We have consistently delivered strong returns across multiple economic cycles. We have done so by adopting a proven bottom-up strategy, investing across key industries and sectors in South Africa. While we implement a generalist strategy with no sector targets, we will seek to concentrate on sectors that are at a critical growth inflection point, taking into account the macroeconomic outlook, industry supply/demand dynamics, and the competitive landscape. We back strong management teams, often through mid-tier growth partnerships, in businesses with market-leading positions, attractive cash generation, and a distinctive growth strategy, underpinned by supportive industry tailwinds.

Our strong track record is rooted in three competitive advantages: our highly seasoned team with over 130 years of combined experience, unparalleled networks and ability to source proprietary transactions, and proven investment strategy.

Thanks to an extensive network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, intermediaries, and advisers, we have access to unique and highly attractive investment opportunities not readily available to other private equity firms. These relationships, together with our extensive expertise and solid reputation, are behind our strong origination capability. This allows us to avoid competitive auctions and invest at attractive entry valuations.

The sheer scale of our investments places us at the heart of South Africa’s economic development, with the ability to drive growth and transformation in key sectors and industries.

We aim to achieve significant social and environmental impact through our investments by driving growth in, and simultaneously transforming our portfolio businesses, measuring our performance against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“UN SDGs”). Our fund investments are specifically aligned with the following SDGs:

• SDG 5 Gender equality 
• SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth 
• SDG 10 Reduced inequalities 
• SDG 13 Climate action
• SDG 16 Governance: Peace, justice & strong institutions

The primary OMPE impact thesis within a portfolio company is based on two key strategies, the GROWTH of the business leading to an increase in decent work and economic growth; and the TRANSFORMATION of a business targeting gender equality, boosting black empowerment, developing and implementing best practice governance, and taking climate action through decarbonization of the business where feasible opportunities exist. As one of the largest private equity employers in South Africa, we have supported some 28 000 jobs across our recent funds.