Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF) has committed USD30 million to Emerging Europe Growth Fund III (EEGF III), a fund with a target size of USD150 million, managed by leading regional private equity firm, Horizon Capital.
“We are delighted to invest through EEGF III in fast-growing, export-oriented companies with roots in Ukraine and Moldova, while generating revenues globally,” says Jaroslawa Z Johnson, WNISEF President and Chief Executive Officer. “Ukraine is in the midst of an economic revival led by the efforts of innovative young men and women, who are competing internationally, entering new markets, championing best business practices and inspiring others to follow their path. They are the leaders, alongside whom EEGF III expects to invest, in sectors including information technology, light manufacturing and food and agriculture.”
“The EEGF III strategy is compelling from our perspective, seeking to capitalise on a surge in exports to the European Union and other countries, investing in companies that derive the largest part of their revenues in hard currency from foreign markets, while benefitting from an attractive local cost structure and the tailwind of trade reorientation to the EU. Ukraine and Moldova have demonstrated impressive exports growth of 29 per cent and 27 per cent, respectively, in the first quarter of 2017, which is expected to provide attractive investment opportunities for this new fund. We truly see these export champions sought out by EEGF III as offering a unique combination of value and fast growth,” says Johnson.
Western NIS Enterprise Fund is proud of its over 23 year history in Ukraine and Moldova and its legacy of USD168 million invested in 118 companies, employing over 25,000 people and unlocking USD1.5 billion of total capital over its tenure for Ukrainian and Moldovan companies.
“Our mission has always been both to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine and Moldova, as well as to attract additional private capital to the region,” says WNISEF Chairman of the Board, Dennis A. Johnson (not related to Jaroslawa Johnson). “We are thrilled to be investing alongside prominent financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dutch development bank FMO and German investment corporation DEG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KfW, and other esteemed investors.”
