NBGI Private Equity completes spin-out and launches as Stage Capital

NBGI Private Equity has completed its spin-out from the National Bank of Greece and will be known as Stage Capital. Deutsche Bank Private Equity (DBPE) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) are backing the deal and have acquired 100 percent of National Bank of Greece’s interests in the funds under management for 288 million euros ($323.6 million) in consideration. DBPE and GSAM will be LPs in the funds managed by the firm, alongside members of the Stage Capital team.

PRESS RELEASE

Stage Capital today announces that it has completed its separation from NBGI, backed
by funds managed by Deutsche Bank Private Equity (“DBPE”) and Goldman Sachs Asset
Management (“GSAM”, together the “Investors”).
DBPE and GSAM will be Limited Partners in the funds managed by the firm, alongside
significant investment by members of the Stage Capital team. The Investors have
acquired 100% of National Bank of Greece’s interests in the funds under management
by NBGI Private Equity for a consideration of €288m, in addition to committed funding
to support and build the existing portfolio.
The core senior investment team members from NBGI Private Equity have become
partners in Stage Capital, led by incoming Managing Partner & CEO Graham Thomas,
whose previous experience includes roles at Goldman Sachs, MidOcean Partners and RIT
Capital Partners.
Stage Capital manages a portfolio comprising private equity, venture capital and real
estate investments across UK and Europe. A number of portfolio companies remain in
growth and build-up mode and the firm will continue to be active in making acquisitions
and supporting organic growth.
Stage typically invests between €5m-€25m into each portfolio company, and has been
committed to investing in the midmarket since 2000. The team will continue to back
experienced, dynamic management teams to build strong platform investments and
drive change to create valuable, sustainable businesses.
Graham Thomas commented:
“The Stage Capital name reflects the platform that we provide as an investor, both in
terms of the financial support and the expertise that we bring as a seasoned investment
team. We are delighted to have been backed by DBPE and GSAM, and are focused on
realising strong returns for our Investors. There are exciting opportunities to further
develop and build Stage Capital.”
In the run up to completion of its spin out, Stage Capital has remained active on the
investment and exit front:
Stage Capital recently secured a successful exit from its Real Estate portfolio. Stage
Capital’s Polish logistics assets, comprising five warehouses with a combined area of
over 126,000 sqm, were profitably sold to real estate investor Hines in July 2016. The
Real Estate portfolio has also invested further in its Czech logistics portfolio,
commencing the construction of a new 30,000 sqm building which is due to complete by
the year end.
On the Buyout front, UK-based ATR Group (which Stage Capital acquired in 2012)
announced its merger with Centurion in late July 2016. The combination creates a global
player in the oil and gas rental equipment and services market with a group turnover of
over £100 million, operating from bases in the UK, Netherlands, Caspian, Singapore,
Australia and the US. ATR’s chief executive Keith Moorhouse has become CEO of the
combined group in which Stage remains a significant investor.