Finnish Industry Investment, Fennia Group, EM Group and private investors have subscribed for European Batteries Ltd shares worth 13,7 million euros in connection with a directed share issue organised by the company. European Batteries develops and manufactures large, rechargeable lithium-ion based prismatic cells and battery systems. The batteries are used as an energy source in large electric and hybrid vehicles, such as buses and delivery vans, and heavy industrial machines and ships. Large lithium-ion battery systems provide an efficient solution for reserve power systems and large scale energy storage systems.
The current round of financing enables the company to move from early-stage production to industrial production. It also provides the necessary resources for building up an international clientele and partnership network.
Jukka Koskinen, CEO of European Batteries comments: ”The company is pleased to get new investors on board to develop a Finnish growth company in a new sector and developing market.”
Eeva Grannenfelt, Investment Director at Pension Fennia comments: ”European Batteries is a significant growth company in Finland and in the Nordic countries as a whole. Fennia Group wants to be involved in financing Finnish entrepreneurship and employment. An innovative future-oriented company is exactly what a responsible investor wants in its investment portfolio. “
Juha Marjosola, CEO of Finnish Industry Investment comments: ”We expect the battery systems market to grow as the demand for electric vehicles and other clean technologies accelerates. European Batteries is a significant industrial project in the field of new clean technologies. It is the first of its kind in Europe and offers a challenging development task in the high-risk technology field.”
EM Group has been one of the main shareholders of European Batteries since 2009. Timo Miettinen, Chairman of the Board of EM Group comments: ”Our subsidiary Ensto develops charging systems and other cleantech and energy-saving electrical power solutions. Large lithium-ion batteries are an important aspect of the current energy revolution. This is why the investment in European Batteries is important for us.”
European Batteries currently employs some 70 people in Espoo, Tuusula and Varkaus in Finland. The company started the production of prismatic cells and battery systems in its Varkaus manufacturing unit in the autumn 2010. The expected turnover for 2011 is approximately 15 million euros.
For more information, please contact:
Jukka Koskinen, CEO, European Batteries
Tel: +358 40 749 9402, e-mail: jukka.koskinen(a)europeanbatteries.com
Eeva Grannenfelt, Investment Director, Pension Fennia
Tel: +358 50 544 6355, e-mail: eeva.grannenfelt(a)elake-fennia.com
Juha Marjosola, CEO, Finnish Industry Investment
Tel: +358 9 6803 6811, e-mail: juha.marjosola(a)industryinvestment.com
Timo Miettinen, Chairman of the Board, EM Group
Tel: +358 204 76 3551, e-mail: timo.miettinen(a)emgroup.fi
European Batteries Oy develops and manufactures large, rechargable lithium-ion based prismatic cells and battery systems, utilizing the industrys leading technology and know-how. We are proud to present proven expertise and top-notch achievements in creating advanced battery solutions. As we continue to improve the overall quality of our systems as well as our production efficiency, we sincerely believe European Batteries is able to add substantial value for those looking to get more out of their investments in sustainable energy technologies. www.europeanbatteries.com
Fennia Group consists of Fennia, Pension Fennia and Fennia Life. Together the companies offer their clients competitive, high-quality non-life, life and pension insurance services. The Fennia Group provides various risk management and insurance services for enterprises, their personnel, entrepreneurs and private households, as well as flexible client financing solutions. www.fennia.fi
Finnish Industry Investment Ltd is a government-owned investment company whose mission is to promote and stimulate Finnish business, employment and economic growth through capital investment. Finnish Industry Investment invests in funds and directly in growth companies. Capital investments are needed for financing growth, and for internationalisation, spin-offs, major industrial investments, and both sectoral and corporate restructurings. The targets are in all sectors. The company co-invests with private investors, limiting its investment to at most half the capital invested and ownership. The investments of Finnish Industry Investment amount to MEUR 660. www.industryinvestment.com
EM Group is a family business based in Finland whose main focus is to own and develop industrial enterprises and real estate. The EM Group companies operate in 20 countries and employ 1700 people. The Group turnover is EUR 260 million. www.emgroup.fi