Cape Town has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms, attracting top-tier investment groups like Ethos Private Equity, Metier Private Equity, and AIIM. These firms leverage the city’s strategic position, robust financial infrastructure, and access to diverse African markets. With a concentration of skilled professionals and a dynamic business ecosystem, Cape Town provides an ideal environment for private equity investments across sectors like infrastructure, technology, and consumer goods. Join our thriving community of private equity leaders at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Ethos Private Equity
Investment Style: Ethos Private Equity focuses on investing in medium to large-sized companies across a variety of sectors, including industrial services, consumer goods, and healthcare, within sub-Saharan Africa. They employ a hands-on approach to enhance operational efficiency and strategic growth in their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Ethos’s portfolio includes AutoZone (automotive parts retailer), Neopak (paper and packaging manufacturer), and Brait SE (investment holding company).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 40
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Stuart MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer: Leads the firm with a focus on strategic investments and fostering growth within portfolio companies.
- Ruben Barendes, Partner: Specializes in operational enhancements and strategic planning across various sectors.
- Andrea Bohmert, Partner: Focuses on venture capital investments and innovation-driven enterprises.
Recent Exits:
- Waco Africa to a consortium led by Ethos and RMB Ventures.
- Real People Investment Holdings to Capitec Bank Holdings Limited.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Crossfin Technology Holdings, a leading fintech investment holding company.
- Acquisition of a stake in Channel VAS, a fintech provider of mobile financial services.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town: Cape Town, South Africa
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg, Nairobi
Website: www.ethos.co.za
Quote: “Our success stems from our ability to partner with management teams to unlock and maximize value, driving growth and delivering sustainable returns for all stakeholders.” – Stuart MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer
Metier Private Equity
Investment Style: Metier Private Equity specializes in mid-market investments with a focus on energy, infrastructure, and consumer services in Africa. They leverage a blend of financial acumen and industry expertise to drive long-term growth and value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Metier’s portfolio includes Libstar (food manufacturer and distributor), and the Starsight Energy Group (renewable energy solutions provider).
Founding Date: 2004
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Paul Botha, Chief Executive Officer: Drives strategic direction and investment strategy, emphasizing sustainable growth.
- Michael Goldblatt, Partner: Focuses on the energy and infrastructure sectors, providing strategic insights for portfolio growth.
- Michael Joubert, Partner: Specializes in consumer services and general growth investments in the African market.
Recent Exits:
- Exit of a significant stake in Libstar Holdings Limited.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in the Starsight Energy Group, expanding their presence in the renewable energy sector.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town: Cape Town, South Africa
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg
Website: www.metier.co.za
Quote: “Our approach is centered on identifying opportunities that deliver lasting impact for our investors, portfolio companies, and the communities we operate in.” – Paul Botha, Chief Executive Officer
AIIM (African Infrastructure Investment Managers)
Investment Style: AIIM focuses on infrastructure investments across the African continent, with an emphasis on power, transport, and digital infrastructure. Their strategy involves partnering with project developers and operators to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Portfolio Companies: AIIM’s investments include Cenpower (power generation project in Ghana), and the Lekki Toll Road Project (public-private partnership in Nigeria).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jurie Swart, Chief Executive Officer: Provides leadership and strategic direction, focusing on infrastructure investment opportunities across Africa.
- Vuyo Ntoi, Co-Managing Director: Specializes in energy and transport infrastructure projects, driving portfolio development.
- Olusola Lawson, Co-Managing Director: Focuses on investment strategy and execution in digital and energy infrastructure.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of equity stake in the Umoya Energy Wind Farm.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in the Bugesera International Airport Project in Rwanda.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town (Headquarters): Cape Town, South Africa
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg, Lagos
Website: www.aiimafrica.com
Quote: “Our goal is to build the infrastructure that Africa needs to unlock its potential and foster economic growth.” – Jurie Swart, Chief Executive Officer
Vantage Capital
Investment Style: Vantage Capital is a mezzanine debt provider, investing in mid-sized African businesses across various sectors such as healthcare, education, and renewable energy. Their approach emphasizes providing flexible capital solutions to support business growth.
Portfolio Companies: Vantage Capital’s portfolio includes Austell Laboratories (pharmaceuticals), and the Rosslyn Riviera Mall (real estate development in Kenya).
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Warren Van Der Merwe, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s investment strategy and execution across the African continent.
- Luc Albinski, Co-Founder & Chairman: Provides strategic direction with a focus on mezzanine financing and business growth.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Cap Tamarin, a real estate development in Mauritius.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in the Rosslyn Riviera Mall, enhancing their focus on real estate opportunities.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town: Cape Town, South Africa
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg
Website: www.vantagecapital.co.za
Quote: “We focus on providing tailored capital solutions that enable businesses to grow and create sustainable value.” – Warren Van Der Merwe, Managing Partner
Horizon Equity Partners
Investment Style: Horizon Equity Partners specializes in growth capital investments in small to medium-sized enterprises in South Africa, focusing on sectors like technology, financial services, and consumer products. They aim to drive innovation and expansion through strategic partnerships.
Portfolio Companies: Horizon’s portfolio includes Tracker (vehicle tracking services) and Eazi Access (equipment rental and sales).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $200 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Kevin Hedderwick, Director: Focuses on strategic growth and operational improvements in portfolio companies.
- Kerry Jenkins, Associate Director: Specializes in investment analysis and value creation strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Eazi Access, a leading provider of work-at-height and materials handling solutions.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Tracker, expanding their footprint in the vehicle tracking sector.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town (Headquarters): Cape Town, South Africa
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg
Website: www.horizonequity.co.za
Quote: “Our commitment to fostering innovative businesses through strategic investments sets us apart in the growth capital space.” – Kevin Hedderwick, Director
Capitalworks
Investment Style: Capitalworks focuses on mid-market private equity investments in Southern Africa, targeting a diverse range of sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. Their strategy involves partnering with management teams to drive operational improvements and strategic growth.
Portfolio Companies: Capitalworks’ portfolio includes Much Asphalt (road construction materials) and Austell Pharmaceuticals (pharmaceuticals).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Chad Smart, Managing Partner: Focuses on strategic investments and portfolio development.
- Marc Elias, Partner: Specializes in financial services and healthcare sector investments.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from their investment in Much Asphalt, a leader in the supply of asphalt products.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Austell Pharmaceuticals, expanding their presence in the pharmaceutical sector.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town: Cape Town, South Africa
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg
Website: www.capitalworks.com
Quote: “Our approach is to partner with exceptional management teams to unlock value and drive sustainable growth.” – Chad Smart, Managing Partner
Rockwood Private Equity
Investment Style: Rockwood Private Equity focuses on buyouts and growth capital investments in medium to large-sized enterprises across a variety of sectors, including industrials, consumer, and services within South Africa. Their strategy is to enhance businesses through active ownership and operational expertise.
Portfolio Companies: Rockwood’s portfolio includes Bravo Group (furniture and bedding manufacturer) and Waco International (equipment rental and industrial services).
Founding Date: 2008
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 12
Assets Under Management: Approximately $400 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Gideon Nel, Managing Partner: Specializes in strategic direction and operational improvements for portfolio companies.
- Chris Seabrooke, Chairman: Provides leadership and strategic oversight across all investments.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Tsebo Solutions Group, a leading provider of facilities management services in Africa.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Bravo Group, enhancing their position in the home furnishings market.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town: Cape Town, South Africa
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg
Website: www.rockwoodpe.co.za
Quote: “We focus on building strong partnerships with management teams to transform businesses and create sustainable value.” – Gideon Nel, Managing Partner
Vuna Partners
Investment Style: Vuna Partners is focused on investing in small to medium-sized enterprises across Southern Africa, with a particular emphasis on turnaround and growth situations. Their strategy involves providing strategic and operational support to drive business transformations.
Portfolio Companies: Vuna’s investments include Southern Palace Group (industrial holdings) and BMG (industrial supplies and engineering).
Founding Date: 2012
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $150 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Andile Mazwai, Executive Chairman: Leads strategic initiatives and growth-driven investments.
- Kevin Johnson, Managing Partner: Focuses on operational improvements and value creation.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from their investment in BMG, a leader in industrial supplies and engineering solutions.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Southern Palace Group, supporting their expansion across industrial sectors.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town (Headquarters): Cape Town, South Africa
Website: www.vunapartners.co.za
Quote: “We are committed to transforming businesses by providing the necessary resources and support to unlock their full potential.” – Andile Mazwai, Executive Chairman
Old Mutual Private Equity
Investment Style: Old Mutual Private Equity targets investments in established businesses across Southern Africa, focusing on sectors such as retail, financial services, and manufacturing. They aim to deliver value through strategic partnerships and active management.
Portfolio Companies: Old Mutual’s portfolio includes Consol (glass packaging manufacturer) and Footgear (retail footwear).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $800 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Khumo Shuenyane, Head of Private Equity: Drives investment strategy and execution, focusing on growth and value creation.
- Herman Singh, Investment Executive: Specializes in retail and manufacturing investments, contributing to portfolio development.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from their investment in Footgear, a leading footwear retailer in South Africa.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Consol, supporting their expansion in the packaging sector.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town: Cape Town, South Africa
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg
Website: www.oldmutualprivateequity.co.za
Quote: “Our partnerships with management teams are key to driving sustainable growth and delivering superior returns.” – Khumo Shuenyane, Head of Private Equity
Phatisa
Investment Style: Phatisa focuses on private equity investments in the food and agriculture sectors across Africa. Their strategy emphasizes value creation through operational improvements and strategic growth in portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Phatisa’s portfolio includes Meridian Group (agricultural inputs supplier) and Goldtree (palm oil producer).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $400 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Stuart Bradley, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s investment strategy in the food and agriculture sectors.
- Duncan Owen, Partner: Focuses on operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from their investment in Meridian Group, a leader in agricultural inputs in Africa.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Goldtree, supporting their growth in the palm oil production industry.
Office Locations:
- Cape Town: Cape Town, South Africa
- Additional Offices: Nairobi, Accra
Website: www.phatisa.com
Quote: “Our focus is on creating value in the food and agricultural supply chains to drive sustainable economic development.” – Stuart Bradley, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Cape Town’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting dynamic opportunities for strategic business transformations. The city’s firms demonstrate remarkable adaptability and insight in navigating complex market dynamics. As local and international investors recognize Cape Town’s potential, the ecosystem will likely experience further growth and sophistication.
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