Fosun International to establish a strategic collaboration with Axcel to invest more in Europe
(Copenhagen, 15 June 2012) - Fosun International ("Fosun" or the "Company") (HKEx: 00656), the leading Chinese non state-owned group in China, signed today a memorandum of understanding with the largest private equity firm in Denmark Axcel ("Axcel") to establish a strategic collaboration to form a premier platform to share and utilize both domestic and global resources in the Nordic region and China.
The cooperation between the two companies signed by Mr. Liang Xinjun, the Vice Chairman and CEO of the Company, and Mr. Christian Frigast, the Managing Partner of Axcel, was part of the package of bilateral framework cooperation agreement between China and Denmark. The ceremony was arranged during President Hu Jintao's state visit to Denmark.
Mr. Liang Xinjun said: “Fosun’s unique expertise in identifying growth opportunities in China and previous investments in Europe will bring a new model of global collaboration to the world - "Combining China’s growth momentum with global resources". With Axcel’s strong track record in private equity investments around Europe, I sincerely believe that Fosun and Axcel can create synergies that will show the full potential of this new model.”
Mr. Christian Frigast said: “China is currently developing at an amazing pace and is therefore an important market for Axcel. Fosun can be an important door-opener for Axcel on the Chinese market and Fosun can advise Axcel on how to optimize our supply chain and management in Chinese market by sharing their experience with Axcel.”
In the past few years, Fosun has been very active in seizing the opportunities in Europe and accelerating its development of asset management business in China. Fosun made investments in French premium leisure resort chain hotel group, Club Med, in 2010 and in Folli Follie, a globally renowned fashion retail group, in 2011.
About Fosun International
Founded in 1992, Fosun Group is a classic story of success after China's reform and opening-up. On 16 July 2007, Fosun International (00656.HK), the parent company of Fosun Group was listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
During 2011, the three major growth engines of Fosun, namely industrial profits, investment profits and asset management profits rose rapidly, enabling Fosun to make strides towards its vision of becoming "a premium investment group with a focus on China's growth momentum". Currently, Fosun mainly invests in sectors that would significantly benefit from the growth in domestic demand of China, such as consumption and consumption upgrade, financial services, resources and energy, and manufacturing upgrade, with a view to participating in the rapid development of China's economy.
2012 is Fosun's 20th anniversary. Over the past 20 years, Fosun has always been grateful for the support it received. While pursuing economic development, Fosun also shares the fruitful results of development with our staff, partners and communities, taking the initiative to contribute the society in return. Meanwhile, Fosun also actively contributes its efforts to improve the business and natural environments of China so as to support the rejuvenation of Chinese economy and culture.
For more information about Fosun, please visit: www.fosun.com
About Axcel
Axcel was founded in 1994 by a group of investors from Denmark's largest financial and industrial institutions. Axcel focuses on medium-sized companies in Denmark and Sweden and has a broad base of both Danish and international investors. Axcel has raised four funds with total committed capital of around DKK 10bn and has made 37 investments along with more than 45 significant bolt-on acquisitions. 23 of the companies in which it has invested have so far been sold or floated. Axcel’s investments currently include 15 companies and a significant holding in PANDORA, representing combined revenue of around DKK 18 billion and more than 12,000 employees.
For more information about Axcel, please visit:www.axcel.dk