31 Jan 2008
PART OF A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT IN UTIMACO’S STRATEGY TO BECOME A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE INFORMATION PROTECTION SOLUTIONS MARKET
Utimaco, the data security company, today announced that Investcorp Technology Partners, a trans-Atlantic technology private equity investment group, has secured an approx. 24% shareholding in the company. The current market capitalisation of Utimaco values Investcorp Technology Partners’ stake at approximately EURO 40 million. As its new major shareholder, Investcorp Technology Partners can strengthen Utimaco’s long-term growth plans to become a significant player in the fast growing market for information protection solutions.
With this transaction, Investcorp Technology Partners becomes once again the largest shareholder in Utimaco, which, since the exit of Investcorp in September 2005, has had a free float of 100% on the basis of 14,745,449 shares issued. In September 2003, Investcorp Technology Partners became an anchor investor, enabling an acceleration of Utimaco’s growth strategy in the mobile data security market. The opportunity to exploit the potential of Utimaco’s products in the fast growing information protection solutions space now fits once again with the investment strategy of Investcorp Technology Partners.
According to IDC, a leading industry analyst, the market for information protection solutions (data in motion, date at rest, data in use) will grow with a CAGR of 33.4% from $765 million in 2006 to $3.2 billion in 2011. Key drivers for this market are increasing risks for the exposure of corporate data and the growing number of regulatory requirements regarding data breaches. With its next generation solution suite, SafeGuard Enterprise, Utimaco offers a leading security platform that enables corporate customers to address their data protection issues with a comprehensive, long-term security strategy.
“We have monitored Utimaco’s track record over the past several years and continue to be impressed by Utimaco’s expertise in developing innovative IT security solutions. Our aim is to support Utimaco in order to accelerate its growth by strengthening Utimaco’s presence in the international markets and, on a selective basis, explore potential acquisition opportunities”, said Hazem Ben-Gacem, managing director of Investcorp Technology Partners.
“Investcorp is very familiar with our business and our market. Their renewed commitment confirms our strategy, the strength of our portfolio and the potential of our market. We are delighted to have Investcorp as a strong financial investor to support our growth strategy as an independent vendor for leading data protection solutions”, said Martin Wülfert, CEO of Utimaco Safeware AG.
Utimaco Safeware AG – The Data Security Company
Utimaco is a leading global provider of data security solutions, enabling mid- to large-size organizations to safeguard their data assets against intentional or accidental data loss, and to comply with privacy laws. Utimaco’s complete range of data security solutions provide full 360 degree data protection for data at rest, data in motion and data in use. Utimaco offers its customers comprehensive on-site support via a world-wide network of certified partners and subsidiaries. Utimaco Safeware AG, with headquarters in Oberursel, near Frankfurt, Germany, is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN DE0007572406). For more information please visit www.utimaco.com.