14/09/2011: CatCap advises textunes on sale to Thalia

14/09/2011: CatCap advises textunes on sale to Thalia

The German eReading market has expanded a lot during 2010 with eBooks representing already 5 percent of the total revenue of downloaded files. The selling of electronic books generated total revenues of 21.2 million Euro*. One of the reasons why Thalia expands their strong market position in the German eReading market: “Since launching our own eReader OYO in October 2010 we have established ourselves as one of the leading providers for digital reading in Germany. With our “smart-reading-strategy” we consequently follow this way. For Thalia smart reading is not only letting the costumer choose the content. Additionally the customer is free to choose the device he wants to read the content on. In combination with our personal advisory, our service and our expertise in bookselling trade the “smart-reading-strategy” will become an important long term part in the multichannel focus of Thalia, explained Michael Busch, manager of Thalia Holding the strategic approach. To implement their “smart-reading-strategy”, Thalia integrates the Berlin based company textunes in their concept. The 2009 founded start-up business has meanwhile developed to one the leading providers of platform overlapping eBook-Apps. Furthermore it offers their users the possibility to compare literary likings and -acquirements over community- and social reading functions.

The decision to purchase textunes GmbH and launch an own eReading-App is also based to the fact of rapid increase in the German Smartphone- and Tablet PC market. “The focus in digital content which can also be read on other mobile end devices like smartphones and tablets has heavily increased during the last 12 months”, explained Michael Busch. “Additionally to OYO and our existing content and service offerings we enlarge our expertise in the German eReading market through the comprehensive know-how and offerings of textunes and an own eReading-App to offer our clients a wider and more diversified digital reading adventure.

“Right from the start it was our goal to offer people the possibility to always have access to literature wherever they are and also inspire people for digital reading even if they haven’t had contact with it before. We are glad to cooperate with Thalia to work on expanding in the German-speaking region”, said Simon Seeger, manager of textunes GmbH. “Thalia and textunes complement one another perfectly and with our own eReader, eReading-App and with advisory and service in the stationary bookstores we are ideally set up for a long lasting payoff”, said textunes manager Volker Oppmann.

The purchase of textunes GmbH through Thalia Holding took place on 1. August2011. Both parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price.CatCap has successfully advised the shareholders of textunes on the transaction.

Recent Transactions

28.02.2012 CatCap advises the PMCS.helpLine Software Group on the acquisition of the Dutch MCH+
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09.02.12: RB Partners announces the M&A recent deals Read more...
09.02.12: Cobalt advises on sale of Tomorrow Communications Read more...
07.02.12: Globalscope Partners Limited ranking in Thomson Reuters M&A rankings
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30.07.11: Palladio Corporate Finance acted as sole financial advisor to Policentro Partecipazioni S.p.A. (“Policentro Partecipazioni”)
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RB Partners

announces the M&A deals completed in 2011

RB partners is a Russian-British financial advisory boutique providing investment advisory services to Russian and international institutional investors (private equity funds, strategic investors, pension funds, investment companies, banks, etc.) and corporate management advisory services to financial institutions.

RB Partners has successful experience in execution of more than 50 M&A transaction support and debt recovery projects valued for more than US$1.3 billion.

I. RB Partners has recently provided services of a financial advisor to Russia Partners, a pioneer in private equity investing in Russia and the CIS with over US$1 billion of assets under management. Russia Partners is one of the oldest and largest private equity firms operating within Russia and the CIS. In April 2011, a consortium of international private equity investment funds leaded by Russia Partners acquired an additional issue of shares in KupiVIP, the leading Russian E-commerce company offering high fashion wear and clothing accessories. The transaction amounted approximately to 39 million Euros.

II. RB Partners has also acted as a financial advisor to Renaissance Investment Management, one of the world's leading financial groups, for the sale of a package of shares in The Petersburg Social Commercial Bank for approximately 10 million Euros. In April 2011, a package of the bank’s shares was sold to private investors.

III. RB Partners has been an exclusive advisor to the Regional Real Estate Group, a developer of the one of the largest trading and recreation centers in the Central Federal District of Russia being also highly popular for a wide range of offered social and municipal events. In July 2011, 100% of shares in the Regional Real Estate Group have been sold for about 70 million Euros to The Russian Real Estate Investment Fund specializing in the real estate development and retail trading.

For further information please refer to our website, www.rbpartners.ru, or contact

Konstantin Dzhimbinov, Partner

Tel.: +7 495 726 59 17 E-mail: konstantin.dzhimbinov@rbpartners.ru

26.07.11: RB Partners announces M&A deals completed in 2011.
Read more...
June 2011

Transfer Partners advised the shareholders of EUROPART in their search for an equity investor and within the scope of the sale of their corporation. Transfer Partnersí services included the search for a suitable investor, as well as step-by-step guidance during the corporate sale from preliminary preparations, through the bidding process, up to final negotiations.

The Pederzani family-owned EUROPART negotiated a contract with Triton for the sale of the company. Based in Hagen, Germany, EUROPART is a leading distributor of replacement parts for commercial vehicles with a sales volume of more than 400,000 Euros in the year 2010 across 29 countries.

Triton is a leading European private equity corporation in the German-speaking and Scandinavian parts of the world with offices in Frankfurt, Stockholm, London, Jersey and Luxembourg. The Triton corporation historically has closed multiple investment transactions with mid-sized companies and is counted among the most prestigious and experienced buyers in their sector. Triton is looking forward to working closely with the management at EUROPART to strengthen the companyís financial foundation by means of organic and acquisitive growth and development, as well as operational improvements. Tritonís equity investment in Papyrus (Schneidersˆhne), Europeís leading paper distributor, has already equipped the corporation with far-reaching expertise and a wealth of experience in the distribution sector.

Hans-Peter Artmann, Chief Executive Officer, EUROPART: ìThe executive management team is pleased with the end result of the corporate sale. Triton is the ideal partner for the next level of our development und we are looking forward to advancing the European internationalization and professionalization of our business together with Triton.î

Bernd Pederzani, Spokesman for the Pederzani family: ìMy siblings and I are very happy to have gained Triton as a professional and responsible equity investor and proprietor. We are convinced that Triton will lead EUROPART into a successful future.î

For further information please contact Managing Director , Henning von Poser

Email : vonposer@transfer-partners.de Tel : +49 211 50668 90

24.06.2011: Transfer Partners advised the shareholders of EUROPART in their search for an equity investor and within the scope of the sale of their corporation. Read more...
Intellident Ltd has joined the Swiss Bibliotheca Group to create the largest specialised RFID company in Europe.

Cobalt acted as advisors to the vendor, private equity fund Chamonix LLP, who acquired the Manchester-based business from the LINPAC Group earlier this year.

Intellident is the UK's leading provider of RFID solutions to a range of markets, with a particular focus on asset tracking and management. The company also provides RFID solutions for document management, supply chain and asset tracking solutions to a range of blue-chip businesses in the private & public sector including the NHS and education. Intellident will continue to operate in Manchester, from new premises, and is financially backed by One Equity Partners, a division of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

For further information please contact Chris Williams cwilliams@cobaltcf.com

Cobalt Corporate Finance LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales at 28 Brook Street, London W1K 5DH with number OC333088. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

T +44 (0) 20 7491 1271 F +44 (0) 20 7491 1272 W www.cobaltcf.com

31.05.2011: Intellident Ltd has joined the Swiss Bibliotheca Group to create the largest specialised RFID company in Europe. Read more...
May 2011

Transfer Partners advised the executive management at HELBAKO within the scope of their strategic corporate development. Transfer Partnersí services included the comprehensive analysis of potential companies for business partnership, as well as step-by-step guidance through preliminary preparations up to final negotiations.

HELBAKO is a leading developer and manufacturer of electronic control modules for the automotive industry. Based on extensive client feedback, the strategic solution of the Joint Venture HeWe will make additional dollar-based contracts available to HELBAKO, sustainingly strengthening their competitive position in the global market.

Their business partner, W.E.T. Automotive Systems, finds their position as a retailer reinforced by the Joint Venture in Mexico and expects exponential growth in their key market of automotive climate control over the next few years.

For further information please contact Managing Director , Henning von Poser

Email : vonposer@transfer-partners.de Tel : +49 211 50668 90

31.05.2011: Transfer Partners advised the executive management at HELBAKO within the scope of their strategic corporate development. Read more...
April 2011

Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG (febi) is a leading manufacturer and distributor of spare parts for automobiles and commercial vehicles throughout Europe.

Transfer Partners mandate included the preparation of the acquisition and the due diligence as well as optimizing the structure of the transaction.

Together with Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG, Automotive Distributors Limited will advance the internationalization of its strong brand Blueprint more effectively in future. Headquartered in the UK, Automotive Distributors Limited is a leading provider of spare parts for Asian and American vehicle types.

For further information please contact Managing Director , Henning von Poser

Email : vonposer@transfer-partners.de Tel : +49 211 50668 90

29.04.2011:Transfer Partners advises Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH on the aquisition of all shares in Automotive Distributors Limited. Read more...
05.04.11: GEFCO announces the signature of an agreement to acquire 70% of Gruppo MERCURIO SpA. Read more...
03.03.2011: Cobalt has advised the Talis Group on the sale of its Talis Information Limited division, the leading UK provider of Library Management Software to The Capita Group plc, the leading outsourcing and software business. Read more...

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Whether you are undertaking an acquisition, sale or management buy-out, we will work with you to develop a clear strategy and develop a plan that will ensure we achieve the best outcome for all stakeholders.

Globalscope

Globalscope is a leading group of corporate finance and business advisers operating globally to support clients in cross-border transactions.

09/02/12: Cobalt advises on sale of Tomorrow Communications Read more...

09/02/12: RB Partners announces the M&A recent deals Read more...

13/07/2011 Westcon acquires entrada Kommunikations

Story Datatec Limited, the international information and communications technology (ICT) group, announces that its subsidiary Westcon has agreed to acquire entrada Kommunikations GmbH, a German based, value added distributor of IT security products and provider of sales support and training services. The consideration is not disclosed and will be settled entirely in cash from Westcon's resources. The transaction is still subject to cartel clearance.

The acquisition enhances Westcon's German presence and, with entrada's Swiss operations, allows Westcon to expand into a new geography to better service its pan-European customers' needs, according to a company media release.

Founded in 1996, entrada is the second-largest value added distributor of security products in Germany, the company said. It has a portfolio of solutions that includes Trend Micro, McAfee, Juniper and Riverbed. Since its founding, entrada has grown to achieve annualised revenues of over EUR 63m (USD 88m). It will now form part of Westcon's European Security operations.

Jens Montanana, Datatec's Chief Executive commented: "The acquisition of the second largest security distributor in Germany allows Westcon to significantly penetrate Europe's biggest economy and gives its European Security division a wider geographic footprint to better service its customers' requirements. "entrada's complementary vendor portfolio further strengthens Westcon's security offering in Europe, bringing significant possibilities for cross selling into both customer bases," he said.

Source Company Press Release(s)

Value GBP 56m (target's revenues)

Stake Value more than 30% inclusive

07/02/2012: Globalscope Partners Limited ranking in Thomson Reuters M&A rankings

30/11/2011: CMW International press release – Sale of PROMOPLAST

13/01/2012: Medium-sized European enterprises begin to seek acquisitions in Brazil

14/09/2011: CatCap advises textunes on sale to Thalia Read more...

14/09/2011: CatCap advises on exit to leading UK-based dating company Cupid plc Read more...

12/09/2011: Kerry Group to acquire SuCrest Read more...

12/09/2011: Suzuki Motor aims to buy back 19.9% stake held by Volkswagen
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10/08/2011: Hestya Energy B.V. today announced it has signed an agreement to purchase the Wilhelmshaven oil refinery,
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10/08/2011: Crescent Gold: Focus Minerals' interest rises to 62.12% after Deutsche Bank accepts 8.48% stake

08/08/11: Home appliance giant Midea Holding Co. Ltd. (000527.SZ) has agreed to buy a 51% stake in Carrier Corp.’s air-conditioner assets in Latin America

05/08/11: Swiss travel retailer Dufry has bought airport retail operations in five emerging markets,

05/08/2011: Talaris, a global expert in cash management solutions, today announced that it has fully acquired Lutzwolf Systems.
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04/08/2011: VWR International, a global leader in distributing laboratory supplies and services, will acquire LabPartner (Shanghai) Co Ltd.

25/07/2011 GrainCorp acquires GermanMalt for EUR 58m

Story GrainCorp today announced that it had entered into a binding agreement (ëAgreementí) to purchase GermanMalt GmbH & Co. KG for an enterprise value of EUR 58m (AUD 77m).

GrainCorp Managing Director and CEO Alison Watkins said, ìThe European barley and malt sector has a major influence on world markets, as around half the worldís malt exports originate there and it is strategically important for GrainCorp to be an active participant in that market. The sector is also reshaping and now is the right time to enter Europe to take advantage of these changes.

ìGermanMalt fits with our strategy of pursuing grain based opportunities related to our existing businesses and growing as an ëend-to-endí grain supplier and processor.î

The acquisition will mean GrainCorpís malt sales into the growth regions of Africa and South America will be more competitive, and provides GrainCorp with a stronger customer supply proposition.

ìWith GermanMalt, GrainCorpís malt portfolio is strengthened, and our capability to meet the needs of brewers will be enhanced. The acquisition diversifies our earnings base and creates growth opportunities in the region. Our recently opened Hamburg office will play an important part in delivering synergies associated with this acquisition, as will the ability to use GermanMalt as an additional source of supply to support our existing malt sales from North America and Australia.

ìIt is also a good news story for Australian agribusiness. GrainCorp is proud to be an Australian company, with a strong domestic base, growing as a valuable link in the international food chain,î Ms Watkins said.

GermanMalt has four malt houses, with 190,000 tonnes of malting capacity PA, located in the German cities of Worms, Muelheim/Ruhr, Sangerhausen and Clingen.

Source Stock Exchange Announcement(s)

Value GBP 51m (deal size)

Stake Value N/A

25/07/2011: GrainCorp today announced that it had entered into a binding agreement ('Agreement') to purchase GermanMalt GmbH & Co. KG

22/07/2011 Stroer Group company acquires MegaMedium Nederland

Story

BlowUP media Benelux, a Strˆer Group company and specialist for large-scale outdoor advertisements, has taken

over the Maxdec Group's activities with large-scale posters in the Netherlands. This acquisition includes all of the locations and employees of Dutch outdoor advertiser MegaMedium Nederland B.V., part of the Maxdec media group. By finalizing the transaction, blowUp has further strengthened its market position, and the company now manages over 30 large-scale poster sites in major towns and cities throughout the Netherlands, including the very prominent 150 square-meter poster space on Amsterdam's main street, Rokin, which runs south from Dam Square to Muntplein.

The acquisition by blowUP ensures that MegaMedium's business activities will continue and that its existing customers can count on ongoing support. The Maxdec holding company withdraws from the giant poster segment and will

now concentrate on its core business activities of video, production and digital media.

Cedric Boterman, founder of MegaMedium Nederland states, "We welcome the acquisition and believe it represents a good opportunity for the sector's growth prospects. blowUP media is the ideal company to buy the assets of MegaMedium Nederland, and it is perfectly positioned to continue working with MegaMedium's customers and business partners while retaining the company's employee base."

Heinz Leuters, COO at blowUP media Group, says, "The acquisition of MegaMedium's assets significantly strengthens our position in the Netherlands and Europe. Starting now, our customers have an even larger range of giant posters to choose from. Over the last 10 years, we have continuously worked on developing large-scale external advertising in the

Netherlands, and we have made a particularly important contribution with our introduction of new premium products such as the LED backlit units on Damrak, the street which leads to Amsterdam's central station."

Source Company Press Release(s)

Value

Stake Value 100%

22/07/2011: BlowUP media Benelux, a Stroer Group company and specialist for large-scale outdoor advertisements, has taken over the Maxdec Group's

20/07/2011: Gestamp Automocion, the international Group dedicated to the design, development and manufacture of metal components

19/07/2011 Continental acquires Modi tyre business

Story Continental, the listed German car parts company, issued the following press release on 18 July:

ï International Automotive Supplier Continental acquires 100% stake in Modi Tyres Company Limited

ï Strengthened presence in India with local production and distribution of bias and radial truck & bus tires and radial passenger car tires

Hanover/Delhi, July 18, 2011. Continental, one of the leading international automotive suppliers and the worldís fourth-largest tire manufacturer, has acquired a 100% shareholding in Modi Tyres Company Limited (MTCL), a subsidiary of Modi Rubber LTD. Further to the announcement in April, Continental confirms that it has now received the necessary regulatory clearances and has completed the acquisition. The purchase price consideration for 100% of the shares of MTCL is approx. EUR 18.5m. Both parties have agreed to keep other commercial details of the transaction confidential.

MTCL has now become a fully owned subsidiary of Continental Corporation and will be renamed as Continental Tyres India Limited. The new entity will focus on local production and distribution of bias and radial truck and bus tires as well as radial passenger car tires for the Indian market.

Commenting on the occasion, Nikolai Setzer, member of Continentalís Executive Board and head of the Passenger and Light Truck Tire (PLT) Division said: ìThe acquisition of MTCL underlines our commitment to the Indian market. It is part of our strategy to invest into local production of both passenger car tires and truck tires in growing markets in Asia.î For the commercial vehicle tire business, for which Setzer will be responsible within Continental as of August 1st as well, the move is an important signal: ìIndiaís truck tire market is of outstanding relevance worldwide and exceeds with a size of 18 million tires per year already the Western and Central European market.î As well the PLT market shows substantial growth rates, both in replacement and original equipment business, where Continental has a strong position and long-standing expertise. ìThus, we are confident that our premium technology combined with the new local presence will make Continental a reliable and strategic partner both for the tire replacement business and original equipment manufacturers in Indiaî, Setzer said.

ìThe highly motivated employees in Modipuram, Partapur and Delhi are looking forward to contributing their profound knowhow of the Indian market as well as the company's local distribution structure to the success of the internationally renowned corporation of Continental in an increasingly competitive market environment,î Alok Modi, former CEO of MTCL, pointed out at the closing of the deal.

Continental Tyres India Ltd will have its registered office in Delhi with manufacturing facilities both in Modipuram and Partapur. Currently, an integration team works jointly with the new employees on achieving an optimal start for Continental Tyres India with the full set of resources now available from Continental. On August 24th, prior to the first town hall meeting with the entire team in Modipuram, Executive Board member Nikolai Setzer together with the Head of Continental India and the management of Continental Tyres India will invite to a press meet in Delhi to share more detailed information.

Source Company Press Release*

Value GBP 16m (approximate price)

Stake Value more than 30% inclusive

19/07/2011: Continental acquires Modi tyre business. Continental, the listed German car parts company, issued the following press release on 18 July:

14/09/2011: CatCap advises textunes on sale to Thalia

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