LONDON, UK - August 15th, 2012 - Silicon Valley Bank, financial partner to the technology, life science, cleantech, private equity and venture capital industries, today announced that it has provided Francisco Partners, a leading global technology-focused private equity firm, with senior debt financing in relation to its recent acquisition and take private of Kewill plc, a leading global provider of software and services to logistics and supply chain service providers. Silicon Valley Bank acted as the administration agent and co-lead arranger with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC.
Phil Cox, Head of EMEA and India and President of UK Branch at Silicon Valley Bank, said: "Silicon Valley Bank has been supporting technology companies for nearly 30 years. Our experience and extensive relationships in the technology industry are invaluable as we structure debt and banking solutions globally for our private equity clients such as Francisco Partners. We are pleased to have supported Francisco Partners with this and other important acquisitions throughout our partnership over a number of years."
Paul Jackson, Director of Corporate Banking at Silicon Valley Bank's UK Branch, added: "The global supply chain and logistics software market is expected to show strong growth over the coming years supported by increasing volumes of international trade, new regulations and the need to reduce supply chain costs. Under Francisco Partners' ownership, Kewill is well placed to take advantage of these growth opportunities and we look forward to supporting Kewill as it grows."
Silicon Valley Bank is the commercial banking division of SVB Financial Group (NASDAQ: SIVB) and financial partner to technology companies worldwide. The bank recently opened a full service commercial banking branch in the UK to serve both local and international businesses. SVB Financial Group also has international operations in China, India and Israel through which it offers its clients access to the bank's network of relationships with technology, life science, cleantech, private equity and venture capital businesses worldwide.
About Francisco Partners
Francisco Partners, with approximately $7 billion of capital raised to date, is one of the world's largest technology-focused private equity investment firms. The firm, headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., was founded to provide transformational capital to technology companies facing strategic, technological and operational inflection points. For more information on Francisco Partners, go to www.franciscopartners.com
About Kewill
Kewill is a leading provider of software solutions that accelerate global trade and logistics. Its products enable Logistics Service Providers, Freight Forwarders and Shippers to move goods domestically and across international and global borders rapidly, cost effectively and in compliance with customs and import / export regulations. Kewill's software enables customers to accelerate their customs and forwarding, transportation & logistics, and eCommerce & B2B integration and thus drive revenue growth and measurable cost savings.
Established in 1972, Kewill has delivered global trade and logistics solutions to some of the most sophisticated companies in the world. Over 7,000 businesses use Kewill solutions including Ingersoll Rand, DHL, UPS, TNT, Hankyu Hanshin, Scott's & Co., Hitachi, WaverleyTBS, Mothercare, Black & Decker and Damco.
About Silicon Valley Bank
Silicon Valley Bank is the premier bank for technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity and premium wine businesses. Silicon Valley Bank and its affiliates within SVB Financial Group provides industry knowledge and connections, financing, treasury management, corporate investment and international banking services to clients worldwide through 27 U.S. offices and seven international operations in China, India, Israel and the UK.www.svb.com.
Silicon Valley Bank is registered in England and Wales at 41 Lothbury, London, EC2R 7HF, UK under No. FC029579. Silicon Valley Bank is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, FSA reference number 577295. Silicon Valley Bank is a subsidiary of SVB Financial Group, a Delaware corporation and is an affiliate of SVB Financial Group UK Limited. SVB Financial Group UK Ltd is registered in England and Wales at 41 Lothbury, London, EC2R 7HF, UK under No. 5572575 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, FSA reference number 446159. SVB Financial Group UK Limited provides access to financial services that are provided by, Silicon Valley Bank, including lending and banking services.