KKR completes acquisition of leading software provider YAYOI

KKR

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced the completion of KKR’s acquisition of Yayoi Co., Ltd. (“Yayoi”), a software developer, distributor, and support service provider for small- and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) in Japan, from ORIX Corporation. All regulatory approvals have been obtained.

Yayoi is the largest financial and accounting software provider for SMEs and sole proprietors in Japan, best known for its namesake accounting and tax filing software that is widely used by Japanese SMEs. According to MM Research Institute and BCN Inc., the Yayoi Series has been Japan’s number-one cloud accounting software for six consecutive years by number of users, and the number-one desktop business software for 22 consecutive years, with over 2.5 million registered users. In Japan, Yayoi plays a leading role in assisting SMEs as they adopt greater digital solutions into their operations and migrate more functions to the cloud.

Eiji Yatagawa, a Partner on KKR’s Private Equity team, said, “Upon closing this deal, we look forward to working closely with the Yayoi team to help them further build their business. This comes at an important time when Japanese companies are looking to digitally transform their businesses, and we look to draw on KKR’s global experience and best practices to help Yayoi become a leader in offering thoughtful solutions.”

KKR is making its investment from its Asia IV Fund.

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.

KKR Media Contacts

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

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

Source: KKR

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Audax Private Equity Completes the Sale of Mobileum to H.I.G. Technology Partners

Audax Group

Audax Private Equity (“Audax”) today announced that it has completed the sale of Mobileum Inc. (“Mobileum” or the “Company”), a leading global provider of telecom analytics solutions, to H.I.G. Capital (“H.I.G.”) through an affiliate of H.I.G. Technology Partners (“HTP”). Following the transaction, H.I.G. will be the majority owner of Mobileum alongside management, and Audax will retain a minority equity stake. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Cupertino, CA, Mobileum is a leading global software provider of mission-critical solutions that allow communications service providers to manage increasingly complex networks. The Company’s innovative suite of analytics-driven solutions for roaming and network services, network security, risk management, connectivity testing, and subscriber intelligence support more than 1,000 customers across the globe. Mobileum operates in a large and growing market, as the rise of 5G and IoT accelerates the demand for solutions to manage and maintain complex network ecosystems, ensure consistent quality of service, and minimize fraud and cybersecurity threats.

Since being acquired by Audax in 2016, Mobileum has undergone a period of transformation, growth, and success, including:

  • Completing five add-on acquisitions, expanding the Company’s offerings in adjacent product categories, enriching existing solutions and attracting new blue-chip customers;
  • Expanding its global footprint, notably in the Asia-Pacific region with the establishment of a new subsidiary in Japan, Mobileum Japan KK;
  • Hiring key management and adding new Board members, bringing outstanding operational and management skills; and
  • Receiving numerous industry awards and recognitions for its market leadership, investment in its product portfolio and commitment to innovation.

Tim Mack, Managing Director of Audax, said, “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed a terrific partnership with Mobileum and are very proud of the growth the Company has achieved. Over the course of our investment, the Company has acquired multiple market-leading businesses to expand its product offerings and grow share in customer intelligence, security, roaming, fraud, and revenue assurance markets.” Iveshu Bhatia, Managing Director of Audax, added, “As the world moves toward a rapid adoption of 5G, we look forward to closely following how Mobileum will continue to build its integrated suite of analytics solutions to support telecom operators in accelerating their digital transformation.”

“Audax has been instrumental in helping us build our current portfolio of network solutions through the organic growth of analytics-based products and add-ons in adjacent product categories,” said Bobby Srinivasan, CEO of Mobileum. “The partnership with H.I.G. is a natural next step in Mobileum’s evolution as we continue to consolidate the market and build an actionable analytics platform enabled by the roll-out of 5G technologies and private networks across the globe.”

Jefferies and Lincoln International served as lead financial advisor and co-advisor, respectively, and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor to Audax Private Equity.

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Partners Group to acquire Forterro, a leading pan-European software services provider

Partners Group

Baar-Zug, Switzerland; 1 March 2022

  • Transaction values Forterro at an enterprise value of EUR 1 billion
  • Forterro has a portfolio of 11 software brands, serving over 10,000 customers
  • The Company benefits from long-term digitization trends

Partners Group, a leading global private markets firm, has, on behalf of its clients, agreed to acquire Forterro (or “the Company”), a pan-European software services provider for small and mid-sized businesses (“SMBs”), from Battery Ventures. The transaction values Forterro at an enterprise value of EUR 1 billion.

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, Forterro has a portfolio of 11 Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) software brands, serving over 10,000 customers primarily in the manufacturing space. The Company’s software products offer functionality and serve various manufacturing sub-verticals, which has differentiated its solutions from competitors and fostered a loyal customer base. Forterro’s deep domain expertise allows customers to buy more tailored solutions, which increases speed of implementation. The Company has over 1,200 employees across its European offices – located in the UK, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Germany and Poland – and global development centers. The SMB ERP software market benefits from structural tailwinds driven by long-term digitization trends and is expected to experience attractive growth in the coming years. Forterro’s strong portfolio of brands and geographic reach position it well to capitalize on this growth.

Partners Group will work with management to realize Forterro’s value creation potential and further expand its platform across Europe. Key initiatives include accelerating Forterro’s organic growth by expanding go-to-market initiatives, making strategic acquisitions in adjacent geographies and sub-verticals, including cloud offerings where appropriate, and improving operational efficiency.

Bilge Ogut, Partner, Head Private Equity Technology, Partners Group, says: “Forterro provides mission-critical software that helps SMB manufacturers adapt and survive in an increasingly digitized world. We believe Forterro has transformational growth potential given the increasing importance of software to companies for addressing every aspect of their business and remaining competitive. Forterro is a long-term partner to its clients and can serve them in a way many larger providers cannot replicate. We were also attracted to the Company’s ability to act as a consolidator in the fragmented SMB ERP market. We are excited about the value creation opportunity Forterro offers and look forward to working with the management team to realize the Company’s potential.”

Dean Forbes, Chief Executive Officer, Forterro, comments: “Forterro’s high customer retention rates reflect our understanding of SMB manufacturers’ needs and the deep entrenchment of our products in their daily processes. Our recent growth has been driven by the acquisition and integration of specialized ERP providers, and we believe Partners Group’s resources and expertise in scaling up technology platforms will be extremely valuable as we expand our M&A aperture and pipeline.”

Charles Rees, Member of Management, Private Equity Technology, Partners Group, adds: “Forterro provides specialized software products with superior functionality at a lower price point than the large generalists, whose products are often too complex and costly for SMB manufacturers. The Company compounds this competitive advantage by remaining close to customers across the full lifecycle. We have conviction that the management team’s prior experience in go-to-market optimization and organic sales acceleration will support Forterro’s continued growth.”

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True Wind Capital Announces Strategic Investment in W Energy Software

Truewind

Growth Equity Investment to Accelerate Company’s Expansion into New Markets and Position it to Capitalize on Energy Transition

Mark Hill Appointed CEO Following Leadership Succession Plan

SAN FRANCISCO – January 13, 2022 – True Wind Capital (“True Wind”), a San Francisco-based private equity firm focused on investing in leading technology companies, today announced a strategic growth investment in W Energy Software (the “Company”). M33 Growth, LLC, a Boston-based venture and growth-stage investment firm that previously invested in W Energy Software, along with the Company’s founders and other shareholders, are rolling a meaningful portion of their investment into the transaction.

Based in Tulsa, OK, W Energy Software is a leading provider of cloud-based accounting and ERP software, delivering high levels of speed, ease, and accuracy to enterprise and mid-market customers across the energy and commodities value chain. The Company’s modern SaaS platform delivers efficiencies and insights for its blue-chip customer base through faster processing speeds, superior functionality, and full end-to-end visibility.

W Energy Software also recently executed a long-planned leadership succession plan. Mark Hill, the Company’s Chief Revenue Officer, was appointed Chief Executive Officer, and Pete Waldroop, W Energy Software’s founder and CEO, was appointed Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hill has more than 30 years of industry experience and worked alongside Mr. Waldroop for nearly three years. A recognized thought leader in the energy and commodities software space, Mr. Hill has held executive leadership positions at several energy technology companies including P2 Energy Solutions and leading commodity management provider Allegro Development.

Sean Giese, a Partner at True Wind, said, “As energy and commodities businesses navigate a highly dynamic operating environment, they are relying more than ever on technology partners who can streamline their operations and create efficiencies at scale. W Energy Software’s unique offerings, management team, and execution have positioned it well to assume a leading role in the overall energy transition movement. We are excited to support the business through this next chapter, both organically and through strategic M&A initiatives.”

“We are thrilled to embark on our new partnership with True Wind Capital and look forward to leveraging their proven expertise as we continue to embark on our growth trajectory,” Mr. Hill commented. “True Wind’s strategic investment, support, and proven track record in building enduring technology businesses will be a tremendous resource as we seek to expand into new markets, continue to invest in and enhance our differentiated SaaS platform and leading products, and execute a strategic M&A strategy. On a personal level, I would like to thank Pete for his endless contributions to W Energy Software and his endorsement in my ability to lead it through this important chapter.”

Will Heldfond, a Principal at True Wind, added, “We look forward to partnering with Mark and W Energy Software’s talented team to identify attractive areas for expansion and provide technology-enabled solutions that support the rapidly evolving landscape of energy creation, management and distribution.”

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP served as legal advisor to True Wind and Baird served as its financial advisor. Cooley LLP served as W Energy Software’s legal advisor and Aeris Partners served as its financial advisor.

About True Wind Capital
True Wind Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity firm focused on investing in leading technology companies. True Wind has a broad investing mandate, with deep industry expertise across software, data analytics, tech-enabled services, internet, financial technology, and hardware. Founded in 2015, True Wind has completed 11 platform investments and 20 add-on acquisitions. For more information, please visit https://www.truewindcapital.com.

About W Energy Software
Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, W Energy Software offers the energy industry a unified ERP solution built for the cloud that is relied on by more than 130 upstream and midstream companies to accelerate business performance, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costs. W Energy Software combines precision-built software in one extendable cloud-based workspace with an intimate understanding of the energy business to deliver solutions that offer flexibility, affordability, and continuous upgrades. With W Energy Software, energy companies stay lean and agile with the tools they need to adapt to market changes and meet evolving customer needs head-on, all while gaining the confidence that their business is running on the latest technology. For more information, please visit www.wenergysoftware.com.

About M33 Growth
M33 Growth is a venture and growth-stage investment firm that partners with founders and CEOs who have successfully bootstrapped their companies to strong growth and are positioned to rapidly scale their companies and breakthrough as market leaders. With deep experience fueling sales and marketing engines, driving acquisitions, and building value through data assets, M33 Growth seeks to propel portfolio companies to succeed in their markets. Founded by veterans of renowned investment firms with considerable operational experience, the Boston-based firm seeks to invest in companies in the software, healthcare, and services sectors throughout North America. Learn more at https://www.m33growth.com/.

Media Contacts:
For True Wind Capital:
Jonathan Gasthalter/Nathaniel Garnick
Gasthalter & Co.
(212) 257-4170

For W Energy Software:
Ben Parker
Stratos Agency
(281) 636-9055
ben.parker@stratosagency.com

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RLDatix Announces New Growth Investment by Nordic Capital

Nordic Capital
January 10 2022
RLDatix Announces New Growth Investment by Nordic Capital Image

 

  • Latest investment will help fuel the next phase of RLDatix’s rapid growth in governance, risk and compliance while accelerating its mission of making healthcare safer around the world

RLDatix, the international leader in governance, risk and compliance (GRC) solutions for healthcare, announced today that Nordic Capital has made a minority equity investment in the company. Existing investors Five Arrows and TA Associates will continue to maintain a majority equity stake. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Nordic Capital brings decades of experience supporting the growth of innovative healthcare IT companies as well as additional financial strength and is joining Five Arrows and TA to support RLDatix in its organic and inorganic growth objectives. Most recently, RLDatix acquired Allocate Software, the leading provider of human capital management solutions that help healthcare organizations deliver safe and effective care.

“We are excited to welcome Nordic Capital to our collaborative team of strategic investors,” said Jeff Surges, CEO, RLDatix. “Nordic Capital offers the right balance of global reach, domain expertise and capital strength, that we need in our next phase of rapid growth. With this investment, we are well poised to accelerate our journey as the leading provider of SaaS solutions that make healthcare safer for patients, the workforce and organizations alike. I would also like to thank all of our employees, as well as our current investors Five Arrows and TA, for their incredible support in helping us evolve into a global healthcare IT leader and look forward to continuing the partnership in this next chapter of our growth.”

About RLDatix

RLDatix is on a mission to change healthcare. We help organizations drive safer, more efficient care by providing governance, risk and compliance tools that drive overall improvement and safety. Our suite of cloud-based software helps organizations report on adverse events, reduce healthcare-acquired infections and ensure patient safety learnings are implemented across the continuum of care. With more than 5,000 customers in over 20 countries, RLDatix software protects hundreds of millions of patients around the world. RLDatix is controlled by Five Arrows, TA Associates and Nordic Capital as major shareholders. For more information, visit www.rldatix.com.

About Nordic Capital

Nordic Capital is a leading private equity investor with a resolute commitment to creating stronger, sustainable businesses through operational improvement and transformative growth. Nordic Capital focuses on selected regions and sectors where it has deep experience and a long history. Focus sectors are Healthcare, Technology & Payments, Financial Services, and selectively, Industrial & Business Services. Key regions are Europe and globally for Healthcare and Technology & Payments investments. Since inception in 1989, Nordic Capital has invested more than EUR 19 billion in over 120 investments. The most recent entities are Nordic Capital X with EUR 6.1 billion in committed capital and Nordic Capital Evolution with EUR 1.2 billion in committed capital, principally provided by international institutional investors such as pension funds. Nordic Capital Advisors have local offices in Sweden, the UK, the US, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway and South Korea. For further information about Nordic Capital, please visit www.nordiccapital.com.

“Nordic Capital” refers to, depending on the context, any, or all, Nordic Capital branded entities, vehicles, structures and associated entities. The general partners and/or delegated portfolio managers of Nordic Capital’s entities and vehicles are advised by several non-discretionary sub-advisory entities, any or all of which are referred to as “Nordic Capital Advisors”

About Five Arrows

Five Arrows Principal Investments (FAPI) and Five Arrows Capital Partners (FACP) (together, “Five Arrows”) are the European and US corporate private equity arms, respectively, of Rothschild & Co’s Merchant Banking business. Five Arrows is focused on investing in middle-market companies with highly defensible market positions; strong management teams; business models with high visibility of organic unit volume growth and strong free cash flow conversion; and multiple operational levers that can be used to unlock latent value. The sector focus at Five Arrows is limited to healthcare, data & software and technology-enabled business services.

For more information please visit: https://www.rothschildandco.com/en/merchant-banking/corporate-private-equity.

About TA Associates
TA is a leading global growth private equity firm. Focused on targeted sectors within five industries – technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and business services – the firm invests in profitable, growing companies with opportunities for sustained growth, and has invested in more than 550 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 high quality growth companies. TA has raised $47.5 billion in capital since its founding in 1968. The firm’s more than 100 investment professionals are based in Boston, Menlo Park, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong. More information about TA can be found at www.ta.com.

For more information:

Mike Etzinger
VP, Marketing
RLDatix
metzinger@rldatix.com

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Axcel partners with Picca Automation to create a leading Nordic industrial automation partner

Axcel

In partnership with the owners and management of Picca Automation, Axcel is setting out to create a leading Nordic industrial automation partner. The ambition is to grow further through acquisitions across the Nordic region.

Picca Automation is a leading provider of industrial automation services and software solutions to public and private customers in Denmark. Founded in 1988, Picca has in recent years grown revenue by 6-8% annually, and today has more than 100 highly skilled and dedicated employees across four locations in Denmark.

Automation is one of today’s top priorities for both private and public corporations, who are increasingly looking towards automation as a way to improve efficiency, limit their environmental impact and comply with ever increasing rules and regulations. Picca Automation has successfully established itself as the leading partner for Danish corporations, who wish to be at the forefront of automation and Industry 4.0, focusing on Big Data and Internet of Things (IoT). The partnership between Picca Automation and Axcel aims to build a leading Nordic industrial automation partner by continuing to attract top talent, continue to develop value creating solutions for customers and acquire other industrial automation companies across the Nordic region.

Henrik Jensen, co-owner and CEO of Picca Automation, said: “We see clear benefits to our customers and employees from building a Nordic automation partner, focused on high-end automation solutions. We see an increasing demand for our automation solutions, and we are well positioned to continue our profitable growth journey. Axcel has solid experience from building Nordic businesses, and the partnership with Axcel will allow us to pursue a much more ambitious growth agenda, not least through acquisitions.”  

Christoffer Müller, Partner at Axcel, said: “We know the industrial automation industry well and are convinced of the long-term growth outlook. We believe strongly in the merits of building a larger Nordic automation business, why we are excited to partner with one of the leading Danish automation companies and the very skilled and dedicated Picca Automation team.”

The management of Picca Automation, who are also owners, will continue and will retain a significant shareholding in the company. Axcel will hold a majority.

 

The transaction is expected to close in first half of 2022.

 

About Picca Automation

Picca Automation is a custom development software company focusing on sustainable and innovative solutions. Founded in 1988, Picca is a leading provider of industrial automation software solutions to large Danish companies with production in Denmark and abroad. Picca has more than 100 highly skilled employees across four locations in Denmark. Learn more on www.picca.dk

 

About Axcel

Founded in 1994, Axcel is a Nordic private equity firm focusing on mid-market companies, with a broad base of both Nordic and international investors. Axcel has raised six funds with total committed capital of EUR 2.8 billion. These funds have made 63 platform investments with well over 100 add-on investments, and 43 exits. Axcel currently owns 20 companies.

 

 

 

Further information

Axcel:

Christoffer Müller, Partner

Tel.: +45 29 38 53 66

E-mail: cm@axcel.dk

 

Christian Schmidt-Jacobsen, Managing Partner

Tel.; +45 21 78 36 97

E-mail: csj@axcel.dk

 

Picca Automation:

Henrik Jensen

Tel.: +45 20 20 52 30

E-mail: hje@picca.dk

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ProcessMAP partners with Hg

HG Capital

ProcessMap partners with Hg, a global software investor, to accelerate its strategy towards becoming a global software leader in worker health and safety management

Hg’s strategic investment will accelerate ProcessMAP’s position towards a category leader in the rapidly growing EHS Risk and Compliance software sector.

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA and New York, New York, USA.  5 January 2022.

ProcessMAP Corporation (“ProcessMAP”), a leading Environmental, Health and Safety (“EHS”) software platform provider, announced today that Hg, a leading software and services investor with nearly $40 billion funds under management, has agreed to make a significant investment in the business to accelerate ProcessMAP’s growth and expansion, and help solidify the company’s position as a global leader in the EHS software sector.

Following the transaction, ProcessMAP’s management team will retain a significant stake in the business. The terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

Founded in 2000, ProcessMAP’s vision is to enable businesses to proactively mitigate workplace health and safety risks for workers. ProcessMAP’s SaaS and mobile solutions serve mid-market and enterprise customers across large industry verticals such as automotive and manufacturing. ProcessMAP’s solutions are used by global customers in more than 140 countries, covering 2 million workers across 80,000 sites. Headquartered in Florida, ProcessMAP has nearly 300 employees based in the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany and India. The company is regularly recognized as a “Leader” in the biennial Green Quadrant report for EHS software published by Verdantix, an independent industry analyst for the EHS sector.

Accelerating the Innovation Momentum for ProcessMAP Customers

ProcessMAP will leverage the financial investment as well as Hg’s 20+ years of industry-leading experience in building and rapidly growing innovative software businesses.  The financial partnership with Hg will also enable ProcessMAP to deliver next-generation, smart and connected EHS solutions to its customers globally. Additionally, the company will also make investments to expand its team globally, strengthen its position further, and broaden its global customer base, particularly in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Comments on the News

“We share our customers’ commitment to create and offer the safest and the healthiest workplaces, while minimizing the environmental impact of day-to-day operations. Bringing in Hg to invest in our business comes at a very interesting time as we see an opportunity to help customers protect millions more workers globally.”

Dave Rath, CEO and Co-Founder of ProcessMAP

“This partnership, built on software knowledge and experience, will enable us to develop our analytics-driven software further, helping more customers across the globe optimize their EHS processes while, critically, mitigating operational and sustainability risk.”

Jagan Garimella, CTO and Co-Founder of ProcessMAP

“Hg has been focused on risk and compliance software for two decades and we see strong tailwinds continuing to drive demand in this sector. The impressive work from Dave Rath, Jagan Garimella, and the team means that ProcessMAP is well-positioned to benefit from this dynamic. They’ve built a high-quality platform which receives consistent, strong feedback from a loyal customer base. We believe that together, Hg and ProcessMAP, will form a strong partnership and we look forward to supporting the team, investing in the business and continuing to realize its growth potential.”

Ben Meyer, Partner at Hg

KPMG Corporate Finance acted as the exclusive investment banking advisor to ProcessMAP.


Media Contacts

Hg
Tom Eckersley
Tom.Eckersley@hgcapital.com
+44 208 148 5401

Alex Yankus and Harry Mayfield (Brunswick, USA)
+1 917 818 5204

ProcessMAP
Sandeep Rath
Director, Global Product Marketing and Analyst Relations
srath@processmap.com

About ProcessMAP Corporation

ProcessMAP Corporation is the most trusted name for a digitization and process transformation platform that empowers customers to ensure workers’ health & safety, minimize risk, and assure compliance. The ProcessMAP Platform includes solutions for Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and Operational Risk Management (ORM), Industrial IoT, and actionable data analytics to connect people, systems, assets, and facilities to drive a Sustainable Enterprise. ProcessMAP is headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with locations across the globe, serving customers in over 140 countries. Visit https://www.processmap.com/ to learn more.

About Hg

Hg is a growth platform for software and services champions, focused on backing businesses that change how we all do business. Deep technology expertise, complemented by vertical application specialisation and dedicated operational support, provides a compelling proposition to management teams looking to scale their businesses. Hg has funds under management of around $40 billion, with an investment team of over 140 professionals, plus a portfolio team of around 40 operators, providing practical support to help our businesses to realise their growth ambitions. Based in London, Munich and New York, Hg has a portfolio of over 35 software and technology businesses, worth around $92 billion aggregate enterprise value, with over 55,000 employees globally, growing at over 20% per year. Visit www.hgcapital.com for more information.

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Nordic Capital exits investment in Vizrt Group to a new Nordic Capital-led consortium to further support successful growth journey

Nordic Capital
DECEMBER 28 2021
Nordic Capital exits investment in Vizrt Group to a new Nordic Capital-led consortium to further support successful growth journey Image

 

A Nordic Capital investment vehicle is exiting its investment in Vizrt Group to a new Nordic Capital-led consortium, comprising a secondary acquisition vehicle and other Nordic Capital investment vehicles. This transaction will allow Nordic Capital, alongside the Vizrt management team, to continue to support the business and its strategy over its next ownership cycle, providing capital to further fuel the strong growth momentum.

The secondary acquisition vehicle, which forms part of the new Nordic Capital-led acquiring consortium, was established with investment vehicles managed or advised by Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s Vintage Funds, Pantheon and Coller Capital as co-leads.

Vizrt is a global leader in production software for live video production, serving the world’s best storytellers from tier one sports and news producers through to corporate, education and Pro-AV markets. Building on Vizrt’s leading technology platform, strong customer relationships and reputation for operational excellence, Nordic Capital has entered into a strategic transaction to enable it to further invest through a new consortium led by it in the ongoing development of the business. The aim is to further support Vizrt’s continued transition to a SaaS business model, accelerate new offerings, expanding its operational capabilities and pursuing add-on investments to complement the offering and further accelerate the group’s growth.

Following Nordic Capital’s initial investment in 2015, Vizrt has continued its innovation leadership in graphics and live production software, successfully expanded into new markets and regions and is today a global leading software provider for software defined visual storytelling solutions. During Nordic Capital’s ownership, expansion initiatives and product investments has doubled Vizrt’s revenues and accelerated organic growth leading to tripled profits. Furthermore, a top tier, globally recognised management team has been added, high calibre talent has been attracted throughout the business, and the IP video technology focus has been further enhanced with the acquisitions of NewTek and NDI.

“Vizrt is an exciting company that has consistently performed during Nordic Capital’s ownership. This transaction is an opportunity for Nordic Capital to continue to support Vizrt’s high-caliber management team and to further develop the company which has an exciting future ahead with strong growth potential. Vizrt will continue to benefit from Nordic Capital’s strong capabilities as software investor with an outstanding network and know-how in operational excellence. We are excited for Nordic Capital to have the opportunity to continue the journey together with Vizrt’s team who share the same vision of building a leading video software company which will drive the industry shift to IP and cloud adoption”, said Fredrik Näslund, Partner and Head of Technology & Payments at Nordic Capital Advisors.

“This continued investment validates the growth strategy we have embarked upon with Nordic Capital and is a strong endorsement of the capabilities of our team and the value we deliver for our customers every day. It will help us to better meet the evolving needs of our customers in the future by allowing us to realise our development plans, further deepening our innovative service offering”, said Michael Hallén, CEO of Vizrt.

Technology & Payments is one of Nordic Capital’s focus sector where it is has a long and extensive history and experience of investing and supporting sustainable growth in technology software companies. To date, Nordic Capital has deployed more than EUR 5.4 billion of equity across 23 technology companies since 2001 and has significant experience in software as well as payments.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, with completion of the transaction remaining subject to certain conditions such as satisfactory clearance from relevant anti-trust authorities.

Nordic Capital was advised in the process by, among others, Evercore as financial advisor, Kirkland & Ellis as lead legal counsel and Gernandt & Danielsson as Swedish legal counsel.

Press contacts:

Nordic Capital
Katarina Janerud, Communications Manager,
Nordic Capital Advisors
Tel: +46 8 440 50 50
e-mail: katarina.janerud@nordiccapital.com

Vizrt

Steve Wind-Mozley, Chief Marketing Officer
e-mail: swm@vizrt.com


About Vizrt
Vizrt is a global leader in production software for live video production, with large and diversified product segments serving News & Entertainment, Sports & eSports, Enterprise & Org. and Digital Industries.  The group contains three of the strongest names in the media and entertainment technology industry; NewTek, NDI® and Vizrt, all three being creative businesses, built on innovation and grown by the group’s people, with the goal of becoming the most recommended solution provider in the markets they serve. Vizrt combines strategic pillars of Content-Centricity, Software-Defined, IP First, and Innovation to increase its customers’ success in delivering engaging and immersive content to their audiences. Vizrt Group is a global and diverse organisation with over 600 employees from 58 different nationalities, with offices in 16 countries worldwide. For more information, please see www.vizrt.com

 

About Nordic Capital
Nordic Capital is a leading private equity investor with a resolute commitment to creating stronger, sustainable businesses through operational improvement and transformative growth. Nordic Capital focuses on selected regions and sectors where it has deep experience and a long history. Focus sectors are Healthcare, Technology & Payments, Financial Services, and selectively, Industrial & Business Services. Key regions are Europe and globally for Healthcare and Technology & Payments investments. Since inception in 1989, Nordic Capital has invested more than EUR 19 billion in over 120 investments. The most recent entities are Nordic Capital X with EUR 6.1 billion in committed capital and Nordic Capital Evolution with EUR 1.2 billion in committed capital, principally provided by international institutional investors such as pension funds. Nordic Capital Advisors have local offices in Sweden, the UK, the US, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway and South Korea. For further information about Nordic Capital, please visit www.nordiccapital.com

“Nordic Capital” refers to, depending on the context, any, or all, Nordic Capital branded entities, vehicles, structures and associated entities. The general partners and/or delegated portfolio managers of Nordic Capital’s entities and vehicles are advised by several non-discretionary sub-advisory entities, any or all of which are referred to as “Nordic Capital Advisors”

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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

 

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Advent International acquires majority stake in Encora, a leading provider of digital engineering services

Advent International

BOSTON and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. December 21, 2021Encora, a global digital engineering services company specializing in software product development services for fast-growing enterprises and digitally native companies and Advent International (“Advent”), a leading global private equity firm, today announced that Advent has acquired a majority stake in Encora’s business. As part of the agreement, Warburg Pincus, the existing majority shareholder of Encora, retains a minority stake.

“We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Advent as we continue to scale our differentiated software engineering service offerings,” said Venu Raghavan, chief executive officer, Encora. “Advent’s deep business and technology services sector expertise, along with its global footprint, complements Encora’s strengths and creates opportunities to grow our business in key markets around the world.

Warburg Pincus has been a great partner to us over the last two and a half years, accelerating our rapid growth to a valuation of approximately $1.5B. We look forward to continuing to work alongside them in this next phase of growth.”

Encora is an established leader in outsourced software product development services, using deep technical expertise in machine learning, AI, data science, cloud services and other next-generation digital engineering disciplines to accelerate strategic innovation for tech-enabled companies whose market position and growth are driven by proprietary software products. Since rebranding as Encora in 2020, the Company has expanded its focus within the Consumer Tech and Enterprise Tech sectors, and grown its global talent pool to over 6,300 associates across 40 global offices across LatAm, India, APAC and the U.S.

“We have seen tremendous growth in the digital technology services sector over the past few years, as the need for strong technology products has escalated across industries,” said Shweta Jalan, managing director at Advent. Jan Janshen, managing partner at Advent, also said, “we believe Encora is well positioned to capitalize on the growing digital services market, and we are excited to partner with Venu, Encora’s talented management team, and Warburg Pincus to support the company’s growth in key markets across North America, Europe, India, Asia Pacific and Latin America, where Advent has a strong presence and domain expertise.”

This new partnership enables Encora to accelerate its global growth, both organically and through targeted M&A opportunities, expand its differentiated delivery model and advance its customer-facing digital services. Encora continues to focus on serving the software and digital engineering needs of enterprise SaaS companies, midmarket technology companies, and large enterprises.

“Encora has built an industry leading position, driven by its sharp customer focus and ability to attract high quality technology talent across the globe,” said Steven Glenn, managing director, chief financial officer and chief operating officer, Warburg Pincus. “Advent is a great addition to the team and we look forward to continuing to support Encora’s bright future.”

Advent, with $81 billion in assets as of June 30, 2021, has invested in over 380 companies across 42 countries, throughout North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. It has significant investment experience in both the business and technology services sectors and in the key markets where Encora
operates.

About Encora

Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, Encora is an established leader in software and digital engineering services, specializing in innovation acceleration for leading edge technology companies. Encora has over 6,300 associates in 40+ offices and innovation labs across U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, India, and Asia Pacific. Encora’s global talent pool, micro-industry vertical expertise and proprietary agile engineering capabilities enable clients to improve their speed to impact.

For more information, visit:
Website: www.encora.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/encorainc/

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 380 companies across 42 countries, and as of June 30, 2021, had $81 billion in assets under management. With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 245 investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. After more than 35 years dedicated to international investing, Advent 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 Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global growth investor. The firm has more than $67 billion in private equity assets under management. The firm’s active portfolio of more than 215 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector, and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has raised 20 private equity funds, which have invested more than $97 billion in over 960 companies in more than 40 countries. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore.

For more information, visit:
Website: www.warburgpincus.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/warburg-pincus/

 

Media contacts

For Encora
Joshua Kanter, Chief Marketing Officer
480-991-3635
joshua.kanter@encora.com

Alec Robertson
Brodeur Partners on behalf of Encora
585-281-6399
arobertson@brodeur.com

For Advent International
Khushal Devera
Ketchum Sampark Pvt. Ltd.
+91 98196 66376
khushal.devera@ketchumsampark.com

For Warburg Pincus
Kerrie Cohen, Head of Corporate Communications, U.S.
212-878-9207
kerrie.cohen@warburgpincus.com

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