News - 02.01.2006

Ferd Private Equity Fund II acquires Micro Matic Norge AS

(Lysaker, 2 January 2006) Ferd Private Equity Fund II (“FPEF II”) has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Micro Matic Norge AS.

FPEF acquires the electro distributor Micro Matic Norge AS from the founders and the management of the company.

Micro Matic Norge AS has a leading position in Norway within its segments. The company imports and markets components and systems for management and control of technical installations in the segments electro, heating and ventilation. The company’s largest customers are wholesalers in the electro business. The company’s product groups include i.a. light, heating and ventilation management, control systems, smarthouse solutions, calling systems, installation material and current transformers.

The company has its head office at Hvalstad, Norway and has regional offices in Bergen, Molde and Haugesund. The company has 32 employees.

In 2005 Micro Matic Norge AS had a turnover of NOK 164 million and an operating profit (EBIT) of approximately NOK 35 million. The company has experienced strong growth recent years.

FPEF II is an investment fund with NOK 4.25 billion in committed capital from Norwegian and international investors. FPEF II has financial strength enabling the fund take dominant ownership positions in well-established companies with potential for further growth. Ferd Private Equity Fund II today one portfolio company, Nille. Portfolio companies of Ferd Private Equity Fund I: Pronova Biocare, Epax, Noratel, Handicare, Wonderland, Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden and D&F Group.

Ferd Equity Partners AS is the exclusive advisor to Ferd Private Equity Fund. Ferd Equity Partners is managed by Gert W. Munthe, Morten Blix and Tore Rynning-Nielsen.

“We are very pleased with the acquisition of Micro Matic”, says Gert W. Munthe, Managing Partner of Ferd Equity Partners. “The company has established a solid platform with strong customer and supplier relationships, a broad product portfolio including products and solutions within power saving, design material and technologically attractive smarthouse solutions, and hence fits well into our investment strategy.”

Contact:
Managing Partner, Ferd Equity Partners AS: Gert W. Munthe
Telephone: + 47 67 10 80 50, mobile: + 47 92 02 23 63

For information about the company: www.micro-matic.no