FORWARD FEATURES CALENDAR

Deals

EV Cargo, a privately-owned logistics business in the UK, has completed a GBP150 million debt financing with Investec. The financing involved all operating businesses within the EV Cargo group – Adjuno, Allport Cargo Services, CM Downton, Jigsaw, NFT and Palletforce – and includes cash flow loans, fixed asset loans and receivables based working capital revolvers. It leaves EV Cargo well-placed for the next phase of growth, providing flexibility for future acquisitions and investment.   EV Cargo has grown its revenues to GBP870m and its operations now span more than 120 countries. In all, it boasts operations totalling 9 million sq
CyberSmart, a GCHQ Cyber Accelerator alumni, has secured GBP1.3 million in new financing led by deep-tech investor IQ Capital, following two years in stealth mode.  The funding will allow CyberSmart to further accelerate its rapid growth, build next-generation technical capabilities and secure Britain’s future as a leader in cybersecurity. CyberSmart’s core mission is to protect and empower SMEs, often the weak link in cybersecurity, but at the same time, the bread and butter of the UK business landscape. CyberSmart’s platform and products allow any size SME, with or without technical resources, to protect itself and its staff, easily and affordably.
PredictImmune, a fast-growth developer of prognostic tools for immune-mediated diseases, has secured a GBP10 million funding package to accelerate global commercial expansion and support its expanding product pipeline.  BGF will provide GBP4 million of growth capital alongside Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC) and existing investors.   Founded in May 2017 and based at the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge, PredictImmune develops pioneering tools for guiding treatment options in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis (IBD). Based on ten years of research at Cambridge University, PredictImmune’s test kits help both clinicians and patients to understand, at the point of diagnosis,
Sphera, a global provider of Integrated Risk Management software and information services with a focus on Environmental Health & Safety, Operational Risk and Product Stewardship, is to acquire thinkstep, a Stuttgart, Germany-based software and consulting services company that specialises in Corporate Sustainability and Product Stewardship.  The deal is pending customary German regulatory approvals for mergers and acquisitions.    In recent years, thinkstep successfully transformed its business model into a Software-as-a-Service-based solution by following an attractive growth trajectory. Combined with thinkstep’s exceptional client base, this transition allowed it to take a major step forward in the company´s development.     “thinkstep’s cloud-based and on-premise software, data and expertise in the corporate sustainability and product stewardship markets advance our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable and productive world,” says Paul Marushka, Sphera’s president and CEO. “thinkstep’s presence in EMEA and APAC extends our geographic footprint in serving our global customer
Middle-market private equity company Alpine Investors (Alpine) has acquired Frank Gay Services (Frank Gay), a plumbing, HVAC, electrical and mechanical services company based in Orlando, Florida. Terms of the private transaction have not been disclosed. Frank Gay joins Best Home Services (Best), an HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services and repairs company based in Naples, Florida, to serve as the foundation of Apex Service Partners (Apex), Alpine’s new home and commercial services companies. The businesses will continue to operate independently under their respective brands.  “Alpine has extensive experience in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services space and we are excited to
Private equity funds managed by affiliates of Ares Management Corporation (Ares) and Leonard Green & Partners (LGP), together with investment partners GIC, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), have completed the acquisition of Press Ganey Associates from EQT Partners. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Press Ganey Associates is a provider of safety, quality, patient experience and workforce engagement solutions for healthcare organisations.  “We are excited to work with Ares and LGP, two of the leading private equity firms worldwide, to expand on our vision to
Middle market private equity firm HGGC is to acquire all outstanding shares of Monotype Holdings’s common stock for USD19.85 per share in cash, representing an aggregate equity value of approximately USD825 million. The USD19.85 per share cash consideration represents a premium of approximately 23 per cent to Monotype’s closing share price on July 25, 2019, the last full trading day before today’s announcement. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by Monotype’s Board of Directors, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019. Following completion of the transaction, Monotype expects it will remain headquartered in Woburn, MA. Pamela Lenehan,
CAPZA, a private investment platform focused on small and midcaps, has joined forces with the management team at ITAL Express to buy the company as part of a majority LBO, the aim being to help the company shore up its growth. ITAL Express was founded in 1975 and is among France’s leading suppliers of spare parts for trucks, trailers, LCVs and agricultural tractors. The company has over 25,000 SKUs covering the whole range of needs of repair and maintenance professionals. It caters particularly to those requiring original technical components of high quality. It boasts a staff of experienced employees and
Announcement
Schroders will acquire a majority stake in impact investor BlueOrchard, which was Founded in 2001, as one of the world’s first commercial managers of microfinance debt investments. Today, the firm offers investors premium impact investment solutions across asset classes, including credit, private equity and sustainable infrastructure and is an expert in innovative blended finance mandates. The Switzerland-headquartered impact investment business has approximately USD3.5billion in assets under management and operates internationally. Schroders’ partnership with BlueOrchard supports the expansion of its sustainability capabilities. This will help to better serve clients who are increasingly seeking investments which have a beneficial impact on society
UK-based videogame publisher Outright Games has signed a deal with specialist financier ExWorks Capital in order to support its expansion aims.  The funding will contribute towards Outright Games’ growth ambitions, helping to further their plans for global expansion and welcoming a host of exciting new partners. Founded in 2016, Outright Games works alongside some of the biggest entertainment companies in the world to deliver interactive games across all major platforms – including Xbox One, Playstation® 4 and Nintendo Switch. With a global distribution network that covers multiple countries, Outright Games has launched titles from popular family entertainment franchises including How

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