Warburg Pincus Investment: Avaloq worth more than CHF 1 billion

Under the agreement, Warburg Pincus will partner with Swiss-based Avaloq to accelerate the company’s long-term growth and value creation strategy. Avaloq serves banks and wealth managers worldwide, having largely completed a transformation from a pure software company to an integrated service provider. The transaction allows the firm to rebalance its shareholding structure and bring in an experienced partner in Warburg Pincus to help facilitate the next phase of growth and value creation, with an investment horizon of 7 years. Warburg Pincus is a leading investor in the financial services and fintech sectors, with over USD 10 billion invested in over 90 companies in these sectors (nearly 20 of which are banks).

The market for Avaloq’s products and services is due to grow significantly based upon increasing demand for digital banking, outsourcing, Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions and the overall development of the banking digital ecosystem. Avaloq and Warburg Pincus share the belief that a focus on Avaloq’s customers and developing best in class technology will propel Avaloq to further strengthen its position as leading global services provider to the banking and wealth management industry. This transaction is the first step towards a potential public listing of Avaloq in the coming years.

The transaction follows excellent financial results at Avaloq in 2016. The firm generated full year revenues of CHF 533 million in 2016, an increase of 10% on a reported basis from CHF 485 million in the previous year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 41% to CHF 82 million from CHF 58 million in 2015. EBITDA margin improved year over year by 3.4 points to 15.4%. The company enjoyed strong cash flows with net cash provided by operating activities increasing by 100% to CHF 62 million and an 8% year over year increase in cash on hand to CHF 63 million.