Aug. 2, 2024 - Kymera International ("Kymera"), a global leading specialty materials and surface technologies company, has signed an agreement to acquire Fiven ASA ("Fiven") from OpenGate Capital. The deal is expected to close following customary regulatory approvals.

Kymera International to acquire Fiven ASA, adding advanced silicon carbide capabilities to their high-growth specialty materials portfolio

With production facilities in Norway, Belgium and Brazil, as well as a global distribution network, Fiven is a pioneer in the development of technically advanced silicon carbide materials to a wide range of high-growth end markets. Through its recent R&D initiatives, Fiven has developed and marketed unique, high purity materials for the power electronics industries, such as semiconductors and lithium-ion batteries. Under the leadership of Fiven's CEO, Falk Ast, the company continues to drive innovation, deep collaborative relationships with its customers and a strong emphasis on ESG.

"Fiven has all of the strong attributes we look for in an acquisition. They have an excellent reputation for quality and service, are aligned with Kymera's strategy of focusing on attractive end markets such as electronics, aerospace and defense, and have an outstanding management team and dedicated workforce," comments Barton White, CEO of Kymera. "We are excited to partner with Falk and his team to continue growing Fiven and capitalize on the numerous operational and commercial synergies we have already identified."

Kymera has been owned by affiliates of Palladium Equity Partners, LLC (collectively, "Palladium"), a middle market private equity firm with over $3 billion in assets under management, since 2018.

"The acquisition of Fiven will accelerate Kymera's mission to become a high-growth specialty materials and chemicals platform, and unlocks substantial organic growth opportunities for the combined business," adds Adam Shebitz, Partner at Palladium Equity Partners. "Altogether, Kymera is well on its way towards achieving Palladium's investment objectives, having more than tripled in size from our initial investment, while creating a more resilient business oriented towards the industries of tomorrow."

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Kymera's M&A efforts were advised by Lazard and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and its debt financing was advised by Piper Sandler, Goldman Sachs and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. 

OpenGate Capital was advised by Baird and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.