Axion BioSystems is a US-based life sciences tools company focused on advanced live-cell assay systems and a portfolio company of Summa Equity. Axion BioSystems has acquired CytoSMART, a Dutch biotechnology company focused on kinetic live-cell imaging analysis. The acquisition of CytoSMART puts Axion in a position for significant expansion in the fields of stem cell research, immuno-oncology, cell-based therapies, and drug discovery. We advised CytoSMART and its selling shareholders, including Holland Capital, BOM and ECFG (Eindhoven Corporate Finance Group), on this transaction.

LeydenJar Technologies, a Dutch start-up originating from TNO that has developed battery technology based on 100% silicon anodes, has raised € 22 million in a new financing round for further development and upscaling. The capital was provided by a consortium of investors consisting of YARD ENERGY, Catalus Capital, Invest-NL, ING Sustainable Investments and Somerset Capital Partners together with a number of existing shareholders (including BOM, DOEN participaties and PVS Investments). We advised lead investor YARD ENERGY and the consortium of investors.

Visualfabriq has partnered with leading growth equity investment firm PSG. Visualfabriq’s SaaS platform supports global consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers in managing and optimizing their promotions and demand planning. Its solutions are designed to improve revenue growth management for the world’s leading CPG brands by integrating big data, AI and intuitive workflows. PSG is a leading growth equity firm that focuses on partnering with mid-market software and technology-enabled services companies. PSG’s investment aims to accelerate Visualfabriq’s organic growth and assist in future product development. We advised Visualfabriq and its shareholders on this transaction.

Betty Blocks, a leading enterprise no-code application development platform for citizen development, has raised $33 million in funding. The round was led by European Private Equity and Venture Capital investor SmartFin Capital. Also participating were existing investors Morse Investments and NIBC Bank. We advised Betty Blocks.

We advised Derma2Care with the investment by Amazing Whale Ventures. Derma2Care is specialized in skin therapy, laser treatment and fat-freezing.

We advised Standard Investment on acquiring a 50% interest in Hollandia Structures, Hollandia Infra, Hollandia Services, Everest Industriële Montage and Hollandia UK. Hollandia is one of the leading parties in the field of steel and mechanical engineering in the segments of infrastructure, maintenance, petrochemical, high-rise buildings and utility construction. The business units are transferred to a new holding company called Hollandia Orange, in which Hollandia Holding and Standard Investment each have a 50% interest. The company has its headquarters in Krimpen aan den IJssel and branches in Heijningen, Fijnaart and London (UK). The Hollandia Orange companies achieved a turnover of approximately EUR 100 million in 2018 with a pre-tax result of approximately EUR 6.5 million. The company employs around 300 people.

We advised NPM Capital in connection with the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Ultimaker, global leader in desktop 3D printing. NPM Capital’s investment will allow Ultimaker to accelerate product development and invest in additional sales, marketing and R&D resources, which will help Ultimaker to expand on their global market position.

We advised Standard Investment and Foreman Capital on the acquisition of Bosal-Sekura Industries A/S from the BOSAL Group. The company, which continues as Sekura Cabins A/S, is the European market leader in top-quality space frame cabs for construction/mining, forestry, agricultural and industrial vehicles. The company’s production facility and headquarters are located in Randers, Denmark. Sekura Cabins offers employment to around 130 people and has a turnover of approximately 230 million Danish crowns (over 31 million Euro).

We advised NPM Capital on its investment in Picnic, an online supermarket operating in Dutch cities including Utrecht, Amersfoort and Almere. It recently announced that it will soon also begin serving Delft, Leidschendam, Voorburg, Nootdorp, Ede and Veenendaal. Picnic has grown at an explosive pace since it was launched eighteen months ago. Picnic is receiving 100 million euros of additional capital from four Dutch private equity firms. In addition to NPM Capital, private equity firms De Hoge Dennen, Hoyberg and Finci are participating in the investment. The joint investment will enable Picnic to realize its ambitious growth plans.

We advised Dutch Bakery, a portfolio company of Standard Investment, on the acquisition of PB Bake-off. The company, incorporated in 1991, is one of the leading producers of Viennoiserie (luxury sweet pastry), croissants and cheese stems in the Netherlands and will be integrated into Dutch Bakery. The acquisition fits perfectly with Dutch Bakery’s strategy, among other things because Dutch Bakery will have access to significant additional production capacity. For example, PB Bake-off has a state-of-the-art croissant line with a capacity of 140 million croissants per year and the company has a very large freezer facility. This will further facilitate the rapid growth of Dutch Bakery. The transaction also offers good opportunities for widening the Dutch Bakery assortment and increasing the sales market for PB Bake-off.