HgCapital stake in digital firm

HgCapital said the acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, should be

completed in the first half of the year subject to competition clearance.

SimonsVoss, founded in 1995, develops, manufactures and markets digital radio-based locking and access control systems and has sales of more than 37 million euros. The company employs more than 225 members of staff at its headquarters in Munich, its production site in Petersburg and in its foreign subsidiaries, including its UK base at Thorpe Park, Leeds.

Justin von Simson, of HgCapital, said: "SimonsVoss is a highly

innovative company which boasts a best-in-class product range which can be applied across a range of target markets and has the infrastructure to deliver at a global level.

"We are keen to back high growth, innovative companies as we have demonstrated in our investments over the last decade of our presence in continental Europe.

"We are looking forward to working alongside manage- ment to further expand the company's product portfolio and develop its international reach."

SimonsVoss opened its Leeds office in October 2008. It employs three permanent members of staff.