OPIC searches for emerging markets private equity managers

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation has made a call for emerging markets private equity funds, to which the institution wants to commit between $35 million to $150 million. OPIC’s commitments won’t represent more than 33 percent of a fund’s total capitalization, with the balance of a fund’s total capital coming from private investors, international finance institutions and other sources. TorreyCove Capital Partners is assisting OPIC in vetting managers.

Press Release

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, today launched a call for proposals to support qualified private equity investment funds in emerging markets worldwide. OPIC will consider providing between $35 million and $150 million in capital to each of one or more selected funds, which will represent generally no more than 33 percent of a fund’s total capitalization. The balance of each selected fund’s capital will be raised from private investors, international finance institutions and other interested parties.

“The Global Engagement Call is one of the tools OPIC uses to support sustainable economic development in less developed countries”

This Global Engagement Call is inviting proposals from private equity fund managers seeking OPIC financing for funds that plan to invest in emerging market countries that are eligible for OPIC support. Fund managers investing in infrastructure and infrastructure-related sectors within sub-Saharan Africa, including energy and energy-related services, will receive additional consideration. Deadline for the submission of proposals is December 2, 2013.

“The Global Engagement Call is one of the tools OPIC uses to support sustainable economic development in less developed countries,” said OPIC President and CEO Elizabeth Littlefield. “The focus on infrastructure and energy is an important component of OPIC’s support for President Obama’s Power Africa initiative, aimed at doubling access to power on the continent.”

OPIC has engaged TorreyCove Capital Partners, an alternative investment advisor, to assist in evaluating proposals received in response to call.

Details of the call for proposals may be found on OPIC’s website at www.opic.gov or contact OPIC at gec@opic.gov.

OPIC is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution. It mobilizes private capital to help solve critical development challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreign policy. Because OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.

Established as an agency of the U.S. Government in 1971, OPIC operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to American taxpayers. OPIC services are available for new and expanding business enterprises in more than 150 countries worldwide. To date, OPIC has supported more than $200 billion of investment in over 4,000 projects, generated an estimated $75 billion in U.S. exports and supported more than 277,000 American jobs. Visit www.opic.gov for more information.