Ernst Gerlach

NRW.Bank (Private Equity) (NRWB PE) is the private equity operating division of the NRW Bank which traces their origins to 2002 when Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale was split up into two entities. From this basis and further to the 2004 Reorganization Act, the current foundations for NRW Bank were established. Headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany, NRWB PE specializes in providing capital and business development support for SMEs in North Rhine-Westphalia. They manage a number of private equity funds. Through mezzanine capital as a co-investor alongside lead investors, they provide equity limited to minority stakes as a silent partner.

NRW.BANK operates as a state-owned development bank, assisting the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia in its economic and social advancements. It offers interest-subsidized loans, subordinated loans, grants, financing, and advisory services. Its business activities are strictly limited to the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia. It serves small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)/start ups, municipalities and the social housing sectors. The company was founded on August 1, 2002 and is headquartered in Duesseldorf, Germany.