The acquisition of Corsearch marks the second intellectual property (“IP”) deal announced by Astorg, which previously purchased Anaqua, an integrated end-to-end intellectual property management software (“IPMS”) to the world’s largest corporations in 2019. Innovation within the intellectual property services industry is a key theme for Astorg and follows many years of research in the space. Cobepa, a Brussels-based independent investment company, will also invest alongside Astorg pending regulatory approvals.
Corsearch has more than 800 employees across Europe, North America and Asia. The company services over 5,000 clients around the world including many of the world’s Fortune 100 companies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Astorg as our new owners and partners as we strengthen Corsearch Brand Risk and Performance™ solutions even further. They have extensive experience and knowledge in this industry, but more importantly they understand our customer needs well. Astorg has a track record of investing in product and technology in its portfolio companies, so I look forward to together building the next generation of the Corsearch suite and creating further value for our esteemed customers.” said Tobi Hartmann, CEO of Corsearch.
François de Mitry, Managing Partner at Astorg said “We are excited to partner with Corsearch on its continued journey as the vendor of choice for corporations and law firms in brand risk and performance services. We have tracked the company for many years and have been impressed with its strong market position and innovative technology.” Christopher Cozzone and Michael Beetz, Directors at Astorg, added: “Corsearch’s obsession is to create strong value for its enterprise customers. Its integrated IP platform is in a unique position to support legal, brand and marketing departments globally. We are excited to back management’s growth ambitions, accelerate investments in R&D, and actively consider M&A opportunities.”
“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with the Corsearch team. In just over three years, Corsearch has seen transformational growth in all their service offerings. We wish Tobi and his team the best for the future and look forward to working with Astorg as they steer the company into its next phase of growth” Tim Mack, Managing Director at Audax.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Harris Williams and Goldman Sachs served as financial advisors to Audax and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel.
ABOUT CORSEARCH
Corsearch Brand Risk and Performance™ solutions are revolutionizing how companies commercialize and protect their growth. Trusted by thousands of customers worldwide, Corsearch delivers data, analytics, and services that support brands to market their assets and reduce commercial risks. From IP clearance to brand protection and anti-piracy, Corsearch provides a comprehensive program that enables businesses to secure brand value and thrive commercially. Behind the world’s best-known brands, there’s Corsearch.
ABOUT ASTORG
Astorg is a global private equity firm with over €10 billion of assets under management. We work with entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire market leading global companies headquartered in Europe or the US, providing them with the strategic guidance, governance and capital they need to achieve their growth goals. Astorg enjoys a distinct entrepreneurial culture, a long-term shareholder perspective and a lean decision-making body. We have valuable industry expertise in healthcare, software, business-to-business professional services and technology-based industrial companies. Astorg has offices in London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, Milan and Luxembourg.
For more information about Astorg: www.astorg.com. Follow Astorg on LinkedIn
ABOUT COBEPA
Based in Brussels, New York and Munich, Cobepa is a privately‐held investment company backed by European families. Cobepa manages a diversified portfolio of private equity investments valued at approximately $3.0 billion. Cobepa invests in leading companies with superior business models, sustainable market positions and strong management teams. Cobepa North America is primarily focused on investments in the business services, technology-enabled services and healthcare sectors as well as situations requiring a more nimble investment partner.
For more information, visit www.cobepa.com.
ABOUT AUDAX
Audax Group is a leading alternative investment manager with offices in Boston, New York, and San Francisco. Since its founding in 1999, the firm has raised over $27 billion in capital across its Private Equity and Private Debt businesses. Audax Private Equity has invested over $6 billion in more than 135 platforms and over 900 add-on companies, and is currently investing out of its $3.5 billion, sixth private equity fund. Through its disciplined Buy & Build approach, Audax seeks to help platform companies execute add-on acquisitions that fuel revenue growth, optimize operations, and significantly increase equity value. With more than 250 employees and over 100 investment professionals, the firm is a leading capital partner for North American middle market companies.
For more information, visit the Audax Private Equity website: www.audaxprivateequity.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Further information
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