Philip Berckmans

KBC Private Equity is an active, long-term manager which typically invests between €2 million and €50 million in medium-sized unlisted companies primarily in Belgium, Central and Eastern Europe. The firm targets performing businesses in diverse sectors which usually demonstrate a positive EBITDA of at least €1.5 million, focusing on companies which have built up a leading position in a specific sector and which have identified growth opportunities. Specific criteria apply for investments in the biotech industry. The firm takes both majority and minority interests in companies, partnering with the other shareholders and investee company management. In addition to providing equity and/or mezzanine financing, they aim to create value in areas where they are skilled, without participating in the day-to-day operational policy of the investee company. KBC Private Equity generally seeks a seat on the Board of Directors. The firm aims to contribute to investee companies by evaluating their internal and external growth opportunities, optimizing their financial structure, introducing new customer and supplier relationships, improving reporting systems and sharing specific industry knowledge. Their typical holding period is five to seven years for most of their investment projects.