Montagu Private Equity (“Montagu”), a leading private equity firm, today announces that it has reached an agreement to acquire the Flexographic Packaging Division (“Kodak’s Flexo business” or “the company”), a leading provider of graphics solutions for global packaging printing, of The Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak”).

Kodak’s Flexo business is one of the world’s leading providers of imaging technologies for the graphics customisation of printed packaging materials. The company’s flagship flexographic plate imaging system, KODAK FLEXCEL NX, has received industry-wide acclaim for its leading image resolution quality, since debuting on the market in 2008. Flexography is the most common form of packaging printing and can apply images on almost any substrate, with a speciality in flexible packaging.

The company sells its products in more than 70 countries worldwide and has a loyal customer base that continues to enjoy the benefits offered by the KODAK FLEXCEL NX technology. Under Kodak’s stewardship, the business has consistently brought new, innovative and leading flexographic solutions to market, delivering strong organic growth above its peers. Montagu intends to work in close partnership with the management team to continue the company’s growth story, leveraging Montagu’s expertise, network and resources to further strengthen the business.

After the transaction closes, the business will operate as new standalone company and will have the same organizational structure, management team and growth culture that has served Kodak’s Flexographic Packaging Division well in recent years.

Chris Payne, who has served as President of the Flexographic Packaging Division for the last three years and will lead the new company as CEO, said: “We are very pleased that Montagu will be supporting the ongoing growth of the business going forward and that our customers will continue to experience the same product, same people, and same trusted brand. Under Montagu ownership, the company will have the focus, agility and resources to maintain a constant stream of innovation for our customers and continue the journey of transforming Flexo into the premium print process of choice for packaging.”

Ed Shuckburgh, Director at Montagu, said: “We focus on the acquisition of companies producing products or services that would be badly missed if the business did not otherwise exist, and are delighted to be investing in Kodak’s Flexo business, which has been very well established within Kodak and clearly meets our target profile. We are excited to support Chris and the team on their next stage of growth, building a standalone leader in the package printing market.”

Christoph Leitner-Dietmaier, Investment Director at Montagu, said: “Kodak’s Flexo business is well positioned to benefit from the exceptional growth in the packaging printing market. The company’s proprietary ‘Thermal Imaging Film’ technology enables them to offer a truly differentiated product that consistently produces high performing output. We are very much looking forward to working with the management as the business enters this next stage of its development”.

Presto Brandsäkerhet AB has acquired the fast-growing Aptum AB and is creating a Nordic market leader with revenue of more than SEK 700 million. Thanks to Presto’s market-leading position in fire risk management and Aptum’s innovative package solutions, the new group will become a comprehensive partner in strategic fire risk management. In connection with the transaction, Adelis Equity Partners will become the new majority owner.

Founded in 1959 by Gunnar Danielson and now under the direction of CEO Anders Danielson, Presto has developed into the largest player engaged in fire safety in the Nordic region. Presto is present in more than 50 locations in Scandinavia and supplies its services and products to more than 50,000 customers via its “Fire Risk Management” concept.

Aptum was founded in 2005 by Gustav Paringer and Gustav Nord and has become a market leader in fire-fighting solutions and fire safety in northern Sweden. Aptum offers innovative and comprehensive commitments within the fire-protection, training and fall protection sectors. Aptum will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Presto and maintain its strong local presence in northern Sweden.

“For almost 60 years, my vision has been that nobody should become injured and nothing damaged as a result of fires in workplaces. All along, Presto has challenged the industry and pushed the technology forward to create value and provide safety to our customers. Now we are once again transforming the industry and, together with Aptum, we are creating the leading global supplier of risk management for fire-fighting and safety in the Nordic region,” says Anders Danielson, CEO of Presto.

“Becoming part of this group opens up unique opportunities for both Aptum’s and Presto’s customers and employees. Thanks to Presto’s broad expertise in fire risk management and its large customer base, together we will be able to offer a comprehensive concept that will contribute to a safer work environment across the Nordic region,” says Gustav Paringer, CEO of Aptum.

To further strengthen the opportunities of the new group and promote continued growth, Adelis Equity Partners will become the principal owner of the Presto Group. Anders Danielson and the founders of Aptum will remain as the other large owners in the group.

“We have been monitoring both Presto and Aptum over a long time, and we are now proud to become owners of the Nordic region’s leading fire-safety company. We are looking forward to working with the management and to continue investments in future growth and new innovative solutions on behalf of all our customers,” says Erik Hallert at Adelis.

“Adelis has a thorough experience of investing together with successful entrepreneurs and well-managed family companies. By applying a long-term perspective and a shared view on the future, we will jointly develop Presto to become an even stronger player in Scandinavia,” reveals Jan Åkesson at Adelis.

The transaction is subject to competition approval and is expected to be completed in November-December 2018.

For further information:

Anders Danielson, CEO Presto Brandsäkerhet AB, +46 708 76 01 01

Gustav Paringer, CEO Aptum AB, +46 907 80 80 02

Adelis Equity Partners: Erik Hallert, erik.hallert@adelisequity.com, +46 709 36 80 41

About Presto Brandsäkerhet

Presto Brandsäkerhet AB is a comprehensive partner operating in the “Fire Risk Management” field, and it supplies extensive safety services and products related to fire-protection products including nationwide coverage. The company was founded in Katrineholm in 1959. Today it helps all types of companies and organizations to develop customised and efficient risk management related to fire-protection. With close to 60 years of industry experience and a close local presence with more than 300 employees, Presto today is a leading industry player. Presto has operations in Sweden, Norway and Finland. For more information, visit www.presto.se.

About Aptum

Aptum AB is a comprehensive supplier of accident prevention services with its headquarters in Umeå, but it operates throughout northern Sweden. Aptum is uniquely positioned thanks to its broad training portfolio and superior fall-protection solutions. Aptum has 80+ employees in nine different locations. For more information, visit www.aptum.se.

About Adelis Equity Partners

Adelis is an active partner in creating value at medium sized Nordic companies. Adelis was founded with the goal of building the leading middle market private equity firm in the Nordics. Since raising its first fund in 2013, Adelis has been one of the most active investors in the Nordic middle-market, acquiring 17 platform investments and making more than 40 add-on acquisitions. Adelis now manages approximately €1 billion in capital. For more information please visit www.adelisequity.com.

MON, NOV 05, 2018 22:00 CET

Presto Brandsäkerhet AB has acquired the fast-growing Aptum AB and is creating a Nordic market leader with revenue of more than SEK 700 million. Thanks to Presto’s market-leading position in fire risk management and Aptum’s innovative package solutions, the new group will become a comprehensive partner in strategic fire risk management. In connection with the transaction, Adelis Equity Partners will become the new majority owner.

Founded in 1959 by Gunnar Danielson and now under the direction of CEO Anders Danielson, Presto has developed into the largest player engaged in fire safety in the Nordic region. Presto is present in more than 50 locations in Scandinavia and supplies its services and products to more than 50,000 customers via its “Fire Risk Management” concept.

Aptum was founded in 2005 by Gustav Paringer and Gustav Nord and has become a market leader in fire-fighting solutions and fire safety in northern Sweden. Aptum offers innovative and comprehensive commitments within the fire-protection, training and fall protection sectors. Aptum will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Presto and maintain its strong local presence in northern Sweden.

“For almost 60 years, my vision has been that nobody should become injured and nothing damaged as a result of fires in workplaces. All along, Presto has challenged the industry and pushed the technology forward to create value and provide safety to our customers. Now we are once again transforming the industry and, together with Aptum, we are creating the leading global supplier of risk management for fire-fighting and safety in the Nordic region,” says Anders Danielson, CEO of Presto.

“Becoming part of this group opens up unique opportunities for both Aptum’s and Presto’s customers and employees. Thanks to Presto’s broad expertise in fire risk management and its large customer base, together we will be able to offer a comprehensive concept that will contribute to a safer work environment across the Nordic region,” says Gustav Paringer, CEO of Aptum.

To further strengthen the opportunities of the new group and promote continued growth, Adelis Equity Partners will become the principal owner of the Presto Group. Anders Danielson and the founders of Aptum will remain as the other large owners in the group.

“We have been monitoring both Presto and Aptum over a long time, and we are now proud to become owners of the Nordic region’s leading fire-safety company. We are looking forward to working with the management and to continue investments in future growth and new innovative solutions on behalf of all our customers,” says Erik Hallert at Adelis.

“Adelis has a thorough experience of investing together with successful entrepreneurs and well-managed family companies. By applying a long-term perspective and a shared view on the future, we will jointly develop Presto to become an even stronger player in Scandinavia,” reveals Jan Åkesson at Adelis.

The transaction is subject to competition approval and is expected to be completed in November-December 2018.

For further information:

Anders Danielson, CEO Presto Brandsäkerhet AB, +46 708 76 01 01

Gustav Paringer, CEO Aptum AB, +46 907 80 80 02

Adelis Equity Partners: Erik Hallert, erik.hallert@adelisequity.com, +46 709 36 80 41

About Presto Brandsäkerhet

Presto Brandsäkerhet AB is a comprehensive partner operating in the “Fire Risk Management” field, and it supplies extensive safety services and products related to fire-protection products including nationwide coverage. The company was founded in Katrineholm in 1959. Today it helps all types of companies and organizations to develop customised and efficient risk management related to fire-protection. With close to 60 years of industry experience and a close local presence with more than 300 employees, Presto today is a leading industry player. Presto has operations in Sweden, Norway and Finland. For more information, visit www.presto.se.

About Aptum

Aptum AB is a comprehensive supplier of accident prevention services with its headquarters in Umeå, but it operates throughout northern Sweden. Aptum is uniquely positioned thanks to its broad training portfolio and superior fall-protection solutions. Aptum has 80+ employees in nine different locations. For more information, visit www.aptum.se.

About Adelis Equity Partners

Adelis is an active partner in creating value at medium sized Nordic companies. Adelis was founded with the goal of building the leading middle market private equity firm in the Nordics. Since raising its first fund in 2013, Adelis has been one of the most active investors in the Nordic middle-market, acquiring 17 platform investments and making more than 40 add-on acquisitions. Adelis now manages approximately €1 billion in capital. For more information please visit www.adelisequity.com.

Graphite Capital’s portfolio company nGAGE has acquired Henlow Recruitment Group, a rapidly growing QuantTech recruitment business operating in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. nGAGE’s fast-growing international operations and highly automated central service centre provide a strong platform to drive future growth in Henlow’s existing markets and increase penetration in the US market.

Altas Partners announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire a significant interest in Hub International Limited (Hub), a leading full-service global insurance brokerage.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International provides property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. With more than 11,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub’s vast network of specialists provides peace of mind on what matters most by protecting clients through unrelenting advocacy and tailored insurance solutions.

The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

For more information, visit https://www.hubinternational.com/en-CA/

Questel, one of the world’s largest online intellectual property (IP) service providers, has acquired MultiLing, a global leader in patent translations, with the support of its financial investors IK Investment Partners and Raise.

Founded in 1988 and based in Utah, MultiLing leverages their advanced technology platform to provide the highest quality patent translation services in the most cost-effective manner. Led by its founder, Michael Sneddon, and supported by its 235 employees across eight countries, MultiLing serves 350 clients globally (mostly large corporations) in their process of international filing of patents.

This acquisition is part of Questel’s strategy to build a one-stop-shop offering. MultiLing’s translation activities are highly complementary and synergetic to Questel’s ITIP Foreign Filing activities. The enlarged group reaches an annual turnover of c. MUSD 100 and 500 employees worldwide. This consolidates its rank among the global leaders of the IP industry.

“MultiLing is the right fit for Questel both culturally and strategically,” says Charles Besson, Questel CEO. “Translation is a key part in the foreign filing process where Questel became the world leader in 2017.”

“This is the combination of two recognized players with more than 80 years of cumulated experienced in IP,” adds Michael Sneddon, CEO and founder of Multiling. “Our unique technology will also be used to improve the translated Questel patent databases which are searched and analysed in Orbit, its online software platform”.

“The transformational acquisition of MultiLing is a key milestone in the equity story of Questel and we look forward to partnering with MultiLing’s management team” said Dan Soudry, Managing Partner at IK Investment Partners.

For further questions, please contact: 

IK Investment Partners
Dan Soudry, Managing Partner
Phone: +33 1 44 43 06 60

Mikaela Hedborg
Director Communications & ESG
Phone: +44 77 87 573 566
mikaela.hedborg@ikinvest.com

About Questel
Questel is one of the world’s leading intellectual property management companies, delivering complete software and service solutions for each stage of the innovation lifecycle. And, for both software and services, Questel leverages a comprehensive and unique collection of intellectual property and scientific databases.

With recent acquisitions of ITIP and MultiLing, Questel now delivers the world’s largest and highest quality services for foreign filing of patent applications and translations. These services, when added to Questel’s e-learning and general IP consulting, make Questel the final destination to fulfill the most critical IP and Innovation needs. For more information, please visit www.questel.com

About MultiLing
MultiLing is the world’s premier provider of intellectual property language translation and support with eight fully operational offices around the world and experts who can translate in more than 200 language pairs

New York and Columbia, Maryland, 24 September 2018:Funds advised by Apax Partners (the “Apax Funds”) today announced the acquisition of Authority Brands, a leading North American franchisor of home services, from PNC Riverarch Capital. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands is the parent company of two home services franchisors: The Cleaning Authority, which provides residential cleaning services to over 100,000 customers across the U.S.; and Homewatch CareGivers, which delivers at-home services including elderly, disabled and after-surgery care, as well as help for those living with dementia. Authority Brands operates over 300 franchises in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, supporting them to grow through the provision of marketing, technology and operational support.

The acquisition by the Apax Funds will help the company accelerate its growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions, as it looks to expand internationally and offer additional services. It also presents digitization opportunities as Apax intends to leverage its significant experience in this area to help Authority Brands provide enhanced software, digital marketing and systems to support its franchise partners. Under the terms of the acquisition, Authority Brands’ management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Rob Weddle, will remain in place.

Rob Weddle, CEO of Authority Brands, said: “We are very excited about the experience and depth the Apax team brings to this new partnership. Authority Brands has a vision to become the leading franchisor of home services by providing unparalleled business ownership opportunity to its franchisees and delivering first-class service to consumers. We are confident Apax shares in this vision and expect a bright future for Authority Brands.”

Ashish Karandikar, Partner at Apax Partners, said: “We have been attracted to the home services market for some time, due to its size, fragmentation and attractive growth rate. We have been impressed by Authority Brands’ established franchise network, experienced management, and strong track record of growth.

“We look forward to working with management and all franchise partners to accelerate growth, both organically and through M&A, as well as to leverage Apax’s significant experience in international expansion and digitization.”

About Authority Brands
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands, LLC is the parent company of two leading home service franchisors, The Cleaning Authority and Homewatch CareGivers. Together, these brands provide recurring home services through more than 300 franchise locations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchisee growth through providing strong marketing, technology and operational support.

About Apax Partners
Apax Partners is a leading global private equity advisory firm. Over its more than 35-year history, Apax Partners has raised and advised funds with aggregate commitments of over $50 billion. The Apax Funds invest in companies across four global sectors of Tech & Telco, Services, Healthcare and Consumer. These funds provide long-term equity financing to build and strengthen world-class companies. For more information see: www.apax.com.

Media Contacts:  

For Authority Brands

Nikki Rode, Fish Consulting | +1 954-893-9150 | nrode@fish-consulting.com

For Apax Partners

Global Media: Andrew Kenny, Apax | +44 20 7 872 6371 | andrew.kenny@apax.com

USA Media: Todd Fogarty, Kekst | +1 212-521 4854 | todd.fogarty@kekst.com

UK Media: Matthew Goodman / James Madsen, Greenbrook | +44 20 7952 2000 | apax@greenbrookpr.com