer, which is intended in due course after closing of the tender offer.

The acceptance period is expected to begin by the end of December 2024. Closing of the transaction is expected in the first half of 2025. In accordance with the requirements of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act, the offer document and other information in connection with CVC’s public tender offer will be made available on the following website after approval by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht): www.practice-public-offer.com

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EQT Life Sciences leads Series A funding round for maternal health company Nua Surgical

EQT Life Science

Irish maternal health company Nua Surgical secures €6.5M in Series A funding led by EQT Life Sciences

SteriCISION is the first self-retaining retractor designed specifically for Caesarean section (C-section) surgeries

Proceeds will be used for regulatory approval and commercialization of the SteriCISION C-section retractor

EQT Life Sciences is pleased to announce that the EQT Health Economics strategy has invested in Nua Surgical, an Irish medical device company innovating in maternal health. The €6.5 million Series A financing was led by EQT Life Sciences. The round was also supported by new investors Kidron Capital and the Texas Medical Center (TMC) Venture Fund and existing investors including Enterprise Ireland and business veterans from Ireland and the US. The proceeds will be used to drive the regulatory clearance and early commercialization of the company product, the SteriCISION C-Section Retractor. This innovative device is specifically designed to address the unique challenges of Caesarean-section (C-section) surgery.

C-sections are the most common major surgical procedure globally, with over 30 million performed each year. The SteriCISION C-Section Retractor is the only self-retaining surgical retractor specifically designed for the unique dynamics of C-section surgery. This ergonomically designed and patented device provides fast, adjustable, and safe retraction, enabling clinicians to deliver the baby, repair tissue, and, crucially, identify bleeds. As a single-use sterile device, it aims to reduce the risk factors that lead to surgical complications, benefiting the patient, the clinician, and the healthcare system. The new investment will support Nua Surgical’s next phase of development and the early commercialization of SteriCISION. This includes expanding the team, establishing manufacturing in Ireland, and meeting the regulatory requirements necessary to gain FDA clearance.

Barry McCann, CEO of Nua Surgical, commented, “Securing this Series A financing is a crucial milestone for Nua Surgical. It not only provides the capital needed to advance our product but also brings on board a group of experienced investors who share our vision for transforming maternal health. We are eager to leverage their expertise as we move towards commercializing SteriCISION.”

“Nua Surgical’s SteriCISION C-Section Retractor has the potential to significantly enhance outcomes for mothers undergoing C-section procedures,” said Anne Portwich, Partner at EQT. “We are excited to support the company’s journey towards market entry. This innovative device has the potential to improve the quality of care and reduce healthcare costs, making it a perfect fit for our EQT Health Economics strategy.”

With the closure of this round, Anne Portwich, Partner at EQT, and Anula Jayasuriya, Co-Founder of Kidron Capital, will join the Nua Surgical Board of Directors, while Gabrielle Guttman of TMC Venture Fund and Prashanthi Ramesh of EQT will serve as Board Observers.

Contact
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

About

About EQT Life Sciences
EQT Life Sciences was formed in 2022 following the integration of LSP, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, into the EQT platform. As LSP, the firm raised over EUR 3.0 billion and supported the growth of more than 150 companies since it started to invest over 30 years ago. With a dedicated team of highly experienced investment professionals coming from backgrounds in medicine, science, business, and finance, EQT Life Sciences backs entrepreneurs who have ideas that could truly make a difference for patients. The team combines deep sector knowledge, analytical skills, and investment experience to provide the added value that entrepreneurs seek. For more information, go to eqtgroup.com/private-capital/life-sciences/

About Nua Surgical
Nua Surgical is a Galway-based medical company founded in 2019 by Barry McCann, Marie-Therese Maher and Padraig Maher. Since spinning out of the renowned BioInnovate Ireland programme at the University of Galway, Nua Surgical have become an Enterprise Ireland HPSU company and have received global accolades for their maternal health innovation. The company has developed the SteriCISION C-section Retractor, ergonomically designed to improve access and visualization to the uterus, reduce the risk of wound trauma and facilitate a safer surgery. The experienced founding team is bolstered with expert consultants and the recent appointment of Dr. Elizabeth Garner, global women’s health thought leader, as their board chair. For more information visit www.nuasurgical.com

 

 

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Arlington Capital Partners Acquires TEAM Technologies

Arlington

A leader in medical device manufacturing, TEAM Tech is focused on optimizing supply chains to ensure better and faster delivery of critical healthcare products

Washington, D.C. – November 25, 2024 – Arlington Capital Partners (“Arlington”), a Washington, D.C.-area private investment firm specializing in government regulated industries, today announced it has acquired TEAM Technologies, Inc (“TEAM Tech”), a leading global manufacturer of essential healthcare products, from Clearlake Capital Group (“Clearlake”).

TEAM Technologies is a leading provider of specialized manufacturing and strategic supply chain solutions to blue-chip healthcare customers. The Company provides a broad array of end-to-end outsourced design and manufacturing services to medical device and pharmaceutical OEMs, with a growing specialty in advanced medical devices that are critical to the healthcare system. Through its comprehensive suite of vertically integrated processes, TEAM Tech enables customers to streamline their supply chains and reduce lead times in delivering critical products. TEAM Tech has approximately 1,000,000 square feet of manufacturing space across nine campuses in the U.S., Mexico, and Singapore.

“As the last five years have demonstrated, global supply chains are not nearly as fortified as they need to be, particularly in medical device manufacturing,” said Matt Altman, a Managing Partner at Arlington Capital Partners. “TEAM Tech is not only focused on providing the world’s leading healthcare OEMs with holistic solutions for all their design and manufacturing needs, but also on strengthening our healthcare supply chains to improve the delivery of these critical goods to end users.” Added Gordon Auduong, an Arlington Principal, “As one of the leading end-to-end providers in this sector, we look forward to working with TEAM Tech’s management team and building on its strong foundation to continue adding capabilities and customers, both through organic investment and strategic acquisitions.”

“The medical device manufacturing industry is incredibly complex, but we feel fortunate to partner with Arlington in our next chapter,” said Marshall White, CEO of TEAM Tech. “I have gotten to know Matt and the Arlington team well over the past several years and believe that with their 25 years of experience in this highly regulated sector they are best positioned to help us build on the successes we have achieved and accelerate our growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions, to take our business to the next level.”

Arlington has an extensive track record of building leading companies in the highly regulated healthcare sector, focusing on businesses that save lives, improve the delivery of products and services, and reduce costs for patients and providers. Recent investments include Afton ScientificAVS BioMillstone Medical OutsourcingRiverpoint Medical and Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing.

Harris Williams served as financial advisor and Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal advisor to Arlington Capital Partners. R.W. Baird acted as financial advisor to TEAM Technologies. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Massumi + Consoli provided legal counsel to TEAM Technologies and Clearlake.

 

About Arlington Capital Partners

Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-area private investment firm specializing in government-regulated industries. The firm partners with founders and management teams to build strategically important businesses in the healthcare, government services & technology, and aerospace & defense sectors. Since its inception in 1999, Arlington has invested in over 175 companies and is currently investing out of its $3.8 billion Fund VI. For more information, visit Arlington’s website at www.arlingtoncap.com and follow Arlington on LinkedIn.

 

About TEAM Tech

Headquartered in Morristown, TN, TEAM Technologies is a specialized end-to-end outsourced manufacturer of mission-critical medical devices. The Company has an extensive array of advanced and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions servicing top medical device and pharmaceutical OEMs. With its deep industry experience and reputation for the highest quality standards, TEAM Technologies leverages seamless, turnkey processes and innovation to drastically simplify its customers’ supply chains. For more information, visit teamtech.com.

Contact

Kelsey Clute

kclute@arlingtoncap.com

 

Ryan Fitzgibbons and Meredith Bishop

Pro-arlington@prosek.com

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Gimv sells to Fremman Capital a majority stake in outpatient rehabilitation specialist rehaneo

GIMV

rehaneo, a leading provider of outpatient rehabilitation, aftercare, prevention, and occupational health management founded in 2020, welcomes Fremman Capital to its shareholder base. Fremman takes over the majority shareholding previously held by the European investment company Gimv. Founder and CEO Bruno Crone and co-founder and COO Christoph Dühr remain significantly invested in the company and continue their management roles.

Since its founding four years ago, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gimv and the managing rehaneo shareholders Bruno Crone and Christoph Dühr have successfully built the company into one of the top three providers in the field of outpatient rehabilitation through a successful buy-and-build strategy. Since 2023, Dr. Alain Robbe-Grillet completes the management team as CFO.

To date, rehaneo has integrated 13 companies at 23 locations nationwide into the group, including some of the leading facilities in Germany. Recently, rehaneo also opened a completely new center in Göttingen.

The rehaneo group now employs over 1,000 staff who are dedicated to the care of more than 80,000 patients and customers annually. The range of services offered by the centers varies by location, from outpatient rehabilitation and rehab aftercare to physiotherapy and occupational therapy, as well as prevention and fitness. In addition to developing locations and the continuous growth of the group, the focus is primarily on the quality of services. This is ensured, among other things, by a medical board with renowned experts, including Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Wessinghage. rehaneo aims to further densify the care network and offer more people professional rehabilitation close to their homes.

Outpatient rehabilitation costs are significantly lower than inpatient stays, benefiting the healthcare system. Additionally, there is increasing demand from patients who want to stay in their familiar environment during rehabilitation. Together with Fremman, the management team intends to continue the successful growth strategy, accelerating M&A and consolidating further a very fragmented sector, to create a European leader.

Bruno Crone, Founder and CEO of the rehaneo group, declares: “We thank Gimv for their active support and the trustful cooperation from the beginning, which made it possible to become one of the leading quality providers in outpatient rehabilitation in such a short time. We are excited to start a new chapter of our success story with Fremman. Our focus will be on acquiring new outpatient rehab centers and the strategic development of existing facilities and the entire group.

Mirko Meyer-Schönherr and Max Schürenkrämer, Founding Partner and Managing Director at Fremman, add: “We are very impressed by the development of the rehaneo group so far and see great potential in the outpatient rehabilitation sector. We look forward to supporting the experienced and ambitious rehaneo management team in further developing the strategy of the group.

Philipp von Hammerstein and Lars Timmer, Partner and Principal at Gimv Healthcare, comment: “We are proud that together with rehaneo, we have built a leading company and competent partner in outpatient care in just four years, distinguished by high customer and patient satisfaction as well as high-quality standards.

The transaction is subject to approval by the German antitrust authorities and is expected to close in Q1 2025. This transaction will have a positive impact on our NAV at 30 September 2024, as will be published on 21 November next, of around EUR 1 per share. The realized return on this transaction substantially exceeds our long-term portfolio return target.

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819 Capital Partners and LIOF invest in I-Med Technology

819 Capital Partners

Deventer, November 19, 2024 – 819 Capital Partners and LIOF have invested in I-Med Technology (“I-Med”) in a substantial investment round. I-Med Technology develops and markets advanced head-mounted 3D imaging systems that provide real-time support, enhancing precision and efficiency in medical and dental procedures.

I-Med secures strategic investment to fuel 3D imaging expansion

I-Med Technology B.V., a cutting-edge medical technology company specializing in advanced 3D imaging systems for healthcare, announced today that it has secured an investment from 819 Capital Partners and LIOF, positioning the company for rapid growth and expanded market impact. Johan van de Ven, CEO of I-Med: “We are thrilled to partner with 819 Capital Partners and LIOF. Their support and investment enable us to move swiftly in bringing our technology to more clinicians and expanding our reach in the medical imaging market. This funding underscores the value of our innovation and allows us to continue pushing boundaries in medical visualization technology.”

Revolutionizing surgery: I-Med’s 3D head-mounted microscope enhances precision and safety

Founded in 2018 and headquartered at the Brightlands Health Campus in Maastricht, I-Med is committed to addressing critical challenges in surgical and dental procedures where precision and speed are essential. Vincent Graham, CTO at I-Med: “Traditional 2D imaging techniques, often displayed away from the surgical field, require clinicians to shift focus frequently, impacting procedural efficiency. I-Med’s Digital Head-mounted Microscope offers a breakthrough solution with Full HD, real-time 3D imaging, mixed realities, enhancing precision and quality while providing a safer and more seamless operating experience.” Jaap Heukelom, CCO at i-Med Technology, adds: “Moreover, the system represents a leap forward for medical training, education and remote support applications and offers a powerful platform for artificial intelligence applications that can assist the surgeon and dentist alike in their clinical practice”.

Investment driving societal impact in healthcare through improved patient outcomes

819 Capital Partners has invested in I-Med through 819 Evergreen Fund I, a fund committed to investments in deep-tech and med-tech ventures. Sven Kempers, director at 819: “Our investment in I-Med aligns with our goal of advancing promising technology. We have great confidence in I-Med’s technology and its growth potential.”

LIOF has invested in I-Med from their Participation Fund, a fund committed for newly started and medium-sized, innovative SMEs who want to grow. Willem van Esch, investment manager at LIOF: “We see the potential in I-Med’s 3D imaging systems to redefine surgical precision and enhance patient care. Our support will help accelerate their impact across the healthcare sector, making advanced imaging more accessible and transforming the future of medical procedures.”

About I-Med Technology B.V.

I-Med Technology B.V. is a medical technology company based in Maastricht dedicated to advancing real-time, mixed realities, 3D imaging solutions through head-mounted systems designed to support precise medical and dental interventions. With its unique, MDD and CE certified, DHM platform, I-Med empowers healthcare professionals with enhanced visualization capabilities that promote improved procedural outcomes and patient care. More information: www.i-medtech.nl

About 819 Capital Partners

819 Capital Partners is an investment firm managing multiple funds with targeted investment strategies. 819 Evergreen Fund takes minority stakes in early-stage deep-tech and med-tech startups, while 819 Private Equity Fund acquires controlling stakes in mature firms within the leisure, IT, and healthcare industries. The open-ended structure of their funds allows for long-term investments with flexible exit timelines. The firm focuses on sectors like healthcare, technology, and leisure, addressing societal challenges such as aging populations.

About LIOF

LIOF is the regional development agency for Limburg and supports innovative entrepreneurs with advice, network and financing. LIOF is available for every start-up, scale-up and small and medium-sized business (SME) with an innovative idea, a business plan or a financing request and for (foreign) entrepreneurs who want to establish themselves in Limburg. LIOF also helps with cross-border cooperation and international trade. Together with entrepreneurs and partners, LIOF is working towards a smarter, more sustainable and healthier Limburg by focusing on the transitions energy, circularity, health and digitalization.

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Stonepeak Completes Acquisition of Arvida

Stonepeak

NEW YORK & AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – November 19, 2024 – Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Arvida Group Limited (“Arvida” or the “Company”) (NZX: ARV), one of New Zealand’s largest retirement and aged care providers.

“As one of the leading and most well-regarded retirement village operators in New Zealand, we believe Arvida has a bright future ahead and is well positioned to effectively serve the region’s growing aging population as a privately held entity,” said Darren Keogh, Senior Managing Director at Stonepeak. “We are excited to have closed this transaction and look forward to partnering closely with the Arvida team as the company enters this next chapter.”

“Today marks a transformational day for Arvida, and I am optimistic about the opportunities ahead,” said Jeremy Nicoll, Chief Executive at Arvida. “Stonepeak is aligned with our values and commitment to our employees, residents, and community, and we look forward to leveraging their extensive operational expertise as we execute on our strategy and mission of helping New Zealanders live a truly fulfilling life as they age.”

About Stonepeak

Stonepeak is a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximately $70 billion of assets under management. Through its investment in defensive, hard-asset businesses globally, Stonepeak aims to create value for its investors and portfolio companies, with a focus on downside protection and strong risk-adjusted returns. Stonepeak, as sponsor of private equity and credit investment vehicles, provides capital, operational support, and committed partnership to grow investments in its target sectors, which include communications, energy and energy transition, transport and logistics, and real estate. Stonepeak is headquartered in New York with offices in Houston, London, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Abu Dhabi. For more information, please visit www.stonepeak.com.

About Arvida

Arvida is one of New Zealand’s largest aged care providers owning and operating 35 retirement villages located nationally. Each village operates independently under a corporate structure that supports village operations to ensure quality and consistency of service. Arvida provides a range of living and lifestyle options from independent living to full rest home, hospital and dementia-level care.

Arvida’s growth strategy includes the targeted development of new villages in areas that are supported by a strong demographic and economic profile and acquisition of quality villages that meet strict acquisition criteria as well as the development of additional facilities at existing villages.

Website: www.arvida.co.nz

Contacts

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

Jack Gordon
jack.gordon@sodali.com
+61 478 060 362

Arvida
Geoff Senescall, Senescall Akers
senescall@senescallakers.co.nz
+64 21 481 234

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BlueEarth completes inaugural private credit investment in Healthcare with Namibian Hospital partnership

Blue Earth Capital

Blue Earth Capital (“BlueEarth”), a global specialist impact investor, today announces an $ 11 million private credit commitment to Rhino Park Holdings (Proprietary) Limited (“Rhino Park”), a leading multi-disciplinary private hospital in Namibia specializing in maternity and neonatal healthcare.

The investment marks BlueEarth’s first private credit investment in the healthcare sector, and the issuance of its second sustainability-linked loan. BlueEarth’s investment supports the acquisition of the hospital by Salt Capital, a Southern Africa focused private equity investment manager. The funding will work to catalyze Rhino Park’s ambitious expansion plans, including the development of a best-in-class operating theatre for more advanced surgical procedures, an innovative primary healthcare center, and new MRI imaging facilities.

The maternal mortality rate is one of Namibia’s most pressing healthcare concerns, ranking second highest among upper-middle-income countries globally.13  In addition, neonatal disorders are a leading cause of premature death in Namibia, with 32% of under-five deaths occurring in the first month of life.14 As Namibia’s second-largest private hospital with a world-class obstetrics department – the nation’s largest – Rhino Park is at the forefront of addressing these critical healthcare challenges in the country.

Beyond immediate patient care, Rhino Park demonstrates its commitment to furthering the nation’s healthcare development by offering nursing student placement programs and providing study loans to its nursing staff. This further upskills workers, ensuring continuity to Namibia’s ability to produce an adequate supply of skilled domestic health workers.

These factors, combined with the sustainability and impact-linked characteristics of the facility, (BlueEarth’s second such loan), work to ensure full alignment with BlueEarth’s dual mission of generating compelling social impact alongside financial returns, and represents a significant step in advancing healthcare accessibility and quality in Southern Africa.

Amy Wang, Head of Private Credit at BlueEarth, comments: “This partnership with Salt Capital represents a wonderful opportunity to transform healthcare delivery in Namibia. By investing into Rhino Park’s growth, we are not just expanding a leading medical center but also helping to build a healthier future for Namibians. We hope that this investment will help provide high-quality healthcare to an increasing number of patients and support the steady improvement of overall health outcomes. Healthcare has long been a priority vertical impact at Blue Earth Capital, and we are very excited to complete our investment alongside these trusted partners. We are also particularly proud to continue driving forward the practice of linking impact with financial return with our second sustainability-linked loan.”

Martin van Niekerk, CEO of Rhino Park, comments: “We are thrilled for the support received from BlueEarth, which will allow us to embark on an ambitious expansion plan that will significantly enhance our healthcare offerings. This funding will allow us to expand our facilities, invest in advanced medical technologies, and increase our capacity to serve our community. Our commitment to providing exceptional, caring, dignified, and affordable patient care to the people of Namibia remains unwavering, and this expansion will position us to better meet the growing needs of our patients and families in the years to come.’’

Jan Bosch, Managing Partner at Salt Capital, comments: “Today marks an exciting milestone for our firm as we close this transaction, bringing together a shared vision and complementary strengths of Salt Capital and the management team of Rhino Park hospital to create lasting value. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, our partners, and all those who contributed to making this deal possible. We extend our sincere gratitude to our debt funding partners, Blue Earth Capital, for their invaluable support and confidence, which played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. We look forward to supporting Rhino Park to continue on its journey of growth and service to the community and are confident in our ability to drive meaningful impact and deliver strong returns for all our stakeholders.’’

 -END-

 Note to editors

About Blue Earth Capital
Blue Earth Capital is a global, independent, specialist impact investor, headquartered in Switzerland, with operations in New York, London, and Konstanz. Blue Earth Capital seeks to address the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges by delivering measurable impact alongside aiming for attractive and market-rate financial returns. The company operates dedicated private equity, private credit, and fund solutions as well as separately managed accounts. Blue Earth Capital is owned by the Blue Earth Foundation, a Stiftung (charity/trust) registered in Switzerland that focuses on deep impact to support initiatives and business ventures to help deliver a more equitable and sustainable future.

About Rhino Park
Rhino Park is a leading multi-disciplinary private hospital in Namibia with a specialty in maternity and neonatal healthcare. Founded over 30 years ago in 1994, the hospital started out as a day hospital and has since grown to become the joint second largest private hospital in the country with the largest obstetrics department in the country, whilst also being the first hospital to have established one of only two pediatric ICUs in Namibia.

About Salt Capital
Founded in 2012, Salt Capital is a private equity fund manager focused on SME growth capital investments in the sub-Saharan Africa. Based in London and Johannesburg, Salt Capital’s four Partners have built a track record of successful private equity investments with a core focus on the African consumer.

 

Blue Earth Capital media contact:
Kekst CNC
Blueearthcapital@kekstcnc.com

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EQT Life Sciences leads €54 Million Series A Financing of ATB Therapeutics

EQT Life Science

Proceeds will fund clinical development of oncology and immunology therapeutics derived from innovative antibody payload platform

Mark Throsby, industry veteran and former CSO of Merus, joins as Executive Chair

 

EQT Life Sciences is pleased to announce that its LSP 7 fund has invested in ATB Therapeutics. The €54 million Series A funding round is aimed at accelerating the clinical development of a groundbreaking therapeutic antibody pipeline derived from its proprietary ATBioFarm platform. The financing was co-led by EQT Life Sciences and MRL Ventures Fund (MRLV, a corporate venture arm of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA) alongside contributions from V-Bio, VIVES Partners, the Belgian sovereign fund SFPIM, Wallonie Entreprendre, Sambrinvest, and existing investors.

ATB Therapeutics is dedicated to pioneering first-in-class biologics that incorporate novel cell-killing mechanisms, including enzymatic functionalities, within targeted antibodies. These rapidly produced antibodies combine multiple targeting and killing domains, enhancing their effectiveness and safety compared to traditional conjugates. The ATBioFarm technology facilitates the scalable, single-step production of these sophisticated biologics, promising significant advancements across various therapeutic applications.

The investment will enable ATB to expand and enhance the ATBioFarm platform, as well as to accelerate development of its unique weaponized antibodies for oncology and immunology applications. ATB’s research and development operations will be extended to Ghent and will continue in Marche-en-Famenne, where the Company is setting up a cutting-edge pilot manufacturing facility.

In conjunction with this funding, Mark Throsby has been appointed ATB’s Executive Chairman. Mark is an industry veteran and the former Chief Scientific Officer of Merus, where he was instrumental in the development of the bispecific antibody therapeutics. With his wealth of experience and expertise in antibody development, Mark further strengthens the Company’s leadership, as ATB embarks on this pivotal phase of growth. The Company is also welcoming seasoned biotech investors John de Koning, Partner at EQT, and Karin Kleinhans, Partner at MRLV, to its Board of Directors.

“Our successful financing round demonstrates the strong potential of the ATBioFarm platform and the confidence prominent international investors have in our vision,” stated Bertrand Magy, CEO and co-founder of ATB Therapeutics. “We are grateful to our investors and the Région Wallonne for their unwavering support. This funding will enable us to bolster our team, expand our operations, and advance our mission to deliver transformative therapies to patients worldwide.”

Mark Throsby expressed his enthusiasm for this new role, stating, “I am particularly impressed by the ATBioFarm platform’s capability to swiftly generate a diverse array of candidate molecules with unique cytotoxic and targeting features. This innovative approach addresses critical challenges in selecting ADC drug candidates and opens avenues for new mechanisms of action that fulfill unmet clinical needs. I look forward to collaborating with the ATB team to bring this vision to reality.”

“The founders of ATB Therapeutics have demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial vision by establishing a proprietary drug discovery, development, and manufacturing platform from the ground up,” remarked John de Koning, Partner at EQT. “The platform’s ability to manufacture antibodies from a single expression construct that integrates both targeting and direct cytotoxic functions is truly exceptional, positioning ATB as a prospective leader in the next generation of biopharmaceuticals.”

Contact
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

 

About

About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 246 billion in total assets under management (EUR 134 billion in fee-generating assets under management), within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
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About EQT Life Sciences
EQT Life Sciences was formed in 2022 following an integration of LSP, a leading European life sciences and healthcare venture capital firm, into the EQT platform. As LSP, the firm raised over EUR 3.0 billion (USD 3.5 billion) and supported the growth of more than 150 companies since it started to invest over 30 years ago. With a dedicated team of highly experienced investment professionals, coming from backgrounds in medicine, science, business, and finance, EQT Life Sciences backs the smartest inventors who have ideas that could truly make a difference for patients.

About ATB Therapeutics
Founded in 2018, ATB Therapeutics is a pioneering biotechnology company based in Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium, dedicated to the discovery and development of novel antibody therapies. Leveraging a proprietary technology platform based on plant molecular farming, ATB Therapeutics aims to deliver targeted solutions to high unmet medical needs, including oncology and autoimmune diseases, through innovative, next-generation of weaponized antibody treatments.

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Carisma Therapeutics Presents Promising New Preclinical Data on Engineered Macrophages for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis at AASLD The Liver Meeting® 2024

Wellington

New preclinical results support the anti-fibrotic potential of engineered macrophages in multiple fibrosis models

Engineered TIM4-expressing macrophages correct defective efferocytosis in MASH, demonstrating potent anti-fibrotic activity 

PHILADELPHIANov. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Carisma Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: CARM) (“Carisma” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative immunotherapies, today presented promising preclinical data on engineered macrophages for treating liver fibrosis at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting® 2024. These results underscore the pre-clinical efficacy of Carisma’s engineered macrophages in multiple liver fibrosis models and offer a novel, off-the-shelf potential treatment option for patients with fibrotic liver disease including advanced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Liver fibrosis is a central late-stage pathway in multiple liver diseases, including MASH, acute liver injury, primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and others. Treatment options remain limited for advanced liver disease patients. Liver disease is characterized by defective efferocytosis (an anti-inflammatory process by which macrophages clear dead hepatocytes), activation of hepatic stellate cells which leads to collagen accumulation, and chronic inflammation.

New preclinical results demonstrate that macrophages can be genetically engineered to target specific key pathways underlying liver disease with factors including TIM4 (restores efferocytosis), relaxin (inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation), and IL10 (reduces inflammation). Notably, a single dose of macrophages expressing TIM4, alone or together with relaxin, significantly reduced liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation in the translationally relevant choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) MASH model. The engineered macrophages were well tolerated and outperformed non-engineered cells in all models.

“We are pleased to present compelling preclinical data supporting the therapeutic potential of our engineered macrophages to address a critical unmet need in liver fibrosis, which is found in advanced stages of MASH,” said Michael Klichinsky, PharmD, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Carisma. “These data underscore the efficacy of our engineered macrophages as a differentiated, off-the-shelf approach for treating advanced liver fibrosis. Based on these promising findings, we are committed to advancing our liver fibrosis program.”

Carisma expects to nominate a development candidate for its liver fibrosis program in the first quarter of 2025.

The poster presented at AASLD 2024 is now available online in the “Publications” section of Carisma’s website at https://carismatx.com/technology/publications/

About Carisma Therapeutics

Carisma Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on utilizing our proprietary macrophage and monocyte cell engineering platform to develop transformative immunotherapies to treat cancer and other serious diseases. We have created a comprehensive, differentiated proprietary cell therapy platform focused on engineered macrophages and monocytes, cells that play a crucial role in both the innate and adaptive immune response. Carisma is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit www.carismatx.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, anticipated discovery, preclinical and clinical development activities for Carisma’s product candidates, the potential safety, efficacy, benefits and addressable market for Carisma’s product candidates, and clinical trial results for Carisma’s product candidates. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. The words “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “likely,” “projects,” “continue,” “will,” “schedule,” and “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are predictions based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events and various assumptions. Although Carisma believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, Carisma cannot guarantee future events, results, actions, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and the timing and results of biotechnology development and potential regulatory approval is inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause Carisma’s actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including risks and uncertainties related to Carisma’s ability to advance its product candidates, the receipt and timing of potential regulatory designations, approvals and commercialization of product candidates, clinical trial sites and our ability to enroll eligible patients, supply chain and manufacturing facilities, Carisma’s ability to maintain and recognize the benefits of certain designations received by product candidates, the timing and results of preclinical and clinical trials, Carisma’s ability to fund development activities and achieve development goals, Carisma’s ability to protect intellectual property, and other risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Carisma’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents that Carisma files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Carisma undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as may be required by law.

Investors:
Shveta Dighe
Head of Investor Relations
investors@carismatx.com

Media Contact:
Julia Stern
(763) 350-5223
jstern@realchemistry.com

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Stepful Secures $31.5 Million Series B Led by Oak HC/FT to Address U.S. Healthcare Worker Shortage

Oak HC FT

Investment will expand scalable programs and partnerships with healthcare providers, aiming to close critical workforce gaps by 2025

Stepful, the company dedicated to re-imagining healthcare training for allied health professional jobs, today announced it has raised $31.5 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Oak HC/FT with participation from Y Combinator, Reach Capital, AlleyCorp, SemperVirens, Company Ventures, Green Sands, ECMC Education Impact Fund, Intermountain Ventures, and Cedar Pine.

Today, Stepful offers educational training programs for both entry-level positions, including medical assistants, medical admins, and pharmacy technicians, and advanced programs for licensed practical nurses and surgical technicians. Unlike other trade schools, Stepful is an AI-powered learning platform with an accelerated format, lower costs and placement for students who successfully complete the program. To date, the company has seen strong growth in its business, expanding from 50 students in 2021 to more than 30,000 enrollees projected in 2024. With this new funding, Stepful will expand its B2B offering and continue growing its health system partnerships.

Stepful’s platform is designed for working adults, particularly from historically underserved communities, providing virtual instructor-led courses that include live, cohort-based learning sessions and one-on-one coaching for those looking for entry-level positions in hospitals and healthcare settings. Additionally, the program’s bite-sized, asynchronous, interactive learning modules allow students to manage their studies alongside other commitments, while AI-powered feedback offers personalized support and outreach to ensure students don’t fall behind.

“This funding supports our mission to make healthcare training more accessible while addressing the U.S. shortage of healthcare workers,” said Carl Madi, CEO of Stepful. “It enables us to reach more students, ensuring that our graduates can transition into high-demand roles more quickly, grow our practical nursing offerings, and open new schools in key regions. We’re also enhancing our capabilities to better serve healthcare employers by adding tools for screening and vetting, analytics, on-site learning support, and to pursue strategic acquisitions.”

The U.S. healthcare system will face a shortage of 3.2 million allied healthcare workers, nurses, and mental health professionals by 2026, according to the American Hospital Association, which could result in $86 billion in increased expenses and employee burnout. Traditional educational models, such as community colleges and trade schools, often require in-person attendance, have enrollment caps, and are costly—limiting their scalability in addressing these shortages.

Stepful’s approach has yielded industry-leading outcomes, including an 87% NHA CCMA exam pass rate—ten points higher than the national average—and a 75% completion rate. Stepful currently serves 13,000 monthly active students and boasts a network of over 8,000 healthcare partners  where students complete hands-on clinical training.

“Stepful is addressing a significant unmet need to mitigate the health professional labor shortage, and they’re doing it while creating a win-win situation for both students and employers,” said Vig Chandramouli, Partner at Oak HC/FT. “The quality and outcomes of Stepful’s program have proven to be superior to current options with higher graduation rates, certification pass rates, and job placement rates, all at a lower cost. We’re proud to partner with Stepful as they scale their impact.”

As the $28 billion healthcare training market continues to grow amidst labor shortages, Stepful is positioning itself as an end-to-end workforce solution for healthcare employers, adding tools like online training, on-site learning support, and analytics. By collaborating with major healthcare providers like Providence, Ohio State University Physicians, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Stepful’s growing B2B segment is positioned to help systems directly feed their labor pool with well-trained, skilled workers.

About Stepful

Stepful offers accelerated, affordable training programs for healthcare roles. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, Stepful connects students to job opportunities after certification. Stepful was co-founded by Carl Madi, Tressia Hobeika and Edoardo Serra. For more information, visit Stepful.com.

About Oak HC/FT 

Oak HC/FT is a venture and growth equity firm specializing in investments in fintech and healthcare. Using partnership as a foundation, Oak HC/FT guides companies and founders at every stage, from seed to growth, to create businesses that make a measurable and lasting impact. Founded in 2014, Oak HC/FT has invested in over 85 portfolio companies and has over $5.3 billion in assets under management. Oak HC/FT is headquartered in Stamford, CT, with an office in San Francisco, CA. Follow Oak HC/FT on LinkedIn and X and learn more at https://www.oakhcft.com/.

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