Pinnacle Capital Partners has raised in excess of €14.3 million for investment in indigenous industries.

The 2009 Pinnacle BES Fund, which closed in December 2009, raised €4.085 million for investment in qualifying Irish companies. Funds have been invested in four companies to date and we are carrying out due diligence in respect of the remainder. Target completion by September 2010.

For further information on the 2009 Pinnacle BES Fund or the 2008 or 2007 Pinnacle Funds contact Ger Blake on 061 310311 or email gerblake@hbcl.ie


Why Invest in BES?

  1. One of the few sources of Total-Income-Relief available.
  2. Tax relief available on investments up to a maximum of €150,000.
  3. Most other shelters have much lower total income limits.
  4. Exposure is limited to the upfront equity investment.
  5. Funds only committed for 5 years after the shares are issued.
  6. Most other shelters have 15+ years life span.
  7. Risk associated with BES investment is reduced due to stronger companies considering BES as a source of funding.

Investment Strategy

The Pinnacle Fund is a low risk fund which seeks to minimise the potential loss of any equity (though of course we cannot eliminate risk entirely). It is a Low risk – Low Cap Fund:

Target an average Cap of €1.20 per €1 invested.


When choosing which companies to invest in Pinnacle Capital Partners seek:

  1. Strong management AND shareholders.
  2. History of strong performance and/or bench mark company – no start-ups.
  3. Adequate Net Asset Value of Company on Entry and Exit.
  4. Enforceable exit and proper legal agreements.
  5. Spread of risk.

Why Are Stronger Companies Interested?

We have witnessed, year on year, an improvement in the calibre of companies seeking BES funding. Stronger companies represent better investments for the fund. So why are these stronger companies’ now actively seeking BES funds–

  1. Increased limit of €2m makes it more attractive.
  2. Interest rates & bank margins make it cheaper than bank finance.
  3. Credit squeeze means it’s difficult for even strong companies to obtain bank finance.
  4. Cash flow benefits as potentially no repayments for 5 years.
  5. Strengthens the Balance Sheet as an equity investment.

Information for current Investors:

  1. Investors have been issued receipts for their investment by our trustees IFG Trust Company Ltd.
  2. Bi-annual investment reports are issued to Investors.
  3. RICT5 certificates will be issued to investors once the investments by the Fund are complete and certification has been received from Revenue in each case. This certificate will be required by investors in order to support a claim for tax relief.
  4. Investors should give the certificate either to a tax advisor who is assisting in processing the claim or alternatively submitted directly by the investor to his/her local tax district.
  5. For any queries in relation to claiming your tax relief please email Karen McEntee at karenmcentee@hbcl.ie

The 2009 Pinnacle Fund

The 2009 Pinnacle BES Fund raised €4.085m. for investment in qualifying Irish companies. The Fund has invested in four companies to date and is carrying out due diligence in respect of others. It is intended that all funds will be invested by September 2010.

The 2008 Pinnacle Fund

The 2008 Pinnacle BES Fund raised €3.7m in December 2008 to invest in qualifying companies. These funds are now fully committed to the following companies based in Galway, Cork, Dublin and Limerick:

  1. An asset backed passenger ferry operator.
  2. A specialty food company.
  3. A technology service provider with a strong promoter with a successful track record.
  4. A company providing recycling services to one of the largest waste operators in the country.
  5. An asset-backed hostel in a city centre location.
  6. A wind farm – asset-backed with grid connections and power purchase agreements in place.
  7. A tourist traffic undertaking. The promoter already owns a similar undertaking which is leased out and has a proven track record.

The 2007 Pinnacle Fund

The 2007 Pinnacle BES Fund raised €6.5 million in December 2007 to invest in qualifying companies. These funds are now fully committed to the following companies based in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Donegal, Tipperary and Dublin:

  1. An asset-backed hydro electricity generating company with grid connection & power purchase agreements.
  2. A long-established technology service company with a financially strong promoter who has strong profitable track record in the sector.
  3. A mushroom cultivator with long term sales and compost provision contracts with major operator.
  4. Two wind farms - asset-backed with grid connection and power purchase agreements, maintenance contracts in place with turbine manufacturers.
  5. A profitable asset backed moulding company.
  6. A speciality food company.
  7. An entertainment production company with industry recognised promoters who have a strong track record in the sector.
  8. A tourist traffic undertaking, the promoter already owns a similar undertaking which is leased out and has a proven track record.