Cinven and Novo Holdings to sell Envirotainer

Cinven

International private equity firm, Cinven, and co-investor, Novo Holdings, have agreed to the sale of Envirotainer (‘the Company’), a leading global provider of mission-critical, temperature-controlled air cargo services for the pharmaceutical industry, to EQT and Mubadala, for an Enterprise Value of approximately €2.8 billion. As part of the transaction, Envirotainer’s current shareholders will have the opportunity to reinvest in the business as minority shareholders.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Envirotainer designs, manufactures and leases active temperature-controlled containers, used primarily for air freighting biopharma products. With a fleet of c. 6,700 containers globally, the Company has more than 600 customers worldwide, including many blue-chip global pharma and biotech companies. Envirotainer has approximately 375 employees and an extensive global network of more than 60 service stations.

The Company developed and marketed the first container with an active temperature control system in 1995, enabling it to meet the complex needs of transporting biopharmaceuticals at stable temperatures. Today, Envirotainer supports the transportation of approximately 2 million doses of medicines per day for all major pharmaceutical manufacturers, ensuring medicine is safely delivered to destinations around the globe.

Cinven’s Nordic team identified Envirotainer as an attractive investment opportunity in 2012 and tracked the business closely for six years, working with Cinven’s Business Services, Healthcare and Industrials Sector teams to develop a compelling investment thesis for the Company. The Sixth Cinven Fund together with co-investor Novo Holdings, ultimately acquired Envirotainer in September 2018.

Since acquisition, Cinven and Novo Holdings have worked in close partnership with the Company to drive its strong performance, including through:

  • Significant investment in R&D and innovation to support new product launches, including the next generation Releye platform, which has further enhanced Envirotainer’s market-leading sustainability credentials, and CryoSure, a shipment solution for the cryogenic (-70°C) segment;
  • International expansion, with Envirotainer continuing to expand its geographical reach and entering new markets; notably, Envirotainer has significantly grown its business in China, India and South Korea, key emerging pharmaceuticals markets, through investment into three new service stations, the local sales force and expansion of existing infrastructure;
  • Enhancing Envirotainer’s digital capabilities, introducing live shipment monitoring for customers as well as leveraging data analytics to facilitate predictive maintenance of the large container fleet; and
  • Investments in the organisation, including strengthening the senior management team and Envirotainer’s operational capabilities, as well as supporting the relocation to a new HQ. This has ensured continuous best-in-class delivery of Envirotainer’s mission-critical services, minimising product waste for customers and successfully navigating through the disruption to global supply chains arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the investment, Pontus Pettersson, Partner at Cinven, said:

“Envirotainer is a great business in a highly attractive market. We are very proud of the success that the Company has achieved during Cinven’s ownership period – it is a great example of Cinven’s strategy to back leading Swedish and European businesses to expand internationally and to invest in new products, digitalisation, and operational excellence to drive growth.

“Envirotainer is in a strong position to continue to take advantage of the market opportunity and we are confident the company will continue to do very well in the future.”

Peter Gisel-Ekdahl, CEO of Envirotainer, added:

“The support of Cinven and Novo Holdings has enabled us to continue to develop best-in-class solutions to support our clients and the healthcare industry, including the recently launched Releye platform and our new CryoSure solution which has enabled us to enter into a new and attractive part of the temperature-controlled transportation market. As a result, Envirotainer has continued to maintain a market-leading position and to serve all top pharmaceutical companies. We are very excited for the company’s next chapter.”

Christian Salling, Senior Partner at Novo Holdings, also commented:

“Envirotainer has been on an impressive journey in recent years and management has done an outstanding job of creating a leading provider of mission-critical services to the pharmaceutical industry. We are very proud to be part of that journey and Envirotainer is a good example of our engaged ownership model, that we exercise together with leading investment partners.”

Completion of the transaction is expected in the second half of 2022 and is subject to customary antitrust approvals.

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Advent International to Acquire a Significant Stake in Imperial Dade, a Leading North American Distributor of Food Service Packaging and Janitorial Supplies, from Bain Capital Private Equity

BainCapital

Boston and Jersey City, NJ – May 2, 2022 – Advent International (“Advent”), today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a significant stake in Imperial Dade (the “Company”), the leading distributor in North America of foodservice packaging and janitorial supplies, from Bain Capital Private Equity (“Bain Capital”).  Bain Capital, which first invested in Imperial Dade in 2019, and Advent will have joint Board governance.  Imperial Dade will continue under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, Chairman and CEO respectively, who remain significant investors in the business alongside the current management team.  Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Advent International to Acquire a Significant Stake in Imperial Dade, a Leading North American Distributor of Food Service Packaging and Janitorial Supplies, from Bain Capital Private Equity

Founded in 1935 and based in Jersey City, NJ, Imperial Dade is a leading independently owned and operated distributor of foodservice packaging, facilities maintenance supplies, floor equipment, and industrial packaging serving North America, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.  With approximately 6,400 employees, Imperial Dade provides customized supply chain solutions to customers in the foodservice, grocery, hospitality, cruise lines, healthcare, retail, government, facilities maintenance, and export market segments.  Imperial Dade operates from a network of strategically located distribution centers totaling over 10.2 million square feet of warehouse space across North America  and serves more than 90,000 customers.

“When we invested in Imperial Dade three years ago, we had a shared vision with the Tillis Family that there was an enormous opportunity to build on the strong foundation they had created and to create an industry leader focused on best-in-class customer service.  Under their leadership, Imperial Dade has become the preeminent platform in North America that quality, independent operators are proud to join.  Now we are excited to continue to support Imperial Dade’s growth journey with our new partners at Advent, with whom Bain Capital has successfully collaborated in the past,” said Ken Hanau, a Managing Director and Co-Head of Industrials at Bain Capital Private Equity.

Since 2019, Imperial Dade’s revenue has increased from $2 billion to $5 billion as a result of organic growth and the acquisition of regional distributors expanding their geographic reach and customer service capabilities in North America.  In March 2022, Imperial Dade reached an agreement to acquire Veritiv Canada, Inc. to extend its presence into Canada.

“Customers are at the core of all we do as we work to provide the best possible solutions through the products and services we offer,” said Jason Tillis.  “We appreciate the support and partnership Bain Capital has provided as we have expanded our business and customer mix tremendously, and we look forward to working with Advent as we continue to expand our platform,” said Robert Tillis.

“We are thrilled to partner with Jason and Robert Tillis and the entire Imperial Dade management team, along with Manny Perez de la Mesa, Bain Capital and Audax, to support Imperial Dade’s next chapter of growth.  Imperial Dade has developed a truly differentiated value proposition based on its best-in-class service and industry-leading product portfolio.  We look forward to continuing to serve the Company’s stakeholders, including its thousands of valued customers, its employees, and the communities in which it operates,” said Stephen Hoffmeister, a Managing Director at Advent International.

“I’m proud to partner with Jason and Robert Tillis, as they’ve built a terrific platform providing exceptional value to Imperial Dade customers and suppliers, while providing exceptional opportunities for its employees.  I am very much looking forward to continuing to support the business as it embarks on the next phase of its growth,” said Perez de la Mesa, lead director of Imperial Dade and former CEO of Pool Corporation.

Audax Private Equity, which invested in Imperial Dade in 2016, also continues to be a significant investor in Imperial Dade.

Harris Williams and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisors, PwC is serving as accounting advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor, to Bain Capital and Imperial Dade.  Baird is serving as financial advisor, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is serving as legal advisor to Advent.

About Imperial Dade
Imperial Dade is the leading independently owned and operated distributor of foodservice packaging, facilities maintenance supplies and equipment in North America.
Learn more at www.imperialdade.com

About Advent International
Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 390 private equity investments across 41 countries, and as of December 31, 2021, had $88 billion in assets under management. Advent has considerable experience in distribution, having previously supported market leaders such as ABC Supply, MORSCO Inc., Distribution International, Rubix and Caldic. With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 250 investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; healthcare; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. For over 35 years, Advent has been dedicated to international investing and remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies.

For more information, visit
Website: www.adventinternational.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/advent-international

About Bain Capital Private Equity
Bain Capital Private Equity has partnered closely with management teams to provide the strategic resources that build great companies and help them thrive since its founding in 1984. Bain Capital Private Equity’s global team of more than 250 investment professionals creates value for its portfolio companies through its global platform and depth of expertise in key vertical industries including healthcare, consumer/retail, financial and business services, industrials, and technology, media and telecommunications. Bain Capital has 22 offices on four continents. The firm has made primary or add-on investments in more than 1,000 companies since its inception. In addition to private equity, Bain Capital invests across asset classes including credit, public equity, venture capital and real estate, managing approximately $160 billion in total and leveraging the firm’s shared platform to capture opportunities in strategic areas of focus.

For more information, visit: www.baincapital.com 

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KKR Announces Tender Offer to Acquire Hitachi Transport System

KKR

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced it intends to make a tender offer for the common shares of Hitachi Transport System Ltd. (“HTS” or the “Company”; TSE stock code 9086) through HTSK Co., Ltd. (the “Offeror”), an entity owned by the investment funds managed by KKR.

Hitachi Transport System is a leader in the third-party logistics business (“3PL”) in Japan. The Company provides supply chain solutions for customers who outsource logistics functions such as logistics system integration, inventory and order control, logistics center operations, factory logistics, and transportation and delivery services. HTS has a strong domestic 3PL business as well as an international business which includes forwarding business and related 3PL business.

Under a newly published medium-term management plan ending March 2025 (“LOGISTEED 2024”), the Company looks to enhance its capabilities through the integration of digital transformation, logistics technology and on-site capabilities in order to strengthen and expand its overseas presence, become a leading 3PL player in Asia, evolve its “Smart Logistics”, and bolster its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management practices. The Company’s long-term vision (“LOGISTEED 2030”) will focus on advancing collaboration to become a global leader in the 3PL business. This will be achieved through high value-added solutions for optimizing supply chain management, improving customer experience and efficiency through digital transformation, enhancing global value chains, engaging in investment-first projects, as well as strategic merger and acquisitions, and strengthening its position as a platform provider.

In connection with the tender offer, the Offeror has entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) with Hitachi, Ltd. (“Hitachi”), the lead shareholder of HTS, under the terms of which, following a share consolidation after the tender offer, HTS will acquire Hitachi’s 39.91% holding in a share buyback. Thereafter, Hitachi will reinvest by acquiring 10% of shares with voting rights in HTSK Holdings Co., Ltd. that holds shares of the Offeror (the “Offeror Parent”) and KKR will hold 90% of shares with voting rights in the Offeror Parent.

The proposed tender offer price of JPY8,913 per share and the share buyback price of JPY6,632 per share have been determined based on the negotiations among KKR, HTS, and Hitachi. This transaction will be financed predominantly from KKR’s Asia IV Fund and is designed with a low-leverage capital structure for HTS’s sustainable growth.

The proposed tender offer price represents1:

  • A premium of 166.22% to Hitachi Transport System’s 12-month average closing price to June 16, 2021
  • A premium of 161.53% to Hitachi Transport System’s 6-month average closing price to June 16, 2021

KKR expects to commence the tender offer by late September 2022, subject to regulatory approvals in Japan and other jurisdictions. For details regarding the conditions of the commencement of the tender offer, please refer to the full text of the filing notice issued today titled, “Notice regarding the commencement of the tender offer for Hitachi Transport System Ltd. (TSE stock code 9086).”

Hiro Hirano, Co-Head of Asia Pacific Private Equity at KKR and CEO of KKR Japan, said, “We are pleased to have this opportunity to invest in Hitachi Transport System, a pioneer in the Japanese 3PL market that has provided innovative logistics and supply chain solutions for many years. We look forward to utilizing KKR’s global network and expertise to accelerate Hitachi Transport System’s next phase of growth and help the Company achieve its goal of becoming the leading 3PL company in Asia through technology enablement and inorganic growth in a collaborative manner.”

Japan continues to be a key market for KKR in Asia Pacific and globally. Since entering the Japanese market in 2006, KKR has been an active investor and worked with leading Japanese companies on a number of landmark transactions and transformation developments across a range of asset classes, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and growth investment. Past investments have included Yayoi, a leading cloud accounting software provider, Seiyu, a nationwide supermarket chain, Kokusai Electric, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, PHC, a leading manufacturer of medical devices, Koki Holdings, a power tool and life science equipment manufacturer, Marelli, a leading supplier of automotive components, Data X, an integrated data-driven marketing SaaS platform in Japan. In addition, KKR recently invested in Central Tank Terminal, Japan’s largest independent chemical storage tank operator, as an infrastructure investment and Mitsubishi Corp.-UBS Realty Inc. (MC-UBSR), one of the largest real estate asset managers in Japan, as a real estate investment.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release has been prepared for the purpose of informing the public of the tender offer and has not been prepared for the purpose of soliciting an offer to sell, or making an offer to purchase, any securities. If shareholders wish to make an offer to sell their shares in the tender offer, they should first read the tender offer explanation statement for the tender offer and offer their shares or stock options for sale at their own discretion. This press release shall neither be, nor constitute a part of, an offer to sell or purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, any securities, and neither this press release (or a part thereof) nor its distribution shall be interpreted to be the basis of any agreement in relation to the tender offer, and this press release may not be relied on at the time of entering into any such agreement.

The tender offer will be conducted in accordance with the procedures and information disclosure standards prescribed by Japanese law, which may differ from the procedures and information disclosure standards in the United States. In particular, Section 13(e) and Section 14(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules prescribed thereunder do not apply to the tender offer, and the tender offer does not conform to those procedures and standards.

Unless otherwise specified, all procedures relating to the tender offer are to be conducted entirely in Japanese. If all or any part of a document relating to the tender offer is prepared in the English language and there is any inconsistency between the English-language documentation and the Japanese-language documentation, the Japanese-language documentation will prevail.

The financial advisors to the Offeror, Hitachi, and HTS as well as the tender offer agent (including their respective affiliates) may engage prior to the commencement of, or during, the tender offer period in the purchase or arrangement to purchase shares of the Company for their own account or for their customers’ accounts to the extent permitted under the Japanese Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, Rule 14e-5(b) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and other applicable laws and regulations. Such purchases may be made at the market price through market transactions, or at a price determined by negotiation outside of the market. In the event information regarding such purchases is disclosed in Japan, such information will also be disclosed on the English homepage of the financial advisor or tender offer agent conducting such purchases or will otherwise be made publicly available.

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 and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

_____________________________________

1 Figures are based on the closing price of Hitachi Transport System on June 16, 2021, prior to the speculation of the start of the bidding process and are hence not impacted by speculation.

KKR Media

Anita Davis
+852 3602 7335
Anita.Davis@kkr.com

Wei Jun Ong
+65 6922 5813
WeiJun.Ong@kkr.com

Finsbury Glover Hering (for KKR Japan)
Deborah Hayden
+81 70 2492 0463 / deborah.hayden@fgh.com

Source: KKR

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Partners Group invests in LogCap, a last mile logistics platform in Oslo

Partners Group
  • Portfolio comprised of 19 assets with a combined GAV of EUR 442 million
  • High demand for last mile assets and limited supply underpinning strong rental growth
  • Partners Group plans to grow LogCap’s platform to over EUR 1 billion in size

Partners Group, a leading global private markets firm, has agreed to invest in LogCap, a last mile logistics platform in Oslo, on behalf of its clients. The seed portfolio is comprised of 19 assets with a combined GAV of EUR 442 million. Following the transaction, Partners Group will be the largest shareholder in the LogCap portfolio with a 50% stake.

LogCap’s portfolio is strategically located in the Drammen-Langhus-Lillestrøm logistics triangle, which is considered the most attractive area for last mile logistics assets in Oslo. Around two million people can be reached within a one-hour drive of this area, representing 37% of Norway’s population. The portfolio has over 100 tenants from a range of industries, which provides strong diversified cashflows and insight into demand dynamics. It is 96% occupied and the average remaining contract period is 4.9 years with 100% annual inflation adjustment leases. A limited supply of logistics space combined with strong demand due to rising e-commerce sales volumes is underpinning rental growth in Oslo. The conversion of industrial premises to residential and office space in recent years has reduced existing stock whilst natural geographic barriers are restricting new urban developments. Meanwhile, the Norwegian e-commerce market is projected to grow at a 13.8% CAGR between 2022 and 2025.

Partners Group will work with LogCap on a value creation plan and seek to expand the portfolio to over EUR 1 billion in size. LogCap has already identified a strong pipeline of potential add-on targets. In addition, Partners Group will also look to enhance the ESG credentials of underlying assets in line with its commitment to stakeholder impact.

Anne-Jan Jager, Managing Director, Private Real Estate Europe, Partners Group, says: “We have been tracking the logistics sector in Norway for some time through our thematic investing approach and following LogCap’s development since early 2021. We plan to capitalize on strong occupier demand and limited new stock to create a leading last mile logistics platform in the country. This investment in LogCap is a great starting point as it provides instant access to scale, vertical depth, and sourcing capabilities in the capital.”

Anders Brustad-Nilsen, Chief Executive Officer, ORO, adds: “We are very excited to welcome Partners Group as the largest investor in LogCap. The firm’s extensive expertise in the sector will be very valuable as we look to scale our existing logistics platform around the greater Oslo area.”

Partners Group’s Private Real Estate business has USD 18 billion in assets under management globally. The firm deployed USD 4 billion of equity across private real estate in 2021, of which c. 40% was in the logistics sector.

Arctic Securities structured the acquisition of the LogCap platform, with Advokatfirmaet Schjødt as legal advisor.

Kirkland & Ellis, Thommessen, and PwC advised Partners Group. DnB is providing the debt financing for the transaction.

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Strategic Lease Partners Acquires $780 Million in Net Leased Properties in Q4 2021 for KKR

KKR

January 24, 2022

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Strategic Lease Partners (“SLP”), a platform launched by global investment firm KKR to acquire a diversified portfolio of triple-net lease (NNN) real estate, closed six transactions in the fourth quarter of 2021 for a total of $780 million. SLP is working closely with KKR’s real estate, credit and capital markets teams to underwrite a wide range of mission-critical properties and deliver customized sale-leaseback solutions for a group of high quality corporate and sponsor-backed tenants. The platform is initially targeting to acquire more than $3 billion in assets, primarily capitalized through KKR’s credit and real estate funds.

“SLP has built great momentum in its first few months of operation,” said Peter Sundheim, Managing Director on KKR’s real estate team. “We are delighted with the exceptional quality and diversification of the assets SLP has acquired for our NNN portfolio.”

Michelle Hour, Director on KKR’s credit team added, “SLP’s ability to invest in deals of all sizes and to utilize its access to the KKR platform to deliver strong underwriting with speed and certainty is clearly resonating with sponsors and corporate tenants seeking to unlock the value of their real estate.”

The six transactions SLP closed last quarter followed the platform’s launch in August 2021 and consisted primarily of mission critical industrial assets, with a focus on sale-leasebacks (SLBs) for private equity-backed companies with durable business models. The transactions ranged in size from under $15 million for an individual property to over $500 million for a portfolio and included both domestic and cross-border portfolios. SLP’s acquisitions comprised 31 individual assets across nearly 5.4 million square feet with a weighted average lease term (WALT) of over 16 years, while over half of the portfolio holds LEED designation.

SLP’s Q4 2021 acquisitions include the following transactions:

  • A 20-property, multi-state manufacturing and distribution portfolio that is majority LEED certified and leased to a global beverage brand on a long-term basis
  • A four-building manufacturing portfolio across major Canadian and United States markets leased to a leading North American retail and food services company
  • An approximately 50,000-square foot, LEED Platinum office building in Connecticut leased to an international investment firm
  • A four-building manufacturing portfolio across New Jersey, Georgia and Wisconsin leased to a plastics company
  • An approximately 350,000-square foot distribution facility in Illinois leased to a health and nutrition brand
  • An approximately 125,000-square foot distribution facility in Tennessee leased to a major wholesale tire distributor

“Our first six purchases are a great representation of the breadth of SLP’s underwriting capabilities,” said Andrés Dallal, Partner at SLP. “Our platform, supported by the institutional expertise and resources of KKR’s team, makes us an ideal partner for companies in need of comprehensive, creative net lease solutions.”

“SLP has the expansive scope and ability to deliver business-empowering sale-leaseback solutions for a full array of asset types, from single-tenant deals to multi-property portfolios across regions,” added Joseph Mastrocola, Partner at SLP. “As we look to continue building on our momentum over the coming months, we are excited to close investments that deliver value in an appreciating and evolving commercial and industrial market.”

SLP is actively continuing to seek investments including SLB transactions, net-leased property and portfolio acquisitions and forward takeouts of built-to-suit developments. SLP evaluates all property types across the credit spectrum, with a focus on sub-investment grade tenants and transactions between $10 million and more than $1 billion across North America. The firm can be contacted directly at Inquiries@StratLP.com.

About Strategic Lease Partners

Strategic Lease Partners (SLP) is a diversified triple-net lease (NNN) real estate investment platform, which engages the capabilities and resources of KKR’s real estate, credit and capital markets teams to acquire NNN properties and deliver sale-leaseback solutions to corporate tenants. Sponsored by global investment firm KKR, SLP provides tenants from a wide-range of industries with reliable ownership and long-term leasing for their mission-critical real estate. For more information, please visit www.stratlp.com.

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.

Business Inquiries:
Inquiries@StratLP.com

Media:
Miles Radcliffe-Trenner
212-750-8300
media@kkr.com

Source: KKR

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Carlyle Commits Over $100 Million in Battery Storage and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Technologies to Accelerate the Energy Transition

Carlyle

New York, New York – Global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) today announced complementary growth investments by Carlyle-managed funds in community-scale clean energy developer NineDot Energy and electric vehicle (“EV”) charging and services company Fermata Energy, representing a more than $100 million commitment to technological disruptions advancing the energy transition.

The investments in NineDot and Fermata Energy bring total capital committed by funds managed by Carlyle’s infrastructure platform in the last 24 months to renewable and sustainable energy companies to more than $1.2 billion.

Founded in 2015, NineDot Energy is a New York City-based clean-tech developer that designs and deploys community-scale energy generation and battery storage projects. Carlyle’s investment will enable NineDot to develop, build, and operate over 1,600 megawatt hours (MWh) of clean energy systems by 2026 that strengthen local power grid infrastructure and provide clean, reliable, and resilient power to tens of thousands of New York households and businesses. As a top developer focused on the New York City market, NineDot aims to support New York State’s mission to achieve its goal of 100% clean energy by 2040, including a recently-doubled target of 6,000 MW of energy storage by 2030.

Founded in 2010, Fermata Energy is an electric vehicle (“EV”) charging and services company targeting the growing bi-directional EV charging market, working with leading automakers, including Ford and Nissan. Fermata Energy designs, supplies, and operates the technologies required to integrate EVs into the home, buildings, and electric grid. Fermata Energy’s “Vehicle-to-Everything” (“V2X”) platform incorporates a bi-directional charger and proprietary software with the EV and electricity user, allowing the vehicle to act as a dispatchable energy storage resource when the vehicle is not in use.

Pooja Goyal, Chief Investment Officer of Carlyle’s Infrastructure Group, said, “There is a large and growing investment opportunity in building the renewable energy capacity required to power a lower-carbon grid.  Batteries and the greater penetration of electric vehicles within our transportation mix both play a vital role in transitioning to a cleaner, more reliable grid. We are proud of our new partnerships with NineDot and Fermata Energy, and look forward to leveraging Carlyle’s deep industry expertise, broad network, and late-stage development capabilities to support our partners in expanding into broader energy transition growth channels.”

NineDot and Fermata Energy have an existing partnership in place with Revel to deploy vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology to supply energy back to the power grid during times of peak electricity demand.

David Arfin, CEO and Co-Founder of NineDot Energy said, “NineDot Energy thrives on developing innovative business models and projects that support a more resilient electric grid while simultaneously delivering economic savings and reducing carbon emissions. Carlyle’s investment will enable NineDot to further advance its leadership position in providing community clean energy solutions in New York and beyond.”

David Slutzky, Founder and CEO of Fermata Energy said, “To enable the transition to a clean energy economy, abundant energy storage must be deployed quickly and at scale. The investment from Carlyle allows Fermata Energy to make EVs more affordable, help fortify the electric grid, and create positive climate action.”

Strategic partnerships with NineDot and Fermata Energy further Carlyle’s growth in renewable and sustainable energy investing, which includes a focus on investments in renewable power generation, energy storage solutions, distributed energy, transportation electrification, and supply chain de-carbonization.

About Carlyle

Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. With $293 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2021, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 1,800 people in 26 offices across five continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on Twitter @OneCarlyle.

Media Contact:

Brittany Berliner
(212) 813-4839
brittany.berliner@carlyle.com

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Maritime technology company Seaber.io to secure new growth funding

Seaber.io, the Finnish maritime technology company has raised EUR 1.5 million from Counterview Capital, Lifeline Ventures and Tesi to further develop the business.

Seaber is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact, inefficiencies and costs of bulk and break bulk shipping. Seaber’s cloud-based schedule planning, optimisation and communication solution helps charterers and shipowners to reduce emissions by improving asset utilisation.

“Seaber is set to modernize a traditional industry and bring new digital capabilities to maritime operators, driving significant environmental impact. As such it is a great fit with our Venture Bridge investment program. We are delighted to join a high-caliber investment syndicate supporting the company’s growth ambitions,” comments Juha Lehtola, Director of Tesi’s Venture Capital team.

Read more:

Press release by Seaber.io 21.12.2021

Additional information:

Juha Lehtola, Director, Venture Capital, Tesi
+358 400 647 671
juha.lehtola@tesi.fi

 

Tesi (Finnish Industry Investment Ltd) is a state-owned investment company that wants to raise Finland to the front ranks of transformative economic growth by investing in funds and directly in companies. We invest profitably and responsibly, hand-in-hand with co-investors, to create the world’s new success stories. Our investments under management total 2.1 billion euros. www.tesi.fi @TesiFII

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Ratos-owned Speed Group acquires Dream Logistics’ 4PL operations

Ratos

The logistics and staffing company Speed Group, which is 70% owned by Ratos AB, has signed an agreement with Dream Logistics to acquire shares in the company’s subsidiary for transport management services, known as fourth-party logistics (4PL).

The company is based in Mölndal, Sweden and is expected to have sales of SEK 100m for 2022, with an EBITA margin of approximately 3%, which is in line with other 4PL providers. The agreement signed by Speed Group is for the acquisition of 80% of the shares in the company. The company’s Managing Director, Fredrik Krysén, will continue to own the remaining 20% of the shares.

 

“This acquisition is strategically important for Speed Group, since it helps expand the existing offering to include transport management services. This will strengthen the company’s position in both the short and long term. As an owner, we’re pleased with Speed Group’s positive development coming in the wake of the constantly growing demand for the company’s services,” says Christian Johansson Gebauer, Chairman of Speed Group and President Business Area Construction and Services, Ratos.

 

“Dream Logistics’ 4PL operations, led by Managing Director Fredrik Krysén, are a perfect complement to Speed Group’s service offering. The company’s expertise in logistics consulting, transport management and implementing effective and cost-efficient transport solutions means that we provide our customers with a more holistic approach in terms of sustainable, effective and complete logistics solutions,” says Mats Johnson, CEO of Speed Group.

 

 

For further information
Christian Johansson Gebauer
Chairman of the Board of Speed Group and President Business Area Construction and Services, Ratos
+46 8 700 17 00
Mats Johnson
CEO, Speed Group
+46 73 367 75 45

 

 

About Speed Group
Speed Group is a corporate group based in Borås, Sweden that offers innovative and sustainable solutions to complex logistics and staffing challenges. The company is one of the Nordic region’s leading third-party logistics (3PL) providers, with effective automation solutions and nearly 200,000 square metres of warehouse space in Borås, Gothenburg and Stockholm. At 30 September, rolling 12-month sales for Speed Group amounted to SEK 945m and the EBITA margin was 11%.

 

About Ratos
Ratos is a business group consisting of 13 companies divided into three business areas: Construction & Services, Consumer and Industry. In total 2020, the companies have approximately SEK 36 billion in sales. Our business concept is to develop companies headquartered in the Nordics that are or can become market leaders. We enable independent companies to excel by being part of something larger. People, leadership, culture and values are key focus areas for Ratos. Everything we do is based on Ratos’s core values: Simplicity, Speed in Execution and It’s All About People.

 

 


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Audax Private Equity Completes the Sale of MNX Global Logistics to Quad-C Management

Audax Group

Audax Private Equity (“Audax”) today announced that it has completed the sale of MNX Global Logistics (“MNX” or the “Company”), an industry leader in time-critical logistics and managed transportation services, to Quad-C Management (“Quad-C”). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

MNX, headquartered in Long Beach, California, with offices in Singapore, Amsterdam, and Melbourne, is an industry leader in time-critical logistics and managed transportation services serving the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, high tech, medical device, aviation, entertainment, government, and financial industries. MNX’s same-day services support the distribution of surgical kits, lifesaving medical treatments, and critical service-parts, and help rescue grounded aircraft through its Aircraft-On-Ground precision logistics services. MNX serves a diverse base of over 1,500 global clients in 190 countries and territories through its Next Flight Out (“NFO”), Air Charter, Expedited Ground, Forward Stocking, and Managed Transportation solutions.

Since Audax’ investment in 2018, MNX has undergone a period of rapid growth and transformation, including expanding its global footprint and solidifying its presence in healthcare and aviation end-markets. The acquisitions of both the Express Division of Network Global Logistics and Global First supported MNX’s global growth plan and commitment to continuously increase the capabilities that its customers demand.

David Wong, Managing Director at Audax, stated, “We are proud of all that has been accomplished during our partnership with MNX. John and the entire management team have done an extraordinary job of driving improvements and building a leading time critical logistics provider through organic growth, acquisitions, operations, and commercial synergies. We wish the best to MNX as it begins its next chapter.”

“Over the past three and a half years, Audax has proven to be an incredible partner,” said John Labrie, President and CEO of MNX. “Audax was instrumental in our customer growth and innovation in solution offerings, supporting our team in its mission to be a world leader in time-critical transportation services. We thank David and the Audax team for their support in helping us continue to deliver dependable, customized solutions, and we look forward to what the future holds for MNX.”

Jefferies and J.P. Morgan served as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor to Audax and the Company.

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CapMan Infra acquires Finland’s leading bus operator – electric bus fleet to grow sixfold by 2026

Capman

CapMan Infra Press Release

10 December 2021 at 9:30 a.m. EET

CapMan Infra acquires Finland’s leading bus operator –electric bus fleet to grow sixfold by 2026

CapMan Infra has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of Koiviston Auto (Metsäpietilä Oy), the largest bus operator in Finland. The acquisition is aligned with CapMan Infra’s approach to improve public transportation networks, offer sustainable transportation alternatives by driving the green shift of the business.

Koiviston Auto, founded in 1928, is a market leader within public and commercial bus transport in Finland. The company employs 2,300 people, has a fleet of c. 1,000 buses, operates a network of 18 depots across Finland and transported around 85 million passengers pre-pandemic in 2019.

The company’s business is divided into two segments, contract- and market-based bus transport. The contract-based urban bus transportation business displays attractive infrastructure characteristics of a large asset base underpinned by long-term capacity based and inflation protected contracts with public transportation authorities. The contract-based business represents currently around 80 per cent of group revenues, while the market-based business shows post-pandemic recovery opportunities. The market-based segment operates three well-known brands: Onnibus.com, Onnibus Flex and Porvoon Liikenne, and is the clear market leader in the intercity long-haul bus traffic in Finland.

“We are very pleased to acquire a company with an impressive history and opportunities to transform its business towards more environmentally friendly operations. As the market leader, the company is well-positioned to drive the electrification of the bus sector and grow the business through winning additional contracts. We value their local knowledge and presence, and we plan to maintain the strong brands that the company’s fleet operates under. We look forward to continuing to develop the company together with its employees in line with the values of Koiviston Auto. We recognise the impact of the ongoing pandemic on employees and customers and focus on providing stability as we move towards a recovery,” says Ville Poukka, Managing Partner at CapMan Infra.

Through the acquisition, CapMan is driving the rapid electrification of urban bus transportation. Electric buses currently account for only 6 per cent of Koiviston Auto’s contracted fleet. CapMan plans to increase the company’s contracted electric bus fleet to more than 220 buses by 2026, representing over 33 per cent of the contracted bus fleet. The annual savings of around 21,000 tons of CO2, when compared with 2021 levels equal the removal of around 7,000* cars from traffic.

“Koiviston Auto has operated as a family business for nearly one hundred years. Before making the decision to sell we performed a careful evaluation of the company’s future. The industry is in transition, as traffic is being rapidly electrified. Now was a natural turning point to realise this change. CapMan Infra brings added resources to for instance needed fleet investments as well as valuable expertise to developing the business”, says Antti Norrlin, Chairman of the Board of Koiviston Auto.

The CapMan Infra team holds significant experience in implementing a green shift of the transportation sector through its investment in Norwegian ferry operator Norled, where emissions reduction of the fleet has been a key component of the strategy. The team has previous experience of managing and developing large transportation systems and organisations in the Nordics.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the first quarter of 2022. All existing employees will maintain their current positions following the transaction. This agreement has no immediate effect on Koiviston Auto’s existing customers or services provided.

CapMan Infra is a Nordic infrastructure investor with a team of ten professionals based in Helsinki and Stockholm and approx. €400 million in assets under management.

*Assuming on average 94,909 driven kilometers per annum for urban traffic bus and 1,202 g/km CO2 emissions for EURO VI class bus (full load) as well as 20,000 driven kilometers per annum for car and 153.5 g/km CO2 emissions for car, based on the average emissions per car in Finland in 2020.

For more information, please contact:

Ville Poukka, Managing Partner, CapMan Infra, tel. +358 50 572 9120

Torborg Chetkovich, Partner, CapMan Infra, tel. +46 73 802 02 05

Antti Norrlin, Chairman of the Board, Koiviston Auto, tel. +358 400 499 041

Antti Unkuri, Group CEO, Koiviston Auto, tel. +358 44 786 4623

About CapMan

CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation. We offer a wide selection of investment products and services. As one of the Nordic private equity pioneers, we have developed hundreds of companies and real estate assets and created substantial value in these businesses and assets over the past 30 years. With over 4 billion in assets under management, our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors. We have a broad presence in the unlisted market through our local and specialised teams. Our investment strategies cover Private Equity, Real Estate and Infra. We also have a growing service business that includes procurement services, fundraising advisory, and analysis, reporting and wealth management services. Altogether, CapMan employs around 160 people in Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, London and Luxembourg. We are a public company listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001 and a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) since 2012. Read more at www.capman.com.  www.capman.com

About Koiviston Auto

Koiviston Auto is the largest bus operator in Finland with a nationwide network of depots and routes. The company employs 2,300 people, has a fleet of around 1,000 buses and had a turnover of 173 million euros in 2020. Koiviston Auto is the market leader in market-based intercity traffic with its OnniBus.com, OnniBusFlex and Porvoon Liikenne brands. In the contract-based urban bus transportation business the company is strongly present in the regions of Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Lahti, Kuopio, Oulu, Porvoo, Rauma, Rovaniemi and Varkaus. Koiviston Auto is a family-owned company founded in 1928. The company has its headquarters in Lahti. Visit www.koivistonauto.fi or www.onnibus.com for more information.

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