Actis is most impactful private equity firm in Nigeria, says LCCI

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has named Actis the Most impactful private equity firm in Nigeria’, explaining that the recognition was given to the private equity investment firm  for positively impacting the Nigerian economy by developing the private sector.

As an equity investor with US$7.6 billion funds under management, Actis invests exclusively in the emerging markets with a growing portfolio of investments in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

It has made significant impact in the economy of Nigeria with investments in Mouka Form—a leading Nigerian mattress brand; Diamond Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading banks; Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja’s one-stop leisure, restaurant and retail destination; The Palms, the first ever international-standard diversified retail mall in Nigeria, and Heritage Place, a world-class office development in Lagos.

Others are Ikeja City Mall, a world-class retail and leisure mall in Ikeja, Lagos; Vlisco Group, a market leader in designer wax fashion fabrics; UAC of Nigeria Plc, the leading food-centric conglomerate; Upstream, the leading emerging markets mobile monetisation company, and Emerging Markets Payments Holdings (EMPH), a pan-African payments business.

The firm has been successfully investing in Africa for over six decades and, currently, it has $3 billion invested in 23 countries across the continent.

Sarah Rajani CFA,  the firm’s Global Head of Communications disclosed in a statement in Lagos that Nigeria, where the firm has invested over $300 million, was a highly attractive investment destination due to its favourable demographics, GDP growth and consumer opportunity.

“Actis’ experience, global network and sector specialisation uniquely positions it to work with investee companies on all aspects of their growth and value creation. The firm has an overriding focus on maximising shareholder value and adhering to the highest standards of governance”, Rajani said.

Commenting on the award, which was announced at an event hosted by LCCI in Lagos recently, Natalie Kolbe, Partner at Actis, said “we are delighted to win ‘the most impactful private equity firm in Nigeria’ from such a prestigious organization; we are excited about the opportunity in the country and look forward to continuing our work with leading Nigerian businesses.”

Earlier this year, Actis was named ‘2014 Firm of the Year in Africa’ by Private Equity International and ‘2014 African Infrastructure Fund Manager of the Year’ by Infrastructure Investor, reflecting its investment expertise in Africa and the energy sector.  The Actis acquisition of Compuscan was also named ‘Catalyst Private Equity Deal of the Year 2014’.

 

CHUKA UROKO