Public Equity

Aixtron is a technology spin-off of Aachen University in Germany, with expertise focused on solid physics, in particular gaseous phase deposition. Within this area, Aixtron develops systems for the production of semiconductors and nanofibres.

The company is specialized in the development of systems producing LEDs (light emitting diodes), which have benefited from exploding demand with the recent growth in sales of LCD TV screens with LED backlighting. Aixtron holds over two-thirds of the global market for MOCVD (Meta Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition) reactors used to make LEDs.

Nanogate is a listed German company and a spinout of the Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM) in Sarrebruck. Specialized in chemical nanotechnology, its main focus is on liquid-phase and electrochemical surface treatments. It defines itself as an "enabler", developing processes to enhance customer products with the improved technic al features of surfaces.

RTL Group is an integrated pan-European company with a leading market position in TV and radio broadcasting across Europe. It is also a global leader in content (production & rights), the largest independent distribution company outside the US in terms of broadcasting rights, and the leading online content player in most European countries.

SES Global is the world leading satellite group. SES offers, through its regional operating companies and its satellite fleet, the leading portfolio of advanced satellite-centric platforms and services around the world.

Brazil's Vale is o ne of the world's leading mining groups, ranking first for iron ore. The mines it operates in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Para are the world's richest, and it is also the world's number-two producer of nickel, a metal mainly used in stainless steel.