Helios' investment strategy has been developed specifically in recognition of the varied nature of the opportunities presented in Africa, and the peculiar challenges to private equity investing that the region presents. Helios has a preference for sectors with high-growth, regulatory liberalization, decreasing parastatal activity and minimal requirements for daily operational contacts with government agencies; and businesses with high operating leverage, simple and repeatable processes and a high degree of control over the value chain.
While we have a bias toward larger transactions, a key tenet of Helios' investment style is to maintain flexibility with regard to transaction structure. Our funds seek to invest $15 to $200 million of equity in individual transactions, including:
- Buyouts of going concerns;
- Growth capital for private enterprises;
- Startups (either green-field or 'brownfield'); and
- Majority or blocking-minority structured investments in listed entities
Helios is not sector-focused, but rather maintains a generalist approach. We do, however, have particular interest and expertise in the Telecommunications, Financial Services, Power, Travel & Leisure, Distribution & Logistics and Agro-allied sectors.