Port Louis, Mauritius, has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms, attracting global investors with its strategic positioning and business-friendly environment. Prominent firms like Aureos Capital, AXYS Capital Management, and CIEL Capital have established their headquarters in this vibrant city, leveraging its robust financial infrastructure and regional connectivity. These firms are driving investment across diverse sectors in the Indian Ocean region. Professionals interested in exploring this dynamic landscape can join our thriving community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Aureos Capital
Investment Style: Aureos Capital specializes in small to mid-cap private equity investments in emerging markets, focusing on providing growth capital and operational support to businesses with strong potential. Their strategy emphasizes local expertise and global industry best practices to drive sustainable growth.
Portfolio Companies: Aureos Capital’s portfolio includes companies in sectors such as healthcare, financial services, consumer goods, and manufacturing across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 80 investment professionals globally.
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Sev Vettivetpillai, CEO: Vettivetpillai has played a key role in expanding Aureos’s footprint across emerging markets, focusing on strategic growth initiatives.
- Harry Matovu, Partner: Matovu brings extensive experience in managing investments and driving operational improvements across portfolio companies.
- Gordon Pfister, Partner: Focuses on enhancing portfolio company value through strategic guidance and financial oversight.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from a healthcare provider in East Africa through a trade sale to a strategic buyer.
- Successful IPO of a consumer goods company in Southeast Asia, showcasing growth potential.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a leading fintech company in Latin America to drive expansion in digital financial services.
- Acquisition of a manufacturing firm in South Asia to leverage local market growth opportunities.
Office Locations:
- Port Louis (Headquarters): Port Louis, Mauritius
- Additional Offices: London, Nairobi, Singapore
Website: www.aureos.com
Quote: “Our localized approach combined with global industry insights allows us to effectively support and grow businesses in emerging markets.” – Sev Vettivetpillai, CEO
AXYS Capital Management
Investment Style: AXYS Capital Management focuses on private equity investments in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and financial services. Their investment strategy involves active management and value creation through strategic partnerships and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies in real estate development, boutique hotels, and financial services groups in Mauritius and surrounding regions.
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Bernard Maigrot, Managing Director: Leads the firm’s strategic direction and investment activities in the region.
- Pascal Lagesse, Partner: Focuses on investment opportunities within the real estate and hospitality sectors.
- Anne-Marie Perrier, Partner: Specializes in financial services investments and portfolio management.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from a luxury hotel chain in the Indian Ocean through a trade sale to an international hospitality group.
- Divestment of a commercial real estate property in Mauritius to a local investor group.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of a real estate development company to expand their footprint in the residential sector.
- Investment in a financial technology start-up to enhance their offerings in digital banking services.
Office Locations:
- Port Louis (Headquarters): Port Louis, Mauritius
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.axyscapital.com
Quote: “We are committed to unlocking the potential of the Indian Ocean region by leveraging our expertise and networks to create sustainable value.” – Bernard Maigrot, Managing Director
CIEL Capital
Investment Style: CIEL Capital is a private equity firm focusing on diversified investment opportunities in the Indian Ocean and Africa, with a strong emphasis on healthcare, agribusiness, and hospitality. Their strategy involves leveraging industry expertise and partnerships to drive growth and value creation.
Portfolio Companies: CIEL Capital’s portfolio spans across healthcare providers, agribusiness firms, and hospitality chains in Mauritius and Africa.
Founding Date: 1912
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100 globally, with a focus on the Indian Ocean and African regions.
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Arnaud Dalais, Chairman: Provides strategic oversight and ensures alignment with the firm’s long-term vision.
- Jean-Pierre Dalais, Group Chief Executive: Focuses on driving operational excellence and strategic growth across portfolio companies.
- Thierry Sauzier, Chief Investment Officer: Leads investment strategies and portfolio management initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Divestment from a major healthcare group in East Africa to a global healthcare provider.
- Sale of a significant stake in an agribusiness company to a strategic partner in Europe.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a hospitality chain to expand their presence in the Indian Ocean region.
- Acquisition of an agribusiness company to enhance their portfolio in sustainable agriculture.
Office Locations:
- Port Louis (Headquarters): Port Louis, Mauritius
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg, Nairobi
Website: www.cielgroup.com
Quote: “Our deep-rooted presence and understanding of the markets we operate in enable us to create significant value through strategic partnerships and locally-relevant solutions.” – Arnaud Dalais, Chairman
IPRO Fund Management
Investment Style: IPRO Fund Management is engaged in private equity and asset management, focusing on investments within the Indian Ocean region across various sectors including financial services, consumer goods, and real estate. Their investment approach emphasizes long-term growth and sustainable value creation.
Portfolio Companies: The firm’s portfolio includes a mix of financial institutions, consumer goods companies, and real estate holdings in Mauritius and nearby regions.
Founding Date: 1992
Number of Investment Professionals: 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $200 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Amédée Darga, Chairman: Oversees strategic direction and ensures adherence to investment philosophies.
- Vinay Guddye, CEO: Drives operational strategies and investment decisions within the firm.
- Shehzad Moollan, Head of Research: Heads the research team, focusing on market analysis and investment opportunities.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from a consumer goods company through a buyout by a regional competitor.
- Sale of a real estate development to a local investor group, realizing significant returns.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of a financial services firm to enhance their offerings in wealth management.
- Investment in a consumer goods brand to expand market presence in the region.
Office Locations:
- Port Louis (Headquarters): Port Louis, Mauritius
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.ipro.mu
Quote: “Our investment philosophy is rooted in understanding local markets and leveraging our regional expertise to drive growth and value.” – Amédée Darga, Chairman
Barak Fund Management
Investment Style: Barak Fund Management specializes in private equity and credit investments across Africa, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, mining, and energy. Their investment approach is grounded in providing capital solutions and strategic support to foster sustainable business development.
Portfolio Companies: Barak’s portfolio includes companies involved in agricultural production, mining operations, and renewable energy projects primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
Founding Date: 2008
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 40 investment specialists focused on African markets.
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jean Craven, CEO: Leads strategic initiatives and business development efforts across the continent.
- Prieur du Plessis, CIO: Oversees investment strategies and portfolio management activities.
- Gary Nuttall, Partner: Specializes in energy-related investments and value-enhancement strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from a mining project through a strategic sale to a larger industry player.
- Sale of a renewable energy asset to a European infrastructure fund.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in an agricultural processing company to boost production capabilities.
- Acquisition of a mining asset in West Africa to develop resource potential.
Office Locations:
- Port Louis (Headquarters): Port Louis, Mauritius
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg, Nairobi
Website: www.barakfund.com
Quote: “We aim to be a catalyst for growth across Africa by providing tailored capital solutions and leveraging our sector expertise.” – Jean Craven, CEO
Alitheia IDF Managers
Investment Style: Alitheia IDF Managers is focused on gender-lens investing in small to mid-sized enterprises across Africa. They prioritize sectors like agribusiness, financial inclusion, and clean energy, aiming to empower female entrepreneurs and promote gender equality in business.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio consists of companies that promote gender diversity, within the agribusiness, microfinance, and renewable energy sectors across Africa.
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $100 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Tokunboh Ishmael, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Drives the firm’s gender-lens investment strategies and overall mission.
- Tokunboh Ishmael, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Co-leads the firm’s strategic direction and oversees investment activities.
- Yemi Lalude, Partner: Focuses on technology-related investments and scaling operations across portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit from a microfinance institution through a sale to a regional banking group.
- Sale of a stake in a renewable energy company to a global clean tech investor.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a female-led agribusiness company to expand production and distribution capabilities.
- Acquisition of a fintech start-up focused on enhancing financial inclusion for women.
Office Locations:
- Port Louis (Headquarters): Port Louis, Mauritius
- Additional Offices: Lagos, Johannesburg
Website: www.alitheiaidf.com
Quote: “Our focus on gender-lens investing is not just about closing the gender gap, but about creating more inclusive and economically empowered societies.” – Tokunboh Ishmael, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Eight Miles LLP
Investment Style: Eight Miles LLP focuses on investing in growth-stage companies across Africa, with a strong emphasis on sectors like agriculture, health, and consumer goods. Their strategy is to create value by transforming businesses through strategic operational and financial improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Eight Miles’ portfolio includes companies in agriculture, healthcare services, and consumer goods industries, primarily across sub-Saharan Africa.
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30 professionals focused on African markets.
Assets Under Management: Approximately $200 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Tokunboh Ishmael, Partner: Leads the firm’s investment strategy and focuses on value creation across portfolio companies.
- Paul Maasdorp, Partner: Specializes in operational improvements and business transformation efforts.
- Simon Moss, Partner: Focuses on agriculture-related investments and strategic growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from a healthcare services company through an acquisition by a regional healthcare leader.
- Divestment of an agricultural business to a multinational agribusiness firm.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a consumer goods company to expand product lines and market reach.
- Acquisition of a health services provider to enhance service delivery capabilities.
Office Locations:
- Port Louis (Headquarters): Port Louis, Mauritius
- Additional Offices: London, Lagos
Website: www.eightmiles.com
Quote: “Our approach is to build sustainable businesses that can deliver long-term value and have a positive impact on communities across Africa.” – Tokunboh Ishmael, Partner
Verod Capital Management
Investment Style: Verod Capital Management focuses on growth and expansion investments in middle-market companies across West Africa, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, and consumer goods. Their strategy is centered on strategic value addition and sustainable business growth.
Portfolio Companies: Verod’s portfolio includes educational institutions, consumer brands, and healthcare service providers in Nigeria and Ghana.
Founding Date: 2008
Number of Investment Professionals: 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $600 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Danladi Verheijen, Co-Founder and Managing Director: Spearheads the firm’s strategic initiatives and investment activities across the region.
- Eric Idiahi, Partner: Focuses on identifying investment opportunities and driving operational improvements within portfolio companies.
- Chijioke Dozie, Partner: Leads value creation initiatives and strategic partnerships across key sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from an educational services provider through a merger with a regional education group.
- Sale of a consumer goods brand to a multinational FMCG company.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a healthcare services company to expand regional coverage and service offerings.
- Acquisition of an educational technology company to enhance digital learning solutions.
Office Locations:
- Port Louis (Headquarters): Port Louis, Mauritius
- Additional Offices: Lagos, Accra
Website: www.verodcapital.com
Quote: “We are committed to driving sustainable growth and transformation in West African businesses through strategic investments and partnerships.” – Danladi Verheijen, Co-Founder and Managing Director
AfricInvest
Investment Style: AfricInvest engages in private equity investments across Africa, with a focus on sectors like financial services, agribusiness, and manufacturing. Their approach involves leveraging local knowledge and regional networks to foster growth and development in portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes financial institutions, agribusiness enterprises, and industrial companies across North, West, and East Africa.
Founding Date: 1994
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 70 professionals with deep expertise in African markets.
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Zouhaier Tamim, Managing Director: Leads the strategic direction and investment activities across the continent.
- Brahim Benjelloun, Partner: Focuses on financial sector investments and strategic growth initiatives.
- Rachid Bennani, Partner: Specializes in agribusiness and manufacturing investments, driving value creation.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit from a financial services firm via a public offering on a regional stock exchange.
- Sale of an agribusiness company to a global agricultural player.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a manufacturing company to boost production capacity and market reach.
- Acquisition of a financial technology platform to enhance digital financial services offerings.
Office Locations:
- Port Louis (Headquarters): Port Louis, Mauritius
- Additional Offices: Tunis, Abidjan, Lagos
Website: www.africinvest.com
Quote: “Our deep-rooted presence in Africa allows us to unlock potential and create value in diverse sectors through strategic partnerships and local insights.” – Zouhaier Tamim, Managing Director
Conclusion
Port Louis’ private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting dynamic opportunities for strategic financial interventions. The ecosystem’s growth reflects a sophisticated understanding of regional economic potentials and calculated risk management. Firms operating here demonstrate remarkable adaptability in navigating complex financial terrains.
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