Existing Owners Continue to Invest in COS Systems

Impressed by the fast growth in revenue, new customers and market position, Ekstrom Invest and Partnerinvest Norr make another investment in COS Systems, the leading provider of software for operators of True Open Access Networks as well as demand aggregation platforms for fiber network builders.

Umea, Sweden – Two years ago Ekstrom Invest and Partnerinvest Norr jointly made a first investment in COS Systems to support their expansion in the USA. Today they are making another substantial investment in the company.

“We are seeing a rapid development of the financial results, but more importantly of COS Systems’ market position. Combined with the strong growth within the fiber network industry globally, COS Systems is well positioned for extraordinary growth in the coming years, “says Gunnar Ekstrom, Chairman of Ekstrom Invest.

“The company and the market are both rapidly moving in the right direction. This new investment is a natural step to further accelerate the growth, “says Ingela Lidstrom, CEO of Partnerinvest Norr.

COS Systems delivers cloud-hosted software to plan, build, and manage broadband networks globally. The COS Service Zones platform allows network builders to draw competing zones, or “Fiberhoods,” across their city and see real-time demand grow as customers sign up before the network deployment begins. Once target take-rates are reached, the networks are deployed backed by committed customers and secured revenue. In the USA only, there are currently about 40 projects where the solution is used to ensure that fiber networks are built with the signed-up customers needed to ensure a return on investment.

COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution, excelling in the operations of True Open Access Networks. In a True Open Access Network, the fiber infrastructure is made available to multiple providers to sell services to end customers. This model ensures high quality and reasonable prices of services due to the competition between providers, not seen on single provider networks.

“Open Access has been the common business model for municipal networks in Sweden for a long time. Now the interest in building these kind of networks in the USA is clearly increasing, especially among cities and electric utilities. This new investment enables us to secure an even stronger position on the fast growing American fiber market,” says Peter Lidstrom, CEO of COS Systems.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com

About Ekstrom Invest

Ekstrom Invest invests in fast growing companies posed to be the market leaders in their niche. With a philosophy to take active ownership they draw on their vast experience from previous investments to develop the companies’ profitability. Investments span both to traditional as well as emerging industries, such as finance, administration, health care, telecommunications, industry, construction and property development, media, etc. Learn more about Ekstrom Invest on www.ekstrominvest.se

About Partnerinvest Norr

Partnerinvest Norr is a regional investment firm active in the northern parts of Sweden. Investments are not tied to any specific industry, but focus rather on scalable business models and strong entrepreneurs. Partnerinvest Norr’s three funds sum up to total investments of $50M and currently about 50 active investments. Learn more about Partnerinvest on www.partnerinvestnorr.se

For additional information contact:

Peter Lidstrom
CEO
COS Systems
+46 (706) 565-872
peter.lidstrom@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Sofia Ekström
CEO
Ekström Invest
+46 (735) 200-882
sofia.ekstrom@ekstrominvest.se
www.ekstrominvest.se

Ingela Lidstrom
CEO
Partnerinvest Norr
+46 (706) 244-252
ingela@partnerinvestnorr.se
www.partnerinvestnorr.se