PRESS RELEASE

9 February 2016, at 09:00 a.m.

eQ Asset Management has held a first close at 51 million euro for its new private equity fund eQ PE VIII North. In conjunction with the close, the fund has committed 20 million euro to two experienced managers with exceptional track record. 18 investors participated in the close and five of them are first time eQ-investors. The fund raising continues during spring 2016 with an expected final close in June.

The eQ PE VIII North-fund invests in lower mid-market buyout funds investing in unlisted small and medium-sized companies operating in Northern Europe. The portfolio will comprise 10-12 portfolio funds investing across different industries, geographies and stages and consist of both primary and secondary transactions. The fund is targeted to be fully deployed in 24 months.

Staffan Jåfs, Head of Private equity, comments:

“Our 7-person team is very experienced and has been selecting fund managers in Northern Europe for a combined 80 years. Our track record from investing into more than 80 funds with this focus is very strong. Thanks to our long-term market presence, our vast network provides us with access to most of the best performing managers who are difficult to access for new investors entering the asset class. We prefer country-specific, independent managers as we believe that local presence is a competitive advantage in terms of deal sourcing. We select managers based on their previous track record of generating strong, realized returns. We also encourage fund managers to invest into their own funds to align interest with us and our investors.

Helsinki 9 February 2016

eQ Asset Management Ltd

For additional information:

Staffan Jåfs, Head of Private equity, eQ Asset Management Ltd, phone: +358 (9) 6817 8736, staffan.jafs(at)eq.fi