EQT Northern Europe Ltd ("EQT“), the Investment Manager of the EQT Northern Europe private equity fund, has acquired 100% of the shares in Leybold Optics GmbH from Zurich based Unaxis Group. The Leybold management will co-invest in the company.

Leybold Optics develops, produces and markets vacuum coating equipment for optical components in the fields of precision and spectacle optics, medical technology, telecommunications and automotive components, an industry in which Leybold Optics is the world leader. With a workforce of approx. 400 and subsidiaries in 10 countries, the company is expected to generate revenues of around EUR 150 million. Leybold Optics has excellent medium term growth prospects, given the forecasted strong growth in the optoelectronic markets.

The purchase price is EUR 166 million. Furthermore, there may be an additional purchase price paid when EQT divests Leybold Optics. EQT intends to go public with Leybold Optics in four to five years.

Jürgen Meinel, Managing Director of Leybold Optics: “We are glad that EQT will be supporting us in the future. Leybold Optics will benefit strongly from EQT’s unique industrial network and significant experience of developing companies.”

Claes Dahlbäck, Chairman of the Investment Committee of EQT, adds: “We are very excited to have bought Leybold Optics. Leybold Optics fits well into EQT’s strategy of acquiring high quality companies with strong growth prospects. Leybold Optics’ leading market positions, strong global network and well recognized brand are further key investment attractions.”

Dr. Peter Grassmann, former CEO of the Carl Zeiss Group and appointed Chairman of the Leybold Optics Advisory Board, comments: “The 21st century will be the century of optoelectronics. Whatever the field, be it IT, telecommunications or biotechnology, optical components will play an increasingly important role – and each of theses components must be coated. Leybold Optics has the knowledge and the resources to further strengthen its leadership in this field.”

For further information please contact:

Claes Dahlbäck
Chairman of the Investment Committee of EQT Northern Europe,
tel. +31-20-5 77 66 57

Udo Philipp
Partner, EQT Partners Beteiligungsberatung GmbH,
tel. +49-89-25 54 99 22

Jürgen Meinel
Managing Director, Leybold Optics GmbH,
tel. +49-6181-34 15 34

EQT is a group of private equity funds with equity commitments exceeding EUR 3 billion and is sponsored by Investor AB, the publicly listed holding company of the Wallenberg foundations. Since its inception in 1994, EQT has successfully concluded investments in 26 companies and made 6 exits.

EQT Partners, acting as investment advisor to all EQT funds, has offices in Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Munich. EQT realises its business concept
by acquiring and developing high-quality medium sized companies in Northern Europe. EQT serves as an active owner and works in close co-operation with the
management of the companies it acquires, to develop and implement value-enhancing strategies.

www.eqt.se