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eQ Plc Notice of the Annual General Meeting 2026
Globenewswire· 2026-02-03 06:15
Core Points - eQ Plc will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 March 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in Helsinki, Finland, with registration starting at 4:30 p.m. [1] - The AGM will be a hybrid meeting, allowing shareholders to participate either in person or via remote connection [2] - Shareholders can submit written questions prior to the meeting as per the Finnish Companies Act [3] Agenda of the AGM - The meeting will cover the opening, calling to order, election of scrutineers, and legality recording [4] - Presentation of the annual accounts, Board of Directors' report, and auditors' report for 2025 will occur, with documents available by 3 March 2026 [5] - Adoption of the annual accounts and resolution on profit distribution, with a proposed dividend of EUR 0.52 per share, totaling EUR 21,531,742.96 [6][7] - The dividend will be paid in two installments: the first on 2 April 2026 and the second in October 2026 [8][9] - The Board of Directors will propose the discharge of liability for the financial year 2025 and handle the Remuneration Report and Policy [11][12] - The Board proposes to maintain the current remuneration for Board members and the number of members [14][15] - Election of current Board members and auditor KPMG Oy Ab for a term ending at the AGM 2027 [16][20] Shareholder Participation - Shareholders must register by 17 March 2026 to participate, with options for online registration or via email/mail [29] - Nominee-registered shareholders must ensure temporary registration by 19 March 2026 to participate [32] - Proxy representatives can register and vote on behalf of shareholders, with specific identification requirements [35][36] Remote Participation and Voting - Remote participation is available, requiring registration and provision of contact details [39][44] - Advance voting is permitted from 24 February to 17 March 2026, with options for online or email/mail submission [46] - Votes cast in advance will be counted in the AGM decision-making process [47] Company Overview - eQ Plc specializes in asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.8 billion in assets [53]
eQ's 2030 strategy: returning to strong growth
Globenewswire· 2026-02-03 06:00
Core Strategy - eQ's updated strategy for 2030 aims to return to strong growth, leveraging its unique strengths and expertise as trusted asset managers for institutions, with a goal to double operating profit by the end of 2030 [1][6][14] Market Position - eQ holds a strong position in long-term active asset management and corporate finance in Finland, with notable strengths in private equity, real estate investments, and advisory services for mergers and acquisitions [2][6] Economic Environment - The last four years have presented challenges due to geopolitical tensions, inflation, and rising interest rates, leading to weak economic growth and declining real estate valuations in Finland. However, the economic outlook for the upcoming years is more positive, with expectations of growth [4] Growth Opportunities - eQ plans to expand its business to international institutional clients and domestic private clients, particularly in the unlisted private equity market, which has historically outperformed the listed market. Mega-trends such as urbanization, aging populations, and green transitions present additional growth opportunities [5][8] Product Development - The company is focused on developing products and services in collaboration with clients and partners, including the recent launch of the eQ PE Direct I fund, aimed at investing in small and medium-sized enterprises [7][10] Client Expansion - eQ seeks to grow its client base by targeting international institutional clients and domestic private clients, offering investment solutions that align with those used by institutional investors [8][9] Implementation Strategy - The strategy for strong growth will primarily be achieved through organic growth, supported by partnerships for broader distribution of services and potential mergers and acquisitions to enhance value for clients [9] Investment Focus - Achieving strategic goals will require moderate investments in personnel, skills development, client experience, technology, and digital services, while maintaining a focus on distributing profits to shareholders as dividends [10][14]
eQ Group is renewing its management team
Globenewswire· 2026-02-03 06:00
Core Viewpoint - eQ Plc is renewing its Management Team to enhance the implementation of its strategy and management of the Group, effective from 3 February 2026 under CEO Jouko Pölönen's leadership [1]. Group Structure - The eQ Group will operate with two main business segments: asset management and corporate finance [1]. - Asset Management will be further divided into three areas: Private Equity, Real Estate, and Equity and Fixed Income [1]. Management Team Composition - The new Management Team includes: - Jouko Pölönen, CEO of eQ Plc - Tero Estovirta, CEO of eQ Asset Management Ltd - Jacob af Forselles, CEO of Advium Corporate Finance Oy - Kirsi Hokka, Customer Relations - Taina Kyllönen, Human Resources and Communications - Arimo Leppä, Technology and Development - Antti Lyytikäinen, Finance - Juha Surve, Legal - Staffan Jåfs, Private Equity - Jennifer Eloheimo, Real Estate - Veli-Pekka Heikkinen, Equity and Fixed Income [3]. Asset Management Overview - eQ Asset Management manages approximately EUR 13.8 billion in assets, providing a wide range of services to both institutions and individuals [2]. - Advium Corporate Finance, part of the Group, specializes in mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and equity capital markets [2].
eQ Plc Financial Statements Release 1 January - 31 December 2025
Globenewswire· 2026-02-03 06:00
Core Insights - eQ Plc reported a decline in net revenue and operating profit for the year 2025, with net revenue at EUR 58.2 million, down 11% from EUR 65.6 million in 2024, and operating profit at EUR 27.4 million, down 21% from EUR 34.5 million [4][8] Financial Performance - The Group's net revenue for the Asset Management segment decreased by 3% to EUR 56.9 million, while operating profit fell by 5% to EUR 32.0 million [4][14] - The Corporate Finance segment's net revenue was EUR 1.7 million, a significant drop of 67% from EUR 5.3 million, with an operating profit of EUR -1.4 million compared to EUR 1.5 million in the previous year [4][16] - The Investments segment reported an operating profit of EUR -0.7 million, down from EUR 1.1 million, negatively impacted by changes in the value of residential funds and exchange rate fluctuations [4][17] Key Ratios - Earnings per share decreased by 21% to EUR 0.52 from EUR 0.66, with a proposed dividend also reduced by 21% to EUR 0.52 [5] - The cost/income ratio for the Group increased to 52.9% from 47.4%, indicating higher operational costs relative to income [5] - Return on equity (ROE) fell by 18% to 30.3% from 36.8% [5] Asset Management Insights - eQ Asset Management raised over EUR 230 million for Private Equity and Residential funds, with the eQ PE XVII US fund raising USD 190 million [9] - The management fees for the Asset Management segment fell by 5% to EUR 53.1 million, while performance fees increased by 24% to EUR 4.4 million [4][14] - Assets managed by eQ at the end of 2025 amounted to EUR 13.8 billion, up from EUR 13.4 billion in 2024 [5] Market Conditions - The year 2025 was characterized by geopolitical uncertainties, including the trade war and ongoing conflicts, which influenced market conditions [6][19] - Despite challenges, share prices rose in 2025, supported by strong corporate earnings and developments in artificial intelligence [7] - The Finnish real estate transaction market showed growth compared to the previous year, although overall market liquidity remained low [19][20] Strategic Outlook - eQ's updated strategy aims to return to strong growth by 2030, focusing on enhancing customer and employee experiences and expanding business internationally [18] - The company anticipates an increase in Private Equity allocations in investor portfolios, expecting Private Equity fees to rise in 2026 [22]
eQ raises EUR 155 million for new Private Equity funds – Janne Holmia joins the PE team as Advisor
Globenewswire· 2026-01-29 09:40
Core Insights - eQ has successfully raised EUR 155 million across four new private equity and venture capital funds, continuing its growth strategy in the investment sector [1] Private Equity Funds - The eQ PE XVIII North fund targets unlisted lower middle market companies in Northern Europe, with investments diversified across approximately 200 portfolio companies [2] - The eQ PE SF VI fund focuses on acquiring fund interests in the secondary market and continuation funds, mirroring the geographical focus and target company size of the eQ PE XVIII North fund [3] - eQ has launched its first dedicated co-investment fund, eQ PE Direct I, which will make direct co-investments in about 20 Northern European lower middle market companies [3] Venture Capital Funds - eQ has introduced its third venture capital fund, eQ VC III US, which invests in leading North American venture capital funds focusing on seed, early-stage, and growth-stage companies [4] - The investment advisor for the eQ VC III US fund is TrueBridge Capital Partners, recognized as a leading investor in venture capital funds [4] Capital Raising and Financial Performance - Capital raising for all funds will continue throughout 2026, with eQ having raised over EUR 2.0 billion for its European private equity funds over the past twelve years, and a total of EUR 3.1 billion including North American funds [5] Team Expansion and Expertise - eQ is enhancing its private equity organization with the addition of Janne Holmia, who brings 17 years of experience from Verdane Capital Advisors [6] - The team at eQ is among the largest and most experienced in the Nordics for lower middle market investments, with a focus on operational value creation and selective investor partnerships [7][9] Market Insights - In the lower middle market, eQ emphasizes moderate entry valuations and lower leverage levels, with exits primarily through sales to industrial buyers or larger private equity funds [7] - The venture capital landscape shows significant performance dispersion, with strong returns concentrated among a small group of managers, highlighting the importance of market insight and access [8] Company Overview - eQ is a Finnish asset management and corporate finance group managing approximately EUR 13.7 billion in assets, offering a range of services including private equity and real estate asset management [10]
Shareholders’ Nomination Committee’s Proposals to Annual General Meeting 2026 concerning the Number of the Board Members, Their Remuneration and Reimbursement of Their Costs, and Nomination of the Board Members
Globenewswire· 2026-01-27 13:00
Core Viewpoint - The Shareholders' Nomination Committee of eQ Plc has proposed the composition and remuneration of the Board of Directors for the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for 24 March 2026 [1]. Group 1: Board Composition - The Shareholders' Nomination Committee proposes that the number of members on the Board of Directors remains unchanged at six (6), or five (5) if a proposed member is unable to serve [2]. - The nominees for re-election to the Board of Directors include Päivi Arminen, Nicolas Berner, Caroline Bertlin, Georg Ehrnrooth, Janne Larma, and Tomas von Rettig [4]. - The term of office for the Board members will conclude at the close of the next Annual General Meeting [4]. Group 2: Board Compensation - The proposed compensation for the Chair of the Board is 5,000 euros per month, while the Vice Chair will receive 4,000 euros per month, and other Board members will receive 3,000 euros per month [3]. - Additionally, a compensation of 750 euros per attended Board meeting is proposed for all Board members, with travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed according to eQ Plc's guidelines [3]. Group 3: Nominee Consent and Leadership - All nominees have consented to the proposal and have indicated that Janne Larma will be selected as Chair of the Board of Directors upon election [5].
Publication of eQ Plc’s 2025 financial statements release and invitation to the results and strategy presentation
Globenewswire· 2026-01-27 07:00
Core Viewpoint - eQ Plc will release its 2025 financial statements on February 3, 2026, along with an updated strategy and long-term targets [1][2] Group 1: Financial Statements and Strategy - The financial statements will be published at approximately 8:00 a.m. on February 3, 2026 [1] - An updated strategy and long-term targets will accompany the financial results [1] Group 2: Press Conference Details - A press conference will be held on February 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. to present the 2025 results and updated strategy [1] - The press conference will take place at eQ's head office in Helsinki, with an option to participate via webcast [2] - Registration is required for webcast participation, and the conference will be conducted in Finnish [2] Group 3: Company Overview - eQ Plc specializes in asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.7 billion in assets [2] - eQ Asset Management provides a variety of services, including private equity funds and real estate asset management [2] - Advium Corporate Finance, part of eQ, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and equity capital markets [2]
eQ Plc Managers' Transactions - Taina Kyllönen
Globenewswire· 2026-01-19 13:30
Core Viewpoint - eQ Plc has appointed Taina Kyllönen as the Chief People and Communications Officer, effective from January 19, 2026, and she has received stock options as part of her compensation package [1] Company Information - eQ Plc is a Finnish group focused on asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.7 billion in assets [1] - eQ Asset Management provides a variety of services, including private equity funds and real estate asset management for both institutions and private individuals [1] - Advium Corporate Finance, a subsidiary of eQ, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and equity capital markets [1] - The parent company, eQ Plc, is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki [1]
eQ updates Financial Reporting for Real Estate Funds
Globenewswire· 2025-11-25 08:00
Core Points - eQ is enhancing the financial reporting of its real estate funds, eQ Community Properties and eQ Commercial Properties, to align more closely with the standards of listed real estate companies [1][2] - The new reporting practices will be implemented starting with the Q3/2025 Financial Review, which will be published quarterly on the funds' websites [2] - The initiative aims to improve transparency and comparability in financial reporting for Finnish real estate funds, catering to both institutional and smaller investors [3][4] Company Strategy - eQ views this reform as a strategic choice to lead the development of the industry, despite the current regulations being deemed sufficient [4] - The company intends to set a new standard for financial reporting among Finnish real estate funds, emphasizing the need for more open and consistent reporting practices [4] Upcoming Events - eQ will hold a press and analyst briefing on 25 November 2025 to present the updated reporting approach [5] - The updated reports will be accessible on the funds' websites, providing detailed financial information to stakeholders [5] Company Overview - eQ Asset Management manages approximately EUR 13.7 billion in assets and offers a range of services including private equity and real estate asset management [5]
Taina Kyllönen appointed as eQ’s Chief People and Communications Officer and member of the Management Team
Globenewswire· 2025-11-19 07:00
Core Viewpoint - eQ Plc has appointed Taina Kyllönen as the new Chief People and Communications Officer, effective by February 1, 2026, to enhance its management team and support the company's growth strategy [2][3]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Taina Kyllönen will report directly to CEO Jouko Pölönen and brings over 20 years of experience in communications, investor relations, and marketing from her previous roles at the University of Helsinki and other companies [2][3]. - Kyllönen's expertise includes corporate culture development and brand building, which aligns with eQ's entrepreneurial and skilled team [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - eQ Plc focuses on asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.7 billion in assets [5]. - The company offers a variety of asset management services, including private equity funds and real estate asset management, catering to both institutions and private individuals [5].