Well ...
Hello
Please find enclosed herewith the press release
Do not hesitate to contact us
All right, Steph.
'Are you going to contact them, boss?'
No. I'm not in the mood for contacting people.
'Oh.'
Uh.
'Are you going to do this PR email then?'
Yeah.
Ghent, Belgium / London, United Kingdom - 21st November 2023 - Astorg, a leading European private equity firm, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to invest a 51% stake in Sofico (or the "Company") in partnership with Gémar Hompes and Piet Maes (the "Founders") and Apheon, all significantly reinvesting in the business. Sofico is a leading European provider of software solutions & services for the automotive leasing and mobility industry. Astorg, alongside the founders and Apheon who all intend to remain invested in the business, will actively support the acceleration of Sofico's development, organically and through M&A.
Fine.
For over three decades, the world's premier automotive, leasing and mobility services firms have relied on Sofico's software solutions to -
No, no, no.
It's cold. It's grey. It's wet.
Let's hear from the voices.
'Yippee!'
Be quiet.
Gémar Hompes, CEO of Sofico, says: "The interest shown by a renowned company like Astorg in Sofico is a testament to our drive for excellence, our adherence to strong company values and the pivotal role of our passionate people. Over the years, the trust and continued support of our customers have been integral to our success, and our dedication remains in providing them with superior products and services."
Passionate people. Who says they're passionate people?! 'Gemar does, boss.' And can this Gemar see into their hearts, their souls? 'Well ...' These "passionate people" might be fakers. All of them! Just going through the motions of ... business, and waiting for the ENDS.
Anyway ...
Piet Maes, CTO and Co-Founder of Sofico, comments: "We thank Apheon for their support over the past few years and look forward to the next stage of our journey. This partnership isn't a change in direction, but a boost in momentum. Now counting Astorg as another partner, we are gearing up for a future where we continue to lead, innovate, and set benchmarks in the automotive and mobility software sector."
The next stage of the journey. One day the journey will ENDS. You can be sure of that, Piet.
Where do they get their enthusiasm from???
Never mind.
Lionel de Posson, Managing Partner, and Charles-Hubert Le Baron, Partner, of Astorg Mid-Cap, add:
'Oh no!'
Yes, Voice, together they will speak, like the girls from The Shining.
The mood I'm in. A cold Monday morning in winter. I really don't need this.
"We are very excited to partner with Sofico, its highly entrepreneurial leadership team, and Apheon. Ambition, innovation leadership for its customers, and a strong emphasis on nurturing talent and team engagement: these are pillars of Sofico's culture that we also embrace fully at Astorg. As a global leader, Sofico fits perfectly with Astorg's investment criteria, and we're eager to champion Sofico's next evolutionary phase."
They are very excited, but we are just scared.
Let's move on to Pieter.
'Let's finish with Pieter, and then forget them! Forget them all, Mikey! Forget the voices!'
Yes, yes. I will forget the voices, but ... not you, Voice.
'Thank Zeus!'
Pieter?
Pieter Lambrecht, Partner at Apheon, comments: "It has been a privilege to support Gémar, Piet and Sofico's outstanding team on their growth trajectory over the past years and welcoming a like-minded shareholder undoubtedly strengthens our collective ambition. Sofico's success has always revolved around a deep-rooted commitment to values, innovation, and most importantly, customers. Together with Sofico's management team and Astorg, we aim to achieve new milestones and further Sofico's success."
New milestones.
I just ...
Thanks, anyway, you voices.
ENDS
ENDS
ENDS
...
Anything else?
I can only put my energy into words that will never become dust.
Bye.
