FE announces investment by Hg to fuel international growth

- Investment builds on another record year of growth for FE in 2017

FE, the leading provider of investment data, research and software to the financial services industry, announced today that Hg, a leading global growth private equity firm, will be investing in the business to fund its next phase of growth.

Founded by Michael Holland and Craig Wilson, FE operates a proprietary database of complete retail funds data with global coverage and history, built up over 20 years. Trusted by hundreds of thousands of investors, advisers, asset managers and platforms who use FE data, software and investment advice every day, FE is a leading player in supporting the UK fund industry.

The investment comes on the back of significant expansion of FE’s global operations and product offering over the past few years, and another year of record growth for the company in 2017.

Sebastien Briens, Partner at Hg, said: “We have been following FE for a number of years, and have been impressed by the strength and depth of its data, products, team and vision. We are very pleased to partner with Michael, Craig and Neil in the next stage of growth for the business.”

Neil Bradford, CEO at FE, said: “Hg’s track record and experience in our sector means they are the perfect partner to continue FE’s growth strategy and international expansion ambitions. We look forward to working with the Hg team.”

Michael Holland, co-founder of FE, said: “Data is at the foundation of everything we do and Hg has a deep understanding of the fund data space. I am confident that this partnership will hugely benefit our clients.”

FE was advised by Portico Capital (M&A), Travers Smith (legal) and EY (finance/tax).

Hg was advised by Cardean Bell (M&A), Linklaters (legal) and Deloitte (finance/tax).

ENDS

For further details:

Claire Lewis +44 (0)20 7534 7661

Claire.Lewis@financialexpress.net

Tom Eckersley +44 (0)20 7089 7888

Vikki Kosmalska and Seda Ambartsumian (Maitland) +44 (0)20 7379 5151

About Hg

Hg is a sector expert investor, committed to helping build ambitious businesses across the technology, services and industrial technology space, primarily in Europe. Deeply resourced sector teams focus on specific sub-sectors and investment themes to identify companies occupying an established position within a niche, and which have the potential to grow faster than their market, create employment and become the leader in their industry. Hg’s dedicated operations innovation team provides practical support to management teams to help them realise their growth ambitions. Based in London and Munich, Hg has funds under management of close to £10 billion serving some of the world’s leading institutional and private investors. For further details, please see www.hgcapital.com

About FE

www.financialexpress.net

FE is a leading provider of data, software and performance analytics to the financial services industry. FE’s products and services are designed to interpret and analyse data, helping financial advisers and investors stay well informed and ultimately make sound investment decisions. FE also provides tools and software for fund managers and other financial services firms, including products to assist with fund reporting and analysis as well as fund marketing and presentation materials. FE has offices in the UK, Europe and across Asia Pacific. Its clients include life and pension providers, asset managers, financial advisers and networks, wrap platforms, fund supermarkets, software houses, and financial portals.

Neither the contents of Hg’s and Financial Express’ websites nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the websites (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.