Paerel and Icecat Acquire INKEF Stake in NPEX

NPEX BV, the SME stock exchange platform, announces that current shareholders Paerel Investment and Icecat Capital have acquired INKEF Capital’s approximately 20% shareholding. With this acquisition, both investors strengthen their commitment to the continued growth and professionalization of NPEX.

The transaction marks a new chapter in the development of NPEX. NPEX will focus in the coming period – alongside its regular placement activities – on advancing three recent pillars:

1. NPEX Connect – further developing a modern, digital platform that directly connects SMEs, high-net-worth and professional investors, and advisors.
   
2. Securities Administration – enhancing and expanding services related to the management and administrative processing of already placed securities.
   
3. Direct Listings – simplifying stock market access for SMEs through direct listings, without the need for complex issuance processes.

“The consolidated shareholder base reflects the confidence of Paerel Investment and Icecat Capital in our newly defined strategy. It enables us to accelerate investments in the new digital infrastructure of NPEX,” says Mark van der Plas, MD of NPEX. “With NPEX Connect, we make it easier for companies to raise financing from professional investors. In this way, NPEX Connext is a gateway to a later stock exchange listing. The criteria for placements with retail investors have been tightened. This has improved the overall quality of tradable securities on the NPEX exchange.”

New Strategy Focused on NPEX Connect and Direct Listings

Both investors also emphasize the importance of the strategic shift. Toon van Dooijeweerd of Paerel Investment states that the NPEX stock exchange will play an increasingly important role in SME financing, and that Paerel – drawing on its extensive experience in the capital markets  – can add significant value. Martijn Hoogeveen of Icecat Capital, participating in NPEX since two years, reaffirms his confidence in the strategy and in NPEX’s role as a leading SME financing platform in the Benelux.

With its focus on digitalization, streamlined administration, and accessible listings, NPEX aims to grow into the premier platform where entrepreneurship and capital meet efficiently.