North Africa

Mayfield steps up in India

US venture capital firm Mayfield has stepped up its India focus with the appointment of two local investment professionals and a new office in Mumbai.

Blackstone makes senior real estate hire(2)

Former Merrill Lynch property pro Michael Nash has joined Blackstone as a senior managing director in the firm’s real estate group.

ECP sees 3x return on African bank exit(3)

Washington DC-based Emerging Capital Partners has completed the latest of a series of profitable exits from its pioneering African investment program.

Pensions expert defends Electra

A leading pensions expert has defended London-listed Electra Private Equity, after the listed trust became the latest target for activist trade unions following a reduction in pension benefits for ex-employees of its portfolio company Lil-lets.

Blackstone makes senior real estate hire

Former Merrill Lynch property pro Michael Nash has joined Blackstone as a senior managing director in the firm’s real estate group.

DCG sells and buys back Egyptian Fertilizers stake(3)

Abraaj Capital’s partner on the Egyptian Fertilizers Company deal earlier this month, the Dubai Capital Group registered an 88 percent IRR and made three times its original investment in the stake it sold and later bought back.

Report predicts $25bn PE industry in the Gulf

The prospects for private equity in the Middle East look good, as a report suggests that the asset class can become a key economic driver in the region in the coming years.

Rasmala’s first fund returns over 3 times capital to investors(2)

Dubai-based Rasmala Investments private equity arm has provided investors with a return of over 3 times with an IRR of 22 percent from its first fund set up seven years ago. The firm’s payout comes after the record for the largest deal in the Middle East and North Africa region was broken twice last week.

Actis secures R8.4bn Alexander Forbes(3)

Actis Capital’s bid for Alexander Forbes has reportedly gained shareholder acceptance, after raising its bid twice and offering to keep a quarter of the company listed on the Johannesburg stock exchange.

ECP sees 3x return on African bank exit(2)

Washington DC-based Emerging Capital Partners has completed the latest of a series of profitable exits from its pioneering African investment program.