Acquisitiefonds Groningen

About Acquisitiefonds Groningen

What does the Acquisitiefonds Groningen do?

The Acquisitiefonds Groningen (Groningen Acquisition Fund, AFG) invests in companies that intend to move to and do business in the province of Groningen for the long term. The fund joins lead investors to this end. The AFG invests in companies that immediately generate a considerable number of jobs. These companies must have a valid business case, but the Acquisitiefonds Groningen also explicitly considers the way in which they contribute to the sector in the region and provide opportunities for further growth. The arrival of the new company must improve the quality of the sector structure in Groningen or produce other synergies that benefit both the company and the area. The AFG focuses on sustainability for the environment, the area, and economic impact, but also on a healthy financial-economic return. Financing by the Acquisitiefonds Groningen is in line with market conditions. It is a revolving fund that invests its returns back into the region.

Seven benefits of doing business in Groningen

• The scientific and business communities cooperate efficiently, structurally and at a high level in many different areas.
• Groningen has an internationally renowned university, a University Medical Center and various universities of applied sciences.
• The northern part of the Netherlands is leading in internationalisation. Groningen has an active, internationally oriented network comprising such organisations as NV NOM, Groningen Seaports, the HANNN, Health Hub Roden, and the NOO.
• Over 600 international companies are active in the region. This results in a lively international community in our provincial capital.
• Many excellent facilities are available at relatively short distances.
• The sectors are organised effectively.
• Groningen is an ideal place in which to live and work.

Fundamental principles of the Acquisitiefonds Groningen

The Acquisitiefonds Groningen applies the following fundamental principles to select companies:

• The Acquisitiefonds Groningen studies the options for investment and/or financing after the company has presented an investor-ready plan and a lead investor. The Acquisitiefonds Groningen uses the lead investor’s market knowledge to assess whether a case offers sufficient opportunities. Commitment to implementing an effective financing structure is key.
• Depending on the business case, the AFG invests in the form of share capital and/or (subordinate) loans.
• The AFG can invest up to €5 million in an individual business, but pursues a healthy diversification of its portfolio where possible. As the fund capital totals €15 million, the fund critically assesses the relationship between risk / return / impact on the labour market.
• The total of the public resources used for financing may not exceed 49.9% of the total financing need.