International Gemological Institute (IGI) has been sold in a deal worth more than $US596.6 million.
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has 29 grading laboratories and 18 gemology schools, employing approximately 1,000 people, were 80 percent owned by China’s Fosun Group.
Singapore’s BCP Asia II Topco has now acquired the IGI. The new owner of the IGI is Blackstone, the world’s largest ‘alternative’ asset management company.
Blackstone is based in the US and oversees more than $US991 in assets.
“IGI has spearheaded the certification of natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds, and color gemstones, becoming a global market leader.”
Mukesh Mehta, senior managing director at Blackstone,
“We are bringing the best of Blackstone to the business – our operational expertise, capabilities in technology, and global track record in building successful businesses to help the company expand its global footprint.”
CEO Roland Lorie is the son of IGI founder Marcel Lorie, who launched the company in Antwerp in 1975. Lorie previously owned a 20 percent stake in the company.
“IGI (International Gemological Institute) has had a successful track record for close to 50 years since we founded the company, and we are pleased to entrust Blackstone to take IGI on to its next stage of development. IGI has been a pioneer in developing products adapted to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers’ expectations.”
The majority of IGI’s (International Gemological Institute) operations are based in India, specializing in the grading of finished jewelry and lab-created diamonds.
Blackstone is Located in: Marina Bay Link Mall
Address: MARINA BAY FINANCIAL CENTRE TOWER 2, 10 Marina Blvd, SUITE 13-01/02, Singapore 018983
Phone: +65 6850 7500
Blackstone Inc. is an American alternative investment management company based in New York City. Blackstone’s private equity business has been one of the largest investors in leveraged buyouts in the last three decades, while its real estate business has actively acquired commercial real estate.
Blackstone is also active in credit, infrastructure, hedge funds, insurance, secondaries, and growth equity. As of Q1 2023, the company’s total assets under management were approximately US$991 billion, making it the largest alternative investment firm globally.
Blackstone was founded in 1985 as a mergers and acquisitions firm by Peter G. Peterson and Stephen A. Schwarzman, who had previously worked together at Lehman Brothers.