Palo Alto, CA – September 11, 2013
Woodside Capital Partners International LLC announces it acted as financial advisor to Caliopa, a developer and marketer of silicon photonics-based optical transceivers, in its sale to Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. The transaction, completed on 6 August, gives Huawei full ownership of Caliopa. Caliopa shareholders included Baekeland, Fidimec, Ghent University, and PMV
With this acquisition, Huawei continues to grow its European research and development capabilities, particularly in the silicon photonics-based optical solutions space, and further expands their investment in Europe. Huawei will integrate Caliopa into its R&D centre in Belgium.
“Woodside Capital Partners had the global connections and industry sector expertise to make this acquisition happen,” said Martin De Prycker, CEO at Caliopa. “Having hands-on involvement from WCP’s senior partners throughout the process gave our shareholders the confidence required to move forward on the sale.”
About Caliopa
Caliopa is a spin-off company from the Photonics Research Group of imec and Ghent University (UGent) develops and markets silicon photonics based optical transceivers for the data and telecommunications markets. Caliopa is based in Ghent (Belgium) and will continue its strong partnership with UGent and imec following this acquisition. For more info see: www.caliopa.com.
About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Through its dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, Huawei has established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. Huawei is committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Its products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one-third of the world’s population. For more info see: www.huawei.com.
About UGent
Ghent University (UGent) is one of the major universities in the Dutch-speaking region of Europe. It distinguishes itself as a socially committed and pluralistic university in a broad international perspective. Over 130 faculty departments, spread over 11 faculties, offer high-quality courses in every one of their scientific disciplines. With a view to cooperation in research and community service, numerous research groups, centres and institutes have been founded over the years. Ghent University yearly attracts over 30,000 students, with a foreign student population of over 2,200 EU and non-EU citizens. For more info see: www.ugent.be
About Baekeland II Fund
In 2005 the partners of the Ghent University Association, together with Fortis Private Equity Belgium, KBC Private Equity, Ethias, Volksvermogen and the ARKimedes Fund, a subsidiary of PMV, the investment company for Flanders, established Baekeland Fund II. This fund was created with capital of 11.1 million EUR. Baekeland Fund II invests in mainly high-tech companies that have grown out of the research labs of Ghent University. For more info see: www.baekelandfonds.be
About Fidimec
FIDIMEC NV is the investment vehicle of IMEC, supporting the creation and growth of its spin-off companies. It is FIDIMEC’s mission to enable the growth of the start-up from the earliest phase on to become a successful company. For more info see: www.fidimec.com.
About PMV
PMV NV is a Flemish investment company. It finances promising entrepreneurs from the very start through the growth and to the internationalization of their business. It also invests in large infrastructure projects and real estate. It focuses on the sustainable economic development of Flanders, with demonstrable added value for both economy and society. For more info see: www.pmv.eu.
About Woodside Capital Partners
Woodside Capital Partners is a global, independent investment bank that delivers world-class strategic and financial advice to emerging growth companies in the technology and life sciences sectors. With a strong track record in M&A, strategic partnerships and private placements, Woodside Capital Partners has been providing worldwide investment banking services since 2001 with leading domain experience in software, Internet services, electronic communications and materials, and life sciences. The team of Woodside Capital Partners has completed transactions totaling more than $10 billion. Woodside Capital Partners is the Silicon Valley headquarters of M&A International, the world’s leading mergers and acquisitions alliance. Securities offered through Woodside Capital Securities (UK) LLP, member Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). For more information, please visit www.woodsidecap.com
Press Release Contact:
Mike Powell – Partner
Woodside Capital Partners International (UK) LLP
[email protected]
+44 (0) 207 488 2772