EQT Enters Exclusive Negotiations To Acquire Schülke - A Leading Provider Of Infection Prevention Solutions

• EQT enters exclusive negotiations to acquire schülke, a leading provider of hygiene and infection prevention solutions, such as skin and surface disinfection products and wound antisepsis

• schülke is a pioneer in the infection prevention industry with 130 years of experience, protecting lives worldwide by providing critical products for global disease prevention

• After closing, EQT will support schülke and the management team, led by CEO Christian Last, in their next phase of growth and innovation, and further strengthen schülke's brand and market position

STOCKHOLM, April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The EQT VIII fund ("EQT" or "EQT VIII") today announced that it has entered exclusive negotiations  to acquire Schülke & Mayr GmbH ("schülke" or the "Company"), a leading provider of hygiene solutions and a subsidiary of Air Liquide S.A. ("Air Liquide"). This transaction is subject to the final and definitive agreement between the parties and will be carried out in the framework of the relevant social processes including ongoing dialogue with the employee representatives' bodies. Furthermore, the transaction will be subject to antitrust and foreign investment clearances.

Founded in 1889 in Hamburg, schülke's mission is to protect lives worldwide by providing critical hygiene solutions that effectively combat risks for humans and materials from infection and contamination. EQT plans to build on schülke's current strategic agenda executed by the management team. The strategy includes investing in growth, strengthening the Company's position in core as well as new markets, and focusing on continued R&D and new product development. EQT also intends to support schülke in staying at the forefront within sustainability and to invest in the Company's workforce. In the short term, EQT will support schülke in its immense efforts to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing the supply of urgently needed disinfectants.

Matthias Wittkowski, Partner at EQT Partners and Investment Advisor to EQT VIII, added: "EQT has followed schülke closely for over a year and the planned acquisition is a good example of how EQT is investing thematically with the trends in strong, non-cyclical businesses in our core sectors, such as healthcare. We are deeply impressed by the dedication and contribution of every single schülke employee. The Company's mission is about protecting lives and its employees are currently working day and night to adhere to this mission in the unprecedented COVID-19 situation. This passion builds on schülke's heritage as a global infection prevention market leader and pioneer in this space. Its comprehensive product portfolio, innovation capabilities, and high customer loyalty are unique. EQT looks forward to supporting schülke's management team, under the leadership of Christian Last, and its employees with further investments into its critical hygiene products that protect health and well-being."