2 min read · 04 June 2019
Young Innovations has acquired Germiphene Corp, a Brantford, Ontario-based manufacturer and distributor of infection control materials and other products for dental use. No financial terms were disclosed. The seller was CEO and owner Leslie Drake, who will continue to provide leadership to the company. Based in Algonquin, Illinois, Young Innovations is a developer and maker of consumable dental products used in preventive, restorative and other procedures. Young Innovations was acquired in 2017 by The Jordon Company (TJC), a U.S. mid-market private equity firm. It is also backed by Linden Capital Partners.
3 min read · 03 June 2019
Canadian private equity firm Onex Corp has wrapped up its acquisition of Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc (TSX: GS), a Toronto-based wealth management business. The deal, announced in March, had a total consideration of about $445 million (US$330 million). Onex said the transaction brings together "two of Canada’s pre-eminent investment firms and provides investors with a comprehensive investment offering across both private and public markets." Gluskin Sheff will be de-listed from the Toronto Stock Exchange on June 4.
3 min read · 03 June 2019
MacKay CEO Forums, a Vancouver-based peer-to-peer CEO network, has secured an investment from Yellow Point Equity Partners, a Canadian mid-market private equity firm. No financial terms were disclosed. MacKay operates a national, member-based peer learning organization, featuring events and networking activities for CEOs, executives and owners of businesses with revenue of up to $5 billion. Since its inception in 2005, MacKay has grown to more than 1,000 CEOs, executives and owners located across Canada and representing all major industries. Founder and CEO Nancy MacKay said the partnership with Yellow Point will help accelerate the company's growth.
3 min read · 03 June 2019
Georgian Partners is preparing to launch a fifth growth equity fund with a target of about $1 billion (US$750 million), according to a report by the Globe and Mail. Georgian recently announced its plans to existing limited partners, the report said. The Toronto-based firm closed Georgian Partners Growth Fund IV last year at its $715 million (US$550 million) hard cap. Founded in 2008 by Managing Partners John Berton, Simon Chong and Justin LaFayette, Georgian is well known in the market for its applied-analytics investment thesis, allied with a focus on applied artificial intelligence, conversational business, and security in software design.
1 min read · 03 June 2019
BDC Capital has provided a non-dilutive facility of $2 million to Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services, a Guelph, Ontario-based contract research organization for the health product and food sectors. The financing, BDC's sixth with Nutrasource, was completed through its Growth and Transition Capital group. Founded in 2002, Nutrasource provides regulatory, research and development (R&D), clinical trials and analytical testing solutions to help companies bring products to market. The facility's proceeds will be used for R&D spending eligible under Ottawa's Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentive program.
3 min read · 03 June 2019
Citron Hygiene LP has acquired 1st Class Hygiene, a Moira, Leicestershire, U.K.-based provider of washroom hygiene, pest control services and related products. Terms weren't disclosed. The seller was the Fantham family. Paul Fantham and Philip Fantham will join Citron in leadership roles within its U.K. organization. Citron, a Toronto-based provider of washroom hygiene, pest control, ware-washing, chemicals and life-safety solutions, said the deal will help grow the company's platforms in the United Kingdom. Citron was acquired in 2016 by Canadian mid-market private equity firm Birch Hill Equity Partners in partnership with CEO Peter Farrell.
3 min read · 03 June 2019
CAI Capital Partners initially closed its sixth lower-mid-market fund, targeted to raise $100 million, the Vancouver private equity firm said in a news release. The amount of capital committed to the first close of CAI Capital Partners VI was not released. The money came from new and returning limited partners, CAI said, anchored by Export Development Canada, a first-time investor. Other LPs included high-net-worth individuals, family offices and institutions. Along with Fund VI’s initial close, the firm expanded its partnership team to include Rob Wildeman, best known for his more than 12 years as an investment pro with Parallel49 Equity and its predecessor Tricor Pacific Capital.
2 min read · 03 June 2019
U.S. private equity firm Thoma Bravo has acquired Autodata Solutions Group, a London, Ontario-based provider of data and software solutions to the automotive industry. Terms weren't disclosed. Bloomberg reported in April the deal is valued at about US$1 billion. The seller was Internet Brands Inc, a U.S. online media and software services organization backed by KKR. Founded in 1990, Autodata Solutions provides SaaS and software solutions ranging from back-end automation systems that enable dealer-to-original equipment manufacturer vehicle ordering to consumer-focused marketing initiatives. The management team, led by President Craig Jennings, will continue to run the company from its Canadian headquarters.
3 min read · 31 May 2019
Narbé Alexandrian, CEO of Canopy Rivers, the venture arm of Canopy Growth, is leading an ambitious strategy to fill a funding gap for startups expected to drive growth in the burgeoning global pot industry. Alexandrian, hired last year from OMERS Ventures, told PE Hub Canada the firm is targeting long-term financings of early-stage marijuana companies, a space investors have largely ignored. Investing from a $300 million pool, Canopy Rivers seeks opportunities across the cannabis value chain, a focus that also differentiates the firm. “Everybody is chasing the next cultivation deal,” Alexandrian said, noting this overlooks a wealth of ancillary activities representing strong growth potential.
3 min read · 31 May 2019
