CDG Invest Growth is the new name for the Moroccan private equity firm that was previously known as CDG Capital Private Equity (“CIG”). CDG Invest Growth’s rebranding corresponds with the first close of its new CAPMEZZANINE III fund, which has a total commitment of 945 million dirhams ($104m).
“This fresh round of funding represents a significant milestone for our company and demonstrates our investors’ renewed faith in us. Based on our proactive strategy and the experience of our employees to create value, we will continue to support ambitious entrepreneurs and enterprises capable of capturing the unique growth prospects of our region,” CDG Invest Growth CEO Hassan Laaziri said.
The new fund is more than twice as big as the last one, which was raised in 2015 and is now fully invested.
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The new fund would invest average tickets of 100 million dirhams ($11m) in promising firms with great potential for growth and operational optimization, in line with CDG Invest Growth’s strategy. This will be done either through convertible or mezzanine bonds.
The CDG Invest Growth team’s expertise across Africa ranges from health, education, services, new technology, and consumer products, which will help the newly closed fund.
CDG Invest Growth has raised approximately two billion dirhams ($220m) from a diverse group of private and public investors, including pension funds, insurance firms, and development financing institutions, over the course of more than two decades. Through 21 equity investments and 13 exits in various areas of the economy, the management team has been able to establish a good track record. HPS (electronic payment technologies), Intelcia (business process outsourcing), and T2S are just a few of the national flagships that have become regional champions (distribution and maintenance of high-tech medical equipment).
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“We’ve developed unique knowledge in critical economic areas, as well as a local presence that puts us closer to our ecosystem and partner entrepreneurs. Our strategy is built on closeness and ongoing assistance in order to provide the best value to our partners. This involvement will be critical to creating new profitable investments and having a beneficial environmental, social, and governance impact on our communities. Given the investment opportunities we are witnessing in our markets, the size of this fourth fund is reasonable, and we applaud our investors and partners for their renewed confidence,” CDG Invest Growth Partner Brahim Guessous said.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning write