Motive Partners completes significant investment in Dun & Bradstreet

Motive Partners

Stephen C. Daffron, Industry Partner of Motive Partners,
Appointed President of Dun & Bradstreet

New York, London – February 11, 2019 – Motive Partners announced the completion of
the previously announced acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet (the “Company”) as part of an
investor group led by CC Capital, Cannae Holdings, Bilcar, LLC, Black Knight, Inc., and
funds affiliated with Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.

In connection with Motive Partners’ investment in Dunn & Bradstreet, Stephen C. Daffron,
Co-Founder and Industry Partner of Motive Partners and former President & Chief Executive
Officer of Interactive Data Corporation, has been appointed President of Dun & Bradstreet,
joining a leadership team comprised of William P. Foley II, Executive Chairman of the
Company’s Board of Directors, and Anthony Jabbour, Chief Executive Officer of the
Company.

Motive Labs’ experienced innovators, technologists and operators work with management
teams and business leaders to create value by delivering efficiency and unlocking revenue
opportunities through the application of emerging technologies. Today, Motive Labs works
with an international network of financial institutions, portfolio companies and strategic
partners to deliver market-leading innovation services and solutions.

Stephen C. Daffron, President of Dun & Bradstreet and Industry Partner of
Motive Partners, commented: “Dun & Bradstreet has 177 years of history serving
its global customer base, and we look forward to building upon this heritage with
enhanced business solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. I am
pleased to join the Company’s leadership team as President, and to work alongside
Bill and Anthony to help realize significant value at the Company. I am confident
that we can better serve our customers, accelerate growth and increase operating
efficiency, and I look forward to pursuing these objectives alongside my colleagues
at Dun & Bradstreet and with the support of Motive Labs, the innovation and valuecreation arm of Motive Partners.”

As a result of the completion of the transaction, shares of Dun & Bradstreet common stock
has ceased trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP served as legal counsel to Motive Partners in connection with
its investment in Dun & Bradstreet.

About Dun & Bradstreet
Dun & Bradstreet, the global leader in commercial data and analytics, enables companies
around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud
fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower
cost, mitigate risk, and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have
relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity.

About Motive Partners
Motive Partners is a sector specialist investment firm that is focused on technology enabled
companies that power the financial services industry. Based in New York and London and
comprised of investors, operators and innovators, Motive Partners brings differentiated
expertise, connectivity and capabilities to create long-term value in financial technology
companies. Motive Labs works with a large international network of financial institutions,
portfolio companies and strategic partners to deliver market-leading innovation services
and solutions.

More information on Motive Partners can be found at www.motivepartners.com.
For more information please contact:

Media Enquiries:
Sam Tidswell-Norrish
+44 7855 910178 | pr@motivepartners.com

Investor Relations:
Brad Yankiver
+1 (212) 651-0200 | ir@motivepartners.com

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KKR Completes Acquisition of Ramky Enviro Engineers

KKR

KKR Global Impact Makes Second Investment

MUMBAI, India–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 10, 2019– Global investment firm KKR and Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (“REEL” or the “Company”), a leading provider of environmental services and solutions in India and overseas, today announced the completion of their previously announced transaction. Under the terms of the transaction, KKR has acquired a 60% stake in REEL for approximately US$510 million via a combination of primary and secondary investments. In addition to investing in REEL from its KKR Asian Fund III, the investment is part of KKR’s Global Impact strategy, which is focused on identifying and investing behind businesses with positive social or environmental impact that measurably contribute solutions to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190210005039/en/

M. Goutham Reddy, Managing Director & CEO of REEL, said, “India is home to some of the world’s most pressing waste management needs, and REEL has an important role to play in providing critical solutions to communities across the country. KKR’s expertise in environmental issue management, extensive global and local resources, and aligned vision to enact positive change makes KKR the ideal partner to help us keep pace with the environmental challenges facing our society and provide impactful solutions. We are off to a great start with multiple strong hires added to the management team and process enhancements work to better our ESG efforts.”

Rupen Jhaveri, Managing Director at KKR, added, “Supporting promising companies that offer solutions to global challenges in areas such as the environment, health and human capital has become an increasingly important focus for KKR worldwide. REEL is exemplary in being a comprehensive environmental management company whose work supports the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission to reduce pollution and improve critical sanitation infrastructure nationwide. We are confident that, with our industry experience and resources, REEL will be better positioned to achieve its social mission over the long term.”

Robert Antablin and Ken Mehlman, Co-Heads of KKR Global Impact, said, “Responsibly managing waste is a critical global challenge, particularly in one of the world’s fastest growing nations. We believe REEL will address this critical need while advancing two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Over the last decade, KKR has been a leader in driving and protecting value throughout the firm’s private markets portfolio through thoughtful Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) management, as well as measuring and reporting on performance to the public and investors. The firm also has a history of investing in businesses that promote sustainable solutions to societal challenges. This experience of responsible investment combined with a changing landscape of global challenges led to KKR’s decision to create a dedicated Global Impact business in 2018. KKR’s Impact strategy and investment in REEL will build on this experience.

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About Ramky Enviro Engineers

Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (“REEL”) is a leading provider of comprehensive environmental management services. Through the provision of its technical and operational expertise, REEL offers cost-effective, custom solutions to a variety of complex environmental needs across areas including Industrial, Municipal and Medical Waste Management, Wastewater and Water Treatment, Environmental Services, Recycling and Remediation, among others. REEL today operates waste treatment facilities in more than 60 locations across India, Singapore, the Middle East, and Africa. The Company handles 3.5 million tons of municipal waste, 1 million tons of industrial waste, and caters to 20,000 healthcare establishments. Many of REEL’s facilities are ISO 9001-, ISO 14001-, ISO 17025- and OHSAS 18001-certified to ensure excellence in environmental and waste management. For more information, visit: http://ramkyenviroengineers.com.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages multiple alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate and credit, with strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns for its fund investors by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation with KKR portfolio companies. KKR invests its own capital alongside the capital it manages for fund investors and provides financing solutions and investment opportunities through its capital markets business. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

Source: KKR

Media
KKR Asia
Anita Davis, +852 3602 7335
Anita.Davis@KKR.com
or
KKR Americas
Kristi Huller / Cara Major, +1 212-750-8300
Media@KKR.com
or
Edelman (For KKR India):
Siddharth Panicker, +91-9820-857-522
Siddharth.Panicker@Edelman.com

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Söderberg & Partners Welcomes KKR as a Significant Shareholder

KKR

Market leader in pensions advice, wealth management and non-life insurance receives investment from KKR to further develop its product portfolio and support international expansion

STOCKHOLM–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 8, 2019– Söderberg & Partners together with TA Associates and certain other selling shareholders have today reached an agreement on the terms of an investment from KKR, a leading global investment firm. KKR will acquire a substantial minority shareholding in the founder-led business, with Per-Olof Söderberg (Chairman and co-founder), Gustaf Rentzhog (CEO and co-founder) and other key founding members remaining as long-term shareholders.

The transaction is subject to ordinary conditions precedent including regulatory approval, and is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2019.

Söderberg & Partners is a leading non-bank provider of wealth management and corporate pension and insurance services in the Nordic region and the Netherlands. Founded in 2004, the business has seen consistent growth in AUM and is the clear market leader in Sweden, and began its expansion across the Nordic region in 2014, entering the Norwegian, Danish and Finnish markets, and expanding its pension advisory service into the Netherlands.

KKR will continue to support and assist Söderberg & Partners on its strategy of rolling out its successful platform across the Nordic region and internationally, developing its product portfolio and services proposition, and enhancing its capabilities across investment management and research. The transaction builds on KKR’s successful track record in the Nordic region and globally of working with founder-entrepreneurs to support their growth objectives and further scale their businesses.

Per-Olof Söderberg, Chairman and co-founder, said: “I am extremely pleased to welcome KKR as a significant shareholder to help us deliver the next growth phase of Söderberg & Partners. We thank at the same time TA Associates for their strong support and partnership over the years that has enabled the company to become a leading player in the Nordic region.”

Gustaf Rentzhog, CEO and co-founder, said: “I look forward to working together with KKR to continue delivering our successful platform to companies and individuals both in existing and new markets. This enhances not only the position of, and possibilities for, Söderberg & Partners, but I also believe it will significantly enhance the products and services we are able to deliver to our customers. KKR brings investment and intellectual capital, a global network of financial and industrial experts, and an unrivalled understanding of global markets and macro-economic trends to Söderberg & Partners.”

Daan Knottenbelt, Member and Head of EMEA Financial Services at KKR, said: “We are delighted to be working with Per-Olof, Gustaf and the team at Söderberg & Partners. KKR has an exceptionally strong track record in the Nordic region and investing in founder-led businesses, and this, together with our in-depth understanding of financial intermediaries, differentiated us to the founders and management team. Söderberg & Partners benefits from an extremely strong business model and market position, as well as supportive growth dynamics, and we look forward to the next phase of the business’ development.”

Chris Parkin, Managing Director, TA Associates, said: “It has been our privilege to support Söderberg & Partners’ management in executing their growth strategy. Since we invested in 2014, Gustaf and team have consistently executed on their plan to create a leading independent wealth manager, pension adviser and insurance brokerage group. We confidently expect them to build on this success in the years ahead.”

KKR’s investment was made through its European Private Equity funds.

Citigroup Global Markets Limited acted as exclusive financial adviser and PG Magnusson Advokatbyrå AB and Mannheimer Swartling Advokatbyrå AB acted as legal advisors to the selling shareholders in connection with the transaction.

About Söderberg & Partners
Söderberg & Partners was founded in 2004 and is today a leading non-bank provider of wealth management and corporate insurance services in the Nordic region and the Netherlands. Söderberg & Partners has in 15 years achieved a market leading position with regards to customer satisfaction and market presence within all segments in which it is active. For additional information about Söderberg & Partners, please visit Söderberg & Partners’ website at www.soderbergpartners.se.

About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages multiple alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate and credit, with strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns for its fund investors by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation with KKR portfolio companies. KKR invests its own capital alongside the capital it manages for fund investors and provides financing solutions and investment opportunities through its capital markets business. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

About TA Associates
TA Associates is one of the largest and most experienced global growth private equity firms. Focused on five target industries – technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and business services – TA invests in profitable, growing companies with opportunities for sustained growth, and has invested in more than 500 companies around the world. Investing as either a majority or minority investor, TA employs a long-term approach, utilizing its strategic resources to help management teams build lasting value in growth companies. TA has raised $24 billion in capital since its founding in 1968 and is committing to new investments at the pace of $2 billion per year. The firm’s more than 85 investment professionals are based in Boston, Menlo Park, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong. More information about TA Associatescan be found at www.ta.com.

Source: KKR

Media:
Söderberg & Partners
Louise Hagsten
Chief Communication & HR
louise.hagsten@soderbergpartners.se
+46 (0)76-149 50 17

KKR
Alastair Elwen
Finsbury
alastair.elwen@finsbury.com
+44 (0)20 7251 3801

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Onex’ SMG Announces Merger with AEG Facilities – – Forming ASM Global, a Dynamic Company Spanning Five Continents –

Onex

Los Angeles, CA, West Conshohocken, PA, Toronto, ON, February 7, 2019 – AEG Facilities, the venue management subsidiary of AEG, and SMG, an Onex (TSX: ONEX) portfolio company, today announced they have signed a definitive agreement to merge. This combination will create a new, standalone global facility management and venue services company that will operate as ASM Global (“ASM”). Onex and AEG’s subsidiary will each own 50% of the company following the completion of the transaction. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
ASM will be headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with key operations based in West Conshohocken, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. Led by the most experienced team in the industry, the company will operate a diversified portfolio of arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers, with more than 310 venues across five continents.
Wes Westley, Chief Executive Officer and President of SMG, said, “This merger is a major step for our industry. We are excited to bring together these complementary businesses to further elevate the standard of excellence in venue management. We plan to accelerate innovation by combining our expertise to deliver increased value and offer enhanced capabilities to municipalities and venue owners worldwide. At the same time, we expect that this transaction will offer employees at both our corporate headquarters and field operations tremendous new opportunities.”
Bob Newman, current President of AEG Facilities and formerly a Regional Vice President at SMG, said, “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this exciting new company, which brings together the two organizations where I have worked for the bulk of my professional career. This transaction draws upon the depth of our combined talent and resources to create an organization that will deliver value and long-term success, as well as innovative services to our clients around the world.”

Following the completion of the transaction, Mr. Newman will be named President and CEO of ASM. Mr. Westley will join ASM’s Board of Directors, where he will actively support the merger integration.

Dan Beckerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AEG, said, “AEG Facilities has flourished under Bob’s leadership since it was established a decade ago and this combination will position ASM for growth by joining the resources and talents of these two companies. ASM will offer an impressive array of capabilities that will accelerate the development and deployment of new services and bring diverse business, sports and entertainment experiences to municipalities, partners and fans around the world.”

Amir Motamedi, a Managing Director of Onex, added, “With Wes at the helm, SMG became a gold standard in venue management. We are grateful for his stewardship over the last 25 years and look forward to his continued involvement on the board. Looking forward, we are thrilled to be partnering with Bob Newman and the talented AEG team to create a larger, more diverse company to better serve ASM’s clients.”
AEG will retain ownership of its real estate holdings outside of this venture, including its entertainment districts and owned venues in Los Angeles, London, Hamburg and Berlin, as well as its extensive development, sports, music and sponsorship divisions. Onex is contributing its entire equity investment in SMG into the merger. The transaction is expected to be completed later this year subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

About Onex
Onex is one of the oldest and most successful private equity firms. Through its Onex Partners and ONCAP private equity funds, Onex acquires and builds high-quality businesses in partnership with talented management teams. At Onex Credit, Onex manages and invests in leveraged loans, collateralized loan obligations and other credit securities. Onex has more than $33 billion of assets under management, including $6.9 billion of Onex proprietary capital, in private equity and credit securities. With offices in Toronto, New York, New Jersey and London, Onex and the team are collectively the largest investors across Onex’ platforms.
Onex’ businesses have assets of $52 billion, generate annual revenues of $32 billion and employ approximately 218,000 people worldwide. Onex shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol ONEX. For more information on Onex, visit its website at www.onex.com. Onex’ security filings can also be accessed at www.sedar.com.

About SMG
Founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 240 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 20 million square feet of exhibition space and over 1.6 million sports and entertainment seats. SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services. SMG Europe manages entertainment venues and food and beverage operations at locations throughout Europe, including in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland. For more information visit www.smgworld.com or www.smg-europe.com.

About AEG Facilities
AEG Facilities is a subsidiary of AEG, a leading sports and live entertainment company. AEG Facilities operates some of the industry’s preeminent venues worldwide, across five continents, providing complete venue management, as well as specialized programs in operations, guest services, ticketing, booking, sales and marketing. AEG Facilities also provides its clients resources and access to other AEG-affiliated entities, including AEG Presents, one of the largest live music companies in the world, AEG Global Partnerships and AEG Real Estate, as well as such programs as AEG 1Earth and AEG Encore to support the success of its venues across the globe. For more information, please visit www.aegworldwide.com.

About AEG
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is a leading sports and live entertainment company. With offices on five continents, AEG operates in the following business segments: AEG Facilities, which manages or consults with preeminent arenas, stadiums and convention centers around the world; AEG Presents, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events and world-renowned festivals; AEG Real Estate, which develops world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE; AEG Sports, which is the world’s largest operator of sports franchises and high-profile sporting events; and AEG Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating and other strategic partnerships. Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 100 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown uncertainties and risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The companies are under no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein should material facts change due to new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information:
Onex
Emilie Blouin
Director, Investor Relations
Tel: +1.416.362.7711
SMG
Steve Patterson
Res Publica Group
Tel: +1.312.504.7848
AEG and AEG Facilities
Michael Roth
VP, Communications
Tel: +1.213.472.7255

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Amethyst partners with Now Group

Cathay

Amethyst Group Limited (“Amethyst”) is delighted to announce a new partnership with Now Group UK Limited (“Now Group”) to provide its warehousing and distribution services.

Amethyst is a 3PL provider and offers full warehousing and distribution services to its clients from its bases in Warwickshire and Kent. Amethyst opened a new Super Hub at its Wellesbourne site in 2017 to provide high tech modern facilities to its client base. Amethyst services a number of well-known clients in toys & games, baby and fashion sectors. Amethyst, together with its sister company PNC Global Logistics, can also offer freight forwarding services Amethyst can manage your stock from factory to customer.

Now Group is a distributor of Outback BBQ’s, Bose, Denon and other high-end Audio equipment and personal breathalysers.

Allan Fosbrook, Amethyst Sales Director said, “Now Group have a great range of products and we are excited to be working with them to deliver a high quality responsive service”.

Hunter Abbott from Now Group said, “we are delighted to be working with Amethyst. We chose them because we required a company that knows how to deliver on time and in full as our brands required this to grow”.

Amethyst and PNC are part of the Cathay Investments group. For more information see www.amethystgroup.co.uk , www.pncgl.com , www.cathay-investments.com or contact Allan on 07730 982907, afosbrook@amethystgroup.co.uk.

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Polaris Private Equity Fund IV group acquires 100% of HITOWA Holdings Co., Ltd. from CVC Asia Fund IV and other shareholders

Acquisition includes HITOWA Holdings and its operating subsidiaries, collectively referred to as HITOWA Group

Polaris Private Equity Fund IV (“Polaris Fund IV”), managed by Polaris Capital Group Co., Ltd. (“Polaris”), and other investors have reached agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of HITOWA Holdings Co., Ltd. (“HITOWA Holdings”) in mid-March 2019 from majority shareholder CVC Asia Fund IV and other shareholders.

The acquisition includes HITOWA Holdings and its operating subsidiaries, collectively referred to as HITOWA Group (“the Group”). Established in 1997, the Group is engaged in three major businesses: (1) Franchise Business Services, which includes house cleaning service “Osoji Hompo”, and home visit rehabilitation and massage service “KEiROW”; (2) Elderly Care Services, a comprehensive business providing services including the development and operation of “Irize” nursing homes for the elderly across Japan; and (3) Childcare Support Services, a comprehensive business providing services including the development and operation of “Taiyo no ko” nursery schools mainly in Japan’s metropolitan area (Tokyo and the surrounding three prefectures).

In addition, the Group operates the following supplementary businesses: Staffing Services – which specializes in elderly care and childcare – and Food Services – which provides meals at facilities such as nursing homes for the elderly, nursing schools and other educational facilities, and company cafeterias. HITOWA Group maintains a strong presence in its target industries, having established dominant positions in elderly care and childcare support services, particularly in Japan’s largest metropolitan area. HITOWA Group also has a nationwide network of over 2,200 service locations for its Franchise Business Services.*

Yuji Kimura, Founder, President and CEO of Polaris Capital Group, added: “For the future growth of HITOWA Group, Polaris will offer the company its full support, working to raise its enterprise value by sharing know-how acquired through years of highly successful investments, including into service providers and franchise service businesses. After the share acquisition, Polaris will dispatch several senior officers to HITOWA Group and work with the existing management team and employees to strengthen its business, providing comprehensive business and financial support ahead of a future share listing.”

Since CVC Asia Fund IV purchased a majority stake in HITOWA Holdings in 2016, CVC has worked closely with HITOWA’s management team to transform the company by expanding its network and improving customer satisfaction, ultimately raising EBITDA by more than 25%.

Atsushi Akaike Partner and Head of CVC Capital Partners’ Tokyo office commented: “HITOWA is a fantastic company that has gone from strength to strength since our partnership began in 2016. We would like to thank the HITOWA management team and employees for all their hard work and wish them every success in the next phase of growth.”

*Representing the total number of franchisees across all brands.

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Semantix invests in on-demand interpreting

Segula

Semantix continues its acquisition drive and invests in on-demand interpreting by acquiring Tolkvox AB. This acquisition is an important addition to the company’s portfolio of multilingual services and is in line with the increasing demand for flexible online solutions. It also solidifies the company’s position as the leader in language technology in the Nordic region.

“The acquisition of Tolkvox is a very important and logical step for us to take in extending our digital offer into the growing on-demand market in the Nordics. Mobile on-demand human interpretation will help users overcome language barriers anywhere and in real time. It is an exciting development of language technology, disrupting conventional language services,” says Patrik Attemark, CEO Semantix.

Tolkvox is a Swedish on-demand interpreting start-up, founded three years ago. Tolkvox provides interpreting services between 178 languages and English in an easy-to-use app. Via the app, customers can reach qualified interpreters within 30 seconds, with just the push of a button and no need to pre-book.

“I am looking forward to Tolkvox becoming a part of the Semantix service offer and being able to make on-demand interpreting available to all Semantix customers 24/7,” says Mattias Schain, founder of Tolkvox, who will take on the new role of Business Development Manager On-demand Interpreting at Semantix.

For more information

Patrik Attemark, CEO, patrik.attemark@semantix.se, 070 166 56 01

 

Semantix is the largest language technology company in the Nordics, providing interpreting, translation and advanced language solutions to the public sector and private corporations for more than 50 years. Semantix has a turnover of approximately SEK 1 billion and operates in accordance with ISO 9001:2015. The group has offices in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland and representatives in China, Chile and Spain. Semantix has some 400 full-time employees and manages a comprehensive network of thousands of language specialists all over the globe. Semantix is majority owned by the private equity fund Segulah V L.P. 

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Blackstone to Acquire Aadhar, India’s Largest Independent Affordable Housing Finance Company

Blackstone

Mumbai, February 3, 2019 – Blackstone (NYSE:BX) today announced that private equity funds managed by Blackstone (“Blackstone”) have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the entire stake in Aadhar Housing Finance Limited (“Aadhar”) held by the existing controlling shareholders.  As part of the transaction, Blackstone will simultaneously infuse INR 8,000 million primary equity capital into Aadhar to fund the company for future growth.

Aadhar is India’s largest independent affordable housing finance company with a network of 316 branches across 19 states and an AUM of approximately INR 100 billion (~USD 1.4 billion) which comprises 100% secured lending to retail customers with an average loan ticket size of less than INR 1 million.

Mr. Amit Dixit, Head of India Private Equity and Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, said: “Aadhar has the strongest origination capability in the sector with 316 branches. Our primary capital infusion of INR 8,000 million will double the company’s Net Worth and reduce its Debt to Equity ratio by roughly half. We expect the rating agencies and company’s lenders to welcome the ownership transition to a long term, well capitalized and patient investor in Blackstone.  We are proud to support the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ mission and provide capital and much needed confidence to the HFC/NBFC sector. Finally, we want to thank the current owners for building a great company with a strong management team and robust credit underwriting process. We plan to take the baton forward, back the management team, and fulfill their ambition of becoming the #1 company in the sector on all dimensions.”

Mr. Deo Shankar Tripathi, Managing Director and CEO at Aadhar, said: “The entire management team is excited to partner with Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager with AUM of USD 472 billion. Blackstone’s ownership and the upfront capital infusion will be perceived very positively by all stakeholders of the Company. This investment is a testament to the dedication of our outstanding employees who have built this Company. We look forward to take the Company further on its vision and growth plans.”

The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary closing conditions.

About Aadhar Housing Finance Limited

Aadhar Housing Finance Limited (Aadhar) is one of the largest housing finance companies in India servicing the home financing needs of the low-income segment.  Aadhar endeavours to empower underserved millions to own their first homes. Established in 1990 as Vysya Housing Finance Limited, Aadhar has a long history. Today, its 316 branches across 19 states help to reach more than 90% of the country’s low-income population and provide credit solutions that make home-ownership accessible to everyone.

Further information is available at www.aadharhousing.com

About Blackstone

Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with approximately USD 472 billion in assets under management, include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on global basis.

Blackstone has been active in India since 2006 and has committed USD 9.8 billion of investments in India through private equity and real estate.

Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.

Contact

Matthew Anderson
+1 (212) 390 2472
Matthew.Anderson@blackstone.com

Deepa Jayaraman
+91 900 877 8681
Deepa.Jay@outlook.com

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AURELIUS sells the remaining parts of its public-sector business in Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Aurelius Capital

Munich / London, February 5, 2019 – AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA (ISIN DE000A0JK2A8) will sell the remaining parts of its public-sector business in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The homecare business in Northern Ireland was sold to the longtime minority shareholder, the Mackle family. The business of community rehabilitation services for the British public authorities (so-called CRCs, Community Rehabilitation Companies) will be transferred in accordance with them to services company Seetec, based in Hockley (Great Britain).

AURELIUS had already sold the homecare business in England, Scotland and Wales to the Health Care Resourcing Group (CRG), based in Prescot (Great Britain), at the end of 2018. With the current sale, AURELIUS has now withdrawn completely from the business of outsourced services for the public authorities in Great Britain. The further development of this market will largely depend on public budgetary conditions. Government savings constraints have already led to a substantial consolidation of this industry in the past few years.

After being acquired by AURELIUS, these activities were subjected to an extensive restructuring program, including the introduction of a much improved IT infrastructure, the enhancement of service quality, and cost reductions in the areas of personnel, overhead costs and rents.

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Duff & Phelps Expands Service Offering with Acquisition of Prime Clerk

Carlyle

Launches Technology-Driven Claims and Noticing Administration Practice

NEW YORK – Duff & Phelps, the global advisor that protects, restores and maximizes value for clients, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Prime Clerk, a claims and noticing administrator based in New York. The transaction, terms of which were not disclosed, is expected to close during the first quarter of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Prime Clerk provides claims administration services through its proprietary software and industry-leading team. The company’s suite of services includes case filing preparation, noticing solutions, claims administration, balloting and tabulation, securities noticing and balloting, corporate events (including rights offerings, tender offerings and treatment elections), secure disbursements, strategic communications and call center support, and case-specific websites.

Prime Clerk was founded in 2013 to bring a technologically advanced, professional and cost-effective claims management solution to the claims administration industry. Following the acquisition, Shai Waisman, Chief Executive Officer of Prime Clerk, will remain in his current position and head the Prime Clerk business unit of Duff & Phelps. Waisman will report directly to Jacob Silverman, President of Duff & Phelps.

Noah Gottdiener, Chief Executive Officer of Duff & Phelps, commented: “Prime Clerk is the undisputed leader in its industry, and I am thrilled to welcome this talented and accomplished group of professionals to Duff & Phelps. This acquisition, along with the addition of Kroll last year, creates a world-class suite of dispute, investigation and claims administration services for the legal channel. I share Shai’s vision for building the business, and I am confident that together we can accelerate growth in this vibrant arena.”

“Prime Clerk has a legacy of delivering superb client service leveraging the most respected professional staff and unmatched industry technology. Duff & Phelps has built a global and diversified franchise that helps clients protect and enhance their value through this shared philosophy. I am excited to bring our market-leading business into partnership with this outstanding group of professionals. I look forward to expanding the services we can offer to our clients and continuing our growth. All of us at Prime Clerk are excited about this new chapter for our firm,” said Waisman.

Shary Moalemzadeh, Co-Head of Carlyle Strategic Partners, said, “The combination of Duff & Phelps and Prime Clerk will benefit current and prospective clients of both companies. We are pleased with Prime Clerk’s growth and success during our investment and are excited to be investing in this transaction and to be a stakeholder in Duff & Phelps going forward as it adds the Prime Clerk platform to its business.  I am confident the combined company will continue to innovate and be a key strategic partner to companies throughout the U.S. and globally.”

UBS Investment Bank and Goldman Sachs acted as financial advisors to Duff & Phelps and provided committed financing in support of the transaction. Kirkland & Ellis and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP acted as legal advisor to Duff & Phelps and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acted as legal advisor to Prime Clerk and The Carlyle Group.

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About Duff & Phelps

Duff & Phelps is the global advisor that protects, restores and maximizes value for clients in the areas of valuation, corporate finance, investigations, disputes, cyber security, compliance and regulatory matters, and other governance-related issues. We work with clients across diverse sectors, mitigating risk to assets, operations and people. With Kroll, a division of Duff & Phelps since 2018, our firm has nearly 3,500 professionals in 28 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.duffandphelps.com.

About Prime Clerk

Prime Clerk, a claims and noticing agent founded in 2013 and based in New York, was established by veteran attorneys and consultants to bring next generation technology, leading professionalism and reliable service into a stagnant industry. Prime Clerk delivers tailored, practical and client-collaborative solutions to claims administration. www.primeclerk.com

About The Carlyle Group

The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global alternative asset manager with $212 billion of assets under management across 339 investment vehicles as of September 30, 2018. Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, many of whom are public pensions. Carlyle invests across four segments – Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Credit and Investment Solutions – in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America. Carlyle has expertise in various industries, including: aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, real estate, technology & business services, telecommunications & media and transportation. The Carlyle Group employs more than 1,625 people in 31 offices across six continents. www.carlyle.com

CONTACTS:

Duff & Phelps
Angela Tucciarone
+1 212-871-6237
angela.tucciarone@duffandphelps.com

The Carlyle Group
Liz Gill
+1-202-729-5385
Elizabeth.gill@carlyle.com

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