BELGIUM - Axcel portfolio company Esko acquires Artwork Systems

Esko, a Belgian packaging pre-production company controlled by Danish private equity fund Axcel, has acquired a 76.69% stake in Artwork Systems from its founding shareholders. The shares were sold at for EUR 11.50 per share in cash, valuing the company at EUR 196m. Following the acquisition, Esko will launch a mandatory public offer for all remaining shares and outstanding warrants at a price of EUR 11.50 per share.