FCG partners with IK to build a leading GRC services provider in the European market
FCG Group AB (“FCG”) is pleased to announce a partnership with IK Partners (“IK”), with the target to become a leading governance, risk management and compliance (“GRC”) services provider in the European market. IK acquires its stake in FCG from Bridgepoint Group plc (“Bridgepoint”), becoming the new majority owner.
IK, a European private equity firm, announced today that IK Small Cap III Fund has signed an agreement to acquire FCG, from international private equity group Bridgepoint. The deal, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022. Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.
FCG is a GRC services provider, offering advisory, outsourcing, GRC technology and fund administration services to the financial services industry. With in-depth expertise, FCG helps clients manage their challenges and guide them in an ever-changing environment. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, FCG has evolved to become a leading Nordic GRC player with more than 270 employees located across six offices in the Nordics and Germany. FCG is serving a diversified customer base ranging from fast-growing fintech start-ups to large banks.
Together with IK, FCG plans to continue its international growth strategy, further strengthen the service offering within key growth areas such as ESG and build its position as a leading GRC technology provider. IK is acquiring its stake alongside management and key employees who will be reinvesting and remain significant shareholders. FCG will continue to be led by the CEO Kristian Bentzer and his team.
“We are pleased to welcome IK as our new partner and majority owner as we embark on the next phase of our journey to become a leading European GRC-firm. This partnership will form a solid basis on which we can further strengthen and accelerate our growth ambitions. Since inception, we have continuously developed our offering to become a full-service GRC player in the Nordics and Germany and we look forward to expanding our geographical presence and service offering together with IK.” says Kristian Bentzer, Group CEO and Partner at FCG.
“FCG occupies a leading position in a growing market with favourable underlying drivers. In an ever-evolving regulatory environment with increased complexity, the demand for GRC services is expected to increase over time. We’ve been following FCG for many years and believe the company is well positioned to cater to that demand and we look forward to partnering with Kristian and the entire FCG team to continue to build upon their impressive track record.” says Erik Ingemarsson, Partner at IK Partners and Advisor to the IK Small Cap III Fund.
“We have had the pleasure to partner with a talented and highly committed team; the progress that FCG has achieved during our ownership has been impressive. During this period, FCG has more than doubled in size, through both internal business development and M&A, expanding the service offering across the GRC arena, added tech capabilities and software solutions and also expanded internationally. FCG is now well placed to continue its growth ambitions and development under new ownership, and we look forward to following the Company's future development." says Johan Dahlfors, Partner at Bridgepoint Development Capital and responsible for its investment activities in the Nordic region.
For media enquiries and further information, please contact:
FCG
Kristian Bentzer, Group CEO and Partner
+46766350507
kristian.bentzer@fcg.se
Maria Sandström Anderson, Chief Marketing Officer
+46733850643
maria.sandstrom@fcg.se
IK Partners
Vidya Verlkumar, Marketing and Communications Manager
+447787558193
vidya.verlkumar@ikpartners.com
Bridgepoint
James Murray
+44 207 034 3555
james.murray@bridgepoint.eu
About FCG
FCG is a leading governance, risk and compliance firm, offering best-in-class services and tech solutions to the European financial industry. Since 2008, FCG has combined financial, legal and technological expertise to advise and challenge the financial industry with insights and experience. FCG helps their clients navigate a changing and complex regulatory environment, supporting them in every step from analysis and advice to implementation and outsourcing. For more information, visit www.fcg.global
About IK Partners
IK is a European private equity firm focused on investments in the Benelux, DACH, France, Nordics and the UK. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €14 billion of capital and invested in over 160 European companies. IK supports companies with strong underlying potential, partnering with management teams and investors to create robust, well-positioned businesses with excellent long-term prospects. For more information, visit www.ikpartners.com
About Bridgepoint
Bridgepoint is a leading quoted private assets growth investor focused on the middle-market with over €30 billion AUM and a local presence in the US, Europe and China. Bridgepoint specialises in private equity and private credit and invest internationally in six principal sectors – business services, consumer, financial services, healthcare, advanced industrials and technology. For more information, visit www.bridgepoint.eu
The transaction is subject to competition clearance and regulatory approvals.
