EUROPEAN CAPITAL INVESTS IN MILES 33

 

 

Miles 33 are delighted to announce that European Capital S.A. SICAR, a wholly owned subsidiary of European Capital Limited (LSE: ECAS) and an affiliate of American Capital Strategies Ltd., the second largest U.S. publicly traded alternative asset manager with approximately $11 billion in assets under management has completed the One Stop Buyout™ of Miles 33 Group. European Capital’s investment takes the form of equity, subordinated debt and senior loan facilities. As a result of the investment, European Capital is the majority shareholder of Miles 33 with approximately 60% ownership. Miles 33’s previous owners and senior management also invested in the Company as part of the buy-out and hold the remaining 40%.

 

“Miles 33 has achieved an excellent track record of growth based on its market leading technology and services to the rapidly changing media industry," said Alex Morey, European Capital Director. “We are delighted to be able to back this team of high quality managers and support them in their continued expansion.  We believe that under European Capital’s ownership and with the increased financial resources that we can bring to bear, Miles 33 is well placed to execute on its growth strategy both in the UK and internationally.”

 

Miles 33 Chairman and CEO, Alex Yew said “I am delighted to have secured this investment from European Capital whom we believe to be the best choice to help us deliver the next stage of our strategic growth.  The management team and I are excited at the prospect of what this new relationship can bring to the future of our business.”

 

Mike Moore, Managing Director of Miles 33 added “This is a very exciting time for Miles 33 and the management team.  With the backing of a large investment group such as European Capital we look forward to continuing and accelerating our strategy for domestic as well as international growth in particular in the United States where we have begun to make significant in roads and other international markets where we do not at present have a presence.  I look forward to working with European Capital to continue and extend our track record for sustained growth.”

 

Alex Yew steps down from the executive board of Miles 33 and takes up a non-executive Directorship.  Mike Moore is the new Chief Executive, with David Farlow, Peter Meek and John Skarin making up the rest of the senior management team.


 

 

 

Founded in 1976, Miles 33 is a supplier of computer software to the media sector with regional newspapers being its largest customer segment. The company also supplies the financial services sector with products to support legal practices. Miles 33’s integrated suite of modules supports key functions such as editorial production and workflow, advertising booking (paper and online), customer relationship management and credit management. Miles 33 has an innovative sales model which has enabled the company to build long standing customer relationships with leading newspaper publishers and to generate rapid growth in recurring revenues. Miles 33 is based in Bracknell, Berkshire, and Norwalk, Connecticut, and employs 76 people.

  

ABOUT EUROPEAN CAPITAL

 

European Capital is a closed-end investment company for pan-European equity, mezzanine and senior debt investments with capital resources of approximately €2.1 billion ($2.9 billion).  European Capital invests in and sponsors management and employee buyouts, invests in private equity buyouts and provides capital directly to private and public companies headquartered predominantly in Europe.  European Capital generally invests between €5 million and €500 million per transaction in equity, mezzanine debt and senior debt to fund growth, acquisitions and recapitalizations.

 

ABOUT AMERICAN CAPITAL

 

American Capital Strategies Ltd. (Nasdaq: ACAS), an affiliate of European Capital, is the second largest U.S. publicly traded alternative asset manager with approximately $11 billion in assets and capital commitments under management (second to Fortress (NYSE: FIG)).  American Capital, both directly and through its global asset management business, is an investor in management and employee buyouts, private equity buyouts, and early stage and mature private and public companies.  American Capital provides senior debt, mezzanine debt and equity to fund growth, acquisitions, recapitalizations and securitizations. American Capital and its affiliates invest from $5 million to $800 million per company in North America and €5 million to €500 million per company in Europe.

 

 

 

Miles 33

Miles House

Easthampstead Road

Bracknell

Berkshire RG12 1NJ

 

                                                                                                                        

Contact Mike Moore, Tel: 01344 861133                                      11 June 2007