GROWMARK and CHS announce Cooperative Ventures, a new capital fund aimed at ag tech startups

CHS

An aerial view of a tractor on a farm with digital and technical-looking clipart surrounding it.

CHS is proud to announce the formation of Cooperative Ventures, a capital fund partnership with GROWMARK that provides tech startups unprecedented access to the cooperative system to solve challenges for our owners.

Nov 17, 2021

GROWMARK and CHS today announced the formation of Cooperative Ventures, a new capital fund that will focus on creating advancements in breakthrough technologies for the agriculture industry. The fund will provide differentiated value to startups in the agricultural ecosystem by leveraging the expansive, connected networks, unparalleled access to the farmgate and proven success of the two agricultural cooperatives. Both companies will be equal partners in the $50 million fund, which will be established as its own separate legal entity.

The combined markets of the two companies cover millions of acres and thousands of farmers that will create an industry-leading test field for products and services within North America. The fund has identified three core investment areas, or “Fields of Play,” to maximize the impact of each investment:  crop production, supply chain, and sustainability.

“This is a terrific opportunity to act cooperatively by working together on a venture meaningful to agriculture and our corresponding supply chains,” said GROWMARK CEO Jim Spradlin. “Both GROWMARK and CHS have trusted relationships and expertise within our networks, which will provide tremendous value for technology startups and ultimately benefit our respective customers. This is a natural evolution of GROWMARK’s AgValidity trial and testing program.”

“This partnership will help accelerate technology solutions to existing and emerging challenges in agriculture and is yet another way CHS creates connections to empower agriculture,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS Inc. “Our ongoing commitment to investment in growth and innovation for the benefit of CHS owners and the cooperative system further places CHS and GROWMARK at the forefront of cutting-edge technology solutions by leveraging our deep expertise and strong connections with farmer-owners.”

GROWMARK and CHS will provide tech startups unprecedented access to robust distribution capabilities within multiple value chains, allowing for opportunities to test and refine at different scales. Having cooperative member-owners and customers within the same ecosystem will take these innovative ideas to a new level to create shareholder value and customer-focused solutions.

Special attention will be paid to the startup’s strategic fit with both GROWMARK and CHS. Other factors will be based on their drive to lead in the startup space, the ability to deliver value and quality, the experience of management, and ultimately the ability to take a product or service to market. Cooperative Ventures will be comprised of teams based out of Bloomington, Illinois, and St. Paul, Minnesota.


About GROWMARK:

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

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Sagard announces first closing of Sagard Private Equity Canada’s inaugural fund

Cdpq
Total commitments of CA$200 million

Sagard today announced the successful first closing of Sagard Private Equity Canada’s Canadian mid-market private equity fund (“Sagard PE Canada” or the “Fund”) with commitments totaling CA$200 million.

Sagard PE Canada’s mission is to build a private equity franchise that will be recognized as the partner of choice for Canadian mid-market entrepreneurs and management on their quest to become market leaders. The first closing includes participation from Canada Life, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Export Development Canada, Investissement Québec, BMO Financial Group, CIBC and Sagard Holdings. The Fund is targeting total capital commitments of CA$400 million and remains open for additional commitments.

“Since our launch, we have been focused on filling the clear gap in the Canadian mid-market private equity landscape, and the response to our fundraising efforts has been very positive. As a result, we are well-positioned to create value by leveraging the talent and expertise of our team and the resources of Sagard’s CA$11.1 billion investment platform,” said Marie-Claude Boisvert, Partner and Head of Sagard PE Canada. “We want to thank our anchor LPs for believing in us and for setting us up for success.”

In advance of the Fund’s first closing, Sagard PE Canada announced its first investment on September 8, 2021, with the acquisition of Groupe LOU-TEC Inc. (“LOU-TEC”).  Founded in 1979, LOU-TEC is a leader in the rental of heavy machinery, specialized equipment and tools used in construction, renovation and maintenance of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings.

“We are thrilled to announce the first closing of Sagard Private Equity Canada’s mid-market fund. We are proud to support Marie-Claude Boisvert — one of the few women in Canada to launch and lead a private equity fund — and her amazing team,” said Paul Desmarais III, Chairman and CEO of Sagard.

“Today’s announcement is evidence that the Sagard PE Canada approach, with its dynamic and rigorous investment process, is working. Our team is demonstrably accelerating the performance of the companies with which we partner, and we look forward to building on the momentum and announcing new strategic investments in due course,” said Adam Vigna, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Sagard.

“With this investment, we support the creation of a new fund that will target the expansion of local SMEs. A complement to CDPQ’s efforts with Québec mid-caps, this fund will help expand the number of companies we work with and allow them to achieve their growth objectives,” said Mario Therrien, Head of Investment Funds and External Management at CDPQ.

“Sagard’s Canadian mid-market private equity fund will invest in growing medium-sized businesses,” said Carl Burlock, Executive Vice-President and Chief Business Officer at EDC. “There are many opportunities for mid-sized Canadian companies to grow internationally. We are pleased to collaborate with Sagard PE Canada to support the creation of global market leaders in Canada.”

“Investissement Québec, along with its experienced financial partners, is proud to empower Québec’s players who stand out in their sector to become international leaders. By supporting their growth projects, we are helping to promote our expertise both here and abroad, while fostering Québec’s economic development,” said Guy LeBlanc, President and Chief Executive Officer, Investissement Québec.


Legal Disclaimers
This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offering of any security, product, service or Fund. This document does not constitute investment advice and may not be used in making any investment decision. This document contains only summary information, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, by Sagard Holdings Inc. or any of its respective affiliates or funds. Some of the statements contained in this document are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and reflect Sagard’s current expectations. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, predictions or conclusions will not prove accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

About Sagard

Sagard is a multi-strategy alternative asset manager with more than CA$11 billion under management and professionals located in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia. Sagard seeks to generate attractive investment returns through a combination of flexible capital, entrepreneurial and disciplined culture and a unique global network of portfolio companies, limited partners, advisors and other valued relationships. Today, Sagard invests across four asset classes: private equity (Sagard Private Equity Canada, Sagard MidCap, Sagard NewGen), private credit (Sagard Credit Partners), royalties (Sagard Healthcare Royalty Partners), and venture capital (Portage Ventures and our ecosystem partner, Diagram Ventures).

About Sagard PE Canada

Sagard PE Canada focuses on Canadian mid-market opportunities to help companies and their management team accelerate their growth trajectory in order to become Canadian champions and market leaders. With offices in Montreal and Toronto, Sagard PE Canada concentrates on less cyclical sectors such as financial services, manufacturing and other services in which the team has deep industry knowledge. Sagard PE Canada has an active pipeline bolstered by the broader Sagard ecosystem, a disciplined and focused screening approach, a data-driven investing thesis, and a proven due diligence process. Driven by a structured approach to value creation, Sagard PE Canada generates value through organic growth, M&A, profitability and cash flow enhancement, talent and expertise, and disciplined monitoring. This strategy is underpinned by a shared vision and an experienced management team.

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Adelis Equity Partners Closes EUR 932 million Third Fund

Adelis Equity

Adelis Equity Partners Fund III has held a final close. The Fund will continue its predecessor funds’ focus on growth-oriented investments in the Nordic mid-market.

Adelis Equity Partners Fund III (Adelis III) held a final close on 27 October 2021, following a short period of fundraising. The Fund, which was significantly oversubscribed, raised EUR 855 million from external investors, on top of which Adelis’ employees have committed to invest 9%, or EUR 77 million, for a total fund size of EUR 932 million.

Investors in Adelis III include leading pension funds, foundations and fund-of-funds from Europe and North America. Investors in Adelis Equity Partners Fund II, all of whom are represented in Adelis III, make up the vast majority of the capital.

Adelis is a growth partner for well-positioned, Nordic companies. Adelis partners with management and/or owners to build businesses in growth segments and with strong market positions. Since raising its first fund in 2013, Adelis has been one of the most active investors in the Nordic middle-market, making 26 platform investments and more than 120 add-on acquisitions.

Adelis Equity Partners Fund I closed on SEK 3.7 billion in 2013 and Adelis Equity Partners Fund II raised EUR 600 million in 2017.

“We are grateful for the strong support from our existing investors and very pleased to have broadened our investor base with additional blue-chip institutions from Europe and North America” says Jan Åkesson at Adelis.

Adelis received legal advice from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Vinge and Gernandt & Danielsson in the fundraising process. Park Hill Group served as exclusive placement adviser.

For further information:

Jan Åkesson, Co-Managing Partner, + 46 8 525 200 00.

Adalbjörn Stefansson, Head of Investor Relations, +46 8 525 200 04.

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Beacon Pointe Announces Investment from KKR

KKR

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. and NEW YORKNov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Beacon Pointe, LLC, parent company to Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC (“Beacon Pointe” or the “Company”) and KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which KKR will make an investment in Beacon Pointe. The Beacon Pointe team will continue to own over 50% of the Company going forward, and Abry Partners (“Abry”) will fully exit its investment in Beacon Pointe as a result of this transaction.

KKR’s investment will provide Beacon Pointe with growth capital to support key priorities and continue the Company’s strategy for national expansion through new office openings and acquisitions. Beacon Pointe’s brand, culture and executive leadership team will remain intact, and clients will continue to receive the same level of high-quality, high-touch and high-tech services, delivered by the same core advisory teams. With KKR’s support, Beacon Pointe will further invest in technology, personnel and employees’ professional growth, and will establish a Beacon Pointe charitable fund.

Founded in 2002, Beacon Pointe Advisors is one of the largest independent registered investment advisory (RIA) firms in the nation with over $20 billion in assets under management and more than 110 financial advisors serving more than 10,000 clients in 27 offices across the U.S. Beacon Pointe’s proprietary allWEALTH® approach provides clients access to institutional quality investments, strategic life and legacy planning, and impact initiatives. As the largest female-led independent RIA in the country serving foundations, retirement plans and private clients, Beacon Pointe further differentiates itself with its dedicated Women’s Advisory Institute launched in 2011 to help women reach their financial goals.

“We are particularly excited about what this strategic partnership will mean for our team, company growth and, most importantly, the services we provide to our clients,” said Beacon Pointe CEO, Shannon Eusey. “With the support of KKR’s deep experience and resources, Beacon Pointe will have the opportunity to further invest in the business and continue to expand our footprint across the nation.”

“Shannon and the Beacon Pointe team have built an incredibly dynamic, client-centric business, which we are excited to invest behind as they continue to take the company to new heights,” said Chris Harrington, KKR Partner who leads KKR’s Financial Services investment team. “With its differentiated model, thoughtful approach to growth, and exceptional focus on client experience, Beacon Pointe is well-positioned to continue gaining share and scale within the growing and highly fragmented U.S. RIA market.”

The investment from KKR comes during a period of significant growth for Beacon Pointe. Over the past 18 months, the Company has grown by $10 billion in assets under management and has nearly doubled its professional staff.

“It is really something to think back to our humble roots when we founded Beacon Pointe twenty years ago,” commented Garth Flint, co-founder of Beacon Pointe Advisors. “I am very happy to see our institutional origins and entrepreneurial spirit still intact through our ongoing growth. We have incredible people at Beacon Pointe, and it is incredible people that make a wonderful impact on creating positive, long-lasting client experiences.”

Commie Stevens, Beacon Pointe Chief Practice Officer, said, “We are grateful to Abry for their support as an early investor in our business and we are very excited for a bright future ahead with our new strategic partner, KKR.”

With eight acquisitions already closed in 2021 and several more expected to close before the end of the year, Beacon Pointe is on pace for its busiest year yet.  The Company has extensive plans for ongoing expansion and growth that it expects to be able to accelerate with the support of KKR.

“We have a remarkable level of organic growth and acquisition-based growth at Beacon Pointe, and we know that a growing company is one that provides our clients with a superior service experience, greater professional development opportunities for our team and the opportunity to have an even larger positive impact within our communities. It is in this spirit that the successful evolution of our business makes now an ideal time to fuel our next chapter of growth,” said Matt Cooper, President of Beacon Pointe Advisors.

KKR is making its investment in Beacon Pointe through its North American private equity strategy. The transaction is expected to close before year-end, subject to customary closing conditions.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to Beacon Pointe and Alston & Bird LLP served as legal counsel to the Company. Ardea Partners LP served as the financial advisor to KKR, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to KKR.

About Beacon Pointe Advisors:
Beacon Pointe Advisors is a registered investment adviser headquartered in Newport Beach, California, with office locations and clients located nationally. Clients have long relied on Beacon Pointe’s professional advisors to help determine investment goals, establish asset allocation guidelines, screen investment managers for selection, evaluate fund performance, and develop strategic financial plans through our proprietary allWEALTH® approach. Our advisors’ extensive expertise and strong commitment to our clients can be seen through numerous awards, including being recognized by Bloomberg, Forbes, Financial Advisor Magazine, CNBC, Barron’s and more. For more information on Beacon Pointe’s wealth advisory services, please visit: www.beaconpointe.com and on Twitter @BeaconPointeRIA, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @BeaconPointeAdvisors.

About KKR:
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management and 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 The 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 and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

Media Contacts
For Beacon Pointe Advisors:                                                                           
Allison Warner, Chief Marketing Officer
949-718-1634
awarner@beaconpointe.com

For KKR:
Julia Kosygina and Miles Radcliffe-Trenner
212-750-8300
media@kkr.com

SOURCE Beacon Pointe Advisors

Related Links

http://www.beaconpointe.com/

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DIF Capital Partners closes its ESG equity bridge facility

DIF

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”) is pleased to announce that it has increased its equity bridge facility with ESG linked performance criteria to EUR 900 million. The facility was closed by DIF Infrastructure VI (“DIF VI”) and is provided by a club of banks comprising ABN AMRO, Rabobank, BMO, CIBC, ING Bank and CBA, with ABN AMRO acting as agent.

This is DIF’s first ESG equity bridge facility, evidencing the company’s desire to positively contribute to a sustainable future for the environment and society in general. The facility contains a set of ESG KPIs related to the ESG performance of DIF as a manager and the ESG performance improvement of the underlying portfolio on key ESG areas such as safety, environment, climate resilience and community, including third party assurance.

In return, DIF VI benefits from a reduction in margin on the facility upon meeting those KPIs, reflecting the lenders’ own ESG support and commitment to a sustainable future.

“We are delighted to be working again with our long term partners ABN AMRO, Rabobank, BMO, CIBC, ING Bank and CBA in relation to this very innovative facility with clearly described ESG KPIs. This closing confirms and strengthens DIF’s position as leader in the ESG space within the private equity community and we continue to be committed to deliver a positive contribution to a sustainable future” said Robert Doekes, CFO at DIF Capital Partners.

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent fund manager, with more than €9.0 billion in assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF Capital Partners invests in greenfield and operational infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

  • Traditional DIF funds, of which DIF Infrastructure Fund VI is the latest vintage, target equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships, concessions, utilities, and (renewable) energy projects.
  • DIF CIF funds, of which DIF CIF II is the latest vintage, target equity investments in small to mid-sized economic infrastructure assets in the telecom, energy, and transportation sectors.

DIF supports the goal of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in-line with global efforts as a result of the Paris Agreement to have net zero emissions by 2050, or sooner.

DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 170 professionals, based in ten offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney, and Toronto. For more information please visit www.dif.eu.

Contact:
Allard Ruijs, IR & BD
Email: a.ruijs@dif.eu

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Adams Street Partners Expands With New Office in Austin, Texas

Adams Street

CHICAGO/AUSTIN, November 8, 2021 – Adams Street Partners, LLC, a private markets investment management firm with more than $49 billion of assets under management, today announced that it has opened a new office in Austin, Texas — a significant geographic hub for venture capital, private equity, entrepreneurs, and technology talent.

Jeff Diehl, Managing Partner and Head of Investments at Adams Street, said, “Austin has become a vibrant entrepreneurial hub and it serves as a base-camp for many of America’s fastest-growing companies. Austin also possesses a deep and growing pool of skilled technology, venture capital, and private equity talent. We are excited about our new office bringing us closer to this innovative and dynamic ecosystem.”

Adams Street focuses on investing in private companies and fund managers who operate in sectors experiencing dislocation, change, and growth. The firm has developed a global investment platform that combines knowledge, data, and local relationships to create differentiated private market investment opportunities for institutional investors around the world. The firm also helps inspired entrepreneurs build lasting companies. Adams Street’s Growth Equity Team has more than 150 years of collective investment and operational experience to help entrepreneurs and CEOs scale their companies.

Austin will be Adams Street’s fifth location in the US and 11th globally. The firm has additional offices in Beijing, Boston, Chicago, London, Menlo Park, Munich, New York, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo.


About Adams Street Partners

Adams Street Partners is a global private markets investment manager with investments in more than 30 countries across five continents. The firm is 100% employee-owned and has more than $49 billion in assets under management. Adams Street strives to generate actionable investment insights across market cycles by drawing on nearly 50 years of private markets experience, proprietary intelligence, and trusted relationships. Adams Street has offices in Austin, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, London, Menlo Park, Munich, New York, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. Visit www.adamsstreetpartners.com

Media Inquiries:
Rich Myers / Rachel Goun
Profile Advisors
+1 347 343 2999
adamsstreet@profileadvisors.com

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EQT becomes the first private markets firm to set science based targets

eqt

EQT accelerates its journey to address climate change by defining ambitious greenhouse gas emission (“GHG”) reduction targets, encompassing both its own and its portfolio investments’ operations

EQT becomes the first private markets firm to formalize science based targets through the Science Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”)

The science based targets (“SBTs”) will become a central part of EQT’s active ownership strategy and climate-related value creation drivers across all investments

EQT AB is proud to announce that EQT’s science based targets have recently been approved and validated by the SBTi. With this, EQT has formalized its GHG emission reduction targets in line with the 1.5° pathway described in the Paris Agreement. EQT has a unique position to take an active role in addressing climate change and is fully committed to its purpose of making a positive impact with everything it does, both on group-level and in the EQT Funds’ investments.

The journey to map and offset emissions started already in 2014, and since the commitment to set SBTs in December 2020, EQT has further refined the GHG baseline in its investments and defined holistic emission reduction targets. Looking ahead to 2030, EQT is committing to:

  • Reducing EQT AB’s direct emissions by 50 percent
  • Reducing EQT AB’s indirect emissions from business travel by 30 percent
  • Ensuring 100 percent of the EQT portfolio companies (excluding EQT Ventures*) will have their own SBTs validated by 2030, 10 years faster than required by SBTi
  • Reducing indirect emissions in the EQT Real Estate I and II funds by 55 percent per square meter floor area

EQT has set interim targets and will publicly report progress annually with 2019 as a base year. Over the coming years, portfolio investments in the most recently launched fund strategies will also be included in the targets.

Bahare Haghshenas, Global Head of Sustainable Transformation, “We have a clear ambition to combat climate change holistically across the EQT ecosystem and setting science based targets is an important milestone towards this goal. This is a testament to how we integrate purpose and positive impact into everything we do, and it will enable us to drive even better performance.”

Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Managing Director of Science Based Targets initiative at Carbon Disclosure Project, “We are delighted to see EQT paving the way for the private markets industry and defining a new bar of ambition. EQT and the broader private markets industry have a unique opportunity to drive real change and limit global warming in line with the Paris Agreement.”

By having SBTi approved science based targets, EQT now fulfils, earlier than anticipated, the first KPI target in its inaugural sustainability-linked bond, which was established earlier this year to underscore EQT’s approach of having sustainability as an integral part of the business model of both the EQT AB Group and the EQT Funds’, including its portfolio companies. Further, it reaffirms EQT’s ambition to lead by example in the broader private markets industry.

Facts
The Science Based Targets initiative helps the private sector drive ambitious climate action by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets in alignment with the pathways described in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C vs. pre-industrial levels. The SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Further details on the EQT SBTs can be found here.

Contact
Bahare Hagshenas, Global Head of Sustainable Transformation, bahare.hagshenas@eqtpartners.com, +45 313 104 31
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

*Excluded due to EQT Ventures’ investments being smaller than set thresholds as per SBTi’s latest guidelines for venture capital

About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization focused on active ownership strategies. With a Nordic heritage and a global mindset, EQT has a track record of almost three decades of delivering consistent and attractive returns across multiple geographies, sectors and strategies. Uniquely, EQT is the only large private markets firm in the world with investment strategies covering all phases of a business’ development, from start-up to maturity. Including EQT Exeter, EQT today has more than EUR 71 billion in assets under management across 27 active funds within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets.

With its roots in the Wallenberg family’s entrepreneurial mindset and philosophy of long-term ownership, EQT is guided by a set of strong values and a distinct corporate culture. EQT manages and advises funds and vehicles that invest across the world with the mission to future-proof companies, generate attractive returns and make a positive impact with everything EQT does.

The EQT AB Group comprises EQT AB (publ) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, which include general partners and fund managers of EQT funds as well as entities advising EQT funds. EQT has offices in 24 countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas and has more than 1,000 employees.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
Follow EQT on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

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EQT appoints Heads of Private Equity and Infrastructure in Japan

eqt

EQT is pleased to announce two new senior hires, Tetsuro Onitsuka who joins as Head of EQT Private Equity Japan, and Masahiko Kato who joins as Head of EQT Infrastructure Japan. Tetsuro and Masahiko will continue to build the Tokyo-based team with both local and relocated EQT employees while exploring thematic investment opportunities in Japan. In addition, Tetsuro and Masahiko will lead the process of strengthening EQT’s bench of experienced Japanese advisors to the EQT Network.

Tetsuro and Masahiko bring extensive investment experience and local know-how from the Japanese private equity market, with Tetsuro most recently working as a Managing Director at Japan Post Investment, and prior to that Principal and Head of Japan at TPG. Masahiko most recently held a position as Deputy General Manager in Mitsubishi Corp’s private equity and infrastructure division.

The appointment of two senior hires in Japan is in line with EQT’s long-term strategy of expanding its presence within the Asia-Pacific region. Tetsuro and Masahiko will lead and grow the team in close collaboration with the entire EQT platform, including the inhouse digitalization and sustainability specialist teams, as well as EQT’s global network of industry advisors.

Thomas von Koch, Partner and Chairperson of EQT Asia Pacific, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Tetsuro and Masahiko to lead EQT’s operations in Japan. The country offers a wide range of compelling opportunities in EQT’s core sectors and we are confident that our industrial heritage, thematic investment strategy and expert capabilities within technology and ESG will create value for Japanese companies. We look forward to executing on these opportunities while continuing to grow EQT’s local team in Tokyo.”

Tetsuro Onitsuka, Head of EQT Private Equity Japan, said, “I am honored by the confidence EQT has placed with me and I am excited to contribute to the firm’s expansion in Japan. EQT has a successful track record of future-proofing companies and supporting them through their digital transformation, internationalization and sustainable growth journeys. We hope to leverage this experience into a Japanese context.”

Masahiko Kato, Head of EQT Infrastructure Japan, said, “I am humbled and excited to be leading EQT’s Infrastructure business in Japan. EQT’s growth-focused ownership philosophy, global industrial expertise and strong focus on ESG, makes EQT a truly unique firm which should strongly resonate in the Japanese market. I believe EQT’s partnership approach to investments and its growth mindset will unlock new and exciting opportunities”.

Contact
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization focused on active ownership strategies. With a Nordic heritage and a global mindset, EQT has a track record of almost three decades of delivering consistent and attractive returns across multiple geographies, sectors and strategies. Uniquely, EQT is the only large private markets firm in the world with investment strategies covering all phases of a business’ development, from start-up to maturity. EQT today has approximately EUR 71 billion in assets under management across 27 active funds within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets.

With its roots in the Wallenberg family’s entrepreneurial mindset and philosophy of long-term ownership, EQT is guided by a set of strong values and a distinct corporate culture. EQT manages and advises funds and vehicles that invest across the world with the mission to future-proof companies, generate attractive returns and make a positive impact with everything EQT does.

The EQT AB Group comprises EQT AB (publ) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, which include general partners and fund managers of EQT funds as well as entities advising EQT funds. EQT has offices in 24 countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas and has more than 1,000 employees.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
Follow EQT on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

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IK Investment Partners Rebrands to IK Partners and Launches New Website

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ik-investment-partners

IK Investment Partners has announced that it is changing its name to IK Partners (“IK”, “the Firm”) and launched a new website.

The Firm has chosen to reinvigorate its brand and visual identity to ensure it is forward-looking and reflective of its journey to date. In line with an aesthetic change to the look and feel of the brand, IK has also developed a new website, with the strapline “People-First Private Equity”. Launching today, the website becomes www.ikpartners.com.

Announcing the change, Christopher Masek, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The entire private equity industry has evolved considerably over the last three decades and so has IK. From a transaction-centric approach of the early years, our culture has evolved to placing more focus on people through the development of strong and mutually respectful relationships. We are driven to unleash the potential we see in teams, businesses and communities and our new name and mission statement reflect this.”

The announcement comes after a busy 18 months for the European private equity firm. In this period, IK has extended its geographical footprint, achieved 10 exits and completed 18 direct investments, raised over €4 billion across its four strategies and added 50 new employees to the team.

With offices in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Paris and Stockholm, IK Partners will continue to focus on investments in the Benelux, DACH, France, Nordics and the UK across its core sectors of Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer and Industrials.

IK Partners – Key Facts

  • Founded in 1989 as Industri Kapital, IK Partners operates in local markets across Europe, partnering with growing businesses in Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer and Industrial sectors.
  • To date, IK has raised over €14 billion of capital and realised nearly €17 billion.
  • In April 2021, the IK Small Cap III Fund closed at its €1.2 billion hard cap, including a dedicated pool of €250 million for the Development Capital Strategy.
  • In May 2020, the IK IX Fund – IK’s largest to date – closed at its €2.85 billion hard cap and the IK Partnership Fund closed at €303 million.

For further questions, please contact:

IK Partners
Maitland/AMO
James McFarlane
Phone: +44 (0) 7584 142 665
Email: jmcfarlane@maitland.co.uk

 

IK Partners

IK Partners (“IK”) is a European private equity firm focused on investments in the Benelux, DACH, France, Nordics and the UK. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €14 billion of capital and invested in over 150 European companies. IK supports 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.ikpartners.com

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Apax closes Apax Digital Fund II at $1.75bn hard cap

Apax Digital
  • Reaches hard cap in less than four months
  • Oversubscribed second tech-focused growth equity fund with a high re-up rate
  • Leverages Apax’s deep technology expertise and global platform to invest in minority growth and growth buyout opportunities worldwide

 

Apax, a leading global private equity advisory firm, announced today the final close of Apax Digital Fund II (“ADF II”) at its $1.75bn hard cap. The fund will invest in high-growth technology companies globally.

ADF II will pursue the same strategy as its predecessor fund, targeting minority growth and growth buyout opportunities in rapidly expanding software, internet, and tech-enabled services companies worldwide.

The Apax Digital team, co-led by Managing Partners Dan O’Keefe and Marcelo Gigliani, will continue to draw on Apax’s deep-rooted technology expertise, global platform, and Operational Excellence Practice to partner with exceptional founders and leadership teams to help them accelerate growth, drive transformational change, and unlock value. Since inception the Apax Funds have invested c.$16bn in more than 200 companies within the technology sector.

Marcelo Gigliani and Dan O’Keefe, Managing Partners of Apax Digital commented: “We are grateful for the confidence of our investors, many of whom backed the predecessor fund. As demonstrated by ADF I, our deep technology expertise, the strength and scale of Apax’s global platform, and the value creation driven by Apax’s operational team, allow us to empower the companies we work with to go farther, faster.”

Mitch Truwit, Co-CEO of Apax and Chairman of Apax Digital , said: “We want to thank our limited partners for their support, which is a testament to the fund’s performance and the Digital team’s distinctive positioning in the market. Their experience, dedication, and ability to help companies scale and accelerate growth gives them a clear edge.”

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