Pava Partners advised EMZ Partners on the acquisition of a majority stake in imes-icore Holding GmbH (“imes-icore” or “the Company”), a portfolio company of Ardian. Founder and CEO Christoph Stark, CFO/COO Christian Müller and other members of the management team will retain a significant stake in the company.

imes-icore currently offers the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of milling and grinding machines for the automated production of dental restorations. The Eiterfeld-based company was founded in 2002 by Christoph Stark and Hugo Isert and is a leading provider of CNC CAD/CAM systems for the dental industry. It designs, develops and manufactures dental milling systems and also offers a comprehensive portfolio of after-sales services, including materials, tools, milling services and competence and service centers. imes-icore is known worldwide for its first-class product range and the implementation of the highest quality standards.

The company employs 274 people at locations in Germany, the USA and South East Asia. With a global presence via an extensive network of distributors, the company serves all customer segments of the dental market such as dentists, dental clinics, dental laboratories and milling centers with a comprehensive product portfolio.

“We look forward to further developing imes-icore together with CEO Christoph Stark, CFO/COO Christian Müller and the rest of the management team. As a leading supplier of dental milling systems with a strong position in both the dental laboratory and dentist segments, imes-icore is well positioned to continue its sustainable growth course. We strongly believe in affordable, high-quality medical care and fully identify with imes-icore’s mission to provide its customers with efficient delivery of first-class dental prosthetics. As a partner to the management team and all other imes-icore stakeholders, we will actively support the company’s growth plans, says Klaus Maurer, Senior Partner at EMZ.

Christoph Stark, founder and CEO of imes-icore, adds: “With EMZ Partners as our new majority shareholder, we are gaining a strong partner who fully supports our vision and growth plans for imes-icore.

Klaus Maurer summarizes Pava Partners as follows: “Another successful collaboration with the Pava MedTech team. Added value is delivered here!”.

Completion of the transaction is still subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities. The parties have agreed not to disclose the financial details.

About EMZ

EMZ is a leading European investment company with offices in Paris and Munich. The company focuses on small and medium-sized companies and offers flexible capital solutions in close partnership with founders, family shareholders and managers. EMZ is majority-owned by its own employees and has a base of European institutional investors. The current fund has a volume of more than 1.3 billion euros, with investments ranging from 10 to 200 million euros.

Further information at: www.emzpartners.com

About imes-icore

imes-icore is one of the global market leaders for digital dental CAD/CAM production systems with locations in Germany, the USA and Sost Asia. The company designs, develops and manufactures dental milling systems, which are accompanied by a broad portfolio of after-sales services. imes-icore’s products and services are characterized by continuous innovation and are known for their precision and advanced technology. The company is managed by founder and CEO Christoph Stark and CFO/COO Christian Müller.

Further information can be found at www.imes-icore.com

About Ardian

Ardian is one of the world’s leading independent investment companies, managing over US$110 billion in assets for its investors in Europe, South and North America and Asia. The company is majority-owned by its employees and generates sustainable, attractive returns for its investors.

With the aim of achieving positive results for all stakeholders, Ardian’s activities support individuals, companies and economies worldwide. Ardian’s investment philosophy is based on the three guiding principles of excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship.

The company has a global network with more than 700 employees and 15 offices in Europe (Frankfurt, Jersey, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Zurich), South America (Santiago de Chile), North America (New York and San Francisco) and Asia (Beijing, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo). Ardian manages the assets of its more than 1,000 investors in five investment areas: Direct Funds, Funds of Funds, Infrastructure, Private Debt and Real Estate.