AAC Capital Partners, the new name of ABN Amro’s private equity business, has reached agreement with the Dutch banking group under which control of northern European buyout activities will
AAC Capital Partners, the new name of ABN Amro’s private equity business, has reached agreement with the Dutch banking group under which control of northern European buyout activities will be transferred to a management company majority owned by executives of AAC Capital Partners in Amsterdam, London and Stockholm.
Over the past few years the northern European buyout business of what was formerly ABN Amro Capital has consolidated its position as a mid-market buyout firm while operating at arm’s length from the group.
The current EUR1.1bn portfolio will continue to be owned by ABN Amro and managed by AAC Capital Partners. In addition, ABN Amro has made a EUR2bn commitment to fund the ongoing investment programme of AAC Capital Partners, indicating the group’s continuing confidence in the private equity business.
AAC will continue to lead buyouts in its local markets within the EUR50m-EUR500m deal range in the consumer, industrial and services sectors. The teams will target opportunities for majority stakes in profitable, cash-generative companies based in the Netherlands, the Nordic region and the UK.
‘The focus of our investment strategy remains unchanged, and independence will allow us to build value even more effectively while giving us greater freedom to respond to the needs of the market,’ says Gerben Kuijper, chairman of AAC Capital Partners.
‘Our team of 24 local private equity professionals in Amsterdam, London and Stockholm has a wealth of experience in closing and managing successful investments in the northern European region. They have worked together for seven years and invested in 60 companies since 2000.
‘Our transactions are a direct result of our long-term strategy based on local presence and intelligent reading of the market, illustrated by recent deals such as Sdu, Lucas Bols, Saunatec, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres and OyezStraker, and recent realisations such as Iittala and Park Resorts. We look forward to continuing this strategy under our new name and new-found independence.’