LDC, the mid-market private equity arm of LloydsTSB, has appointed Ronald Verhoef as director of its Netherlands team. Based in Amsterdam, he will focus on originating transactions in the Benelux market and will report to Kevan Leggett, managing director of LDC’s eight strong investment team in the UK.
Verhoef was previously CFO at privately-owned investor Reggeborgh Group, where he focused on mid-market investments in the energy sector.
In December 2006, he led the sale of business travel management company ATP International Group to LDC in a 36m MBO. LDC exited the business in July 2008 through a 73.5m secondary buy-out backed by Barclays Private Equity.
LDC plans to invest 250m of equity during 2009 from its UK and international business which operates from 14 offices in the UK, Hong Kong and the Netherlands, according to the firm.
“LDC’s relationship-based approach to investment is very much aligned with advisors and businesses in the Benelux region,” says Verhoef. “My focus will be on originating and transacting quality businesses with the right management team and growth strategy.”
Leggett, managing director of LDC, added, “Ronald’s appointment is further evidence of our commitment to continue growing LDC’s presence both in the UK and abroad.
“Much of our success has been based on the ability to draw on local understanding and contacts to deliver a management-focused approach to investment, says Verhoef. “Ronald has delivered successful transactions both in the Benelux region and across Europe and so we are very excited at having him on board and at the prospect of growing our presence in the market.”
LDC recently opened an office in Hong Kong to establish a presence in the Asian market. Craig Wilkinson, previously an investment director at LDC Leeds, was appointed managing director of LDC Hong Kong.
D.C.