UFG supports Arkadin global expansion

The lack of buyouts in the French market has been compensated by a healthy number of expansion deals, many of which were portfolio acquisitions financed with leverage. The most remarkable of the expansion deals was UFG Private Equity's third round of financing for Arkadin, a provider of audio and web conferencing services. UFG Private Equity provided an equity investment of EUR5m via its funds FCPI Diadieme III and IV, while a the highlight was a EUR15m debt packet led by BRED Banque Populaire which financed the deal. The investment was made alongside existing investors Apax Partners and CDC Innovation.

Paris-based Arkadin was founded in 2001 by Olivier de Pumorin. It provides audio and data conferencing services in Europe and the US and achieved a turnover of EUR70m in 2008, a 30% year-on-year rise, and pre-tax profits of EUR12m. Currently the third-largest conferencing provider, the company currently has offices in 22 countries across Europe, North America and Asia. Arkadin will use the new capital to fund further expansion, particularly in South America. It plans to open its first office in Brazil this year.

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