www.gilde.nl

Gilde Buy Out Partners is one of Europe’s foremost mid-market private equity investors, with managed funds in excess of €1.3 billion. Gilde operates in the Benelux and its neighbouring economies France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. With offices in The Netherlands, Switzerland and France and its multinational team, Gilde is truly entrenched in these markets and can offer local expertise coupled with European reach and execution skills.

Since its inception in 1982, Gilde has invested in over 250 companies across a diverse range of sectors. At €600 million its current investment fund Gilde Buy Out Fund III is among the largest dedicated mid-market buyout investment funds in Europe today.

Gilde Buy Out Partners have consistently delivered high returns to its investors. The Gilde Buy Out Funds are subscribed by over 30 institutional investors which include some of the worlds leading financial institutions, pension funds and specialised investment funds.

Focus

The €600 million Gilde Buy Out Fund III is a mid-market private equity investment fund with a geographical focus on buyout transactions in the Benelux, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. With offices in The Netherlands, France and Switzerland, Gilde’s team of investment professionals have a deep understanding of the markets they operate in.

We define mid-market companies as companies with a value between €75 and €500 million. With the capacity to underwrite up to €120 million in a single transaction Gilde Buy Out Partners covers both ends of the mid market spectrum with a “sweet spot” deal value between €100 and €250 million.

Investment opportunities stem from a variety of situations: non-core businesses spun off from large multinationals, family businesses, public-to-private transactions and secondary buyouts. Gilde Buy Out Partners has unrivalled access to proprietary deal sources in its home markets but will also participate in auctions.

Investment Criteria

Each year Gilde Buy Out Partners review over 100 investment opportunities which are diverse both in terms of geographical location and industry.

Regardless of industry or location, businesses we invest in will always share the following characteristics:

• Led by a highly motivated and experienced management team who pursue leadership in every aspect and are willing to invest alongside us
• Sizable businesses with strong, often leading market positions and growth potential
• Operating result (EBIT) in excess of €8 million
• A predictable positive cash flow

Whilst Gilde has no sector specialisation or preference it is recognised for its superior track record in food and beverage investments.

Value Added

Gilde Buy Out Partners aims to create value for the businesses it invests in through a tried-and-tested approach based on experience. Whether you are selling, managing or advising a business, in Gilde you will find a reliable business partner who offers:

• Longstanding experience in private equity investments across Europe
• Intimate knowledge of a broad range of industries
• Active support to drive meaningful business changes
• The ability to optimally structure and arrange the complete financing of a buyout
• The ability to commit up to €120 million of equity in a single transaction
• A seasoned team of multilingual investment professionals combining over 70 years of investment expertise
• Profound “local” knowledge and insight; understanding the innate business cultures in each of its home markets
• Access to an international network of industry experts and corporate finance intermediaries
• Fast and independent decision making
• The ability to provide continuing financing for acquisitions and active market consolidation
• A creative approach to achieving a profitable exit
• A shared ambition to be the industry leader and a commitment to success

Gilde Buy Out Partners Newtonlaan 91 3584 BP UTRECHT Netherlands T: +31 30 219 2535 F: +31 30 219 2530

Gilde Buy Out Partners SAS 69 Boulevard Haussmann 75008 PARIS France T: +33 140 980515 F: +33 140 980518

Gilde Buy Out Partners AG Holbeinstrasse 31 CH-8008 ZURICH Switzerland T: +41 43 268 2030 F: +41 43 268 2035

Web address: www.gilde.nl

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