News 2018
APPLE ACQUIRES SHAZAM
Azini Capital sells its stake in Shazam
Apple has announced it has completed its acquisition of Shazam, one of the world’s most popular and highly-rated music apps, used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
“Apple and Shazam have a long history together. Shazam was one of the first apps available when we launched the App Store and has become a favourite app for music fans everywhere,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music.
Shazam lets users identify songs simply by listening to the music playing around them. Shazam has been downloaded over 1 billion times around the world, and users identify songs using the Shazam app over 20 million times each day. With pioneering innovation in music identification, Shazam helps people discover, interact with and share video, audio or printed content across devices and mediums — and allows music fans to follow their favourite artists and share in the thrill of discovery.
Specialist direct secondary investor Azini secured its shareholding in Shazam through its acquisition in late 2008 of Lynx Capital Ventures, owned by Bear Stearns Capital Corp / JP Morgan. This exit is the last investment in the Lynx portfolio from which Azini has unlocked significant value for the original Lynx investors.
Azini Sells iForce
Azini Capital has completed the sale of portfolio company iForce to Eddie Stobart Logistics Plc (LSE:ESL) following their recent £550 million IPO on London’s AIM stock exchange.
Originally founded in 1997, iForce developed an innovative software and operational capability to provide supply chain solutions for the UK retail market. During Azini Capital’s period of ownership iForce invested significantly in its software and operational capability to support some of the UK’s biggest retail brands including John Lewis, Tesco, Fortnum and Mason. Following its acquisition by Eddie Stobart Logistics plc iForce will have access to the largest transport network in the UK enabling it to offer a fully integrated supply chain capability.
Azini Capital was a leading investor and supporter of iForce and played a key role in defining the direction and plan that ultimately led to iForce’s success. Michael Bennett, Managing Partner of Azini Capital and board director of iForce commented, “iForce is yet another excellent exit for our Azini 1 fund and is an example of Azini’s commitment to helping our portfolio companies become successful. Eddie Stobart is a great home for iForce and we wish them all the very best of luck for the future.”