Capvis is a
private equity firm focused on
leveraged buyout and
growth capital
Growth capital (also called expansion capital and growth equity) is a type of private equity investment, usually a minority investment, in relatively mature companies that are looking for capital to expand or restructure operations, enter new mark ...
investments in
middle-market companies across a range of industries in the Industrial Corridor of Europe (Switzerland, Germany, Italy and the Benelux).
The firm is based in
Baar and was founded in 1990. The firm has raised approximately €3.2 billion since inception across three independent funds as well as two predecessor funds.
History
The firm was founded in 1990 as division of
Swiss Bank Corporation, one of the constituent pieces that today is part of
UBS AG. From 1990 through 1994, the group had approximately
CHF 84 million to invest. Beginning in 1995, the group was branded SBC Equity Partners but was still a wholly owned subsidiary of
Swiss Bank Corporation. SBC Equity Partners invested from a CHF 117 million vehicle, SBC Equity Partners Fund.
In 1999, shortly after the merger of
Swiss Bank Corporation and
Union Bank of Switzerland, the firm began to raise capital from outside investors. This first Capvis fund raised CHF 340 million of investor commitments. While UBS held approximately 40% of the firm's capital, the remainder came from Swiss and international investors.
In 2003, Capvis completed a spinout from UBS, including a buyout of the bank's ownership interest to become a fully independent private equity firm. Subsequently, the firm completed fundraising for a €340 million fund, Capvis II.
In 2008, Capvis raised €600 million for its third independent fund, Capvis III.
In December 2013, Capvis bought swimwear brand
Arena
An arena is a large enclosed platform, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theatre, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators ...
for an undisclosed sum.
In 2014, the firm closed Capvis Equity IV for €720 million.
In March 2015, it was reported that Capvis, other European buyout groups
Permira
Permira is a global investment firm. Founded in 1985, the firm advises funds with assets under management of €60+ billion. The Permira funds have made approximately 300 private equity investments in four key sectors: Technology, Consumer, Ser ...
and
Bridgepoint, and South Korean investment firm
NXMH were lining up final bids for fashion group
Bogner.
In 2018, Capvis closed middle-market fund Capvis Equity V for €1.2 billion.
In December 2019, Capvis acquires Tertianum Group.
References
Allianz Capital Partners to sell BARTEC to Capvis AltAssets, August 6, 2008
Capvis acquires KVT for €325m, July 21, 2008
Swiss Capvis backs management buy-out of ORIOR Food Group AltAssets, Aug 31, 2006
HgCapital partners with Capvis in €325m acquisition of Koenig Verbindungstechnik AltAssets, September 19, 2008
External links
Capvis(company website)
Private equity firms of Switzerland
Financial services companies established in 1990
Financial services companies of Switzerland
Investment banking private equity groups
UBS
Swiss companies established in 1990
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