AXA Private Equity invests into Alukon Paris, Thursday April 1, 2004

AXA Private Equity today announced that LBO funds, managed by AXA Private Equity, have made an investment into Alukon Holding GmbH, a leading European manufacturer of roller shutters and doors located in Konradsreuth alongside with management.

With this acquisition, AXA Private Equity, will complete its fourth transaction in Germany over the last eighteen months. AXA Private Equity, with Tetra, Profil, BdW and Alukon, has invested more than € 200 million since the beginning of 2003 in Germany.

Dr. Helmut Pitsch, Managing Director, AXA Private Equity Germany commented:
Alukon is holding a strong market position in Germany as well as in its export markets. New markets in the East as well as a wider product portfolio offer further interesting opportunities for the company. Together with the management we are going to invest in the companies capacities to assure the future successful development.
Alukon fits perfectly in our strategy to invest in medium sized enterprises and strong management. We have already done similar investments in the building industries.

Founded in 1974, Alukon now has 275 employees and achieved a turnover of € 56 million in 2003, representing 11% growth. During the period of Granville Baird Capital Partners’ investment, Alukon expanded its sales force substantially, invested heavily in new product development and saw a significant increase in export sales.

Additional Information: www.alukon.com