Nanogate AG:
BIP Investment Partners becomes new anchor investor
Luxembourg-based investment company acquires 10.5% of Nanogate shares – Long-term investment planned, minimum holding period 1 year
Saarbrücken, 25 July 2007. Nanogate AG (ISIN DE 000A0JKHC9) has gained a long-term investor. The Luxembourg-based investment company BIP Investment Partners is acquiring 10.5% of shares in the company as a long-term commitment. The contractually agreed lock-up period is one year.
BIP Investment Partners is acquiring off-market 200,000 shares of which the majority is from the Nanogate Technologies GmbH holding, consisting mainly of equity held by financial investors (3i, Sal. Oppenheim, equinet ESCFI, SET). To make up the 10.5%, NanoTec Beteiligungen GmbH (Management) is also contributing shares. Secrecy was agreed on the purchase price. BIP Investment Partners is an independent equity investment company listed in Luxembourg. It currently manages a volume of €600 million and holds shares in more than 30 companies, including indirectly two nanotechnology firms. The largest shareholder in BIP Investment Partners, which was founded in April 2000, is Fortis Banque Luxembourg.
Marc Faber, General Manager of BIP Investment Partners, said, “Nanogate AG has a very interesting business model and very good management. It is outstandingly well positioned strategically and extremely successful operationally. We aim to accompany Nanogate on a long-term basis as a generator of ideas. We are convinced that our commitment will pay off in many ways.” Within the scope of its equity holding the new anchor investor will make use of its existing network to support the company on its growth course. “BIP Investment Partners’ commitment to Nanogate confirms us in our conviction that our business has enormous growth potential. We are delighted to have gained the extra expertise and good contacts,” said Ralf Zastrau, CEO of Nanogate AG. “We anticipate additional positive effects in the implementation of our NEXT growth programme.” Saarbrücken-based Nanogate AG is currently growing dynamically and recently gained access to the US market with a large order placed by a leading bathroom fixtures company. For the past three years, sales have grown by an average of 65.7% per annum.
