Linka Energy and Jernforsen join forces
Linka Energy has acquired Swedish Jernforsen and the combined Group will become the world leader in biomass boiler systems for all professional purposes. Linka Energy Group will expand the current assortment with plants up to 35 MW and broaden the current biomass expertise in straw and wood chips with waste wood and very wet biomasses.
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VIA invests in GleSYS
VIA invests in GleSYS and Portlane together with the current owner, founder and CEO Glenn Johansson.
GleSYS and Portlane provides Infrastructure as a Service (“IaaS”) including offerings such as colocation, dedicated servers, network & connection, system management and virtual private servers.
GleSYS has grown organically the last ten years and acquired Portlane some years back. Together with VIA it is now possible to further accelerate the very successful business model and growth. ”We have a very strong platform and experience a customer demand both domestically as well as internationally and the investment by VIA will enable continued expansion to cater for this demand” says Glenn Johansson, who will continue developing the company as CEO and major shareholder.
”We are profoundly impressed with the platform created by Glenn Johansson and his team of highly competent employees and believe that the financial strength and experience from VIA will contribute to the development of the company as we build the IT infrastructure player of the future”, says Daniel Hallberg, investment responsible in VIA equity.
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VIA invests in Elogic Systems
VIA invests in Elogic Systems, the Danish production company of electrical panels and one of the leading Scandinavian manufacturers of high-quality enclosures for power, communication and fibre.
Elogic Systems has more than 40 years of experience in developing, producing and selling electrical panels and enclosures. The company was formed as a merger between the two companies Elogic (formerly owned by KK Wind) and Triax Systems (formerly owned by Micro Matic) in 2016.
Elogic Systems has more than 250 employees and production facilities in Stettin, Poland, and at the company’s headquarter in Hornsyld, Denmark.
VIA has acquired Elogic Systems together with the CEO, Lars Prisak, and the CFO, Michael Reeslev.
“Together with the former owner, Micro Matic, we have worked intensively on securing a successful merger of Elogic and Triax in order to create the right foundation for growth and we are looking forward to materialize this together with VIA on the journey ahead ”, says Lars Prisak.
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VIA invests in Continia Software
VIA invests in Continia Software, the Danish software application provider for users of Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Continia’s software solutions helps to effectively automate more than 4,000 international customers’ administrative processes around e.g. expense, payment and document/invoice handling within their ERP system.
VIA has acquired the company together with Jan Gaardboe Jensen, the management and key employees of Continia Software.
“Continia Software is a great company and we are very excited to be a part of the next phase of the Continias’s growth together with a large part of the company’s skilled and experienced employees”, says Benjamin Kramarz, investment responsible and partner in VIA equity.
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Adform unmasks one of the largest botnets in history
The fraud prevention team of Adform has unmasked one of the largest fraud schemes to ever hit digital advertising.
The story is featured in the Wall Street Journal.
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Adra Software sold to Trintech
On Wednesday 1 November, VIA’s portfolio company Adra Software AS was sold to Trintech, headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
VIA invested in Adra Software in 2006, when VIA together with Pod Investment and founder Sverre Stockinger delisted the company from the Oslo OTC stock exchange. During the ownership period, Adra Software has gained the position as the leading European company in its market delivering cloud-based, financial close and reconciliation solutions including: ACCOUNTS, a transaction-matching software, BALANCER, a balance sheet reconciliations software, TASK MANAGER, a software for streamlining the financial close process, and RECEIVABLES, a payment matching software.
Founder Sverre Stockinger who has been a board member in Adra Software during the ownership period says: “VIA equity has been instrumental in the success of the development of Adra Software including the very satisfying investment result and exit for the owners. The energy, knowhow and experience of VIA equity have been key complementary value-adds to the board work and the management teams over time. As the founder I am very happy and proud to see the company continue as a very successful organization for many years to come.”
VIA’s John Helmsøe-Zinck was an active board member of Adra Software during the investment period.
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VIA invests in Linka Energy
VIA invests in Linka Energy, the leading provider of smaller biomass solutions in Scandinavia and the UK and also to other parts of the world. The solutions are mainly used for making energy such as hot water, high pressure hot water or steam.
Energy based on biomass sourced from local environment is 100% renewable and will be an essential element in the significant transition in Northern Europe from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. VIA will be majority owner but the CEO Brian Pedersen and other key employees will continue to be significant shareholders in Linka. New chairman and also shareholder will be John Veje Olesen, former CEO for Babcock & Wilcox Vølund.
Linka provides high quality biomass solutions mainly based on straw, wood chip and wood pellets. The biomass is typically sourced in the local environment. The solutions are used in the agricultural, industrial and district heating industries and the company has installed more than 3,500 biomass plants on a global level primarily within the 1 – 5 MW segments but also bigger plants.
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EnviDan acquires Swedish AquaP
AquaP are expert engineers in sewer systems and is a perfect match to EnviDan Sweden who historically have been focusing on wastewater solutions. EnviDan will hereafter have offices in Helsingborg, Malmö, Lund and Gothenburg and cover the southern region of Sweden very well. The new Envidan Sweden team (incl. AquaP) will be more than 20 expert engineers and represents a solid base to continue the organic growth in Sweden.
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VIA equity opens a new office in Germany
VIA equity has opened a new office in Munich and has hired Sebastian Maciejewski as Investment Director Germany. Sebastian has been in operation from the new office since the beginning of June.
Based on VIA’s highly successful Nordic investments, the plan with the new office is to strengthen VIA’s footprint in the German market.
Sebastian joins VIA equity with experience from positions in the well-known German private equity firms Paragon Partners and PINOVA Capital, both located in Munich.
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Profit Software acquires Evolvit
Profit Software has acquired Evolvit, a Finland-based company that offers IT and Business Intelligence solutions for the financial sector. With more than 230 employees combined, the acquisition will broaden Profit Software’s expertise and offerings to the FinTech sector.
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VIA equity wins the DVCA award – Private Equity Firm of the Year 2016
We are pleased to inform that VIA equity was appointed Private Equity Firm of the Year 2016 at the annual meeting of DVCA (The Danish Venture Capital and Private Equity Association) on November 1 2016.
“The VIA equity team is proud of the third DVCA statuette in our 10 year history” says John Helmsøe-Zinck, managing partner at VIA equity.
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Via Venture Partners becomes VIA equity
We are pleased to inform that Via Venture Partners changes name to VIA equity. The change is due to a desire to get a name that more accurately covers the activities of the company.
VIA equity’s strategy, structure and activities remain unchanged.
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Frontmatec sold to SAIC Holding
VIA has sold Frontmatec, a market-leading provider of automation and software solutions for the utilities, food, and manufacturing industries to Axcel’s portfolio company SAIC Holding.
With VIA and key employees as owners since 2011, Frontmatec has continuously strengthened its leading position in automation and software by an add-on acquisition in late 2013, amongst other initiatives.
The sale is subject to customary authority approval.
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UVdata sold to KMD
VIA and key employees have sold UVdata, a leading provider of innovative software products to the Danish educational sector, to KMD, one of Denmark’s largest IT and software companies.
UVdata has been owned by VIA, the CEO Jan Gaardboe Jensen and a number of key employees since 2013. During VIA’s ownership period, the company has gone through a rapid development and has transformed into a leading player in the Danish market for software solutions for the educational sector. Today, UVdata’s customers include the majority of Denmark’s municipalities and a significant share of the country’s private independent schools.
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VIA’s portfolio company Nets has been listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen
On Friday 23 September, VIA’s portfolio company Nets was successfully listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen.
VIA invested in Nets in 2014, when VIA together with ATP-PEP, Advent International and Bain Capital acquired Nets from a group of banks. During the ownership period, Nets has gained the position as the leading Nordic payments company with commercial, customer-centric and innovative solutions within digital payments.
VIA’s John Helmsøe-Zinck was an active board member of Nets Holding A/S during the investment period (and stopped as planned as a board member at the morning of the IPO).
To see the press release, please click here.
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PFA and ATP join forces in VIA equity fund III
PFA and ATP as equal partners are the investors in the new VIA equity Fund III K/S.
The committed capital of the new VIA equity Fund III is DKK 1 billion following the same structure and size as VIA equity Fund I & II.
The investment strategy will remain unchanged as a multistage private equity firm with primary focus on Northern European software, technology and service companies; i.e. investing both in large companies as Nets, Neas Energy and KMD and small and medium sized growth companies as exampled by the four latest investments: ALL NRG Group, Profit Software, EnviDan and Mansoft.
PFA Pension was founded in 1917 as an independent company and has approximately 1.1 million individual customers from a wide range of the largest companies and organizations in Denmark. PFA has more than DKK 500 billion under management.
ATP founded in 1964 is a mandatory savings scheme with almost five million members and has more than DKK 700 billion under management.
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Envidan acquires Norwegian Momentum Selvkost
With the acquisition of Momentum Selvkost EnviDan becomes a truly Scandinavian consulting company within wastewater treatment, sewer systems, water supply and biogas. Momentum serves 60% of all Norwegian municipalities and will be a strong growth platform for EnviDan in Norway.
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VIA invests in Mansoft, EURO-CONSULT and SoftwareCentral
VIA invests in Mansoft A/S, EURO-CONSULT A/S and SoftwareCentral ApS, which provide complementary services based on technological expertise within IT infrastructure consulting and Microsoft SCCM, as well as software with a web interface for SCCM and related services.
The companies work closely together already, and the founders and management have decided to merge their activities in a new group in connection with VIA’s investment, to be able to serve their customers even better in the future. All the former owners and four other key employees will reinvest and invest alongside VIA. The integration of the three companies will take place in an ongoing process in cooperation with customers, employees and partners.
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DdD Retail A/S sold to K3 Business Technology Group PLC
The shareholders of the holding company of DdD Retail A/S (hereafter DdD) have Friday 29th April sold DdD to the British Software company K3 Business Technology Group PLC in a transaction with an enterprise value of DdD at up to DKK 74½ million depending on an operational earn-out of DKK 8.2 million. VIA led the transaction-process on behalf of the selling shareholders.
DdD provides ‘Retail in a box’, which is a simple, plug-and-play solution that combines hardware, software, eLearning and support. The all-inclusive offering is cloud based and is functionally rich covering POS, inventory control, click & collect, reporting and customer loyalty. The DdD solution focusses mainly on fashion retailers. With more than 25 years of experience and an established base of 1,800 stores with 2,500 installations, DdD operates in Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Norway.
Kurt Thomsen, one of the founders: “VIA has done a tremendous effort on behalf of all the shareholders in this exit process, and we as founders are very thankful for the energy, experience and ability of VIA. VIA invested alongside the founders in 2007 and although the financial crisis hit the customers’ segment very hard in 2008/ 2009 and the following years, VIA has together with the management team managed to develop DdD into probably the leading technology and support platform in this niche.”
DdD’s CEO Peder Falck continues: “Although we have come far to provide the best solution to our customers, we welcome K3 as the new owners. The timing is right as DdD has an attractive and unique top-notch modern solution and K3 has the size, large customer knowhow and general niche software market expertise. The combination of the two companies is very powerful and a strong offensive move.”
VIA is very satisfied with the transaction: “No doubt that K3 is right partner for DdD to continue and accelerate the impressive development of the company. This has been the right timing and match for the shareholders,” says John Helmsøe-Zinck, Managing Partner at VIA.
The sellers were advised by law firm Kromann Reumert and PwC.
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VIA leads the sale of Neas Energy A/S to Centrica
The shareholders of Neas Energy A/S (hereafter Neas) have today decided to sell Neas to the British Energy Group Centrica in a transaction with an enterprise value of Neas at DKK 1.6 billion and estimated equity value of c. DKK 1.9 billion. VIA led the transaction process on behalf of the selling shareholders. The acquisition is subject to review and approval from the EU Competition Authorities.
Neas is one of Europe’s leading energy asset management and trading companies. Neas currently employs more than 250 people in Aalborg, Stockholm, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and London. The company operates on 18 power and gas markets in Europe. Further, Neas’ current asset management portfolio consists of more than 8,600 MW installed energy generation. In 2015 Neas had a turnover of DKK 20.4 billion and realised an EBITDA of DKK 197.5m.
In June 2015 VIA headed a total investment of DKK 500m into Neas. VIA and ATP invested 250m in equity and ATP provided DKK 250m in loan. Pre-transaction Neas’ shareholder group consisted of VIA equity Fund II K/S, ATP, Eigild B. Christensen, Dreisler Invest and key employees.
“Neas has been a short but very successful investment for VIA and I am convinced that Centrica is the right owner to secure continued international growth. We have accomplished many of the targets we set out when we invested in Neas, and we therefore find it optimal to sell. We have been very satisfied with our combined equity and loan investment into Neas and expect to make many more such investments in the future,” says Peter Thorlund Haahr, partner at VIA.
“It has been an exciting journey working with the talented Neas team over the last 5 years. It was the right thing to invite VIA to invest in Neas a year ago. The owners and the executive management was complemented well by VIA’s skills and energy and thus together we managed to create significant value in a relatively short period. I am confident that Centrica is the right buyer for Neas, and that the match will secure continuance of the strong growth path.” says Eigild B. Christensen.
The acquisition is subject to review from the EU Competition Authorities and the transaction is pending approval. The transaction is expected to be finalized in August 2016. During the transaction process, Kromann Reumert advised the shareholders of Neas.
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ALL NRG Group recruits new CEO from Siemens Wind Power A/S
On 1 March 2016, Ken Soerensen, currently Senior Vice President at Siemens Wind Power A/S, will become CEO of ALL NRG Group.
For the last four years, Ken Soerensen has been head of Global Product Line Service Wind at Siemens Wind Power. Ken Soerensen has an extensive international background at Broen A/S and The Boston Consulting Group.
”With the continued development of ALL NRG in mind, it is a pleasure to announce that Ken Soerensen has accepted the job as CEO of ALL NRG Group. We foresee substantial growth of the Group in the coming years, and Ken’s unique insight into the service market from his time with Siemens Wind Power will be crucial in our future strategy work”, says Peter Thorlund Haahr, board chairman of ALL NRG Group. “Ken is a skilled businessman with great analytical capacity and he has the will power and the ability to execute. With Ken’s solid executive background and strong communication skills, we have found the right man who can help us take the next step towards becoming the leading supplier of competent solutions for the energy industry”, Peter Thorlund Haahr continues.
“ALL NRG Group is an exciting setup, with a great potential for growth, which I am very happy to be heading. During my time at Siemens Wind Power, I have seen how important it is with competent subcontractors, who are able to help the OEMs in the continuing effort to lower the costs of wind energy. I already know several of the companies within ALL NRG Group from the customer side, and I consider them highly competent in their respective fields. All companies within ALL NRG have strong track records as independent companies, and there are significant synergies between them, which can be exploited going forward. I believe there is a need for consolidation in the industry, and I find the idea behind ALL NRG – a company with many complementary competencies – as highly visionary”, says Ken Sørensen. “I believe in partnerships. Based on the competencies ALL NRG already possesses and the plans I have discussed with the supervisory board, I feel confident that I can contribute to making ALL NRG Group an even more attractive partner in the coming years”, Ken Soerensen adds.
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Nets invests in fast-growing Storebox
Nets has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Storebox, a Denmark-based provider of digital receipt solutions. The agreement involves a capital increase, which will pave the way for further growth and ensure that key employees remain with the company and take part in its continued development.
With more than 350,000 active users, Storebox has already achieved great success in Denmark and is currently building its positions in Norway and Sweden. The acquisition strengthens Nets’ offering of trade-related services to businesses, which is a key segment for both Nets and Storebox.
To read the full press release in Danish, please click here.
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Adform raises EUR 20 million to fund global growth
Adform, the independent and open full stack ad tech platform, has announced EUR 20 million funding as a corporate bond loan financing by Danica, the Scandinavian pension fund.
The EUR 20 million fund will be used to continue Adform’s rapid global growth, with a particular focus on US market penetration, alongside creating, developing and launching new data driven, innovative and cutting-edge ad technology products to further enhance Adform’s independent full stack ad tech platform for both demand and supply. Fiercely data & media agnostic, Adform aims to rid ad tech of walled garden environments, by offering a fully premium and open marketplace for automated and programmatic trading.
To read the full press release in Danish, please click here.
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Adform wins innovation award
Adform was elected as the most innovative growth company at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 awards. With a strong performance and innovation on many levels, Adform expands its market position with constant development of new products and services.
The Innovation category of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year focuses on companies where all levels of the company are deeply involved in innovation, and on companies that are innovative in terms of product development and design, while still showing growth.
“Innovative companies do not just make things better in a traditional way, but also find new methods, products and processes to distinguish themselves positively from the competition. Adform is a good example of such a company, and is well managed and dynamic with strong performance both in terms of growth and profitability,” says Søren Smedegaard Hvid, Partner at EY and Director of EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
To read the full press release in Danish, please click here.
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ALL NRG Group acquires WTG Partners
ALL NRG Group acquires WTG Partners, and with this acquisition, ALL NRG Group comes closer to achieving its vision of becoming a total supplier to the wind power industry.
WTG Partners in Ebeltoft is acquisition number four by ALL NRG Group, and with this acquisition ALL NRG Group comes even closer to achieving its vision of bringing together leading suppliers in the on- and offshore wind industry in a one-stop-shop for wind turbine manufacturers and wind farm owners.
“For ALL NRG Group, the acquisition of WTG Partners is a step toward realizing our strategy of being able to assist wind turbine manufacturers and wind farm owners in all phases from project planning and installation to servicing of the wind turbines,” says Peter Thorlund Haahr, chairman of ALL NRG Group, who also adds that further acquisitions may be a possibility.
“Customers are increasingly asking for a complete package, and the acquisition of WTG Partners is an important step for ALL NRG Group. With WTG Partners, we are bringing in strong wind turbine and wind farm consulting and inspection services. Competencies that will further strengthen our position,” says Peter Thorlund Haahr.
To WTG Partners, the sale will provide greater market exposure, access to a broader marketing platform, and the opportunity to accelerate both development and growth ambitions.
“By becoming part of ALL NRG Group, we achieve synergies with the other companies in the group, and together we can bid as total suppliers for large projects. So we are expecting strong growth,” says Christian Holmgaard, Managing Director of WTG Partners.
“As part of a larger group, we also gain better access to resources, and with the help of ALL NRG Group, we will in the near future launch a number of development projects aimed at expanding our product range,” says Christian Holmgaard, who will join the ownership group of ALL NRG Holding in connection with the deal.
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Via Venture Partners invests in EnviDan
Via Venture Partners invests in EnviDan, a Danish environmental engineering company that specializes in planning, counselling and development of environmental solutions within water resources, water supply, wastewater and biogas.
Together with the management and key employees of EnviDan, Via Venture Partners acquires 100% of the company’s shares from the three founders, Simon Boel, Jan Tryk and Søren Brønd, who founded EnviDan in 1995. Today, the company employs 175 people in four offices across Denmark and a smaller branch in Sweden.
“Today is a good day for EnviDan”, says Morten Fjerbæk, CEO of EnviDan. “We have been looking for a solution for the required generation shift, and with Via as new shareholder, we have solved that challenge and at the same time been provided with the knowledge and capital that can bring us forward.”
“We are convinced that EnviDan is a good investment”, says Jakob Rybak-Andersen, investment responsible partner in Via Venture Partners. “The company has healthy financials, a broad and very interesting group of customers and great technical knowledge, which serves as a foundation to take EnviDan to the next level. During the process, we have spoken with many industry insiders, and we have found that there is a clear demand for EnviDan’s knowledge, and for EnviDan’s customer approach. Based on its specific industry knowledge, EnviDan has developed a range of value-add IT solutions for utility companies. With our extensive experience from developing software companies, we believe we can assist EnviDan to fulfill the great potential in this area.”
The transaction is conditional on approval from the relevant authorities.
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Procom sold to Amphenol
Via Venture Partners and the management have sold Procom A/S to Amphenol Corporation. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange and headquartered in Connecticut, United States, Amphenol is one of the largest manufacturers of interconnect products in the world.
Procom is a leading supplier of state-of-the-art antennas, filters and combiner equipment. The company has a broad international customer base and a strong position in the marine, defense, public safety, transportation and industrial markets.
Procom was established in 1980 and was owned by its founders until 2008, when the current CEO Peter Borregaard became co-owner. Having followed the company for several years, VIA invested in Procom in October 2013. During VIA’s relatively short ownership period, Procom’s revenues increased from c. DKK115m to DKK160m. The acquisition of the prominent UK-based antenna manufacturer Skymasts Antennas Ltd. in June 2014 was an important element of the growth.
“Procom has been a relatively short-lived but very successful investment for Via Venture Partners and I am convinced that at this stage, Amphenol is the right owner for continued international growth, in particular outside Europe. It has been a pleasure to work with Peter Borregaard and his team, and they look forward to joining Amphenol to develop the business further,” says Jakob Rybak-Andersen, partner at Via Venture Partners.
“I am extremely excited to bring Peter’s many years of entrepreneurial success along with his strong background in technical product development and engineering into the Amphenol RF & Microwave group. Peter’s background and experience, combined with the global scope and reach of the Amphenol RF organization, will help to accelerate our expansion into the important PMR market,” says Zak Raley, Senior Vice President at Amphenol.
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Daldata sold to Procuritas
Via Venture Partners and the management have sold Daldata AS to the Swedish private equity firm Procuritas.
Daldata is a leading provider of SaaS-based accounting software and related IT-solutions for Norwegian accountants and small businesses.
The company has made excellent progress under VIA’s three-year ownership period. Two subsidiaries have been divested, three acquisitions have been completed and EBITDA has almost doubled to NOK40m. In 2014, Daldata launched Duett, a modern cloud-based SaaS service.
The ambition is to continue to grow, with a focus on Duett and ASP/cloud services in the Norwegian market. Daldata has a strong position in the accounting industry in particular. The company has a turnover of nearly NOK80m from this industry and continues to take market shares, as a result of its focus on cloud services and close dialogue with customers.
Jakob Rybak-Andersen, partner at Via Venture Partners, says that VIA has been very pleased with the investment in Daldata. It has been a pleasure to work closely with the management and employees of Daldata. With their deep experience and understanding of the market and customers, they have really delivered.
The management is very pleased with the sale of Daldata, and Bjørnar Håkensmoen, CEO, says that the management is also very pleased with the good partnership with VIA. With its expertise, active ownership and financial strength, VIA has been a strong owner of Daldata.
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Nets acquires a stake in the Signaturgruppen technology company
Nets has acquired a controlling interest in the Aarhus-based Signaturgruppen technology company, which specializes in digital identity, NemID and digital signatures, with an option on taking over the entire company. This acquisition opens up additional opportunities for Nets in the international market for eID systems and digital signature solutions.
To read the full press release in English, please click here.
To read the full press release in Danish, please click here.
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Nets acquires Nordea Merchant Acquiring
Nets acquires Nordea Merchant Acquiring – the section of Nordea’s payment business dealing with acquiring of international payment cards in the Nordic and Baltic regions – for a price of EUR 230 million (DKK 1.7 bn) on an enterprise value basis. The acquisition will enable Nets to deliver first-class services to Nets’ customers across the Nordic and the Baltic region.
“We are very pleased to announce that Nets has signed a deal to acquire Nordea Merchant Acquiring. The acquisition enhances Nets’ ability to deliver first-class integrated acquiring services to a total of approx. 240,000 merchants across the Nordic and Baltic region,” according to Asger Hattel, Group Executive Vice President, Merchant Services, Nets.
First-class services across the Nordic and the Baltic region
Nets’ strategy is to be the preferred choice for Nordic merchants across all channels covering payments and all related services. The acquisition of Nordea Merchant Acquiring is a logical step in the realisation of this strategy. And the large number of Nets’ merchant customers operating across the Nordic region can expect even better and more integrated services. Nets acquiring, operating under the Teller brand, provides financial acquiring of international payment cards for the most widely used payment cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and UnionPay. Nets operates in more than 20 countries through cross-border activities.
Strategic fit and improved customer support
Merchant commerce is changing rapidly and evolving into a market with increasing focus on the full payment proposition (acquiring, payment gateway, terminals/eCom and value-added services) and one-point-of-contact solutions across all segments and across borders. Nets will thus have a strong focus on providing merchants looking for a full-service proposition with a solution that fits their needs. “The combined businesses of Nordea Merchant Acquiring and Nets fits perfectly into Nets’ strategy following the rapid evolvement of the payment market. Nets’ expertise as well as its service and sales support model is rooted in longstanding experience with payment services in the Nordic and Baltic region. We are present throughout the Nordic and Baltic region and we support our customers both locally and across borders,” Asger Hattel comments, and continues: “Close collaboration with the Nordic banks is a key element in Nets’ strategy. The improved Nets unit will be dedicated to service both Nordea merchant customers and other merchants across the Nordic region with the best possible solutions within payments.” The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2015, subject to approval by the relevant authorities and obtaining necessary permits. Going forward Nordea Merchant Acquiring, including approx. 40 Nordea employees, will be part of the Nets Merchant Services business unit.
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Conscia sold to Axcel
Via Venture Partners and the management have sold Conscia to the Danish private equity firm Axcel.
Conscia, which supplies and services business-critical IT infrastructure, has become one of the most important players in the market for large network solutions and won recognition as the strongest integrator of Cisco hardware in just a few short years. Conscia has also developed its own service concept on top of Cisco service products, which has developed into a very solid recurring business.
Conscia has established itself as the leading supplier of IT infrastructure and service solutions to the largest private and public players in Denmark, and the acquisition of Swedish Cisco Gold Partner Netsafe means that the company is now also active in Sweden.
“Three years ago, Via Venture Partners spotted the strength and potential of Conscia’s business model and organization,” says Mogens Bransholm, Conscia’s CEO. “It was great to have this vote of confidence, and we worked extremely well together. We’re delighted that Axcel has now chosen to get behind our continued growth plans.”
“Conscia has been a relatively short-lived but very successful investment for Via Venture Partners,” says Jakob Rybak-Andersen, partner at Via Venture Partners. “We’ve achieved a lot, and Conscia is now ready for the next stage in its journey. Conscia has an incredibly strong management team, and it’s been a pleasure to work closely with them and the rest of the board on developing the company, including the move into the Swedish market.”
The transaction is subject to approval by the Danish antitrust authority.
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Via Venture Partners leads DKK 500 million investment in Neas Energy
Via Venture Partners leads DKK 500 million investment in Neas Energy for further growth
Via Venture Partners and ATP strengthen the capital position of the international energy asset company Neas Energy A/S, based in Aalborg, through the acquisition of a minority stake and a debt injection with a total value of DKK 500 million. The consortium consisting of Via Venture Partners and ATP takes approximately 30% ownership (Via Venture Partners approx. 18% and ATP approx. 12%) and ATP in addition provides a loan of DKK 250 million.
“Neas Energy has experienced significant growth and developed into a market leader since the current owners acquired the company in 2011. We are very happy that the investment will enable Neas Energy to continue the international expansion. We see the investment of Via Venture Partners and ATP as an endorsement of our company and the future potential of our business,” says Bo Lynge Rydahl, CEO of Neas Energy.
Neas Energy is uniquely positioned to benefit from the development of energy asset management
Neas Energy employs more than 200 people in Aalborg, Stockholm, Hamburg and London. The company operates on 18 power and gas markets in Europe and has a portfolio of 6,668 MW installed capacity under management from customers in renewable and thermal energy generation.
“We trust Neas Energy has the right combination of talent, systems and knowhow to expand substantially in the European energy market the coming years. Via Venture Partners has with great success assisted other portfolio companies in international expansion and we intend to inspire the management in Neas Energy with our learnings,” says Peter Thorlund Haahr, Investment responsible Partner in Via Venture Partners. Peter Thorlund Haahr will join the board of Directors in Neas Energy.
Current shareholders welcome Via Venture Partners and ATP
“We are pleased that Via Venture Partners and ATP share our strong belief in Neas Energy and are looking forward to working closely together with them in supporting the company in its further international expansion”, says Eigild B. Christensen, Chairman of the Board, Neas Energy.
Ulrik Dan Weuder, head of ATP’s infrastructure investments, says: “We are pleased to be able to co-invest in Neas Energy together with Via Venture Partners. ATP is interested in both debt and equity investments in companies that we expect to produce good returns to our members. Co-investing with Via Venture Partners is one way of providing ATP access to attractive direct company investments, as it was also the case in the KMD and Nets investments.”
The final transaction is conditional on approval from the relevant authorities. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2015.
Carnegie Investment Bank and Bruun & Hjejle acted as advisers to Neas Energy and its owners in the transaction. FIH Partners and Kromann Reumert advised Via Venture Partners.
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Conscia acquires Netsafe
Via Venture Partners’ portfolio company Conscia, the leading Danish expert in network and data centers, has successfully acquired the Swedish Cisco Gold Partner Netsafe. At the same time, Conscia hires the former CEO of Telia owned Cygate, Bengt Lundgren, to head the company’s Swedish activities.
“Netsafe has an impressive competence level and currently handles some of the most advanced Cisco projects in Sweden. Just as Conscia, Netsafe works with large enterprises that consider infrastructure as a key business parameter. With this solid base, I look forward to taking Netsafe to the next level and develop the business in close dialogue with Conscia’s management. In particular, I think it will be interesting to give Swedish companies and organizations the opportunity to benefit from Conscia’s unique service solution”, says Bengt Lundgren.
“I very much welcome this step and I have high expectations for the work we can accomplish together with Netsafe in Sweden”, says Mogens Bransholm, CEO of Conscia A/S.
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Nets acquires a majority shareholding in Finnish Paytrail Plc
Nets has acquired 80% of Paytrail Plc, a Finnish e-commerce payment service provider (PSP). With about 4,500 merchants and more than 10,000 online stores and services in its network, Paytrail has a solid market position and a proven track record in providing e-commerce payment services. Nets is determined to see Paytrail continue to grow its business as a part of Nets’ merchant services business arm, which currently offers POS and online acceptance solutions to 150,000 merchants.
To read the full press release in English, please click here.
To read the full press release in Danish, please click here.
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Via Venture Partners invests in Q-Star Energy
Via Venture Partners invests in Q-Star Energy, which provides highly specialized workers to the oil, gas and wind industries in Europe, and combines the business with VB Enterprise and Apro Wind under the group All NRG. The new group will be one of the largest service providers within oil, gas and wind installations. With approximately 1,000 employees and a turnover of more than DKK 600 million this financial year, All NRG is a major player in the market for services to energy companies such as Vestas, Dong, Maersk and Siemens.
The transaction is pending approval by the competition authorities.
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Via Venture Partners invests in Profit Software Oy.
Via Venture Partners invests in Finnish Profit Software Oy., a leading provider of software solutions to Life & Pension insurance companies in the Nordic region. Together with Finnish Industry Investment and the management of Profit Software, Via Venture Partners acquires 100% of the company’s shares. The majority of the shares are acquired from funds managed by CapMan.
Profit Software is dedicated to serving insurers with proven, state-of-the-art solutions. The company was established over 20 years ago in 1992. During the past few years the business has grown significantly with turnover reaching 9.6 million euros in 2013.
– I’m very pleased that Via Venture Partners decided to invest in Profit Software. Our focus is very much on the Nordic market and a Danish private equity company investing in us is a perfect match with our strategy. The acquisition also enables us to maintain our position as an independent company, states Profit Software’s CEO Ilkka Starck.
With the deal Via Venture Partners strengthens its portfolio within the IT sector.
– Via Venture Partners have looked at the Nordic market for insurance software for several years and are very pleased that we will now be able to help Profit Software expand across the Nordic Region. Ilkka Starck and the rest of the management team have done a tremendous job over the past few years in positioning Profit Software as the leading software provider in the Life & Pension market in the Nordic Region, says Benjamin Kramarz, responsible investment officer from Via Venture Partners.
In 2014 Profit Software made its first major deal in Sweden when Swedish insurance company, Länsförsäkringar, chose Profit Software to modernize its pension payment system. The project is ongoing and the new system will be in production during 2015.
– I believe that with Via Venture Partners we have good opportunities to continue our strong focus on customer satisfaction and simultaneously further enhance our presence in the Nordic countries. Our target is to grow the company and its business in the Nordics and create more success stories in the future, summarizes Starck.
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Dolphin Software sold to Loxysoft
Via Venture Partners and Verdane Capital Advisors have sold Dolphin Software to Loxysoft, a Sweden-based specialist in IT systems for sales management.
Dolphin Software is one of the leading Scandinavian vendors of contact center and workforce management solutions. Dolphin delivers complete solutions and consultancy services for companies that wish to deliver excellent customer service in both the private and public sector. During the ownership of Via Venture Partners and Verdane Capital Advisors, Dolphin has enjoyed stable growth in Scandinavia and Europe, and reached revenues of NOK 62m in 2013.
Based in Östersund, Sweden, Loxysoft is a family-owned provider of sales support systems with c. 50 employees in four locations across Sweden.
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Projectplace sold to Planview
Via Venture Partners and InnovationsKapital have sold Projectplace to Planview, a US-based global provider of portfolio and resource management software.
Projectplace is a Sweden-based European leader in project collaboration and one of the world’s first cloud companies. During the ownership of Via Venture Partners and InnovationsKapital, Projectplace has grown from c. 450,000 users and 100 employees in five countries to c. 1 million users and 170 employees in eight countries.
Owned by US private equity firm Insight Venture Partners, Planview is a global leader in portfolio and resource management. Following the acquisition of Projectplace, the two brands will co-exist.
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Nets has acquired Payzone Nordic AB
Nets has acquired Payzone Nordic AB, a market leader in payment services customized for the retail, hotel and restaurant sectors.
Nets already has a position in the Point of Sale (POS) market in the Nordic region and the acquisition will strengthen Nets’ position in the Swedish POS market while bringing a Nordic footprint with potential to service Payzone Nordic’s existing customer base more broadly.
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Payzone Nordic was established in 1989 and processes over 150 million transactions per year. Operating solely in the integrated payment service provider (PSP) vertical, it is the largest electronic funds transfer network in Sweden. Payzone Nordic generates annual sales of approximately SEK 70 million and employs c. 50 people. Payzone Nordic’s CEO, Carl-Greger Leijonhufvud, will remain with the company.
To read the full press release in English, please click here.
To read the full press release in Danish, please click here.
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Procom acquires British antenna manufacturer Skymasts Antennas Ltd.
Via Venture Partners’ portfolio company, Procom A/S, a leading manufacturer and supplier of specially designed antennas, filters and combiners, has acquired the prominent English antenna manufacturer Skymasts Antennas Ltd. The acquisition is part of an organic and acquisitive growth strategy initiated last autumn by Via Venture Partners who is the largest shareholder in Procom A/S.
Procom is rapidly expanding into new markets and new market segments. As a part of the Procom strategy, Procom has acquired the English company Skymasts Antennas Ltd, Northampton.
Skymasts Antennas is a world-class, innovative and agile UK antenna manufacturer, supplying outstanding wireless base station antenna products and accessories to a truly global market.
Skymasts Antennas products are used within a wide range of industries and applications, within the frequency range of 25 MHz and 5.8 GHz. This ranges from small two-way communication systems or a simple wireless application, to large-scale and complex national infrastructure for both Civil, Public Safety and Defense applications.
Now Procom and Skymasts will cover a wide selection of industry sectors across Civil, First Responders and Defense wireless communications. Our commitment to the on-going research and development in the latest technologies ensures that the companies will continue to add value to these sectors working with some of the world’s most respected OEMs, system integrators and network infrastructure operators.
Procom and Skymasts have both worked up a well-earned reputation for producing quality, reliable and innovative products for mission critical communication networks. As a consequence of this reputation, the companies are preferred suppliers to some of the world’s largest Critical Communications infrastructures.
For further information, please contact CEO Peter Borregaard at Procom A/S or CEO Carl Jones at Skymasts Antennas Ltd.
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VB Enterprise joins forces with APRO Wind A/S
Via Venture Partners’ portfolio company, VBE Holding, who also owns VB Enterprise, has acquired APRO Wind A/S, a prominent installation and services provider to the global on- and offshore wind industry. VB Enterprise and APRO Wind will jointly take a globally leading position as a true full-service provider to the offshore wind park industry. VB Enterprise and APRO Wind will continue to act as two separate sister companies within the group. The acquisition is part of a strategic growth plan initiated earlier this year with the help of Via Venture Partners who is the largest shareholder in VBE Holding.
VBE Holding has made the acquisition with the expectation that the Companies’ extensive combined offering will facilitate an even stronger position on the growing offshore wind market.
“APRO Wind has achieved impressive growth during the last years, much of this thanks to its exceptional track record of successful international projects within complementary areas to VB Enterprise. By working together the two companies will have a comprehensive full-service offering within both High Voltage- and Mechanical installations and services. We now look forward to, together with the competent and dedicated APRO Wind team, build an even stronger value proposition for our customers”, says Peter Thorlund Haahr, Chairman of VBE Holding.
APRO Wind and its management are enthusiastic to take the next step as part of the VBE Holding group.
“We are really pleased with the opportunities opened for APRO Wind by joining forces with VB Enterprise. Together with VB Enterprise we will form an even more competitive offering and in VBE Holding we will have a knowledgeable owner with the financial resources to support our continued expansion”, says Esben Schmidt, CEO of APRO Wind.
VB Enterprise and APRO Wind will continue to act as two separate sister companies within the group. The founders of APRO Wind will continue as minority shareholders in VBE Holding. The combined group will employ around 300 people.
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Daniel Hallberg joins Via Venture Partners
Via Venture Partners has, as part of a continued increased focus on Swedish private equity investments, hired Daniel Hallberg to join VIA as Principal. Daniel starts with VIA as of April 1st and will work out of the firm’s Copenhagen office.
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Via Venture Partners invests in Nets
Via Venture Partners has together with ATP, ATP Private Equity Partners, Advent International and Bain Capital invested in Nets, a leading Northern European provider of payments, information and digital identity solutions. Nets employs 2,600 employees in five countries (Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Estonia) and connects banks, merchants and businesses through its network. In 2013, the company handled more than 6 billion card transactions supporting more than 33 million payment cards and over 500,000 merchants in the Nordics.
The transaction is subject to customary authority approvals.
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Conscia acquires Mobility Architects
Via Venture Partners’ portfolio company, Conscia, the leading Danish expert in network and data centers, has successfully acquired Mobility Architects, a leading Danish company within mobile solutions, including wireless infrastructures, security, applications and strategy/business development.
“Mobility Architects is a well-managed, innovative and customer-oriented company that possesses unique competencies in the area of mobile solutions,” says a satisfied Mogens Bransholm, CEO of Conscia A / S.
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Via Venture Partners invests in VB Enterprise
Via Venture Partners has invested in VB Enterprise A/S, a globally leading services provider to the offshore wind park industry. A strategic organic and acquisitive growth plan will now be executed upon with the help of Via Venture Partners.
VB Enterprise holds a globally leading position on medium- and high-voltage installation and service projects for the offshore wind park industry. The company has been engaged in the construction of 14 of the 15 largest offshore wind parks ever built. By working closely with the leading manufacturers and vendors of wind power, VB Enterprise has built up a unique expertise within its segment – onshore and offshore. VB Enterprise is headquartered in Denmark and has subsidiaries in Sweden, Norway and the UK. The company has grown with on average 49% every year from 2008 and today employs around 100 people. Last financial year the company made an EBIT of DKK 19 million. Together with Via Venture Partners, VB Enterprise and its management are now ready to take the next step on the company´s strategic journey.
Via Venture Partners has made the investment with the expectation that the Company´s strong position on the growing offshore wind market pose an attractive platform to build upon.
“VB Enterprise has displayed impressive growth during the last years and we are really looking forward to support the company on its continued strategic journey. Its strong niche expertise and its outstanding track record of successful global projects ensure a competitive advantage and the underlying transformation of the market represent an attractive opportunity where we believe we can add significant value. We look forward to work with the competent and dedicated team of management and employees to fully realize the potential of the company”, says Peter Thorlund Haahr, partner at Via Venture Partners and the new Chairman of VB Enterprise.
“I am very pleased with the outstanding growth we have accomplished during the last few years and I am very proud of the strong market position we have attained through the many accomplishments of our committed employees. I look very much forward to expand VB Enterprise even further and I am absolutely convinced that Via Venture Partners is the precisely right partner to assist the company on our mission to serve the global wind industry. Via Venture Partners will contribute with imperative experience and financial resources to support our long-term strategic growth plan”, says Villy Bruun, CEO and Founder of VB Enterprise.
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Via Venture Partners’ portfolio company Hostnordic elected “Hosting Partner of the Year”
Via Venture Partners’ portfolio company Hostnordic has been elected Hosting Partner of the Year on Microsoft’s annual Partner Awards. With the recent acquisition of ServiceGruppen this is the 4th consecutive year that Hostnordic Group receives the award.
“I am both honored and proud that Microsoft once again announced Hostnordic as the Hosting Partner of the Year”, says Christian Winther, CEO of Hostnordic Group.
To read the full press release in Danish please click here
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ePocket Solutions sold to Guard Systems
Via Venture Partners has sold ePocket Solutions AS to Guard Systems AS in Norway. Via Venture Partners became shareholder of ePocket in 2011, when Via Venture Partners’ portfolio company WPA Mobile ApS was merged with ePocket creating a European leader in Mobile Field Service Software.
The sale was backed by more than 94% of the shareholders incl. Via Venture Partners’ holdings.
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B.V. Electronic acquires Dansk Styringsteknik A/S – becoming Denmark’s largest automation group
Via Venture Partners’ portfolio company, B.V. Electronic, has acquired Dansk Styringsteknik A/S and thereby created Denmark’s largest automation group.
– “B. V. Electronic is now the by far largest supplier on the market with approx. 100 of the industry’s best programmers, solution architects and project managers. Through this transaction we become the safest choice of automation supplier – even for the largest automation projects”, says Kurt Godsk Andersen, Managing Director of B.V. Electronic.
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UVdata acquires Dansk Skoledata Aps
Via Venture Partners portfolio company UVdata has acquired the Danish education administration software provider Dansk Skoledata Aps. Through the acquisition UVdata gains significant expertise in the school software area and at the same time UVdata’s municipal customers will be offered an even better coupling to the private school area in their daily work. All employees of Dansk Skoledata will continue working within the UVdata organisation.
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Via Venture Partners portfolio company Conscia awarded for Greatest IT Place to Work
Via Venture Partners portfolio company Conscia has won Great Place to Work® Institute’s annual competition as the best Danish IT company.
In addition, Conscia was elected the 4th best medium-sized company in Denmark to work for. These elections are particularly remarkable in a period where the number of employees in Conscia has grown 40%, and it highlights the strong culture and community in Conscia.
To read more about the award in Danish please click here.
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Via Venture Partners invests in Procom A/S
Via Venture Partners has invested in the communication company Procom A/S, delivering specially designed antennas, filters and combiners to customers on a global basis. Organic growth and strategic acquisitions shall secure a tripling of current revenue.
Procom was established in 1980 and was until 2008 owned by its founders. In 2008 current Chief Executive Officer Peter Borregaard became co-owner and in 2010 investment company Kirk & Thorsen invested in the company. Procom has developed significantly during the last 5 years. The company has relocated to new and modern production- and development facilities, profitability has been significantly improved and revenue for 2013 is expected to reach DKK 120 million. Procom and its management are now ready to take the next step together with Via Venture Partners.
”Procom has been an incredible investment for us and our co-owner and Executive Officer has made an impressive effort. It is now time for a new owner with deeper technological roots than ourselves and we believe that VIA is the exactly right partner to assist Procom in further growing international sales”, says Peter Thorsen, CEO of Kirk & Thorsen.
Growth opportunities
Via Venture Partners, mainly focused on software- and telecom businesses, has made the investment with the expectation that an increased focus on sales activities together with strategic acquisitions will significantly enhance growth.
“Today Procom has a very strong market concept. The company’s ability to deliver small batches of very high quality products faster than any other is very hard to copy. This requires close interaction between all parts of the company and a strong sense of responsibility from each individual employee. This combined with a large and very competent development department ensures a unique concept. Via Venture Partners is confident in the large sales opportunities in Procom and we look forward to assist in fully realizing this potential”, says Jakob Rybak-Andersen, partner at Via Venture Partners.
”Procom has experienced solid growth the last years but we are convinced that together with Via Venture Partners we will be able to further accelerate our growth. Via Venture Partners and management’s principles considering employee- and product focus matches really well. I am convinced that with Via Venture Partners actively by our side we can continue to develop Procom and create even more value and even more attractive job opportunities in Denmark”, says Peter Borregaard, CEO of Procom A/S.
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Hostnordic acquires the outsourcing- and cloud division of ServiceGruppen
Via Venture Partners portfolio company Hostnordic acquires the outsourcing- and cloud division of ServiceGruppen and creates one of Denmark’s leading outsourcing- and cloud companies.
Hostnordic has on the 4th November 2013 signed an agreement with ServiceGruppen for Dataudstyr A/S to acquire all outsourcing- and hosting activities in ServiceGruppen. The companies also enter a strategic partnership in order to make use of each other’s core competencies going forward.
Both companies will continue under the same roof in Hedehusene. The transaction which is pending approvals is expected to be closed by the end of 2013.
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Projectplace reaches significant milestone
Projectplace, the European leader in online project collaboration, recently had its 800,000th user join its service. The milestone is proof of organizations increasingly adopting the Social Business strategy, embracing those tools and leadership models that support transparency and knowledge-sharing from a multitude of sources.
In Europe, Projectplace is leading the development of project collaboration tools in the cloud. And it plans to continue its rapid expansion. The company is currently recruiting staff in sales and development for all of its seven offices. One of the markets where the user base has increased markedly in the past year is in the U.K.
“The U.K. is a great market for Projectplace services because many people there have flexible jobs. With job-sharing or working from home, you can benefit tremendously from online collaboration using mobile apps,” says Johan Zetterström, CEO of Projectplace.
The use of cloud services is being actively encouraged in the public sector. The UK government is currently driving a G-Cloud initiative. It lists checked and vetted distributers of cloud services from which various public sector organisations are allowed to choose.
Projectplace figures among the approved distributors listed on the G-Cloud website. What’s more, The National Health Services, the largest employer in Europe, is already a Projectplace client. Projectplace has also recently opened a sales office in the U.K. and further expansion plans in 2013 include the U.S.A. market. The next major milestone is reaching one million users.
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Adra Match broadens its offering with the launch of BALANCER
Adra Match is introducing a new financial software named BALANCER to help finance managers streamline their financial close and consolidation process. It enables them to close the books faster while still meeting demands for better internal controls from investors and stakeholders.
“BALANCER helps finance managers meet the growing pressures to deliver complete and accurate balance sheet numbers on a timely basis,” says Martin Thunman, CEO of Adra Match.
BALANCER is offered as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) and is powered by the Microsoft global cloud platform, Windows Azure. BALANCER is offered in different feature editions with a simple per-user/per-month pricing model, in order to fit any size of organization.
“The software-as-a-service model is changing the software industry very quickly, and the winners are the customers”, says Thunman. “Cost-efficient delivery platforms, in combination with innovative and flexible software, make it possible to offer software at a fraction of the price it used to cost, and we are happy to play a role in this major shift in the industry.”
The new BALANCER product complements the company’s existing portfolio, which includes ACCOUNTS, a transaction matching software, and RECEIVABLES, a payment matching software. BALANCER will be available in Q2 2013.
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Peter Thorlund Haahr to join the expert panel of Tekes
With long and proven expertise from supporting Nordic companies in growth and internationalization, Via Venture Partner’s Peter Thorlund Haahr has now accepted an offer to join the expert panel of Tekes, a prominent finish expert organization dedicated to the financing of research, development and innovation for promising Finnish growth companies.
Through his involvement with Tekes, Peter will provide his expert advice on the evaluation and granting of funds to promising finish companies seeking expansion capital from the Tekes fund.
Peter started his assignment during January 2013.
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Via Venture Partners invests in UVdata
Via Venture Partners har sammen med flere af selskabets medarbejdere overtaget aktiemajoriteten i IT-virksomheden UVdata A/S, der leverer softwareløsninger til den danske uddannelsessektor. En plan for vækst skal øge omsætningen væsentligt over de næste år.
UVdata A/S har over de sidste år udviklet sig fra at være en ledende spiller på vejledningsområdet i danske kommuner til at gøre sig gældende i bredere forstand på det kommunale marked samt i uddannelsessektoren. Med produkter som UVvej, MinUddannelse, UVefterskole og MinInstitution leverer UVdata softwareløsninger til en lang række af Danmarks kommuner, skoler og UU-centre samt staten. På den baggrund har Via Venture Partners nu sammen med flere af selskabets medarbejdere købt majoriteten i selskabet. Selskabets hidtidige direktør, Jan Gaardboe Jensen, fortsætter som selskabets direktør og vil sammen med den nye bestyrelse fortsætte arbejdet med at øge selskabets aftryk på det kommunale marked samt i uddannelsessektoren.
”Det er en glædelig nyhed, at ATP vælger at bakke op om vores vækstplaner og ønsker at bidrage til en yderligere professionalisering og udvikling af virksomheden. Vi har siden 2004 fået etableret os som den førende leverandør af administrative IT-løsninger til danske uddannelsesinstitutioner i et stærkt konkurrencepræget marked. ATP-ejede Via Venture Partners bliver en kapitalstærk medspiller i realiseringen af vores ambitiøse vækstplaner og forsatte ambition om at levere de bedste produkter til gavn for vores medarbejdere og kunder”, siger Jan Gaardboe Jensen, adm. direktør i UVdata.
Vækstmuligheder
Via Venture Partners, der fokuserer på nordiske teknologivirksomheder, har foretaget investeringen blandt andet ud fra en vurdering af, at UVdata står stærkt til at tage del i det øgede fokus på nødvendigheden af uddannelse blandt danske unge.
”Vores opfattelse er, at kommunernes og skolernes behov for IT-løsninger til at understøtte uddannelsesforløb er stødt stigende. UVdata har formået at levere softwareløsninger til en lang række af landets kommuner og uddannelsesinstitutioner, som både øger effektiviteten hos kunden, men som også samtidig understøtter det generelle behov for øget uddannelse blandt landets unge. UVdata er klart den stærkeste spiller på dette marked i dag, og vores håb er, at vi i fælleskab kan udbygge deres nuværende produktplatform til at nå endnu bredere ud blandt potentielle kunder. Samtidig har UVdata en stærk iværksætterkultur blandt medarbejderne, hvilket også bevidnes af deres lyst til at medinvestere i selskabet”, siger Benjamin Kramarz, Investment Manager i Via Venture Partners.
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Hostnordic first company to be accredited with BFIH certification
Det er med hostingbranchens certificering blevet lettere at vælge kvalitetshosting. Onsdag aften, den 23. januar udstedte Brancheforeningen for IT-hostingvirksomheder i Danmark (BFIH) således for første gang deres kvalitetsstempel til Hostnordic.
”Vi er stolte over, at vi som de første i Danmark har opnået BFIH’s certificering. Certificeringen er især vigtig i forhold til vores kunder og partnere, og det cementerer endnu en gang vores position, som en af de ledende hostingvirksomheder i Danmark”, siger Christian Winther, bestyrelsesformand ved Hostnordic.
BFIH blev stiftet i december 2011 af 24 store og mellemstore hostingvirksomheder, med det formål at højne kvalitets- og sikkerhedsniveauet i branchen. Cetificeringsordningen bygger på erklæringen, ISAE 3402, og indebærer, at de certificerede hvert år skal kontrolleres af en uafhængig revisor med IT-revision som speciale.
“Vi ønsker Hostnordic tillykke. I BFIH er vi glade for og stolte over, at den første certificering er faldet på plads. Det er godt for os, for vores medlemmer og ikke mindst indvarsler det en ny tid, hvor markedet for IT-hosting bliver mere gennemsigtigt og det bliver lettere for små og større virksomheder at vælge den rigtige hostingløsning”, siger Niels Reinau, bestyrelsesformand i BFIH.
Hostnordic har med BFIH’s kvalitetsstempel fået dokumentation på, at de lever op til de strengeste krav inden for informationssikkerhed, medarbejdersikkerhed, fysisk sikkerhed, drift og beredskab.
”Vi har gennem de seneste år brugt meget tid og mange ressourcer på vores interne processer og kontroller for at levere et af Danmarks bedste hostingprodukter. Vi er derfor glade for, at vi med REVI-IT’s hjælp har opnået BFIH’s certificering, og dermed fået ekstern bekræftelse på et velfungerende driftsapparat”, siger Christian Osbahr, teknisk direktør ved Hostnordic
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Daldata acquires Flexidata AS
Daldata has successfully acquired Norwegian Flexidata AS as part of its strategy to strengthen its position as a leading partner to the payroll and personnel management software Huldt & Lillevik (H&L). Through this acquisition, Daldata becomes the largest distributor of H&L, with a total customer base of approximately 900 customers.
As a consequence of the acquisition, Daldata will increase its focus on H&L and will, among other initiatives, increase its headcount in Oslo. The acquisition also provides Daldata with an opportunity to introduce its new customers to other software products from the growing Daldata product suite.
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Via Venture Partners invests in Conscia
Via Venture Partners har købt 35 pct. af aktierne i it-virksomheden Conscia A/S, der leverer netværksløsninger til bl.a. TV 2, Danske Bank og Lundbeck. En plan for vækst skal tredoble omsætningen til én mia. kr.
Conscia A/S er i løbet af en kort årrække blevet en af de vigtigste spillere på markedet for samlede netværks-løsninger.
”Vi er meget tilfredse med at Via Venture Partners vælger at bakke op om vores vækstplaner. Vi har på fem år etableret os som den førende leverandør af netværksløsninger til de største private og offentlige virksomheder. Via Venture Partners bliver en kapitalstærk medspiller i realiseringen af vores ambitiøse vækstplaner. Vi forventer at omsætte for én mia. kr. inden for de næste fem år og vil dermed blive førende inden for it-infrastruktur i datacenteret ,” siger Mogens Bransholm, adm. direktør i Conscia.
Via Venture Partners køber 35 pct. ejerandel af Conscia ud fra en værdiansættelse af virksomheden på 212 mio. kr. Aftalen er underskrevet 20. december 2012.
Vækstmuligheder
Via Venture Partners, der fokuserer på teknologivirksomheder, har foretaget opkøbet blandt andet ud fra en vurdering af makrofaktorerne i it-markedet og har store forventninger til den nye investering.
”It-slutkunderne vil i dag have køreklare løsninger, der kan bruges fra alle enheder, og som skaber værdi på tværs af forretningen. Kravene til netværks- og cloud-løsninger stiger dag for dag, og virksomhederne er afhængige af, at disse løsninger fungerer optimalt. Conscia er i dag den stærkeste partner på dette marked, og da det samtidig er en meget veldrevet virksomhed med en stærk kultur, har vi store forventninger til vores investering,” siger Jakob Rybak-Andersen, partner i Via Venture Partners.
Ifølge Jakob Rybak-Andersen står Conscia med ekstra stærke kort på hånden, da virksomheden er anerkendt som den stærkeste integrator af Cisco-udstyr. Cisco er verdens førende producent af netværks- og datacenterudstyr og fokuserer i tråd med Conscia på at udvikle integrerede løsninger, der skaber forretningsmæssig værdi på tværs af virksomhedens afdelinger.
Aftalen skal endeligt godkendes af Konkurrencestyrelsen, inden den træder i kraft.
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Beneq acquires EL business from Planar
Via Venture Partners portfolio company Beneq acquires the Finnish-based electroluminescence (EL) business from US Planar Systems, Inc., a global leader in digital display technology. The name of the new business unit, Lumineq, stands for Beneq’s strong commitment to thin film electroluminescence (TFEL) technology and the industrial production of other ALD (atomic layer deposition) enabled products. These products will be offered in addition to Beneq’s existing product portfolio.
“The acquisition of this business from Planar is a natural next step in Beneq’s strategy of taking ALD into industrial production, and allows us to expand our own corporate portfolio in world-leading ALD technology and related products,” says Sampo Ahonen, CEO of Beneq Oy. The acquisition also means Beneq has obtained the world’s largest ALD-dedicated production facility, and its coating capacity.
Beneq, which primarily concentrates on thin film equipment manufacturing, will now be able to develop new offerings based on production-scale coating services and other customization services. Beneq is committed to the long-term development of the Lumineq family of products, and aims to expand into new areas of applications as deemed commercially viable.
“This is an opportunity to build Lumineq into its own niche product brand under the Beneq corporate umbrella, which will bring stronger continuity and growth to the business,” Ahonen says.
Likewise, Beneq guarantees existing Lumineq customers the continuity, strength and financial backing necessary to ensure uninterrupted product deliveries and services.
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KMD sold to Advent International
EQT, ATP PEP and Via Venture Partners has sold KMD to Advent International after a successful 3½ year ownership period in which KMD has gone through a very positive development with increased revenue, earnings and employee headcount.
Since being acquired in early 2009, KMD has successfully completed an extensive transition from public to private sector ownership. The Company has implemented a wide range of improvements and efficiency enhancements of its internal systems and processes, while also developing a number of new software solutions. KMD is today a professionally run and competitive business with exciting growth potential. In 2011, the Company reported revenue of DKK 4,266 million and EBITDA of DKK 577 million.
KMD is Denmark’s largest provider of software and it-services. KMD generates the majority of its revenue from Danish municipal authorities, which among other includes software solutions to handle social and pension benefits. In addition, the Company is a provider of it-solutions to the central government as well as the private sector. In recent years, KMD has also built a platform for further growth in the Swedish market.
During the past 3½ years, KMD has invested more than DKK 2 billion in developing new software solutions for the Danish public sector, which – together with selective acquisitions – has emphasized its position as the leading provider of it-solutions to the Danish public sector.
Despite budgetary pressure and the general economic downturn, KMD has managed to generate steady growth during a challenging macroeconomic period. Digitalization – and KMD’s software solutions in particular – is an essential part of enhancing efficiency in Denmark’s public sector. KMD’s latest products within education and healthcare represent substantial investments in areas that will constitute major parts of the future public sector budgets.
“Denmark is without doubt ahead of virtually all other countries in terms of digitizing its public sector. KMD has a leading market position and unique domain knowledge and competences. We see great opportunities to develop and grow the business even further in Denmark, but also internationally,” says KMD’s CEO Lars Monrad-Gylling, and continues: “We have been very pleased with our partnership with the current owners, and we are now looking forward to continuing the journey with Advent International.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
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Dolphin Software acquires XLScheduler
Norske Dolphin Software har kjøpt det svenske selskapet XLScheduler, som leverer løsninger for bemanningsplanlegging. Oppkjøpet er første ledd i strategien om å bli ledende i Skandinavia på kontaktsenterløsninger, og å gjøre Dolphin til en ”suite”-leverandør.
Dolphin fikk i fjor nye eiere i Via Venture Partners og Verdane Capital VI & VII (Verdane). Med nye eiere på plass ligger alt til rette for en storstilt satsing på det skandinaviske markedet, blant annet i form av oppkjøp.
– Dolphin går med dette oppkjøpet fra å være en “best-of-breed”- løsning til en full ”suite”-løsning, med all funksjonalitet i én plattform. Analyseselskapet Gartner anbefaler blant annet ”Suite”-leverandører innenfor vår nisje. Oppkjøpet er også en del av Dolphins nye strategi, etter eierskiftet i fjor, om å ekspandere i Norden til å bli en ledende skandinavisk aktør i kontaktsentermarkedet, sier administrerende direktør Haakon Smeby i Dolphin.
XLScheduler ble etablert i 1994, og har drevet med bemanningsplanleggingsløsninger, såkalt Workforce Management Solutions, siden 1997. Selskapet har tilholdssted i Gøteborg, men har kunder i hele Skandinavia og i Europa. XLScheduler omsatte for 10 MSEK i 2011. Bemanningsplanlegging er ytterst viktig for drift av kontaktsenter. Hva slags og hvor mye kompetanse man trenger til ulike tider, er vesentlig kunnskap for å kunne planlegge for mest mulig effektiv drift av kontaktsenteret, og for å yte god kundeservice. Dolphin har levert denne type løsninger via tredjeparter tidligere, blant annet XLScheduler, men vil nå integrere dette fullt og helt i sine kontaktsenterløsninger.
– XLScheduler har en imponerende kundeliste, og nærmere 10 000 brukere av systemet. Vi kommer til å integrere XLScheduler som en modul i våre løsninger, men vi vil også beholde XLScheduler som en separat merkevare. Dette blant annet fordi XLScheduler støtter om lag 30 kontaktsentersystemer, sier Smeby.
– Dolphins eierskap åpner opp en rekke nye muligheter for både Dolphin og XLScheduler. Begge vil øke sine markedsandeler, og vil, gjennom å tilby komplette produktsuiter, bli det naturlige valget for kontaktsentre i Skandinavia. Timingmessig er dette også veldig riktig for oss. Vi skal lansere en ny versjon av vårt bemanningssystem, og med Dolphins eierskap kan vi øke takten i vår internasjonale ekspansjon, sier Emma Skygebjerg, CEO i XLScheduler.
– Oppkjøpet oppfyller to av våre målsettinger for Dolphin: Vi tar skrittet inn i det svenske markedet og vi får en full produktsuite. Dermed kan vi gi kundene et bedre og mer helhetlig tilbud. Vi har fått et veldig godt inntrykk av XLScheduler. De ansatte er sterke faglig og tilfører Dolphin en ekstra dimensjon. Vi gleder oss til å få dem om bord, sier Arne Simensen i Verdane Capital Advisors.
For mer informasjon: Haakon Smeby, adm. dir Dolphin, mob: 91623743, e-post:
Emma Skygebjerg, VD XLScheduler, tlf +46709479984
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Daldata med nye sterke eiere
Salget av Daldata ble formalisert den 11. juli d.å. I tillegg til Via Venture Partners har samtlige i Daldatas ledergruppe, med administrerende direktør Bjørnar Håkensmoen i spissen, investert i selskapet.
Daldata har hatt en meget god utvikling de siste seks årene. Siden 2006 har omsetningen økt fra 87,6 millioner til 165 millioner kroner, og inntjeningen er mangedoblet til 15,4 millioner kroner i 2011. Ambisjonen er å fortsatt vokse videre, med hovedfokus på Duett økonomisystem og ASP/skytjenester i det norske markedet. Det er spesielt innenfor regnskapsbransjen at Daldata er stor, og selskapet omsetter for nærmere 60 millioner kroner i denne bransjen. I løpet av 2012 har Daldata tatt ytterligere markedsandeler i regnskapsbransjen, og den gode veksten har kommet hovedsakelig som et resultat av fokus på skytjenester og Daldatas nye datasenter.
Jakob Rybak-Andersen, partner i Via Venture Partners, sier at de ser på Daldata som en svært spennende investering, med fremtidsrettede løsninger og et servicekonsept i SMB-markedet som har stort potensiale.
– Å levere IT-løsninger lønnsomt til SMB-markedet krever svært høy kompetanse i hele organisasjonen. Daldata har en meget kompetent ledelse og en sterk posisjon i Norge, og vi ser frem til å skape ytterligere vekst både organisk og gjennom konsolideringer, uttaler Jakob Rybak-Andersen.
Daldata er på sin side godt fornøyd med salget. Bjørnar Håkensmoen, administrerende direktør, uttaler at Via Venture Partners, med sin kompetanse og finansielle styrke, vil hjelpe Daldata i arbeidet med å videreutvikle selskapet videre.
– Vi er svært tilfredse med å ha fått dyktige, profesjonelle investorer på eiersiden, sier Håkensmoen.
For mer informasjon:
Bjørnar Håkensmoen, adm. dir, mob: 959 86 800, e-post: bjornar.
Jakob Rybak-Andersen, Partner i Via Venture Partner, mob: +45 29401719, e-post:
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VIA og Christian Winther overtager majoriteten i Hostnordic A/S
Via Venture Partners og Christian Winther overtager tilsammen aktiemajoriteten i den Aarhus-baserede hosting- og IT-outsourcing virksomhed Hostnordic A/S. De hidtidige ejere Christian Beer og Nicolai Pedersen forbliver aktionærer i selskabet.
Via Venture Partners ønsker sammen med de øvrige investorer at tage del i den konsolidering, der er i gang i hosting-markedet i øjeblikket. Hostnordic A/S er med sin allerede stærke position i det hastigt voksende IT-outsourcing marked, og sin effektive Microsoft-baserede infrastruktur, en oplagt platform til at deltage i konsolideringen og markedsvæksten.
Christian Winther, der med mange års erfaring fra IT- og Tele-direktioner og -bestyrelser i Danmark og udlandet, vil indtræde som arbejdende bestyrelsesformand i selskabet og være ansvarlig for den daglige drift af selskabet.
Managing Partner i Via Venture Partners, John Helmsøe-Zinck udtaler: ”Gennem investeringen i Hostnordic ser vi frem til at deltage i den spændende markedsudvikling, som sker nu og i årene fremover. Hostnordic’s effektive og solide platform er og vil være et stort aktiv for både kunder og samarbejdspartnere.”
Bestyrelsesmedlem Christian Beer siger: ”Vi ser frem til fortsat at være en del af Hostnordic og være med til at gøre det endnu bedre fremover med Christian Winther ved roret og med en anerkendt, kapitalstærk investor som Via Venture Partners i aktionærkredsen.”
Christian Winther udtaler: ”Jeg glæder mig til sammen med Hostnordic teamet at videreudvikle selskabet med udgangspunkt i den fantastiske væksthistorie virksomheden allerede har. Jeg er meget imponeret dels af den visionære opbygning af den nuværende hosting platform og dels af det høje uddannelses- og kvalificeringsniveau, som Hostnordic teamet har. ”
Partnerne ønsker ikke at offentliggøre vilkårene for købet.
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Adra Match sees exceptional growth in its SaaS revenue
Adra Match, the leading company for Reconciliation Management Software, presents financial results for 2011. The annual report shows an exceptional growth in SaaS revenue, continued overall growth and a strong profitability.
Adra Match today publishes financial results for 2011 which show a strong growth in profitability and strong development overall. Key figures for Adra Match include:
• Total operating income increased by 8% to 81,8 MNOK (75,7 MNOK)
• Operating profit EBIT rose by 108% to 17,8 MNOK (8,5 MNOK)
• Software as a Service (SaaS) revenue increased by 74%
• Total growth in recurring revenue is 299 % for the period 2006-2011
• We have now more than 8000 users of our software across more than 3000 companies around the world
• Our customers are now reconciling more than 1.1 billion transactions yearly with our software
Martin Thunman, CEO of Adra Match says: 2011 was a great year for Adra Match. We delivered both a record total revenue and operating profit and continued to add new customers and users across the world. The strong growth in our SaaS revenue is further evidence that cloud hosted solutions provide many advantages for financial applications.
During 2011 we also took a strategic decision to accelerate the investment in our product portfolio, something that will enhance the customer experience and deliver even greater value.
Adra Match has 20 years’ experience in providing software for advanced Data Matching and Reconciliation Management. Our products are primarily used by accounts departments to automate reconciliations. Automatic reconciliation helps organisations to work smarter and quicker, with better control and accuracy. Our solutions streamline and standardise accounts departments and give them an overview of the company’s balancing process at all times.
Adra Match has its head office in Oslo, Norway and offices in Sweden, Denmark and United Kingdom. Among our 3000 customers are Hertz, GE Capital, Old Mutual, IKEA and Telenor.
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Rusnano invests DKK 185 million (EUR 25 million) in Beneq
RUSNANO, 100% owned by The Government of the Russian Federation, has invested DKK 185 million in Beneq, a Via Venture Partners portfolio company and Finnish pioneer and world-leader in industrial production and laboratory equipment for nano-scale thin films and functional coatings. Beneq is probably the most acknowledged hyper growth company in the nano industry in the world today. The investment is a combination of capital injection and share purchase.
Via Venture Partners invested in Finnish Beneq in 2007 when the turnover was approximately DKK 9 million. Via Venture Partners has continuously actively supported the company with commercial knowhow, project work, as member of the board of directors and follow-up investments. Beneq is now the undisputed global leader in industrial production and laboratory equipment for nano-scale thin films and functional coatings, and the revenue in 2012 is expected to exceed DKK 200 million. A sizeable part of the investment will be a capital increase supporting Beneq’s further worldwide hyper growth.
Sergey Polikarpov, Managing Director at RUSNANO comments: “Beneq is a welcome member in our nanotechnology portfolio. We acknowledge the technical excellence of the company, and the literally untapped economical potential that lies before its thin film coating offering. With a firm belief in the technical capabilities of Beneq and the global surge for thin film production capacity, we want to be a part of the growth that lies ahead”.
Sampo Ahonen, CEO of Beneq, sees paradigm shift possibilities as an effect of the investment: “This investment in Beneq secures continued extraordinary fast expansion of the company’s core business activities serving its customers worldwide. Simultaneous it opens the possibility to pursue new opportunities in new growth markets, including giving excellent knowhow about the important Russian market”.
After the investment Beneq will have two large investors, RUSNANO and Via Venture Partners, and a number of smaller investors, i.e. all the smaller investors from the foundation and the early seed funding rounds of the company. Via Venture Partners will as all other shareholders receive a partial part of the investment due to the sale of some part of VIA shares to RUSNANO. Via Venture Partners owns approximately 30 % of the company post the RUSNANO investment.
Peter Thorlund Haahr, Partner at Via Venture Partners and a Beneq board member, is very positive of the outlook for the company: “RUSNANO is an extremely professional partner and a perfect large co-shareholder to complement Via Venture Partners’ large shareholding now Beneq faces the important even higher growth ambitions of the board and shareholders in the coming years. Of the many possible investors wanting to invest in Beneq RUSNANO stood out as an ideal match, not only from the point of view of Via Venture Partners but from the point of view of all the shareholders including management.”
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KMD acquires Itella Information
Via Venture Partners portfolio company KMD starts the new year by acquiring Itella Information A/S, part of the Finnish Itella Group.
Itella Information A/S delivers, among other services, printing, enveloping, scanning and electronic archiving.
KMD has for several years been one of the nation’s leading providers of printing services. The acquisition is an expression of KMD’s strong growth ambitions and further develops the company’s strong position in the print market.
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Beneq wins new award
Following its success in the Red Herring Top 100 Europe challenge earlier this year, Beneq has now been named as a Red Herring Global 100 Winner. The Red Herring Global Top 100 prize is an award in recognition of the leading private companies from North America, Europe, and Asia.
The prize celebrates the innovations and technologies of these start-ups across their respective industries.
Red Herring’s Global 100 list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring editors were among the first to recognize that companies such as Google, Skype, Baidu, YouTube and eBay would change the way we live and work.
“Choosing the best out of the previous two years was by no means a small feat,” said Alex Vieux, Chairman of Red Herring. “After rigorous contemplation and discussion, we narrowed down our list from 1,100 potential companies to 100 winners. It was an extremely difficult process. Beneq should be extremely proud of its achievement, the competition for the Top 100 was fierce. The Top 100 Global are truly the best of the best.”
Mr Sampo Ahonen, Beneq CEO, says: “We are naturally honored by being selected a Red Herring Global 100 Winner. For an achievement of this size and quality, I would like to thank the judges of Red Herring for recognizing the credibility our entire customer base has granted us. Furthermore, I would like to extend a special acknowledgement to our staff, which has from the very start of Beneq shown incredible skills, motivation and perseverance. In short, we truly believe in what we are doing, and we are proud of it.”
Red Herring’s editorial staff evaluated the companies on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, management quality, strategy, and market penetration. This assessment of potential is complemented by a review of the track record and standing of startups relative to their sector peers, allowing Red Herring to see past the “buzz” and make the list an invaluable instrument of discovery and advocacy for the greatest business opportunities from around the world.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Sampo Ahonen, CEO, Beneq Oy
Tel: +358 40 520 1090
e-mail: sampo.ahonen(at)beneq.com
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Beneq acknowledged for its cleantech achievements
Global Cleantech Cluster Association 2011 Finalist
Beneq has the pleasure to announce that it has been chosen by the Global Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA) as a 2011 Later Stage Award Top 30 finalist. Inclusion in the GCCA Global Top 30 reflects the strong business and market position of the company in the category sector, and signifies its innovative approaches and technologies are gaining a foothold in the new global green economy. Beneq was nominated for the GCCA Later Stage Award by the Finnish Cleantech Cluster in May 2011. The company’s business model, market position, profitability and potential at creating and capturing market share (among other criteria) have subsequentlyqualified it to be a GCCA Later Stage Award 2011 Global Top 30 Finalist.
“Narrowing down 185 nominations from cleantech clusters all over the world down to 30 was a very competitive process,” says Ben Taube, Chairman of the GCCA. “These Top 30 Finalists are the rising stars of the world’s clean technology sector.”
“These companies, with their customers and revenue, are building significant green collar economies in the regions where they operate,” said Shawn Lesser Co-Founder of the GCCA. “For the health of the planet, both economically and environmentally, we are committed to spotlighting these game-changing companies on the world stage.”
The GCCA Later Stage Award Global Top 30 Finalists were selected out of the 4000 companies represented by the GCCA’s 30 member clusters, ranging from North America and Europe to Asia. Each cluster conducted internal evaluations to nominate up to 10 companies in 10 categories, including solar, wind, energy storage, green buildings, water and more. In total, these member clusters nominated 185 companies for the 2011 Later Stage Award.
2011 Millennium Distinction Award for excellence and growth in photovoltaics
Beneq has been presented with the Millennium Distinction Award, an accolade presentedby Technology Academy Finland (TAF) to Finnish scientists and growth companies foroutstanding technological achievements in the field of the most recent Millennium Technology Prize Winner.
The 2010 Millennium Technology Prize was won by Professor Michael Grätzel for his invention of dye-sensitized solar cells, and hence, the 2011 Millennium Distinction Awards were presented to scientists and companies working in the solar energy sector.
The Millennium Distinction Awards celebrate Finnish innovations and technological achievements. The selection process involves several criteria including pioneering work in research or business activities, distinguished contributions to higher education and significant achievements in the commercialization of innovations based on new technologies.
Says Beneq CTO Tommi Vainio: “This prize is a great honor and we are grateful to Technology Academy Finland for being acknowledged in this way. The award itself serves two causes for Beneq. On the one hand it confirms that the hard work we have behind us, six incredible years of growth, innovation and discovery, have been successful. On the other hand, it is a promise for the future, a definite piece of evidence that the route we have chosen is the right one.”
Ainomaija Haarla, President and CEO of Technology Academy Finland comments: “The selection committee analyzed information on both researchers and companies from all over Finland, and I was happy to discover that there were so many good candidates. The winners represent a truecross-section of expertise in Finland’s solar energy sector.”
For more information, please contact:
Mr Sampo Ahonen, CEO, Beneq Oy
Tel: +358 40 520 1090e-mail: sampo.ahonen(at)beneq.com
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Adform wins the 2011 White Bull Award
Adform has been awarded with the 2011 White Bull Award for its contribution to innovation and excellence in the TMT sector.
See more on White Bull’s website:
http://www.whitebull.com/latest/2011-bully-award-winners
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Anders Grånäs to become CEO of Dalarnas Försäkringsbolag
As of Jan 31st, 2012, Partner Ander Grånäs will leave Via Venture Partners to become CEO of Dalarnas Försäkringsbolag.
Dalarnas Försäkringsbolag is a regional mutual insurance company in the Länsförsäkringar group in Sweden. Headquartered in Falun, Dalarnas has 250 employees, a yearly income of SEK 1 billion and is known for it’s financial strength with 5 billion in assets.
For more information:
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Martin Thunman new CEO for expansive Adra Match
On 5 September, Martin Thunman (42) took up his position as the new CEO and Country Manager for Sweden at the IT company Adra Match. Martin’s background lies within international sales and growth and his previous employers include the technology company PacketFront, where he was MD and co-founder.
“Adra Match offers fantastic products and solutions which really simplify the everyday lives of our customers. I see it as our responsibility to spread the word about this and we will be investing heavily in marketing and sales,” says Martin Thunman.
Adra Match offers software for automatic transaction and account reconciliation. Account reconciliation in particular is a task that many companies spend days on processing manually every month. Using Adra Match’s solutions, the job takes just a few hours.
“It’s a question of simplifying everyday life for thousands of people working within finance departments. Account reconciliations are something that every company wrestles with each month. Adra Match’s system makes the job is easier, faster and more secure.”
When Martin Thunman takes over as CEO and Country Manager for Sweden, his key challenge will be to succeed within sales and marketing.
“Martin’s profile is ideally suited to the phase that Adra Match is now entering,” says Tom Nyman, Chairman of the Board at Adra Match. The aim is further strong growth within sales over a period of several years and Martin’s experience within sales and marketing were a decisive factor when we appointed him,” concludes Tom Nyman.
Martin Thunman was MD and a co-founder of the technology company PacketFront, which expanded rapidly during Martin’s tenure as MD. With an MBA from Lund, Martin has also had a successful sales career at Cisco Systems. For the past three years, he has been running his own consultancy business aimed at international sales and marketing.
Martin Thunman sees Adra Match as a company which has fantastic solutions, a long-term product strategy and satisfied customers. The company is also expanding rapidly in the growth markets. In Sweden, sales have increased by 52% since 2008.
“On our customer list, we have 38 of the 100 largest listed companies in Sweden. Within certain sectors, we are completely dominant and the response we’re getting from our customers is just amazing. This company has enormous international potential. We must raise our profile and tell the market all about the good things that we can do.”
For more information, contact: Martin Thunman, CEO and Country Manager for Sweden, Adra Match Tel: +46(0)73 383 96 11 / martin.
Tom Nyman, Chairman of the Board, Adra Match, Partner Pod Venture Partners Tel: +46(0)70 747 25 19 / tom.
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Via Venture Partners invests in Dolphin Software AS
Norwegian company Dolphin, which delivers customer service systems and consultancy, has been acquired by Via Venture Partners and Verdane Capital VI & VII (Verdane). With new owners onboard, the company is poised for expansion in the Nordic market.
The sale of Dolphin was formalised on 4 August with the private equity funds Verdane and Via Venture Partners each taking out a 48 per cent stake in the company. The remaining four per cent shareholding is owned by the company’s management.
“Dolphin represents an extremely exciting investment for Verdane. The aim is to take this strong Norwegian company to the rest of the Nordic market. Since 1985 we have helped a significant number of Norwegian companies to establish themselves in new markets and are confident that Dolphin will enjoy considerable success in other countries,” comments Arne Simensen, Senior Associate at Verdane Capital Advisors’ Oslo office.
Jakob Rybak-Andersen, Partner at Danish-based Via Venture Partners explained: “Dolphin is an exciting business in a small niche, with cutting-edge expertise, a highly accomplished management team and a strong position in Norway. We are looking forward to playing an active role on the board together with Verdane Capital and generating further growth, both organically and through consolidations in Norway and internationally.”
The team at Dolphin is also thrilled with the sale and the new owners: “With their expertise and financial strength, Verdane Capital Advisors and Via Venture Partners will help us to further develop the company and position ourselves for further growth. We are delighted to welcome expert professional investors onboard as owners,” commented CEO Smeby.
In recent years Dolphin’s 30 employees have generated steady and healthy growth, and the company posted sales of NOK 48 million in 2010. Over the last year the portfolio has been expanded to include companies such as Sparebank 1 Alliansen, Eidsiva Energi and Viking Redningstjeneste.
Dolphin has several product launches in the pipeline, including “SocialCRM” a customer service solution for social media, a market Smeby believes is overdue for such a professional solution. The company is also launching a new customer service solution based on Microsoft Lync aimed at the SMB market, a move that represents a strategic expansion for the company that had previously concentrated on the high-end market
Dolphin Software was established in 1989 as a publisher of Norsk Data. It was owned by Telenor from 1994 until 2003 when it was bought out by Finn Haadem, Arne Blystad and four of the company’s executive managers. Verdane purchased Blystad’s shareholding in 2009 and has now built its stake up to 48 per cent.
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New CEO in Projectplace
Idag tillträder Johan Zetterström som ny VD för Projectplace International i syfte att driva bolagets europeiska expansion och därmed ytterligare stärka bolagets ledande position inom onlinesamarbete. Johan Zetterström kommer närmast från Salesforce.com och har lång erfarenhet av expansion och försäljning inom mjukvara och molntjänster.
– Det är en fantastisk möjlighet att gå in som VD på ett bolag som Projectplace, ett spännande, ledande företag inom det snabbväxande området ”project collaboration”. Jag ser fram emot att bidra med min samlade kunskap och tillsammans med teamet ta onlinetjänsten och bolaget till nästa nivå ute i Europa, säger Johan Zetterström, nytillträdd VD.
Johan Zetterström kommer närmast från Salesforce.com där han som Nordenchef startade upp verksamheten i Norden och även var ansvarig för Beneluxländerna och Ryssland. Dessförinnan har Johan varit Nordenchef för andra framgångsrika företag såsom Broadvision, ATG (Art Technology Group) samt VD för Mac Support.
– Johan har en gedigen bakgrund inom snabbväxande internationella bolag och han har även en profil som en stark ledare. Hans erfarenhet att driva internationellt framgångsrika företag som den världsledande molntjänsten Salesforce.com kommer ytterligare att stärka vår position i Europa, säger Peter Lövgren,
styrelseordförande i Projectplace.
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KMD køber Rambøll Informatik
KMD har indgået aftale om køb af Rambøll Informatik for at styrke sin position på markedet for velfærdsteknologi og det statslige område. Aftalen understreger KMD’s ambitiøse vækststrategi.
KMD sætter nu streg under virksomhedens ambitioner om at vokse inden for velfærdsteknologi, især på pleje-, sundheds og undervisningsområdet. KMD har netop indgået aftale om køb af Rambøll Informatik, der er en betydelig kapacitet på området. Samtidig får KMD med købet et endnu bedre fodfæste på det statslige marked.
Rambøll Informatik generede i 2010 en omsætning på 259 mio. kr. og har 250 medarbejdere, der overgår til KMD, når handlen er endelig på plads inden for de kommende par måneder.
Vækst på velfærdsteknologi
”Vi er meget tilfredse med opkøbet af Rambøll Informatik. Markedet for velfærdsteknologi vil uden tvivl vokse i de kommende år. Det offentlige har i det seneste år fået et markant fokus på digitalisering af de borgernære serviceområder som eksempelvis pleje-, sundheds- og skoleområdet. Rambøll Informatik har i dag en række løsninger, der er et særdeles glimrende supplement til vores løsninger og ambitioner på området,” siger KMD’s administrerende direktør, Lars Monrad-Gylling.
Han fremhæver bl.a. synergien mellem Rambøll Care og KMDs nye løsning Online Omsorg, der netop er præsenteret for markedet, og som skal være med til at digitalisere bl.a. ældreplejen og sundhedsområdet. Rambøll CARE er et digitalt sundhedssystem målrettet sundheds- og omsorgsområdet. Systemet sikrer effektiv styring af aktiviteterne i hjemmepleje, sygepleje og sundhedscentre.
”Samspillet mellem KMD Online Omsorg og Rambøll Care vil give kunderne nogle helt nye muligheder inden for ældre- og sundhedsplejen,” siger Lars Monrad-Gylling.
Opkøb styrker position på statsmarkedet
Selvom KMD i dag er stærkest positioneret i det kommunale marked, har virksomheden gennem en årrække vist, at den også kan begå sig på erhvervs- og statsmarkedet. Med opkøbet af Rambøll Informatik understreger KMD også vækstambitionerne på det statslige marked.
”KMD har i forvejen en fornuftig forretning inden for Application Management til især det statslige segment. Med opkøbet af Rambøll Informatik vil dette område blive styrket”, forklarer Lars Monrad-Gylling.
Et stærkt hold
”Vi glæder os rigtig meget til at tage imod Rambøll Informatiks kompetente medarbejdere. Den solide og brede domæneviden, de blandt andet besidder inden for omsorg og skoleområdet, er en af de væsentligste årsager til, at vi har valgt at købe virksomheden. Sammen med KMD’s nuværende medarbejdere skaber vi et unikt hold, der skal være med til at indfri vores ambitioner om at være landets bedste it-leverandør og samtidig en spændende og udviklende arbejdsplads, siger Lars Monrad-Gylling, der fortæller, at de nye medarbejdere vil flytte til KMD’s lokationer.
“Vi har i Rambøll vurderet, at det fremadrettet vil være den bedste løsning for Rambøll Informatiks kunder og medarbejdere at blive en del af en virksomhed, som har it som hovedaktivitet. KMD opfylder de kriterier, vi lagde til grund i salgsprocessen, herunder at den nye ejer viste vilje til at sikre gode vilkår for kunder og medarbejdere, og vi er derfor meget tilfredse med den aftale, der er indgået”, udtaler Søren Holm Johansen, koncerndirektør i Rambøll.
Med købet af Rambøll Informatik følger også det svenske datterselskab Ramböll Informatik.
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Beneq wins the 2011 Red Herring Top 100 Europe Award
Beneq has been chosen a Winner of Red Herring’s Top 100 Europe prize, an award in recognition of the leading private companies from Europe, celebrating these startups’ innovations and technologies across their respective industries.
Red Herring’s Top 100 Europe list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising new companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring editors were among the first to recognize that companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, YouTube, and eBay would change the way we live and work.
“Choosing the companies with the strongest potential was by no means a small feat,” said Alex Vieux, publisher and CEO of Red Herring. “After rigorous contemplation and discussion, we narrowed our list down from hundreds of candidates from across Europe to the Top 100 Winners. We believe Beneq embodies the vision, drive and innovation that define a successful entrepreneurial venture. Beneq should be proud of its accomplishment, as the competition was very strong.”
Mr Sampo Ahonen, Beneq CEO, comments: “To rise from Finalist to Winner in Red Herring’s challenge is an honor we acknowledge and value highly. My personal thanks for having achieved this award of recognition go to everyone at Beneq, our partners and our customers, all of which bear a critical role in building success and profit for our business.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Sampo Ahonen, CEO, Beneq Oy
Tel: +358 40 520 1090
e-mail: sampo.ahonen(at)beneq.com
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WPA mobile merges with Norwegian ePocket Solutions
Norway-based ePocket Solutions AS (ePocket) and Denmark-based WPA Mobile ApS (WPA) announced today a merger agreement creating a European leader in Mobile Field Service Software. Together with WPA, the new ePocket will offer best of breed Mobile Field Service and Fleet Management Software Solutions to some 2,000 customers with more than 25,000 users in Scandinavia, continental Europe and the UK.
“We are proud to announce a merger between ePocket and WPA that will create value for our customers and shareholders,” says Jarl Spandow, CEO of ePocket. “The market for Mobile Field Service Management Software is fast growing as service centric companies see a growing need to manage their field service and installation operations more efficiently. By implementing an ePocket Handyman or a WPA mobile solution, organizations can typically improve field force productivity by more than 10% while also saving costs and improving quality of operations in the office.”
“However, while the market among Field Service Software providers is fragmented with many small local providers, increased software functionality and new mobile platforms call for larger software development units to provide customers with best of breed solutions. By joining forces, ePocket and WPA, not only creates a leading European provider, the companies also complement each other ideally, as the new group will be able to offer both on site Field Service Management Software for the enterprise market and Software as a Service (SaaS) for the small and mid size market segment, Jarl Spandow continues.
“We are glad to team up with ePocket,” says Per Pedersen, CEO of WPA. While WPA is market leader for Mobile Field Service Software in Denmark, ePocket is market leader in Norway and have a strong presence in Sweden and Germany. Together we will be clear market leader in Scandinavia, and the new ePocket Handyman product suite will certainly boost our offering for the Danish enterprise market.”
Acquiring 100 % of WPA Mobile ApS, ePocket Solutions AS will issue new shares to current WPA owners, including Danish Via Venture Partners, the leading Scandinavian IT investor with some 2,2 billion NOK under management. “We are excited about the merger between ePocket and WPA and we are committed to continue supporting the strong growth of ePocket,” says John Helmsøe-Zinck, Managing Partner at Via Venture Partners.
The new ePocket is expected to reach sales in excess of 65 MNOK in 2011 and will employ some 65 persons in offices in Oslo, Copenhagen, Gothenburg and Dortmund.
For more information about the merger and the companies please refer to:
Jarl Spandow, CEO ePocket Solutions AS, Tel: +47-90034713
Per Pedersen, CEO WPA Mobile ApS, +45-24269763
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VIA acquires stake in B.V. Electronic
Via Venture Partners (VIA) and the employees of B.V. Electronic (BVE) have acquired a major stake in BVE as of April 1. 2011. Among the new owners are 19 of the company’s employees including current CEO, Kurt G. Andersen. Current 100% owner, Bjarne Vium, will remain a part of the new ownership structure and remain active on the board.
”I am very happy about the new ownership structure – especially about the big enthusiasm and commitment shown from the employees. The new structure will give the company the continuity and stability that will benefit all stakeholders.” says Bjarne Vium
Kurt G. Andersen who took over as CEO in 2010 is also very satisfied with the transaction: ”The change in ownership had to come sooner or later, so I am very happy that the transaction is now completed. The core of our business is software and solutions within SCADA, automation and production control. These deliveries are critical to the operations of our customers, who all belong to the elite in their respective fields of business in both Denmark and the rest of the world.”
We see BVE as a market leader within automation of Danish industry. With the solutions from BVE, production and employment can remain in Denmark. Both in Denmark and on the other side of the border, companies are facing big challenges securing a high level of competitiveness and BVE’s software will be part of the solution tackling those issues.” Says Peter Thorlund Haahr, partner in VIA, and new chairman of the board in BVE.
For further Information, please contact:
Kurt G. Andersen, Chief Executive Office
6161 1053 /
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Beneq and Glaston announce first TCO line sale
The first Beneq-Glaston TFC2000™ line for manufacturing TCO coatings on glass for photovoltaics (PV) has been sold to Asia. The total order is approximately EUR 14 million, of which Glaston’s share is over EUR 4 million. The line delivery is scheduled for Q1 of 2012.
Beneq CEO, Mr Sampo Ahonen, comments: “This is a definitive demonstration of the growing need for high-quality TCO-glass and coating equipment to manufacture it. It is also good proof of the seamless cooperation between Beneq and Glaston, which with this transaction has taken a giant leap forward.”
In September 2010, Beneq and Glaston announced their strategic cooperation for solar glass coating equipment. Results of the collaboration between the companies brought about the new TFC2000™ continuous offline production concept, which enables a commercially affordable way to manufacture high-quality TCO coated glass for the solar industry. The Beneq coating system, featuring unique and proprietary nAERO® technology, is fully integrated into Glaston’s CHF Pro™ heat treatment line. The TFC2000™ combines world-leading glass and annealing technology with advanced thin film coating for rapidly growing solar applications.”
“The sale of the first TFC2000™ line in such a relatively short period of time is very encouraging and confirms that the joint Beneq-Glaston offering has been well positioned to serve the needs of the growing thin film PV industry with a solution that is unique and competitive”, Glaston CEO Mr Arto Metsänen comments.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Sampo Ahonen, CEO, Beneq Oy Tel: +358 40 520 1090, e-mail: sampo.ahonen(a)beneq.com
Mr Arto Metsänen, CEO and President, Glaston Oyj Abp Tel: +358 10 500 500
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Via Venture Partners raises a new fund of EUR 134 million
Via Venture Partners has raised its second fund of EUR 134 million. The new fund will invest in Nordic IT and telecommunication companies with strong development and growth potential. The additional EUR 134 million in committed capital makes Via Venture Partners one of the largest venture capital players in the Nordic market with a total committed capital of EUR 268 million.
“Despite the financial crisis, Via Venture Partners has been a very active investor over the last 4 years. We have established ourselves as a good partner for entrepreneurs, management teams and syndication partners across Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. As a result, we are very happy to have raised another EUR 134 million, so that we can continue our Nordic investment activities”, says John Helmsøe-Zinck, managing partner in Via Venture Partners.
Via Venture Partners established its first fund in 2006 – Via Venture Partners Fund I K/S. The fund is already today among the absolute biggest funds in the Nordic region with a focus on growth companies within the fields of IT, technology, service, content and telecommunication. The fund is a multi-stage fund and has so far made investments along the entire range of companies from very small companies without any revenue to larger buyouts.
Examples of portfolio companies in Fund I: Beneq Oy (Finland), Adra Match AS (Norway), Projectplace AB (Sweden). An example of an early stage investment is Radiocomp ApS (Denmark) where Via Venture Partners invested in the company 6 months after it was founded, and after planned development successfully sold it to MTI, a global Taiwan based telecom equipment manufacturer. An example of the fund’s buyout activities is KMD A/S (Denmark) where Via Venture Partners has invested in syndication with EQT.
The newly established venture fund – Via Venture Partners Fund II K/S – will have the same strategy and size as Fund I. The fund will be able to invest up to EUR 20 million in a single company and will thereby also be able to participate in private equity transactions as well as in normal venture capital investments.
“Our first fund has a number of interesting growth companies in its portfolio that, managed by very capable management teams, are developing very positively. The new EUR 134 million will be used to invest in new Nordic based growth companies with an international potential.” says John Helmsøe-Zinck.
ATP, Denmark’s largest pension fund, is the only investor in both Fund I and Fund II.
For additional information, please contact:
John Helmsøe-Zinck, managing partner, Via Venture Partners A/S, direct line: +45 4010 4405
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Ensuring further growth for Adra Match
Åge Lønning has been hired as the new CEO of software supplier Adra Match. Mr. Lønning has previously worked as CEO of Component Software, before recently leaving a position as COO of Affecto.
Adra Match is currently experiencing major success in the Nordic market in relation to the company’s software for automated account reconciliation and electronic payment identification. Today, Adra Match has more than 2,000 customers throughout Scandinavia and is actively focusing its efforts on securing further growth. One initiative in this regard includes the employment of Åge Lønning as the company’s new CEO.
“Åge Lønning is highly experienced when it comes to international sales processes and definitely the right person to lead this company. His experience within management of growth companies will be useful in relation to the opportunities we are currently envisioning, says entrepreneur and chairman of the board at Adra Match, Mr. Sverre Stockinger.
Lønning is a 46 years old. He holds a Master degree in Business Administration and has longstanding experience from the telecom business in addition to significant management experience from various software companies.
“The company has a good platform, and the foundation required to expand towards new markets is definitely in place, says Åge Lønning, CEO of Adra Match.
Adra Match has identified a great growth potential within e-commerce, among other areas. Today, reconciliation of single transactions against settlements from various debit card companies can often be a manual and time consuming task. The process may include several transactions of the same amount, where everything is to be reconciled against the correct customer, parallel to commission from each card transaction being extracted.
“It is our experience that companies often use spreadsheets for these types of reconciliation procedures, which can be very time consuming and increase the risk of manual errors,” says Lønning.Ensuring further growth for Adra Match
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Via Venture Partners exits Radiocomp to Microelectronics Technology Inc
Via Venture Partners (VIA) announces that it has made an exit of its portfolio company Radiocomp to Microelectronics Technology Inc. (MTI) based in Taiwan and in the US.
Radiocomp will be held by MTI as a 100% subsidiary and function as MTI’s European headquarter.
Radiocomp is a global pioneer in software and hardware for advanced wireless communications. The company has positioned itself as the world leader in developing and manufacturing of state-of-the-art fully software configurable radio head products for existing and next generation 4G (LTE) mobile and wireless infrastructure networks.
Radiocomp was founded in the northern part of greater Copenhagen in 2006 by current CEO Thomas Nørgaard and Via Venture Partners invested in Radiocomp shortly after (in 2007). After 3 years of focused development of remote radio head products and underlying platforms, Radiocomp has placed itself in the center of the next generation networks with its world class team.
MTI will combine Radiocomp with its existing hardware and software capabilities to further strengthen its position in the global 4G market. With the acquisition of Radiocomp MTI will substantially extend its range of core technologies for the development of fourth generation mobile communications technology and Long Term Evolution (LTE) related products. The acquisition will further establish a unique position for MTI within the European markets.
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KMD i Sverige
En av Danmarks största IT-företag, KMD A/S, har öppnat ett dotterbolag i Sverige. KMD A/S är bland annat ägt av Investors riskkapitalföretag EQT. Det svenska KMD kommer att tillhandahålla lösningar ”på kran” för offentlig sektor, vilket innebär att kunderna kommer att slippa köpa dyra licenser och istället betala efter hur mycket de använder tjänsten. Bolaget får rutinerade Maria Bohlin och Kicki Idegran i ledningen. KMD A/S har i över 30 år varit den ledande leverantören av IT och konsulttjänster till de danska kommunerna. Nu har företaget beslutat att bredda sin verksamhet och erbjuda sin kunskap om offentlig sektor och dess IT-lösningar till den svenska marknaden.
– Vi är i grunden inte så olika i Skandinavien och jag ser därför goda möjligheter att få ut KMD´s kunskap och lösningar till den svenska offentliga sektorn, säger Lars Monrad-Gylling, VD för danska KMD och koncernchef.
Lösningar och tjänster inom det administrativa området
KMD A/S är ett av de större IT-företagen i Danmark med ett komplett utbud av tjänster och lösningar för den offentliga sektorn. I Sverige börjar vi dock i mindre skala genom att initialt fokusera på de administrativa stödprocesserna. I spetsen står VD Maria Bohlin och vice VD Kicki
Idegran (ansluter inom kort). Båda har mer än 25 års erfarenhet av branschen och har haft ledande befattningar i företag som Logica, Acando, Visma och Capgemini.
– Vi börjar med lösningar inom områdena ekonomi, inköp, budget och beslutsstöd men senare kommer vi även att erbjuda den svenska marknaden resten av koncernens utbud. Att fokusera på ASP och SaaS för att kunna erbjuda lösningar ”på kran” där kunden inte behöver investera i dyra
licenser utan istället betala för vad de faktiskt använder känns viktigt, förklarar Maria Bohlin.
– KMD har lösningar som vi ser ett stort behov av i Sverige. De har lång erfarenhet av att arbeta med ASP-lösningar och SaaS-tjänster till offentlig sektor. Dessa måste vi naturligtvis i samarbete med våra danska kollegor anpassa till den offentliga sektorn i Sverige och det är därför som vi inte
startar med att erbjuda allt som finns inom koncernen på en gång, säger Maria Bohlin.
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DdD merges with NTS
DdD retail A/S merges with German competitor and is now among the biggest suppliers of IT solutions to fashion retailers
The Danish DdD retail A/S, with more than 20 years of development of cash registers and stock controlling for fashion retailers, has as of 1st of April merged with the German NTS Systemhaus GMBH (better known as COWIS.net). NTS has, as DdD, specialized in supplying IT solutions for retail customers all over Europe. With the merge DdD retail has more than 1600 customers and 2500 installations in more than 10 countries and is now among the biggest suppliers of IT solutions for fashion retailers in Europe. Today DdD retail has local offices in Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Norway and the international ambitions do not stop here.
”The merger with NTS Systemhaus, and the establishment of the subsidiary DdD retail Germany AG, gives us not only the businesses and a strong customer portfolio in Germany but also highly qualified employees with special competences within our area. It means that DdD retail in the future will be able to deliver a wider range of products based on an even better technology platform and in such we are very well prepared for further expansion internationally”; says Peder Falck CEO since 2007.
The company, that since 1989 has delivered IT solutions for retail customers all over Europe, is – despite the crisis – in strong growth. The turnover, before the merge with NTS, is grown with an average of 26 percent per year since 2003. With the merger DdD retail now employs 40 people in 4 countries so far.
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Via Venture Partners opens in Stockholm
Via Venture Partners Stockholm office is now formally opened. After operating out of the Danish office in Hellerup, Copenhagen Denmark, Via´s two Swedish Partners Anders Grånäs and Anders Lindqvist will now work fulltime from Stockholm.
“ As of today we have made 4 investments in Sweden, with Projectplace and Plusfoursix being the latest addition to Via Ventures portfolio. We look very much forward to continue to back the strong Swedish entrepreneur community thru our SEK 1,25 Billion Fund “ says Anders Lindqvist.
John Helmsøe-Zinck, Managing Partner at Via Venture Partners says: “ With our Swedish Partners now fulltime in Stockholm, we feel we have a very strong experience base and presence in the Swedish market and will be able to even more actively pursue the investment opportunities we perceive exist in the Swedish market”.
Via Venture Partners new office is located in modern offices on Floragatan in downtown Stockholm.
For further questions you are welcome to contact
Anders Lindqvist, tel +46 705 404183
John Helmsøe-Zinck, tel +45 4010 4405
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Via Venture Partners invests in Adform
Via Venture Partners has become a shareholder in Adform, a leading provider of online marketing platforms.
Adform has over the last 7 years had tremendous success in the Nordic region and we look forward to replicating the success in the rest of Europe, and becoming the leading provider of digital marketing technology and services” says Peter Thorlund Haahr, partner in Via Venture Partners.
“We look forward to working with Via Venture Partners and we are certain they can assist us in our European expansion efforts. They are very professional and I am confident they can guide us in conquering Europe” says Gustav Mellentin, CEO and co-founder of Adform.
About Adform
Adform was founded in 2002 and has grown into the leading Nordic provider of online campaign analytics encompassing campaign planning, ad serving & campaign optimization, web site analytics, and reporting.
Adform is a multinational company, with offices in London, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen and Vilnius. The company has grown by 100% per year for several years in the Nordic region and growth is expected to continue in other European countries in the coming years. The company employs more than 70 people and has been profitable every year since its founding.
About Via Venture Partners
Via Venture Partners is a leading Nordic venture capital fund that invests in Nordic IT companies with international growth potential. The fund manages EUR 134 million in its first fund provided by ATP, Denmark’s largest pension fund. Since its launch in 2006, Via Venture Partners has successfully invested in several companies in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Thorlund Haahr, Partner, Via Venture Partners, +45 28 10 17 95,
Gustav Mellentin, CEO, Adform, +44 755 168 65 57,
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Medotech A/S wins Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009
Medotech A/S vinder den prestigefulde pris: Entrepreneur Of The Year, 2009. Kåringen fandt sted den 19. november i Bella Centeret i København under et awardshow med godt 700 deltagere fra hele landet. Medotech er den eneste virksomhed i verden som henvender sig til patienter der lider af bruksisme med en teknologisk løsning.
Juryen begrunder sit valg af vinderen med: ”Produktet er innovativt og klart overlegent i forhold til den eneste nuværende, alternative behandlingsmuligheder. Af øvrige revolutionerende fordele kan nævnes, at produktet som noget nyt behandler selve kilden til patientens problem, er markant mere brugervenligt og øger patientens livskvalitet. Markedsbehovet er stort, og markedspotentialet er i milliardklassen. Produktet henvender sig desuden til en stor og stigende befolkningsgruppe”.
Link til pressemeddelelse i fuld længde
http://www.ey.com/DK/da/Newsroom/News-releases/pm_eoy_kategorivinder_lifesciences_191109
For yderligere information om Medotech A/S:
Peter Thorlund Haahr, Via Venture Partners, +45 28 10 17 95
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Projectplace’s new owners reinforces European strategy
Current share holder Investor Growth Capital buys 90% of Projectplace International AB along with two new owners, Via Venture Partners and InnovationsKapital.
On Friday June 26, 2009, Projectplace International AB, Europe’s leading online project collaboration tool, was acquired by three venture capital companies. The buyers all have prior relationships with the company and good insight and understanding of its business. The ownership change is a step in the company’s continued development and strengthens its future opportunities.
– “We are already well established as the market leader in Sweden and Norway and are growing rapidly in Germany and the Benelux region. The new ownership provides us the ability to continue strengthening our position in existing markets while expanding in new European markets”, says Pelle Hjortblad, CEO, Projectplace International.
Projectplace International’s business has been growing 30% per year the last three years. The turnover amounted to SEK 129 million in 2008. With the new owners on board the company see a strong opportunity for continued rapid expansion through organic growth as well as strategic acquisitions.
– “We have had an eye on Projectplace International for a while”, says Anders Grånäs, Via Venture Partners. “When we got the opportunity to complete this deal, it was a very easy decision for us. The process has been fast and all parties agree.”
– “Projectplace International is an innovative, well-run company with high development potential”, says Anders Ösund, Investor Growth Capital. “As an existing owner, we have followed the company for many years. With a clear Europe focused strategy, the company has a great opportunity to increase its growth rate further in coming years.”
Investor Growth Capital, Via Venture Partners and InnovationsKapital will each own 30% of the company. The remaining 10% will be offered to a number of key employees within the company
– “We are very pleased that the company’s management and key employees want to invest and thereby take an active part in the company’s continued development. We strongly believe that Projectplace has great potential and are very happy that the management clearly feels the same way”, says Magnus Berglind, InnovationsKapital.
Contact:
Projectplace International, Pelle Hjortblad, CEO, tel. +46 701810110
Investor Growth Capital, Anders Ösund, tel. +46 73 5241824
Via Venture Partners, Anders Grånäs, tel. +46 734441001 InnovationsKapital, Magnus Berglind, tel. +19175820396
Public Relations Projectplace International:
Anna Ålenius Mathson, PR Manager Tel: +47 708 93 02 46, email: anna.alenius. Since 1998, Projectplace International has developed and provided Europe’s leading web tool for project collaboration. The company, with 100 employees, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, with local offices in Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, and Norway. For more information, please visit www.projectplace.com
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We are excited to announce our newest investment – in DK-based startup Medotech A/S.
Medotech has launched the first and only product for treatment of bruxism (teeth grinding), which is a serious problem for more than 5 million people in Europe, US and Japan. The product is based on advanced software code on a chip incorporated with other technologies. The result is a significant reduction or elimination in the patient’s propensity to grind, after only 3-5 weeks use. The investment round of 30 million will be used for product launch in Europe in 2009 and in the US in 2010. For further information, please visit Medotech’s website.
About Via Venture Partners
Via Venture Partners is a Nordic venture capital fund that invests in Nordic IT companies with international growth potential. The fund manages 1 billion Danish kronor and is owned by ATP, Denmark’s largest pension fund. Since its launch in 2006, Via Venture Partners has invested in 16 companies in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Thorlund Haahr, Via Venture Partners, +45 28 10 17 95,
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Via Venture Partners wins the DVCA award – for the second year in a row!
DVCA (The Danish Venture Capital and Private Equity Association) announced at the Association’s annual meeting on April 16 2009 that Via Venture Partners was appointed Best Venture Company 2009.
“The Via Venture Partners team is proud of our second DVCA statuette!” says John Helmsøe-Zinck, managing partners at Via Venture Partners A/S.
About Via Venture Partners
Via Venture Partners is among the most recent and largest investors in the Nordic region dedicated to IT company investments. Via Venture Partners Fond I K/S, a subsidiary of the ATP Group, was founded in early 2006 and is ATP’s fund for IT investment purposes. The investments are managed through the management company Via Venture Partners A/S. Completing its first investment in June 2006, Via Venture Partners has to date invested in 14 different IT, communications and technology businesses in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. The fund has DKK 1 billion at its disposal for investment purposes.
For more information, go to www.viaventurepartners.com
For further information, please contact:
John Helmsøe-Zinck, Managing Partner, Via Venture Partners A/S, +45 4010 4405
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PBS and Post Danmark acquire KMD’s shares in e-Boks
PBS og Post Danmark køber KMD’s tredjedel af aktierne i e-Boks. e-Boks tilbyder digital forsendelse og opbevaring af borgernes og virksomhedernes post. PBS og Post Danmark ejer herefter hver halvdelen af e-Boks.
PBS og Post Danmark overtager KMD’s aktiepost i e-Boks og ejer herefter hver 50 procent af selskabet. e-Boks har på få år udviklet sig til den foretrukne, sikre boks for digitale dokumenter for 1,8 mio. danske brugere og ca. 500 afsendere, herunder langt de fleste pengeinstitutter, alle landets 98 kommuner, Økonomistyrelsen, ATP, samt en række forsikringsselskaber, energiselskaber, fagforeninger og teleselskaber.
Baggrunden for PBS og Post Danmarks køb af KMD’s aktier i e-Boks
”Lige siden vi blev aktionær i e-Boks i 2002, har selskabet været en strategisk vigtig investering for Post Danmark. Salget af KMD åbnede op for, at vi kunne øge vores ejerandel, og den mulighed har vi naturligvis udnyttet. Det styrker vores position som et postselskab, der kan tilbyde kunderne præcis den form for levering, som de efterspørger”, siger K.B. Pedersen, viceadministrerende direktør i Post Danmark.
Flemming L. Jensen, administrerende direktør i PBS udtaler: ”KMD, Post Danmark og PBS har sammen kommercialiseret og med årene skabt meget flotte resultater i e-Boks, som er til glæde for de mere end 1,8 millioner danske brugere, der nu benytter e-Boks som deres digitale postboks, samt virksomheder i det offentlige og private. Vi ser frem til i samarbejde med Post Danmark fortsat at udvikle e-Boks og sikre den videre succes”.
Forsat tæt samarbejde mellem e-Boks og KMD
Henrik Andersen, administrerende direktør i e-Boks siger: ”Vi har været meget glade for KMD som medstifter af e-Boks samt aktionær siden 2001, og vi har også haft et godt dagligt driftsmæssigt samarbejde med KMD. e-Boks udvidede i 2007 sit driftsmæssige engagement med KMD ved indgåelse af en længevarende aftale om køb af kapacitet og drift af e-Boks applikationen. Denne driftsaftale fortsætter uagtet, at KMD ikke længere er medaktionær, og vi ser frem til et fortsat positivt og tæt samarbejde med KMD.”
Baggrunden for KMD’s salg af aktier i e-Boks
”Det har været utroligt spændende at være med til at etablere konceptet og virksomheden e-Boks i 2001 samt at deltage i den succesfulde udvikling af selskabet frem til i dag. e-Boks er dog ikke en kerneforretning for os som it-virksomhed, og da vores medaktionærer i e-Boks var interesserede i vores aktier, så har vi fundet en attraktiv løsning til glæde og gavn for alle parter”, siger administrerende direktør i KMD Lars Monrad-Gylling.
Prisen for aktierne er ikke offentliggjort.
For yderligere informationer:
KMD A/S: Pressechef Christoffer Hellmann, +45 4460 1809
PBS A/S: Pressechef Søren Winge, +45 4489 2635
Post Danmark A/S: Kommunikationschef Lars Kaspersen, +45 2463 6114
e-Boks A/S: Administrerende direktør Henrik Andersen, +45 7021 2401
Fakta om PBS
PBS udvikler, sælger og driftsafvikler systemer og services på markedet for betalingskort, betalingsformidling samt informationsudveksling og er underleverandør til pengeinstitutternes fælles infrastruktur. PBS tilbyder en af verdens mest avancerede og fremtidssikrede betalingsplatforme. PBS har ca. 850 medarbejdere og håndterer over 2,6 mia. korttransaktioner om året. PBS Holding er ejet af en række danske pengeinstitutter samt Danmarks Nationalbank.
Fakta om Post Danmark
Post Danmark leverer postservice til alle kunder i Danmark – både afsendere og modtagere. Hver dag indsamler og sorterer Post Danmarks medarbejdere i alt ca. 11 mio. forsendelser til omdeling blandt 5,2 mio. kunder, herunder 2,6 mio. husstande. Post Danmark har ved flere målinger vist sig at være blandt de bedste postvirksomheder i EU. Også fremover vil Post Danmark være blandt de bedste post-, logistik- og transportvirksomheder. Post Danmark er en af landets største virksomheder med ca. 21.000 medarbejdere. Post Danmark er i dag ejet af den danske stat, CVC Capital Partners samt af medarbejderne i Post Danmark.
Fakta om e-Boks A/S
e-Boks har flere end 1,8 million danske brugere, som sparer tid og har bedre overblik over rudekuverterne. e-Boks er let tilgængelig fra en hvilken som helst PC over hele verden. 500 tilmeldte offentlige og private virksomheder bruger i dag e-Boks til at sende en del af posten elektronisk. Blandt afsenderne er langt de fleste banker, alle landets 98 kommuner, Økonomistyrelsen, ATP, samt en række forsikringsselskaber, energiselskaber, fagforeninger og teleselskaber.
Fakta om KMD
KMD udvikler og leverer it-løsninger til kommune-, stats- og erhvervsmarkedet. KMD leverer it der effektiviserer og udvikler kundernes forretning. KMD har i 35 år arbejdet med udvikling, drift og vedligeholdelse af nogle af Danmarks største it-systemer. KMD har en årlig omsætning på mere end tre milliarder kroner og har flere end 3.000 ansatte fordelt over fem afdelinger i hele Danmark. KMD er ejet af kapitalfonden EQT samt ATP
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Via Venture Partners, VNT Management and Finnish Industry Investment exits OptoGaN Oy
(Copenhagen / Helsinki 8th December 2008) A group of Russian industrial investors led by ONEXIM Group has acquired 82% of the shares in the LED chip company OptoGaN Oy including all the shares of Via Venture Partners, VNT Management and Finnish Industry Investment Ltd.
OptoGaN Oy is a Finnish-German company with leading technology in Gallium nitride based LEDs. Optogan develops high-brightness light-emitting diodes for the background lighting of mobile terminals, computer LCD displays, the automotive industry, traffic lights and for general lighting. LEDs will replace conventional light bulbs in lighting. LED bulbs use only a 10th or 12th as much as conventional incandescent bulbs and half as much as energy-saving bulbs. OptoGaN’s patented technology makes LEDs extremely bright and cheap to produce.
OptoGaN has a research lab at the Helsinki University of Technology and a pilot line and production facilities in Dortmund.
The Nordic venture fund Via Venture Partners invested in OptoGaN Oy in April 2007 and prior to that the company was since it’s foundation in 2004 funded by VNT and Finnish Industry Investment.
Peter Thorlund Haahr, Partner in Via Venture Partners says: “OptoGaN has made significant progress over the last years and has been a very successful investment for VIA. We are proud to have made a significant exit before VIA’s 3rd anniversary and this proves we have established a well functioning team and a solid investment practice.”
“VNT is pleased with the fact that a Finnish based start-up company like OptoGaN Oy has come all this way. This transaction demonstrates that solid innovation, seed capital and a strong investor syndicate can produce excellent results,” adds Veijo Karppinen, Managing Partner with VNT Management.
Antti Kummu, Investment Manager in Finnish Industry Investment comments: “OptoGan Oy is a good example of a Born Global company. It operates in highly competitive global LED business and it has operations, management or investors from several European countries like Finland, Russia, German, Denmark, etc.”
Details about the deal are not being disclosed.
For more information, please contact:
– Peter Thorlund Haahr, Via Venture Partners A/S: +45 28101795,
– Veijo Karppinen, VNT Management: +358 (0)40 8371 210, veijo.
– Antti Kummu, Finnish Industry Investment Ltd: +358 50 432 4486, antti.
Optogan Oy in brief:
OptoGaN is the emerging supplier of high brightness LEDs for global lighting applications.
With its cutting edge technology, OptoGaN enables new generation of Solid State Lamps which feature bulb-like brightness, bulb-like cost, high energy efficiency, and environmental safety. Founded 2004 in Finland, OptoGaN operates an R&D center in Espoo, Finland and starting since 2006 a full pilot line in Dortmund, Germany. www.optogan.com
Via Venture Partners in brief:
Via Venture Partners is a USD 200 million multi stage venture fund investing in exceptional companies in the Nordic region. Founded in early 2006, Via Venture Partners is a privately owned and independent Nordic software and communication venture capital firm. Via Venture Partners Limited Partner is ATP, who manages Danish pension savings in excess of DKK 400 billion. The portfolio of presently 14 Nordic companies is expected to grow rapidly within the next couple of years do to a high investment activity level. For more information please visit: www.viaventurepartners.com
VNT Management in brief:
VNT Management Oy was founded year 2002. VNT Management Oy is focusing on Renewable Energy and Distributed Power Generation, Energy Saving and Clean Tech areas. VNT Management Oy was one of the first management companies having focus in above mentioned areas in Europe. The first fund, Power Fund I, was raised in February 2003 with a fund size of 17 Meur. The second fund, Power Fund II, was raised in spring 2008 with a fund size of 63 Meur. www.vntm.com
Finnish Industry Investment Ltd in brief:
Finnish Industry Investment Ltd is a government-owned investment company. It invests the proceeds accrued from the privatisation of state-owned companies in stimulating the growth and internationalisation of Finnish businesses. Finnish Industry Investment invests in venture capital funds and directly in growth companies, together with private co-investors. The targets are in all sectors. Capital investments are needed for financing the growth of investee companies, and for spin-offs, major industrial investments, and sector and corporate restructurings. The investments of Finnish Industry Investment amount to some EUR 470 million. www.industryinvestment.com
ONEXIM Group in brief:
ONEXIM Group, a private investment fund, holds a diversified portfolio of investments in the mining, metallurgical, energy sectors, including hydrogen power engineering and nanotechnology, as well as in financial services, media, and real estate.
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EQT and ATP acquire KMD A/S
On behalf of EQT1 and ATP2, KMD Holding A/S today agreed with Local Government Denmark (“LGDK”) to acquire all shares in KMD A/S (“KMD”) at a price of DKK 2 billion on a debt-free basis.
KMD is a leading Danish provider of IT solutions. KMD develops complex and efficient solutions, mainly for Danish municipalities but has increasingly expanded its business to include the state and corporate markets. KMD has some 3,000 employees and in 2007 generated revenues in excess of DKK 3.2 billion.
The chairman of LGDK, Erik Fabrin, said: “Our concern in the divestment process was to identify the buyer that would provide the best match for the municipalities, for the company and for its employees, and I believe we have succeeded. With EQT and ATP as the owners, the company and its employees will have much better opportunities for growth and for winning new market shares outside the municipality market.”
Reasons for the acquisition
EQT and ATP consider KMD to be a very attractive business with a unique market position as a stable provider of quality IT solutions to Danish municipal and state clients. Against this background, and with the company’s platform in the private sector, KMD is well prepared to consolidate its position as one of Denmark’s leading IT businesses.
“KMD enjoys a unique market position that we will work to expand and consolidate in the years ahead. We look forward to working with the KMD management, which has a strong vision for the continued development of the company,” said Peter Korsholm, Partner of EQT Partners, the exclusive investment adviser to EQT.
We are impressed by the substantial know-how KMD has built,” says Bjarne Graven Larsen, Chief Investment Officer of ATP, and he adds: “KMD is a strong, healthy business with good prospects. In recent years, the company has successfully continued to develop its business areas.”
Development plans and the future strategy for KMD
In taking over the ownership, EQT and ATP aim to build on KMD’s strong existing platform and on the company’s current strategy. In the years ahead, the company will be focused on these and other objectives:
– Sustaining recent years’ strong sales growth in KMD by way of continued investment in product development and staying focused on retaining the strong partnership between clients and KMD staff.
– Ensuring satisfactory implementation of integrated IT solutions in Danish municipalities, so that KMD can retain its position as the preferred IT business partner of Danish municipalities.
– Enhancing the focus on developing IT solutions to state clients by leveraging KMD’s unique know-how in public administration.
– Sustaining growth in the field of BPO, in fields where KMD possesses strong know-how, such as pay-roll and HR administration, as well as other administrative areas.
– Sustaining growth in IT outsourcing in areas where KMD possesses economies of scale.
– Assessing potential acquisition candidates in Denmark and the Nordic region that may further strengthen KMD’s position in the relevant market segments.
EQT and ATP expect that this focused approach can enhance KMD’s revenue and earnings substantially over the coming years. EQT and ATP expect an ownership period of 3–7 years and that the company can become a strong IPO candidate.
KMD CEO Lars Monrad-Gylling said: “I have a very good impression of EQT and ATP. They have demonstrated extensive insight into KMD’s business and have worked openly and actively with our management on the future strategy, which marks a natural next step from our company’s existing strategy. I am confident that the new ownership will be a positive step for our clients, our employees and for KMD’s future development and growth.”
Effect on stakeholders
EQT and ATP have full confidence in KMD’s staff and management headed by Lars Monrad-Gylling. EQT and ATP intend for the existing management team to remain with KMD.
Retaining the company’s historical focus on client and staff satisfaction is very important to both the KMD management and EQT and ATP.
In addition to generally informing the staff, KMD’s CEO Lars Monrad-Gylling and a representative of EQT will participate in a number of information meetings at the company’s offices over the next week or so.
Future ownership
EQT will hold 85% while ATP will hold 15% of the shares in KMD Holding A/S. The DKK 2 billion acquisition of KMD will be funded with approximately 50% equity and 50% debt. Financing has been provided by five of Denmark’s leading financial institutions: Danske Bank, Nordea, Nykredit, FIH and ATP.
Closing of the transaction is expected to take place early in the New Year when final approvals from the relevant authorities have been obtained.
Bain & Co., Nordea Corporate Finance, Gorrissen Federspiel Kierkegaard and KPMG have been advisers to EQT and ATP in relation to this transaction.
About EQT
EQT is a member of one of Europe’s leading private equity funds groups (“EQT Funds”). EQT Fund’s strategy is to develop and implement value-creating growth strategies in attractive businesses in Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, China and the USA through active ownership and by closely cooperating with the management of the companies acquired.
To date, EQT Funds have raised a total of EUR 12 billion in 12 different funds. Investors in EQT Funds include a large number of institutional investors, such as Danish and international pension funds, banks, insurance companies, private businesses and funds of funds. EQT Funds have invested in a total of 70 companies, which under fund ownership have generated compound annual revenue growth of 12% while expanding their employee headcount at the same rate.
Denmark is a key market for EQT and the EQT Partners office in Copenhagen employs a staff of 9 people. EQT Funds have made 8 investments in Denmark during the past 12 years. Some of the recent investments made in Denmark include ISS (May 2005), BTX (May 2005) and Dako (May 2007). To date, EQT Fund’s Danish investments have generated compound annual revenue growth of 15% and the employee headcount has risen by 14% annually.
For more information, go to www.eqt.dk.
About ATP
ATP manages pension savings for 4.4 million people and is one of Europe’s largest pension investors. Pension assets, amounting to DKK 375 billion, are under the management of ATP’s investment department. The objective of ATP’s investments is to protect and maximize the purchasing power of the pension savings. ATP manages a number of schemes for the Danish parliament, the Folketing, and the social partners, such as the Feriekonto (holiday account) and Danish Employees’ Guarantee Fund.
ATP’s investment share of 15% of the equity will be made through ATP Private Equity Partners II K/S and Via Venture Partners Fond I K/S to the effect that each ATP unit will have a 7.5 % ownership interest.
ATP Private Equity Partners handles private equity investments on behalf of ATP, including through the ATP Private Equity Partners II K/S investment fund, a subsidiary of the ATP Group. ATP Private Equity Partners was formed in 2001, and has since then focused on investments in private equity funds as well as co-investments with such funds. ATP Private Equity Partners is among the largest European investors in the global private equity market with an annual investment programme of DKK 3–4.5 billion. Investment commitments include commitments to the EQT IV and EQT V funds.
Via Venture Partners is among the most recent and largest investors in the Nordic region dedicated to IT company investments. Via Venture Partners Fond I K/S, a subsidiary of the ATP Group, was founded in early 2006 and is ATP’s fund for IT investment purposes. The investments are managed through the management company Via Venture Partners A/S. Completing its first investment in June 2006, Via Venture Partners has to date invested in 14 different IT, communications and technology businesses in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. The fund has DKK 1 billion at its disposal for investment purposes.
For more information, go to www.atp.dk or www.atp-pep.com
For further information, please contact:
KMD
CEO Lars Monrad-Gylling via Head of Press Relations Christoffer Hellmann
+45 4460 1809 / +45 2529 1784
EQT Partners
Peter Korsholm, Partner, +45 3312 1236
Morten Hummelmose, Partner, +45 3312 1236
Johan Hähnel, Communications & PR, +46 70 605 6334
ATP
Bjarne Graven Larsen, Chief Investment Officer, ATP, +45 4820 4486
Torben Vangstrup, Partner, ATP Private Equity Partners, +45 3319 3074
John Helmsøe-Zinck, Managing Partner, Via Venture Partners A/S, +45 4010 4405
1 – EQT V Limited, acting in its capacity as general partner of EQT V (General Partner) LP, in turn acting in its capacity as (1) general partner of the EQT V (No. 1) Limited Partnership and EQT V (No. 2) Limited Partnership; (2) agent for and on behalf of Investor Investment Northern Europe Limited ; and (3) manager of the EQT V Co-Investment Scheme, together ”EQT”
2 – ATP Private Equity Partners II K/S and Via Venture Partners Fond I K/S (ATP’s fund for IT investment purposes), together ”ATP”
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Beneq announces collaboration with AGC Flat Glass Europe
Beneq Oy (FI) strengthens its position as supplier to the glass industry by “Introducing Real Nanotechnology to the Glass Industry” and announcing the on-going joint development project and collaboration with AGC Flat Glass Europe (BE) for Beneq’s nanotechnology-based glass coating technology, nHALO®.
Beneq’s unique coating technology and equipment combined with AGC Flat Glass Europe’s extensive experience in the field of glass production and manufacturing technology and knowhow concerning the use of the glass products enables extensive development and commercialization of nHALO-technology. The commercialization of nHALO will cover a wide range of coating applications and these applications will gradually enter into flat glass markets.
“Collaboration with AGC Flat Glass Europe, a European leader in flat glass is a significant step further for Beneq to introduce nanotechnology solutions to flat glass. AGC Flat Glass Europe’s resources and know-how gives Beneq valuable information about industry needs and helps us speed up the commercialization of nHALO technology and equipment”, says Mr. Sampo Ahonen, CEO of Beneq.
Beneq’s proprietary nHALO-technology and applications are designed for producing functional surfaces on glass enabling synthesis, deposition and diffusion of nanoparticles in and/or on the surface of glass. In the nAERO-process, submicron droplets are directly deposited on hot glass and form a uniform film and the process can be adapted to the transport speeds of glass production and post-processing lines. The main applications for nAERO are low-emissivity and TCO-coatings on glass. Beneq ALD Thin Film Systems are designed for depositing oxides, nitrides and sulfides on metals, polymers and biocompatible materials. ALD applications are applied to optical, tribological, passivation and primer layer high precision thin films for flat and complex 3D-products.
For additional information please contact:
Mr Sampo Ahonen, CEO, Beneq Oy
M: + 358 40 520 1090, sampo. , www.beneq.com
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Radiocomp & Altera partner on OBSAI/CPRI cores
Remote Radio Heads leader innovates with plug-and-play IP
Denmark-based Radiocomp and Altera Corporation (NASDAQ: ALTR) today announced an integrated, rapid development solution for developers of WiMAX and 3GPP LTE base station equipment. This ready-to-implement technology solution is comprised of Radiocomp’s Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) and Common Public Ratio Interface (CPRI) IP cores in conjunction with Altera’s Stratix IV GX FPGAs. The solution enables quick, efficient and reliable integration of OBSAI and CPRI interfaces for high-speed communication of digital radio and control data between wireless infrastructure base station modules.
The latest in OBSAI and CPRI technologies together with innovative Software Defined Radio (SDR) principals are critical components for the development of base station sub-modules and multi-band multi-mode remote radio head systems for standards such as WiMAX WCDMA/LTE, GSM/EDGE and CDMA2000.
“We are extremely pleased about our partnership with Altera. The RadioComp IP offers a scalable solution for OBSAI and CPRI implementations using Altera’s full line of FPGA and HardCopy ASIC series product families. The new flagship Stratix IV and HardCopy IV devices provide a highly integrated system-on-chip implementation platform for multi-sector, multi-antenna RF cards and remote radio head equipment. Radiocomp’s industry-leading expertise in OBSAI/CPRI interfacing combined with Altera’s industry-leading FPGAs and signal processing IP will greatly speed up the development and availability of next generation radio systems,” says Christian Lanzani, Product Manager of Radiocomp.
Radiocomp’s IP cores implement OBSAI RP3/RP3-01 v.4.0 and CPRI v3.0 specifications supporting all air interface standards. These IP cores incorporate performance targets, cost, size and flexibility into a single IP core solution together with a complete set of functionality compliant with the latest standards.
Key features of the CPRI and OBSAI IP cores include:
• All-in-one package
• Support for higher speed serial rates up to 6.144 Gbps
• Smallest size and power consumption.
• Optimized Ethernet 10/100 MAC included
• Flexible Antenna Carrier, O&M, Timing and Synchronization Interfaces
“The Radiocomp solution offers a true plug-and-play approach to easily integrate IP cores into our high speed SERDES transceiver-based Stratix IV GX FPGAs with all of the required layers to support data rates up to 8.5 Gbps,” said Philip Lewer, senior manager of strategic marketing, Altera’s communications business unit. “Additionally, the Radiocomp solution is highly optimized to fit in as little as 3500 logic elements including Ethernet MAC and all data framing and control logic. By optimizing all components specifically for OBSAI and CPRI implementations, this solution lowers overall system cost and power consumption substantially compared to competing solutions.”
For more product information visit Radiocomp at www.radiocomp.com/Subsystems/IP-Cores.aspx or Altera at www.altera.com/products/devices/stratix-fpgas/stratix-iv/stxiv-index.jsp
About Radiocomp:
Radiocomp is a leading provider of systems and components for next generation mobile and wireless networks. Radiocomp is the first company in the world dedicated to developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art, fully software-configurable remote radio head products and components for WiMAX and LTE networks.
About Altera:
Altera®’s programmable solutions enable system and semiconductor companies to rapidly and cost-effectively innovate, differentiate and win in their markets. Find out more at www.altera.com.
Media contacts:
At Radiocomp contact Claus Hetting at
At Altera® contact Jim Adams at
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Anders Lindqvist joins Via Venture Partners
Anders Lindqvist will as of June 1st 2008 join Via Venture Partners in Copenhagen, the premier partner for expanding technology companies in the Nordic region.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Via Venture Partners and the great team already in place. Via Venture Partners already on its way to become a leading Nordic venture fund is highly attractive and I certainly will do my best to contribute to the continued success! In addition the fund is backed by the strong and highly reputable investor ATP” says Anders about his decision to join.
Anders has 25 years of experience from venture capital and the IT industry. Prior to joining Via Venture Partners, he was a partner at Provider Venture in Stockholm for 9 years. Before that Anders became a Swedish Internet pioneer in 1996 by starting the highly acclaimed S-E-Banken Internetbank. In his career he has held several executive positions at S-E-Banken as well as in major Nordic IT companies.
At Provider Venture Partners Anders has acted as Chairman of the board in Tradera, Payson, Pommad and has been a board member in, among others, FoxT, Envox, Computas and Cypak.
John Helmsøe-Zinck, Managing Partner at Via Venture Partners says: “ With Anders Lindqvist joining Via Venture Partners and Anders Grånäs who started with us already last year, we feel we now have a very strong experience base in the Swedish market and will be able to even more actively pursue the investment opportunities we perceive exist in the Swedish market ”
For further questions you are welcome to contact
Anders Lindqvist at tel +46 705404183
John Helmsøe-Zinck at tel +45 4010 4405
Via Venture Partners (www.viaventurepartners.com) is a EUR 134 million (approx. SEK 1.25 billion) multi stage venture fund investing in exceptional companies in the Nordic region. Founded in early 2006, Via Venture Partners is a privately owned and independent Nordic software and communication venture capital firm. Via Venture Partners Limited Partner is ATP, who manages Danish pension savings in excess of DKK 400 billion. The portfolio of presently 13 Nordic companies is expected to grow rapidly within the next couple of years do to a high investment activity level.
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Beneq awarded first price in growth company competition
Helsingin Sanomat, the largest daily newspaper in Finland, organized for a second time a ‘Future winners’ competition where most potential and successful young growth companies were searched for.
In the first phase of the competition a questionnaire was sent to Finnish venture capital investors and other professionals working with and knowing young growth companies. The participants of the questionnaire were asked to name the most potential growth companies, with a restriction that they were not allowed to vote any company in their own investment portfolio. An amount of 160 companies were mentioned in the answers. Those 10 companies having gained biggest amount of votes were published and presented in the newspaper.
A final round between the 10 companies was organized yesterday. All the finalists gave a short presentation in front of a public and a jury of 6 students from 3 top universities, Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and University of Art and Design Helsinki.
The jury elected Beneq as the winner of the competition. In their comments the jury was strongly impressed by Beneq’s story where e.g. international customers and growth has been targeted from the very beginning.
Beneq management appreciates the award and emphasizes the importance of the highly skilled and motivated personnel behind the success.
A series of articles regarding the competition has been published in Helsingin Sanomat during the past week and the result and Beneq gained a lot of publicity in today’s . A good amount of material is also available in their www-pages www.hs.fi.
Beneq Oy, Vantaa, Finland, is a supplier of industrial equipment for global markets. Beneq is addressing the market of industrial equipment for producing functional surfaces with the latest technology, typically utilizing nanosize materials. Main products of Beneq include equipment and technology for nHALO® (Hot Aerosol Layering Operation) and ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition). ALD technology is a thin film coating method used to produce accurate, pinhole-free and conformal thin-film coatings on various substrates.
For additional information please contact:
Sampo Ahonen, CEO, Beneq Oy,
M +358 40 5201090, sampo., www.beneq.com
Via Venture Partners A/S
Managing partner John Helmsøe-Zinck – telefon 40 10 44 05
Se også:
www.detaildata.dk
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Jysk/sjællandske Detail Data A/S opgraderer til internationalisering
Ny direktør, delvist generationsskifte og ny stærk kapitalpartner i Via Venture Partners som medinvestor er den cocktail af ”opgraderinger” som succesfulde Detail Data gennemfører på en og samme gang.
Detail Data, som er Danmarks førende selskab indenfor point-of-sale butiks-IT til modebranchen, går nu målrettet efter at erobre det europæiske marked.
For at styrke selskabets ledelse tiltræder Peder Falck som ny direktør pr. 1/1-2008. Peder Falck kommer senest fra en stilling som direktør i Caslon-IT og har lang topledelses-erfaring i internationalt salg af software og detailhandelsløsninger. Peder Falck efterfølger direktør Frank Fredelund Nielsen, som fortsætter i ledelsesgruppen.
Tre af de nuværende ejere er gået sammen med den nye direktør og Via Venture Partners for at gennem et nystiftet holdingselskab at gennemføre et generationsskifte, et ledelsesskifte og en udvidet kapitalstærk ejerkreds i Detail Data.
Detail Data beskæftiger 30 medarbejdere i Silkeborg, Køge og Stockholm. Selskabets aktiviteter består af udvikling, salg og servicering af intelligente IT-løsninger til detailhandlen – primært butikker indenfor tøj, sko, sport og smykker i både ind- og udland. Butiksløsningerne markedsføres under navnene Satellite og Chess. Selskabet har i dag installeret mere end 1.000 butiksløsninger og har i gennem de senere år haft en stærkt stigende efterspørgsel både i Danmark og udlandet.
”På baggrund af vores succesfulde og profitable vækst i de seneste år og med en omsætning på små DKK 40 mio. behøvede vi egentlig ikke at gøre noget som helst”, siger Frank Fredelund Nielsen, direktør til dato og medejer. ”Men vi er ambitiøse på selskabets og vores kunders vegne. Derfor følte vi det naturligt at gøre os klar til det næste skridt i virksomhedens udvikling.”
Hele ”opgraderingen” skal sætte skub i både den internationale ekspansion og i en videreudvikling af det grundlæggende software. Detail Data er allerede repræsenteret i Sverige og Norge gennem datterselskabet Detalj Data AB, som på kort sigt vil blive øget i antal medarbejdere og dermed i omsætning. Derefter er målet at komme ind på det store tyske marked, som åbner for de helt store afsætningsmuligheder.
”Vi ser en stor vækstmulighed i en større internationalisering”, siger John Helmsøe-Zinck fra Via Venture Partners og nyt bestyrelsesmedlem i Detail Data. ”Detail Data, som er markeds-leder i Danmark, har med stor succes fulgt med de større danske butikskæder i deres ekspansion uden for Danmarks grænser, og dermed fået bevis for, at systemerne har store muligheder i udlandet. Disse udenlandske installationer giver en god platform, som selskabet og den ny ledelse vil udnytte med det mål at blive den førende IT-leverandør til de europæiske modebutikker”, fortsætter John Helmsøe-Zinck.
Gennem en første investering i holdingselskabet på 18,3 mio. kombineret med et banklån på DKK 15 mio. er Via Venture Partners indtrådt i ejerkredsen med en ejerandel på ca. 50 %.
Via Venture Partners er en af de nyeste IT VC-aktører og blandt de rigtigt store i Norden.
Via Venture Partners lavede sin første investering i juni 2006 og har nu investeret i 13 forskellige IT selskaber i Sverige, Norge, Finland og Danmark.
Via Venture Partners har en investeringskapital på 1 mia. kr., hvoraf hovedparten stammer fra ATP.
For yderligere information:
Detail Data Danmark A/S
Direktør Peder Falck (tiltræder 1. januar 2008) – telefon 29 49 25 00
Bestyrelsesformand Svend Carstensen – telefon 25 42 98 75
Via Venture Partners A/S
Managing partner John Helmsøe-Zinck – telefon 40 10 44 05
Se også:
www.detaildata.dk
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Beneq acquires Planar ALD team
Beneq acquires ALD business from Planar Systems
Beneq Oy (Vantaa, Finland) and Planar Systems (USA and Finland) have entered into an agreement where Beneq has acquired the Finnish based ALD Equipment and Coating service business from Planar. Planar has had a remarkable depth of experience with ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) which has made it a leader in industrial applications of ALD. Planar has used ALD inhouse since its inception. Based on the extensive cumulated production know-how, it has designed and built over 50 ALD tools, for both production and advanced R&D. In addition to its own display manufacturing, Planar has been offering ALD equipment and services for unique new thin film applications through a dedicated ALD business team. The acquisition comprises of the team of professionals with necessary assets needed for continuing the coating service and equipment business. As part of the agreement Planar grants also Beneq a license to its patents in the area of ALD. After the merger, Beneq will continue to serve both Beneq’s and Planar’s existing and new customers by providing both ALD equipment and coating services needed for concept verification purposes with strengthened capabilities and resources. This acquisition will make Beneq a world-leading company to address the need for precise, highly-conformal atomic level deposition of thin film materials beyond IC and semiconductor industry.
Beneq Oy, Vantaa, Finland, is a supplier of industrial equipment for global markets. Beneq is addressing the market of industrial equipment for producing functional surfaces with the latest technology, typically utilizing nanosize materials. Main products of Beneq include equipment and technology for nHALO® (Hot Aerosol Layering Operation) and ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition). ALD technology is a thin film coating method used to produce accurate, pinhole-free and conformal thin-film coatings on various substrates.
For additional information please contact:
Sampo Ahonen, CEO, Beneq Oy
M: + 358 40 5201090, sampo., www.beneq.com
Ryan Gray, Investor Relations, Planar Systems, Inc.
M: + 1 503.748.8911, ryan.
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DnB NOR først i verden med ny tjeneste: Automatisk avstemming i nettbank
DnB NOR kan som første bank i verden til å tilby automatisk bankavstemming via bedriftsnettbanken. Den nye tjenesten bygger på teknologi fra det norske IT-selskapet AdraMatch. Den nye tjenesten kan avlaste tiden bedrifter bruker på avstemming med inntil 95 prosent.
DnB NOR inngår et unikt samarbeid med AdraMatch om en ny tjeneste i bedriftsnettbanken. Den nye tjenesten går under navnet DnB NOR Bankavstemming, og retter seg spesielt mot SMB- segmentet. Målet er å gjøre bankavstemming via nettbank til en naturlig del av DnB NOR- kundenes ordinære forretningsdrift.
– Hver måned sitter tusenvis av regnskapsfolk og avstemmer postene i regnskapet mot kontoutdrag fra banken. Dette er svært tids- og ressurskrevende. Gjennom samarbeidet med DnB NOR, kan deres bedriftskunder nå spare mellom 70-95 prosent av tiden ved å gjøre avstemmingene elektronisk, sier Christian Landmark, daglig leder i AdraMatch.
AdraMatch har gjennom 18 år bygget stor kompetanse på hva som foregår i økonomiavdelingene i norske bedrifter. Som markedsleder innen automatiske bankavstemminger i Norden, har de også bevist at teknologien de har utviklet både er effektiv i forhold til tid, kostnader og sikkerhet.
– DnB NOR ønsker å gjøre elektroniske bankavstemmingsløsninger lettere tilgjengelig gjennom sin nettbank. Løsningen vil komplettere grensesnittet mellom kundens regnskap og kontoutskrift i banken. Nå slipper forhåpentligvis våre kunder å sitte utover de lange kveldstimene med denne type arbeidsoppgaver, sier Hans Petter Evensen, leder av DnB NOR Online og bedriftsløsninger.
DnB NOR og AdraMatch har intensjoner om et langsiktig samarbeid. Det vil være DnB NOR som markedsfører og selger den nye løsningen. AdraMatch vil videreutvikle den i samsvar med markedskrav og lovkrav. Utover dette, vil partene aktivt samarbeide om markedsføring, salg, distribusjon og support av løsningen.
Markedets ledende leverandør av økonomisk trygghet og kontroll
AdraMatch er markedsleder i Norden innen automatiske kontoavstemminger. Løsningen sørger for at regnskapet til enhver tid er avstemt. Dette fører til at arbeidsprosessen forenkles betydelig, og at man kan hente frem et avstemt regnskap når som helst i året. Adra sørger dermed for bedre kontroll og en tryggere hverdag for bedriftens ledelse og økonomiansvarlige. Selskapet ble etablert i 1989 med hovedkontor i Oslo, og har datterselskaper med egne kontorer i Stockholm og København.
Oslo 1.november 2007
For mer informasjon, kontakt:
AdraMatch: Christian Landmark,
DnB NOR: Anne Kathrine Arnesen,
Denne pressemeldingen er skrevet på vegne av AdraMatch og DnB NOR.
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AdraMatch vokser utenfor Norge
Det norske IT-selskapet AdraMatch – markedsleder innen automatiske bankavstemminger – vokser i Skandinavia. Etableringene i Sverige og Danmark har vært vellykket. AdraMatch jobber videre etter en strategi som skal gjøre selskapet til en stor internasjonal aktør.
For fem måneder siden kjørte AdraMatch i gang en nysatsning på sine kontorer i Danmark. Dette har resultert i at om lag nye 40 bedrifter har automatisert sine bankavstemninger med AdraMatch sine løsninger. I Sverige kan man vise til 60 nye kunder i 2007. Selskapet vil nå fortløpende vurdere etableringer i flere land.
– Vi følger opp vår plan for internasjonalisering. Med et markedsledende produkt mener vi å ha enorme muligheter. Markedspenetrasjonen for automatiske bankavstemminger er foreløpig forsvinnende liten internasjonalt, sier daglig leder i AdraMatch Christian Landmark. Selskapet har nå fått globale kontrakter som følge av sin automatiske avstemmingsløsning.
Tidligere i vår lanserte AdraMatch som første aktør i verden en online-løsning for automatisk bankavstemming – AccountMatch Online. Ved siden av etableringer i flere land, er online-løsningen en viktig del av selskapets internasjonaliseringsstrategi. AccountMatch Online passer til alle økonomisystemer og banker, og er en god løsning for mindre bedrifter som ikke ønsker å investere i større IT-løsninger.
Tror på automatiseringsbølge i Europa
Juni 2008 innføres den nye Europeiske skattelovgivningen EUROSOX.
– Dette vil trolig komme som et sjokk for mange europeiske bedrifter, mener gründeren av AdraMatch Sverre Stockinger. Selskapet er daglig i kontakt med økonomiavdelinger i norske bedrifter. – Arbeidsmengden i økonomiavdelingen vil øke dramatisk med kravene som følger av EUROSOX. Løsningen er enten å bemanne opp eller automatisere flere oppgaver. Bankavstemninger kan enkelt automatiseres og vi tror derfor på en automatiseringsbølge neste år, sier Stockinger.
Undersøkelser viser at tidsbesparelsen er på over 90 % sammenliknet med den manuelle metoden. Eurosox er den europeiske versjonen av Sarbanes-Oxley Act, en lov som ble innført i USA i 2002 i kjølvannet av Enron-skandalen.
Oslo 23. oktober 2007
Denne pressemeldingen er skrevet for AdraMatch AS (http://www.adramatch.com/no/)
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WPA Mobile får ny CEO og flere penge fra Via Venture Partners
Den nordiske teknologi-venture fond, Via Venture Partners, skyder et tocifret millionbeløb i danske WPA Mobile, for yderligere at understøtte softwarevirksomhedens ambitiøse vækstplaner. WPA Mobile styrker samtidig ledelsen med ansættelsen af Per Pedersen som adm. direktør (CEO).
Per Pedersen, 47, bringer mange års ledelseserfaring fra salg og marketing i internationale IT-virksomheder som Microsoft og Navision med til WPA Mobile, der er førende på det danske marked for mobile standardløsninger til forsyningsog byggesektoren samt industriel service. ”Per Pedersens salgs- og ledelsesmæssige erfaringer og styrker passer perfekt til WPA Mobile’s udfordringer og vækstplaner både i Danmark og internationalt,” siger WPA’s stifter Jens Davidsen, der forlader posten som CEO for at koncentrere sig om salg og produktudvikling. Per Pedersen, der tiltrådte som CEO i WPA Mobile den 8. oktober, har været medlem af WPA Mobiles bestyrelse siden marts 2007, men udtræder af bestyrelsen i forbindelse sin tiltræden som CEO. Per Pedersen har tidligere bl.a. været salg og marketingdirektør i børsnoterede Danware Data, Director i Microsoft og Senior Vice President i Navision. ”Jeg har med interesse fulgt WPA Mobile i flere år – og senest som medlem af bestyrelsen. Det er en meget fascinerende virksomhed med en enestående mobility løsning, der meget hurtigt skaber værdi for kunderne. Jeg er stolt over at komme med på holdet og bidrage til den fortsatte vækst i et af Danmarks mest innovative softwareselskaber,” siger Per Pedersen. WPA-løsningen, der i 2005 blev kåret af Microsoft som den mest innovative mobile serviceløsning i verden, oplever stor vækst i Danmark og har inden for de sidste to år etableret sig i det øvrige Norden, Storbritannien, Irland, Tyskland og Benelux-landende. WPA’s omkostningseffektive løsninger sikrer kunderne en øget produktivitet og likviditet samtidig med at kundetilfredsheden øges markant. Peter Thorlund Haahr fra Via Venture Partners, der foretog sin første investering i WPA i 2005, siger: ”WPA Mobile har et kæmpe potentiale. De succeskriterier vi opstillede i forbindelse med den første investering er alle indfriet. Produktet er klart førende i Danmark indenfor byggeri, forsyning og servicevirksomheder. Samtidig har virksomheden nu et solidt fodfæste udenfor Danmark i UK, Irland, Benelux samt Sverige. Ansættelsen af en kapacitet som Per Pedersen samtidig med en yderligere investering fra Via Ventures er en del af strategien om at gøre WPA Mobile til en førende leverandør af mobile løsninger.
For yderligere oplysninger kontakt:
Per Pedersen, WPA Mobile,
mobil: +45 24 26 97 63 ()
Jens Davidsen, WPA Mobile,
mobil: +45 40 78 04 73 ()
Bestyrelsesformand Lars Thomsen,
mobil +45 23 38 50 43
Peter Thorlund Haahr, Via Venture Partners,
mobil: +45 28 10 17 95
Om WPA Mobile
WPA Mobile leverer mobile løsninger til virksomheder i forsynings- og byggesektoren og industrielle servicevirksomheder og har siden lanceringen i 2003 opnået en position som markedsleder i Danmark. WPA Mobile’s løsning benyttes dagligt af flere hundrede teknikere og montører, og blandt kunderne er DONG, Hydro Texaco, OK Olie, Kemp & Lauritzen, Jansson Gruppen, Scanomat og Bramidan. WPA Mobile er Gold Certified Microsoft Partner, og blev i foråret 2005 af Microsoft udnævnt til en af de 25 mest innovative softwarevirksomheder i verden. I 2005 blev WPA Mobile kåret som ”WorldWide Microsoft Partner of the Year” i kategorien Mobile Innovation og er i dag blandt de højst præmierede virksomheder inden for Mobility hos Microsoft. Læs mere om WPA Mobile på www.wpamobile.com
Om Via Venture Partners
Via Venture Partners, der blev etableret i starten af 2006, er en venture fond, der investerer i nordiske virksomheder inden for softwareudvikling og telekommunikation med et internationalt vækstpotentiale. Via Venture Partners har en investeringskapital på 1 mia. kr., hvoraf hovedparten stammer fra Danmarks største pensionskasse, ATP. Læs mere om Via Venture Partners på www.viaventurepartners.com
Sådan fungerer WPA Mobile’s løsning
Med WPA Mobile har montører og serviceteknikere på farten mulighed for online via en bærbar eller håndholdt pc (PDA) bl.a. at registrere vare- og timeforbrug, opdatere servicerapporter eller tjekke tidligere rapporter og andre kundeoplysninger. Hjemme i servicevirksomheden giver løsningen et grafisk overblik over alle ordrer og medarbejdere, hvilket sikrer en optimal planlægning og fordeling af ressourcerne samt helt kontant fordele som hurtigere fakturering, bedre lagerstyring og mindre administration.
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Radiocomp secures financial backing from Via Venture Partners
The innovative provider of next generation WiMAX radio infrastructure systems Radiocomp ApS has secured DKK 16 million in financing from leading Nordic technology venture capital firm Via Venture Partners. In return Via Venture Partners has become a minority shareholder of Radiocomp.
The injection of funds means that Radiocomp’s product and systems development projects as well as the company’s drive towards global market penetration can advance at full speed. The funding also means that Radiocomp will be exceedingly well positioned to secure a significant share of the rapidly growing global market for remote radio heads & components. The demand for WiMAX remote radio heads in particular is expected to explode already in 2008-2009.
“The mobile industry is facing a paradigm shift in the way networks will be designed and deployed. Radiocomp’s remote radio head products address a global market expected to grow to more than a billion dollars in 2010, and we intend to take a significant share of this. We are delighted that Via Venture Partners shares our vision and our goal,” says CEO of Radiocomp, Thomas Noergaard.
“Radiocomp boasts a unique group of highly skilled and experienced radio frequency and optical engineers from the globally leading radio frequency environment in Denmark. The company has already shown commitment and ability to drive the WiMAX remote radio head paradigm shift and we are convinced they will continue to develop world class equipment and solutions for the WiMAX and UMTS industries,” says Jakob Rybak-Andersen from Via Venture Partners.
In the short term Radiocomp intends to strengthen and expand its knowledge base and workforce in the areas of sales, software development, marketing, production, and supply chain management. Radiocomp has already announced its first WiMAX radio head product and is working closely with industry-leading technology suppliers and mobile network solution providers for the delivery of systems and components for distributed base station systems.
For further information, please contact:
Thomas Noergaard, CEO, Radiocomp, +45 27 11 34 80
Jakob Rybak-Andersen, Via Venture Partners, +45 29 40 17 19
About Radiocomp:
Radiocomp is a leading provider of systems and components for next generation mobile and wireless networks. Radiocomp is the first company in the world dedicated to developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art, fully software-configurable remote radio head products and components for WiMAX and UMTS networks. Radiocomp is a privately owned limited company incorporated in Denmark. The company is headquartered north of Copenhagen in the city of Hillerød. (www.radiocomp.com)
About Via Venture Partners:
Via Venture Partners, established early 2006, is a multistage venture investor in the Nordic market to software and communication growth companies. With DKK 1 billion under management Via Venture Partners is one of the biggest Nordic players in the software/communication segment. The main part of Via Venture Partners Fund I K/S’s DKK 1 billion in equity is contributed by ATP (Denmark’s largest pension scheme).
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Nanotechnology equipment supplier Beneq raises EUR 3 million in venture capital funding
Danish venture capital investor Via Venture Partners has together with Finnish Inventure Oy and other earlier investors invested EUR 3 million in nanotechnology equipment supplier Beneq (www.beneq.com).
Beneq’s main products include equipment and technology for nHALOTM (Hot Aerosol Layering Operation) and ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition). nHALOTM is a flame spray technology, used mainly for applying functional coatings on glass and ceramic tiles as well as for nanoparticle synthesis. ALD technology is a thin film coating method which was first developed in Finland and widely used in the semiconductor industry. ALD systems are used to produce accurate, pinhole-free and conformal thin-film coatings on various substrates. Beneq focuses on delivering new industrial applications utilizing ALD technology.
Beneq has recently launched new industrial applications and entered into significant customer contracts including several industrial equipment deliveries. With the new investment round Beneq will speed up international growth and strengthen its organization.
“The financing deal with Via Venture Partners enables us to continue the fast development and international growth of Beneq”, says Sampo Ahonen, CEO and one of the founding shareholders of Beneq. “We have chosen Via as a venture capital partner because they have strong know how and resources for investing in technology growth companies. We also appreciate that Inventure together with other earlier investors participate in this second round and the good cooperation and board function with them will continue.”
“Beneq has exceptional skills in turning new functional coating inventions into working equipment for manufacturing. We see a strong growth in functional coating and our ambition is to build a world leading equipment manufacturer, tells Peter Thorlund Haahr, from Via Venture Partners and new member of the board of Beneq.
“We are very pleased with Beneq’s performance during the past year since our initial investment. The company has managed to penetrate the market with their products and technology exceptionally well. The new financing round together with an international investor supports the company’s chosen internalization strategy.”, says Timo Tirkkonen, partner at Inventure.
Beneq Oy, Vantaa, Finland, is a supplier of industrial equipment for global markets. Beneq is addressing the market of industrial equipment for producing functional surfaces with the latest technology, typically utilizing nanosize materials. Beneq acts as a business facilitator adding value for high-tech partner companies by converting proven innovations into industrial equipment. Beneq was founded 2005, employs 21 persons and currently operates in Vantaa.
Inventure is one of the most active and experienced early growth stage investors in Finland. Inventure manages and develops a portfolio of 15 technology companies, including international expansion companies such as MySQL, Silex Microsystems, Fastrax and Xelerated as well as early-stage investments such as Beneq, Trackway, Pancomp, Zipic and Upstream.
Via Venture Partners, established early 2006, is a multistage venture investor in the Nordic market to ICT growth companies. With EUR 134 million under management Via Venture Partners is one of the biggest Nordic players in the ICT segment. The main part of Via Venture Partners Fond I K/S’s EUR 134 million equity is contributed by ATP (Denmark’s largest pension scheme), while the remaining derives from issue of employee shares. Via Venture Partners has great focus and know how on all aspects of Nordic companies venturing into international business.
Additional information:
CEO, Sampo Ahonen, Beneq Oy,
mobile +35840 520 1090,
sampo.
www.beneq.com
Partner Peter Thorlund Haahr, Via Venture Partners A/S
mobile +45 28 10 17 95,
Partner Timo Tirkkonen, Inventure Oy,
mobile +35840 575 1553,
timo.
www.inventure.fi
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OptoGaN Oy Raises 5 million euros Round of Funding for LED’s to replace light bulbs
LEDs with bulb-like brightness at bulb-like price.
Helsinki, Finland, May 29, 2007 – OptoGaN, the upcoming price/performance leader in Light Emitting Diodes (LED) chips, today announced that it has closed its next round of funding led by the Nordic Venture Fund, Via Venture Partners. OptoGaN’s existing investors VNT Management Oy / Power Fund I and Finnish Industry Investment Ltd also participated in the financing round. The company has the technology to replace light bulbs with LED and the new funding will mainly be used to introduce their chips to the market.
Until now LED’s have in general not been bright enough for illumination purposes and the cost has been too high. With OptoGaN’s patented technology it is now possible to make very bright LED’s at low cost. This will open the market for LED’s for general illumination.
LED’s are very appealing: LED lamps will use 10-12 times less energy than traditional bulbs and 2-2½ times less than energy saving lamps. They will have an expected life time of approx. 15 years and will be able to produce light with the same colour spectrum as the sun. A total change from light bulbs to LED’s is estimated to potentially reduce global energy consumption by 15% and thereby potentially also save the environment from significant green house gases.
Bernd Meyer, CEO, OptoGaN Oy says: “We are very glad that Via Venture Partners has joined the company. With a strong financial partner like VIA and the expertise it provides, we are convinced that we will meet our aggressive targets over the coming years and becoming the leading independent LED chip manufacture.”
“OptoGaN holds the key for LED’s to replace bulbs for illumination and with the global focus on energy saving we have high expectations to our investment in OptoGaN says Via Venture Partners Principal Peter Thorlund Haahr, who will join the board of OptoGaN.
VNT Management Oy / Power Fund I has focused from 2003 on Renewable and Energy Saving Technology Companies. General illumination is a huge potential market for LED’s. “VNT Management Oy / Power Fund I has been with the OptoGaN Team from the start-up phase. We believe on company success because of strong IPR and advanced technology” says Chairman of the OptoGaN Board, Veijo Karppinen.
“OptoGan is a good example of a truly global technology start-up company. It has been established trough intensive collaboration between Helsinki University of Technology and a Russian scientist team. The technology has been developed in Finland by two Russian scientists and the semiconductor production expertise originates from Germany”, states Investment Director Antti Kummu from Finnish Industry Investment Ltd.
For more information, please contact:
Bernd Meyer, OptoGaN Oy, tel. +49 231 477 30400, bernd.
or Peter Thorlund Haahr, Via Venture Partners A/S, +45 28101795,
OptoGaN Oy in brief:
OptoGaN is a Finnish and German company with leading technology in GaN-based LEDs. OptoGaN was founded in 2004 in Helsinki by two Russian Physicists. With a research lab at the Helsinki University of Technology and a pilotline and production facilities in Dortmund OptoGaN has the facilities to become a leading LED chip manufacturer.
Via Venture Partners in brief:
Via Venture Partners, established early 2006, is a multistage venture investor in the Nordic market to ICT growth companies. With EUR 134 million under management Via Venture Partners is one of the biggest Nordic players in the ICT segment. The main part of Via Venture Partners Fond I K/S’s EUR 134 million equity is contributed by ATP (Denmark’s largest pension scheme), while the remaining derives from issue of employee shares. Via Venture Partners has great focus and know how on all aspects of Nordic companies venturing into international business.
VNT Management in brief:
VNT Management Oy was founded year 2002. The first fund, Power Fund I, was raised in February 2003 with a fund size of 17 Meur. VNT Management Oy is focusing on Renewable Energy and Distributed Power Generation, Energy Saving and Clean Tech areas. VNT Management Oy was one of the first management companies having focus in above mentioned areas in Europe. The main investors are Finnish Industry Investment Ltd, insurance companies Varma and Veritas and industrial investors. VNT Management Oy is on Fund II raising phase. First closing will be in Autumn 2007. Focus will be the same as in Power Fund I. Fund raising target is 50 Meur.
Finnish Industry Investment Ltd in brief:
Finnish Industry Investment Ltd is a government-owned investment company. The company invests the proceeds accrued from the privatisation of state-owned companies in promoting the growth and internationalisation of Finnish businesses. Finnish Industry Investment invests in capital funds and also directly in companies. The targets are in all sectors. Industry Investment Ltd’s investments and investment commitments amount to some MEUR 360.
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Anders Grånäs joins Via Venture Partners
Anders Grånäs will as of June 1st 2007 join Via Venture Partners in Copenhagen, the premier partner for expanding technology companies in the Nordic region. “I see the opportunity of joining Via Venture Partners as a unique one, becoming part of an experienced team in the still early stages of the venture firm. In addition the fund is backed by the strong and highly reputable investor ATP” says Anders about his decision to join.
Anders has 15 years of experience from R&D, consulting and venture capital. Before joining Via Venture Partners in 2007, he was investment manager at Industrifonden in Stockholm. Prior to this he ran his own venture capital advisory firm and acted as a business angel. He has been in the Venture Capital business since 1997 when he joined Novare Kapital, a subsidiary of Investor AB as an investment manager, which subsequently was merged into Investor Growth Capital where he held a position of managing director. Anders has also been a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group and worked with R&D at ABB Corporate Research.
In his previous venture career, Anders held directorships in Parallel Systems AB, Projektplatsen AB, Umetrics AB, Popwire AB Hybrid Graphics Oy, Digia Oy, Storegate AB and is currently chairman of Picsearch AB.
Anders holds a M.Sc. in Engineering Physics from Uppsala University and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Via Venture Partners in brief:
Via Venture Partners is a multistage technology venture investor in the Nordic market focusing on exceptional growth companies, and with DKK 1 billion under management Via Venture Partners is one of the biggest Nordic players in the segment. The main part of Via Venture Partners Fond I K/S’s committed capital is contributed by ATP (Denmark’s largest pension fund).
For questions, please contact managing partner John Helmsøe-Zinck at tel +45 4010 4405 or e-mail
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ComActivity secures investment plan of 40 MSEK to accelerate international expansion
“Industrifonden and Via Venture Partners have acted as partners throughout the entire investment process which has been very professional and in a very good atmosphere. We are pleased that the investment plan has been designed with the best interest of the founders in mind” says Peter Björkman, founder and CEO of ComActivity.
“ComActivity has developed a very compelling and internationally competitive solution which again demonstrates the innovative power of the Nordic software industry. We are very happy to be able to support the company’s continued expansion”, says Anders Grånäs, Investment Manager at Industrifonden.
“Having such a powerful solution and so many satisfied customers, I believe ComActivity is poised for a very strong position in the new era of enterprise computing”, adds John Helmsøe-Zinck, Managing Partner at Via Venture Partners.
Peter Björkman, ComActivity continues: “With Industrifonden and Via Venture Partners we not only get strong support of two of the largest venture funds in Scandinavia. They also bring very valuable competences to the company through our two new board members Anders Grånäs and John Helmsøe-Zinck”
For more information please contact:
Peter Björkman, CEO, ComActivity, +47 416 792 58
Anders Grånäs, Investment Manager, Industrifonden, +46 734 44 10 01
John Helmsøe-Zinck, Managing Partner, Via Venture Partners, +45 40 10 44 05
ComActivity in brief:
ComActivity develops business solutions that develop upon and streamline companies’ existing business applications. Rather than replacing old systems, ComActivity modernizes these and renews the company’s way of working by integrating several applications into a common user interface, complemented by added functionalities. ComActivity´s solutions are built on a service-oriented architecture, a model driven development method and graphical workflow.
www.comactivity.net
Industrifonden in brief:
Industrifonden is a large multi-sector, early stage investor in Swedish growth companies. It combines financing with active ownership, competence and networks. It covers the whole country, through its direct investments and eleven associate venture capital companies. It has total assets of MSEK 3,400 and holdings in about 170 companies, direct and indirect.
www.industrifonden.se
Via Venture Partners in brief:
Via Venture Partners is a multistage technology venture investor in the Nordic market focusing on software and communication growth companies, and with DKK 1 billion under management Via Venture Partners is one of the biggest Nordic players in the segment. The main part of Via Venture Partners Fond I K/S’s committed capital is contributed by ATP (Denmark’s largest pension fund).
www.viaventurepartners.com
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Adra Match klare for offensiv internasjonal satsing
Lederskifte varsler om en mer offensiv internasjonal satsning for norske Adra Match, som leverer systemer for avstemning av regnskap og bankkontoer.
Sverre Stockinger, mangeårig leder og gründer i Adra Match, gir nå ansvaret for den daglige ledelsen over til Christian Landmark. Nå skal Landmark føre Adra Match videre ut i Europa. Landmark har tidligere arbeidet med å bygge opp selskaper i Europa, med hovedvekt i Nederland, Belgia, Tyskland og Storbritannia.
– Vi har ambisjoner om å mangedoble omsetningen i løpet av noen få år. Med tunge partnere som Via Venture Partners og Pod Holding, mener vi alvor med våre vekstambisjoner ut i Europa, sier Landmark.
Kontroll på regnskapet
– Tross de internasjonale vekstambisjonene, kommer vi fortsatt til å ha sterkt fokus på eksisterende marked. Vi vil jo også at selskapene i Norden skal ha kontroll i regnskapet, sier Landmark.
Adra Match har allerede etablert seg i Skandinavia, og legger i disse dager strategien for hvordan bringe selskapet videre ut i Europa. Kontoret i Danmark har også hatt et lederskifte. Mads Rønholt har tiltrådt som leder for den danske avdelingen. Rønholt har de siste årene jobbet som CSE, Client Solution Executive, for IBM i København.
Adra Match er Nordens ledende utvikler og markedsfører av programvare for automatiske kontoavstemminger og automatisk oppdatering av innbetalinger uten KID. Selskapet ble etablert i 1989 med hovedkontor i Oslo, og har datterselskaper med egne kontorer i Stockholm, København og London.
Oslo 8.februar 2007
For mer informasjon, kontakt:
Informasjonskonsultent: Ole Emil Johnsen, Telefon: 986 36 858, E-post: ole.
Denne pressemeldingen er skrevet for Adra Match AS.
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Dansk mobility-software foran internationalt gennembrud
Blot få måneder efter at den nordiske venture fond, Via Venture Partners, skød penge i den danske softwarevirksomhed, WPA Mobile, for at sætte skub i WPA’s internationale ambitioner, har gazellevirksomheden fået hul på flere vigtige markeder i Europa. Og verdens største marked for mobile løsninger, USA, er næste mål.
WPA Mobile, der er førende på det danske marked for mobile standardløsninger til virksomheder i forsynings- og byggesektoren samt industriel service, har fået overraskende hurtigt fat i det britiske og irske marked og har netop føjet verdens største sikkerhedskoncern, Group 4 Securicor, og Irlands største kurer-service, FasTrack, der er ejet af Irish Rail, til kundelisten.
I Sverige har flere servicevirksomheder købt løsningen – der i 2005 blev kåret af Microsoft som den mest innovative mobile serviceløsning i verden – og WPA har foreløbig indgået aftaler med to landsdækkende forhandlere af administrative virksomhedssystemer, de såkaldte ERP-systemer.
WPA-løsningen er også i brug i Holland, og til at dække Benelux-landene åbner WPA Mobile pr. 1. februar åbnet et kontor i Antwerpen i Belgien. I Tyskland ventes de første aftaler i hus i løbet de kommende måneder.
”Vi har fået hurtigere fat i udlandet, end vi havde regnet med. Og især det britiske marked ser lovende ud. Der er en fantastisk interesse for vores produkt, som tydeligvis dækker et helt konkret behov i en række store servicekoncerner,” siger WPA’s stifter og adm. direktør Jens Davidsen.
Men næste store mål er USA. Og her får WPA en enestående chance for at profilere sig på den store Microsoft forhandlermesse, Convergence 2007, i San Diego i Californien til marts. Her skal WPA og Jens Davidsen præsentere den seneste version af WPA’s løsning, der er baseret på Microsofts nyeste mobile teknologi for virksomhedsløsninger, Microsoft Dynamics Mobile.
”USA er en kæmpe udfordring, som vil kræve endnu en gearing af virksomheden,” siger Jens Davidsen.
Via Venture Partners er da også klar til skyde flere penge i WPA for at sikre, at det internationale potentiale udnyttes fuldt ud.
”Via Venture Partners har 1 mia. kr. til investeringer i IT virksomheder, så vi har al den kapital, der skal til for at sikre, at WPA bliver en lige så stor succes i udlandet, som WPA er i Danmark i dag,” siger Peter Thorlund Haahr fra Via Venture Partners.
Sådan fungerer WPA Mobile
Med WPA Mobile kan montører og serviceteknikere på farten mulighed online via en bærbar eller håndholdt pc (PDA) bl.a. registrere vare- og timeforbrug og opdatere servicerapporter – eller tjekke tidligere rapporter og andre kundeoplysninger.
Hjemme i servicevirksomheden giver det et grafisk overblik over alle ordrer og medarbejdere, hvilket sikrer en optimal planlægning og fordeling af ressourcerne samt helt kontant fordele som hurtigere fakturering, bedre lagerstyring og mindre administration.
Om WPA
WPA Mobile leverer mobile løsninger til virksomheder i forsynings- og byggesektoren og industrielle servicevirksomheder og har siden lanceringen i 2003 opnået en position som markedsleder i Danmark. WPA Mobile’s løsning benyttes dagligt af flere hundrede teknikere og montører, og blandt kunderne er DONG, Hydro Texaco, OK Olie, Kemp & Lauritzen, Jansson Gruppen, Scanomat og Bramidan. WPA Mobile er Gold Certified Microsoft Partner, og blev i foråret 2005 af Microsoft udnævnt til en af de 25 mest innovative softwarevirksomheder i verden. I 2005 blev WPA Mobile kåret som ”WorldWide Microsoft Partner of the Year” i kategorien Mobile Innovation og er i dag den højst præmierede virksomhed inden for Mobility hos Microsoft. Læs mere om WPA Mobile på www.wpamobile.com
Om Via Venture Partners
Via Venture Partners, der blev etableret i starten af 2006, er en venture fond, der investerer i nordiske virksomheder inden for softwareudvikling og telekommunikation med et internationalt vækstpotentiale. Via Venture Partners har en investeringskapital på 1 mia. kr., hvoraf hovedparten stammer fra Danmarks største pensionskasse, ATP. Læs mere om Via Venture Partners påwww.viaventurepartners.com
For yderligere oplysninger kontakt:
Jens Davidsen, WPA Mobile, 40780473 eller
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