Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan partners with Accel-KKR as Acquisition is Finalized
Alias Poised For Future Growth as an Independent Company
Toronto, Ontario and Menlo Park, California, June 15, 2004 – Accel-KKR, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (Teachers’) and Alias management, today announced the completion of the acquisition of Alias from SGI (NYSE: SGI) for $57.5 million US. Accel-KKR is a technology-focused private equity firm and Teachers’ is one of Canada’s largest pension plans with net assets of more than $75 billion CDN. Alias is the leading provider of 3D graphics technology and services for the film, video games, web, interactive media, automotive, industrial design, education and visualization markets.
“We are very excited to be moving into our next phase of growth with the backing of two such prestigious organizations,” said Doug Walker, President of Alias. “Both Accel-KKR and Teachers’ have embraced Alias’ vision and mission and we anticipate their backing will help us continue to deliver innovative solutions enabling our customers to create, visualize and communicate the world’s most compelling digital visual experiences. Accel-KKR and Teachers’ will be solid business partners that will help extend our resources and network of business relationships. Our goal will be to capitalize on the enormous market potential in the 3D software market for both professionals and consumers.”
Tom Barnds, Managing Director of Accel-KKR commented, “We are pleased to complete this investment and begin working with Alias to execute its business plan as an independent company. We have spoken to a wide range of customers and have consistently heard how much they value Alias’ innovative software and services.”
Ben Bisconti, Managing Director of Accel-KKR added, “We are excited about Alias’ future and look forward to working with Doug Walker and his team as they continue to develop advanced industry-leading solutions.”
Jim Leech, Senior Vice-President, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, added, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to invest in Alias, the global leader in 3D graphics software. It is a world-class company with an impressive management team and great potential for growth.”
There will be no changes to the management team, organization, services, support or product availability as a result of the sale of the business.
About Alias
As the world’s leading innovator of 3D graphics technology, Alias develops award-winning software, custom development and training solutions for the film and video, games, web, interactive media, automotive, industrial design, education and visualization markets. On March 1, 2003, for the awards year 2002, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded Alias|Wavefrontâ„? an Oscar® for scientific and technical achievement for the development of Maya® software, the professional 3D animation and effects package. Alias also offers a powerful range of services for new to advanced users in the most demanding environments. Learning Tools and training, support, and professional services help meet rigorous production deadlines.
Entertainment customers include: Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., CNN, Digital Domain, Disney, Electronic Arts, Industrial Light & Magic, Factor 5 LLC, Midway Games, Nintendo, Pacific Data Images (PDI), Pixar, Sega, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Square Co., Ltd., Warner Feature Animation and Weta Ltd. Design customers include AT&T, BMW, Boeing, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Italdesign, Kodak, Kwikset, Mattel, Price Pfister, Renault, Rollerblade, Sharp, Trek Bicycle, Teague and Timex.
Alias is headquartered in Toronto with a Custom Development Center in Santa Barbara. Please visit the Alias website at http://www.alias.com or call 1-800-447-2542 in North America. International contact numbers include: Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa, +44 (0) 1494 441273; Germany, East & Southeast Europe, 0049 89 31 70 20; France, Spain and Portugal, +33 1 44 92 81 60; Italy, 39 039 6340011; Japan and other parts of Asia Pacific, 81 3 5797 3500 and Latin America, 770 393 1881.
About Accel-KKR
Accel-KKR is a technology-focused private equity investment firm founded by venture capital firm Accel Partners and private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co. Accel-KKR invests primarily in technology companies with between $25 million and $150 million in revenue. Accel-KKR prefers majority ownership positions and investment opportunities in which it can contribute to the creation of long-term shareholder value. At the core of Accel-KKR’s investment strategy is a commitment to developing strong partnerships with the management teams of its portfolio companies.
About Teachers’
The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is an independent corporation responsible for investing $75.7 billion in assets and administering the pensions of Ontario’s 250,000 active and retired teachers. With a solid track record of investment in North America and Europe, Ontario Teachers’ has $4.5 billion invested in private and venture capital including companies that seek to grow and add value to their businesses in the telecommunications, information technology, and biotechnology sectors.
For more information, contact:
Lynn Lim
Marketing Manager
Alias South Asia Pacific
Tel : +65 6236 2545
Email: llim@alias.com
Kekst and Company
Andrea Calise/Joseph Kuo
Tel: 212 521 4845/212 521 4863
Andrea-calise@kekst.com/joe-kuo@kekst.com
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Debra Hanna
Manager, Pension Communications
Tel: 416 730-5351