The combined entity will be a leading infrastructure investor across the globe and it may in the future see value in making targeted real estate investments in the emerging markets. Actis is a leading emerging market investor with impressive track records in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. General Atlantic dabbles in emerging market investing but it's not part of the ethos as is the case with Actis.
American private equity giant General Atlantic is set to acquire infrastructure investor Actis, creating a combined platform with approximately $96 billion in assets under management ("AUM"). General Atlantic was founded in 1980 and has invested more than $60 billion in backing high-growth companies. Actis has raised over $25 billion since its inception and has more than 140 investment professions across 17 offices around the world. The combined entity will have 21 offices across five Continents.
Bill Ford, Chairman & CEO of General Atlantic: "Addressing the global shift toward sustainability requires an economic transformation and a massive capital investment. With Actis, we're taking a significant step forward, capturing this opportunity for our investors. This transaction brings together two highly complementary firms, enhancing our platform with greater scale, broader strategies, and deeper local capabilities."
Torbjorn Caesar, Chairman & Senior Partner of Actis: "We're excited to join forces with General Atlantic. The combined firm unlocks long-term value across key themes like the energy transition and digital transformation. The whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Both firms share a hands-on approach, operational excellence, and a commitment to sustainability."
Actis played a major role in funding the latest wave of private equity investments into African real estate which crested around 2018. It still has major real estate holdings in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia. Actis recently exited its stake in its first industrial real estate investment in Vietnam and has a funding arrangement with Shelter Afrique to make impact investments in affordable housing in Africa. General Atlantic has major investments in several companies with significant real estate holdings, and it's not a stretch to imagine it delving into real estate in the future, particularly in furtherance of its climate solutions strategy.
