IFC invests in Egyptian private equity fund

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has announced an investment in an Egyptian private equity fund to help improve access to capital for small and medium-sized companies in the country, supporting their resilience, growth, and ability to create jobs amid the challenges of Covid-19.

IFC’s $25 million investment in the Lorax Capital Partners (LCP) Fund II, managed by Egypt-focused private equity fund manager, Lorax Capital Partners, highlights IFC’s strategy of working with fund managers to meet the needs of fast-growing companies, mobilise institutional capital in high-growth sectors, and ultimately strengthen capital markets.

The LCP Fund II will make growth equity investments in mid-cap companies in several sectors, including consumer goods and financial services. The fund is targeting $250 million of equity commitments, with a first closing completed in September. Globally, private equity has emerged as a critical source of financing, especially for mid-cap companies.

Walid Labadi, IFC’s country manager for Egypt, Yemen and Libya said, “We expect IFC’s participation will help bring in more private capital into the Egyptian private equity market, increasing its competitiveness, diversifying the investor base, and ultimately improving access to capital for mid-cap Egyptian companies, which can become drivers of job creation and sustainable economic growth.”

The new fund will concentrate on companies seeking to expand geographically and those working on import substitution strategies. IFC plans to participate in future co-investment opportunities alongside Lorax Capital Partners.

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