Arkadin Capitalizes on Success and Raises 20 Million Euros

PARIS Arkadin, the French leading provider of audio and data conferencing services, today announced a new round of funding led by UFG Private Equity. Consistently posting a double-digit growth since its foundation in 2001, the 3rd largest global provider of remote collaboration services further strengthens its expansion strategy through this financing.

Arkadin, a global provider of audio and data conferencing services to major corporations, today announced it has raised a total of 20 millions euros. A new shareholder, UFG Private Equity, leads this new round of funding by contributing 5 million euros through two of its FCPI funds (Diadième Innovation III and IV). The balance is provided by a bank pool committing 15 million euros in senior debt. All existing shareholders, including the funds managed by Apax Partners and CDC Innovation, support the transaction.
This financing will enable Arkadin to further develop its services and set up subsidiaries in new countries. In 2008, Arkadin recorded a revenue of 70 million euros (+30% vs. 2007) and an EBITDA of 12 million euros. In just a few years, Arkadin has become a significant global player in the collaboration service provider (CSP) market, and is by far the most dynamic.

“Arkadin is a true success story! Since it was founded in 2001, our company has demonstrated a vigorous international growth and has opened an average of three subsidiaries per year. It currently operates across 3 continents, relying on a unique business model based on innovation and high-performance teams. The financing will enable us to pursue our ambitious worldwide investment and expansion strategy”, notes Olivier de Puymorin, founder and CEO of Arkadin.

A success story that began in 2001 and carries on in 2009

In order to support its annual revenue growth target of 25%, Arkadin’s intent was to strengthen its shareholder base, the majority of which is currently held by its management and the funds managed by Apax Partners and CDC Innovation.

While Arkadin currently operates in 22 countries with 32 operating centers located in Europe, Asia and North America, this new financing will allow the company to further consolidate its international presence. In effect, Arkadin intends to develop in South America as soon as 2009, notably with the opening of the first operating center in Brazil.

The transaction will also enable Arkadin to bolster its investments in ever more innovative web conferencing and webcasting services. In the context of its environmental policy, such investments allow Arkadin the means to work proactively with clients to further reduce business travel.

Finally, Arkadin currently employs more than 500 people globally and plans to hire an additional 150 people in 2009 to support its growth.

About Arkadin

Arkadin SA (www.arkadin.com), a global audio and web conferencing provider, enables organizations of all sizes, including Fortune Global 500 companies, to better communicate and collaborate using customizable, cost-efficient, user-friendly solutions. Founded in 2001, Arkadin has operating centers in 22 countries throughout Asia, Europe and North America and offers a full suite of remote collaboration and online seminar solutions. Arkadin’s unique global capabilities and localized service allow individuals to seamlessly communicate whenever, wherever, and however they choose.

About UFG Private Equity

UFG Private Equity is the private equity arm of UFG with two primary businesses: direct investments in private companies venture capital, growth capital and LBO (leverage buy-out) and private equity fund of funds. Its activity consists in taking minority or majority stakes (investments between 1 and 6 million euros) in medium sized private companies in diversified sectors.

UFG Private Equity is directed by Patrick Lissague and manages 290 million euros through various funds including one growth capital fund (FCPR: Nord Europe I), four innovation focused funds (FCPI: Diademe Innovation I, II, III and IV), two regional funds (FIP : Diademe Proximit I and II) and one fund of funds (Diademe Global Sélection). UFG Private Equity invested in more than 40 companies and its experience in adapting investment strategies to market conditions allows it to invest successfully at every level of a company’s capital structure.

Source: Arkadin