Permira announces changes in DACH leadership

This is the first time the sponsor appoints a chairman for the DACH region, a spokesperson for the firm told Unquote. Given the generational change in the region's leadership, Rockenhäuser's appointment seeks to ensure stability and a smooth transition, said the spokesperson.

After 22 years at Permira, including 15 years as head of the DACH region, Rockenhäuser will continue his work as a member of the firm's investment committee, according to a press release. He will start in his new role in January 2023, it said.

Kreuzer joined Permira in mid-2019 as a member of the global healthcare team and worked on several transactions, including the acquisition of specialty pharma company Neuraxpharm in 2020. Prior to Permira, he spent 14 years at Carlyle, working across various sectors and acting in a leading role for multiple transactions, including private nursing home operator Alloheim, hospital group Ameos, specialty chemicals company Atotech and multi-channel apparel retailer Hunkemöller.

Moreover, Stefan Dziarski, a partner who sits on the investment committee of Permira growth opportunities, will focus on his leadership roles in the technology and consumer team. Ulrich Gasse, a partner and global general counsel, will complete the DACH leadership team, it said.

Under Rockenhäuser's leadership, the German-speaking region has become one of the GP's most successful regions in tech investments, it said. Portfolio includes a 20% holding in remote connectivity platform TeamViewer and a minority stake in integrated HR software suite Personal & Informatik. The firm has also supported the digitalisation of omnichannel retail premium fashion community for private members BestSecret (2017) and real estate platform Engel & Völkers.

The Frankfurt office has also made investments in the healthcare sector, namely the acquisition of Neuraxpharm in 2020, which is focused on the treatment of CNS disorders.

Sister publication Mergermarket reported in October that Permira was shutting down its Japan office, opened in 2005. The firm would continue to pursue opportunities in Japan selectively, as reported.

The firm appointed in July former Arm CEO Simon Segars as senior advisor to its global technology team, Unquote reported. His appointment followed the additions of Barry O'Sullivan, former executive VP and general manager of digital and AI for Permira portfolio company Genesys, and former Adobe's executive VP and CFO Mark Garrett, in 2021. They both used to serve as senior technology advisers to the firm.

The firm advises funds with total assets under management of circa EUR 75bn, according to the press release. It is deploying equity via its Permira Growth Opportunities II fund , which held a final close on USD 4bn in January 2022 and Permira VII, which held a final close in October 2019 on its hard-cap of EUR 11bn, according to Unquote Data. The firm also pre-launched in July 2021 Permira VIII with a target of USD 15bn. The fund is expected to follow the strategies of its predecessor successful funds and invest globally in buyout opportunities.

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