Actis confirmed as largest PE real estate investor in Africa as $278m is raised

New fund confirms Actis as largest private equity real estate investor on the continent

London, 9 October 2012 – Actis, the pan-emerging markets private equity firm today confirmed the final close of its second African real estate fund, Actis Africa Real Estate 2, with total commitments of US$278m.

The fund will focus on retail and office developments in East, West and Southern Africa,excluding South Africa. Actis's ten person real estate team has already established a visible portfolio for the fund with developments in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia; these include Ghana's first green office building One Airport Square in Accra, and East Africa's largest retail centre, Garden City in Nairobi.

Paul Fletcher, Senior Partner at Actis said: "The success of this fundraising against the backdrop of a highly competitive market demonstrates the confidence our investors rightly feel in both our real estate team, and the potential of Africa. This fund epitomises Actis's broader investment thesis of building out domestic infrastructure in the emerging markets, and backing the rising discretionary wealth of the consumer classes. This feels like a pivotal moment for real estate as an asset class and we are delighted to have a product that is clearly so attractive to investors."

David Morley, Head of Real Estate at Actis said: "Sub-Saharan Africa has a population of 800 million people and is the fastest urbanising region in the world but a lack of capital often constrains real estate development. Governments recognise the crucial role of FDI in this regard. Bringing together capital, and an experienced operator with a proven track record of investments and realisations, creates a compelling opportunity; it is this combination that has attracted such strong investor commitment."

Actis is sub-Saharan Africa's most experienced private equity real estate investor. Since 2006, Actis has developed ten institutional quality assets in five countries in sub-Saharan Africa including Ikeja City Mall and The Palms in Lagos, and Accra Mall in Accra.

Notes to Editors

- Actis closed Actis Africa Real Estate Fund 1 in 2006

- Actis has developed A-grade facilities for companies including Barclays Bank, Massmart, Nakumatt, Shoprite, Truworths and Unilever

- The Actis real estate team is based in Johannesburg, Lagos, London and Nairobi

- High-resolution photographs of Actis real estate developments are available on request

About Actis

Actis invests exclusively in the emerging markets with a growing portfolio of investments in Asia, Africa and Latin America; it currently has US$5bn funds under management. Combining the expertise of over 120 investment professionals in nine countries, Actis identifies investment opportunities in three areas: private equity, energy and real estate.

Actis has close to US$1.7 billion invested in 18 African countries and 32 investment professionals working in Africa, with offices in Cairo, Johannesburg, Lagos, London and Nairobi.

Actis is proud to actively and positively grow the value of those companies in which it invests and in so doing contribute to broader society.

www.act.is

Media contactGillian FindlayInzalo Communication+27 (82) 330 1477This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.