Ventizz Capital Fund IV L.P. (Ventizz) has invested in Rioglass Solar Holding S.A. (Rioglass Solar), one of the leading manufacturers of solar reflectors for the application in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. The investment was made together with funds managed by Partners Group, a global private markets asset manager as investment partner, and in conjunction with Jose-Maria Villanueva, the founder and CEO of Rioglass Solar, and current shareholder Abengoa, the international company that applies innovative technology solutions for sustainable development in the energy and environment sectors.

Founded in 2007, Rioglass has developed proprietary technology to manufacture highly efficient mirrors for all types of CSP technology. With over 200 employees and production facilities in Asturias (Spain) and in Arizona (USA), the company is well positioned to supply the global market in solar thermal plants. Unlike other renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic or wind, CSP has the distinct advantage of being able to store thermal energy. The need for base-load capable, utility scale renewable energy sources will drive the significant growth of the CSP market that is expected in the coming years.

"Rioglass Solar has become a global leading supplier of performance critical components in this attractive renewable energy segment. CSP continues to expand as the market is still in an early stage of development. This provides us with significant potential for further growth, which will be exploited together with Abengoa. With such a strong strategic partner Rioglass Solar is well positioned to develop successfully," said Dr. Helmut Vorndran, CEO of Ventizz Capital Partners, the exclusive advisor to the Ventizz Private Equity Funds. "With its focus on CSP technology and an excellent track record, we believe Rioglass Solar adds additional diversification to the already existing wind and photovoltaic companies of the already well-balanced renewable energy portfolio of Ventizz IV."

Jose-Maria Villanueva, founder and CEO of Rioglass Solar: "We are very pleased to have Ventizz and Partners Group on board. With their experience of financing and developing high-growth technology companies in the renewable energy sector they will add significant value to Rioglass."

The parties have agreed not to disclose details of the transaction.

About Ventizz Capital Partners
Ventizz Capital Partners was established in 2000 and has offices in St. Gallen, Zurich, Düsseldorf and Vienna. Ventizz Capital Partners is the exclusive advisor to the Ventizz Private Equity Funds, which provide growth capital and buyout financing for high tech companies in Western Europe. Four partners and a team of 15 additional professionals currently advise four funds with a total capital under management of EUR 675m. Ventizz Capital Fund IV L.P. is the largest of four funds established so far. The Fund was closed at the end of 2007 after only six months of fundraising, during which EUR 450m were raised, making it one of the biggest private equity funds in the segment of growth capital and mid-size tech buyouts in the German-speaking region.

Ventizz Funds have to date invested in 41 companies with a focus on the areas of renewable energy/clean tech, high-tech manufacturing industries, medical technology and information and communication technology. In addition to a variety of trade sales, Ventizz has so far floated four portfolio companies (ersol, SAF, PV Crystalox Solar and recently exceet) at European stock exchange markets.

About Partners Group
Partners Group is a global private markets investment management firm with EUR 25 billion in investment programs under management in private equity, private real estate, private infrastructure and private debt. The firm manages a broad range of customized portfolios for an international clientele of institutional investors. Partners Group is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland and has offices in San Francisco, New York, São Paulo, London, Guernsey, Paris, Luxembourg, Munich, Dubai, Singapore, Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney. The firm employs over 550 people and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: PGHN) with a market capitalization of over CHF 4 billion with a clear majority owned by its Partners and all employees.