Our
Philosophy
As a committed owner,
CPL Africa relies on its ability to support and develop companies and their strategies in order to strengthen their competitiveness and to create permanent value.
A Committed
Owner
On paper, we are owners.
In practice, we are first and foremost your partner.
Together we build independent, competitive and profitable companies in the long-term.
Commitment
Business development is a team sport and we do not only want to be spectators. Our role is shaped by the specific needs of each company, but always active. We support our companies in both operational and strategic issues by providing capital and expertise in order to achieve our common goals.
Competitiveness
The goal is always a stronger company that we build together. We achieve this by implementing initiatives to strengthen the company's profitability and cash flows, as well as by creating a structure and long-term perspective in the company's strategy and vision.
Together
We define and execute initiatives to continuously strengthen the company's competitiveness. Often during a period of 5 to 10 years, but sometimes for shorter or longer periods of time. We work together as long as we are the right partner given the company's situation and future development expectations.
Owner Strategy
We invest to support companies in their development, as opposed to only watching them develop. As the main owner or partner, there should always be a clear opportunity for us to actively contribute to the company’s development.
Our origin, operational understanding and long-term capital
make us an attractive owner in many situations – not least in family-owned companies.
Responsibility & Long term perspective
CPL has a responsibility, not only towards our co-workers and portfolio companies, but also towards customers, suppliers, business partners and society at large. We are convinced that responsibility, long-term perspective and profitability go hand in hand.
Our investments are evaluated on financial and commercial criteria as well as environmental and social factors, governance and business ethical perspectives and values.
The CPL ESG process
Covers the full investment cycle, from initial due diligence and acquisition, the ongoing management of portfolio companies and in the end – the divestment of a business. The most important ESG work is done by our portfolio companies and CPL ’s ambition is to always be an active and demanding partner in all our investments.
Investment Criteria
You let us play a part
Majority owner and minority owner are two titles that we are equally comfortable with. We are satisfied as long as our role gives us the opportunity to contribute as a committed owner.
You Value
financial security
As a financially strong owner, we look for a balance between equity and external bank financing that is sustainable in the long-term.
You have a
long-term approach
A long-term approach to the development of companies, but the ownership period can always be adapted to each company’s specific situation and needs.
We Invest in Africa
”As an African Investment Adviser, we offer our Investor Partners a complete Corporate Advisory Solution in the Sub-Sahara. Our aim is to build long term Partner relationships built on trust, results and aligned interests”
We want to give each of our portfolio companies the resources and expertise it requires. Since our office is located in Johannesburg, we mainly invest in African companies. Nevertheless, we like our companies to have an established presence outside of Africa or a potential to grow beyond their existing markets.