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With the recent acquisition of a controlling stake in London-based commodity price reporting agency Argus, global growth investment firm General Atlantic continues to build on its marketing and financial technology holdings in Europe.
General Atlantic has also hired and promoted a number of executives with experience in the technology sector. Most notably, Jörn Nikolay, who was formerly at the firm’s London office, was tapped to open its Munich office in 2012 and was promoted to managing director of that office in January of 2016.
Nikolay co-led the firm’s 2012 investment in Axel Springer Digital Classifieds, a joint venture with German media group Axel Springer. He led General Atlantic’s 2014 investment in Flixbus/MeinFernbus as well.
“Jörn has significantly expanded our presence in Germany, and we are proud to promote him to managing director in recognition of his contributions to the firm,” said Bill E. Ford, CEO of General Atlantic.
In February, the firm brought aboard Achim Berg, former chief executive officer of arvato AG, a globally recognized technology and business service company. Berg also serves as the vice president and a member of the executive board of BITKOM, Germany’s Federal Association of Information Technology, Telecommunications, and New Media.
“We are thrilled to welcome Achim to the GA team as an operating partner,” said Ford. “As a leading executive within the technology and business service sectors, his deep expertise and decades of experience will make him a valuable asset to our portfolio companies and global investment team both in Germany and globally.”
For many years, General Atlantic has partnered with European entrepreneurs and growth companies. The firm made its first investment in Europe in 1989, and since then it has invested more than $5 billion across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Argus acquisition is the latest addition in General Atlantic’s portfolio of European technology and communications company investments, including financial services company IHS Markit, global payments company Adyen, online payment solution provider Klarna, and e-commerce platform Studio Moderna.
“We continue to see attractive opportunities in Germany and across Europe, and [we] look forward to deepening our partnerships with innovative entrepreneurs and high-growth companies in the region,” Ford said.
