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Western Balkans Private Equity Fund - Vintage I

(“WBPEF-I”)

Invests in small and Midcap companies in the Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia). Led by a team of experts in Private Equity and Acquisitions in the region, with a track record of over 40 billion euro in investments made.

The team identifies targets within the medical, manufacturing, fintech, IT & Gaming, food sectors, creating value through the M&A process, and post-acquisition leadership it provides. We assess the management, the industry, historical financials and forecasts and conduct valuation analysis considering all appropriate parameters before making a commitment.

WBPEF is seed funded by USAID

Investment policy

Fund Action

Countries are a suitable target for a PE fund due to the following long-term primary concerns for long-lasting economic development
Difficulty growing from small/medium to medium/large

(in relative terms), due to:

  • Lack of managerial skills at a certain growth point
  • Lack of strategic direction (M&A, exit strategy, forward planning…)
  • Lack of access to financing for growth and development outside traditional banking
Transition planning
as a result of the relatively recent transition from socialism to free markets, most companies in the Western Balkans are in their 1st generation of ownership with no planning ahead for transition and enrichment. Offering a viable exit strategy to the founders/owners ensures the companies’ future and reliability as an employer
We plan to address these with the following benefits our team offers
  • Continuous strategic support in establishing a strong company, following its ongoing development and a responsible exit strategy ensuring company longevity
  • Access to a managerial pool of talent. International experience leveraged onto our portfolio of companies to support their success and continuous development
  • Access to financing for growth and development
  • Commitment to continuous improvement culture that creates stronger, longer lasting companies
We will support business owners and/or managers in realizing their growth plans
  • business growth through new strategies or projects (new products and market);
  • technological innovation projects;
  • projects to strengthen organizational structure and management controls that contribute to growth;
  • partial shareholder buyout or financial support for the relaunch period.
Strategy
  • Private Equity for majority and minority as development or substitution capital
  • Management Buyout and Management Buyin
  • Family Buyin to address succession and some family members exit
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Track record
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of the local markets
  • Team with international experience and know-how
  • Operational expertise in operating and managing an industrial group of 8 facilities in France and Serbia
  • Operational experience in managing a fund
  • Very experienced advisory board
  • We use our industry expertise and operational know-how to identify attractive investments
  • We put ESG and female empowerment at the heart of our strategy

Transition planning

As a result of the relatively recent transition from socialism to free markets, most companies in the Western Balkans are in their 1st generation of ownership with no planning ahead for transition and enrichment. Offering a viable exit strategy to the founders/owners ensures the companies’ future and reliability as an employer

We will support business owners and/or managers in realizing their growth plans

  • business growth through new strategies or projects (new products and market);
  • technological innovation projects;
  • projects to strengthen organizational structure and management controls that contribute to growth;
  • partial shareholder buyout or financial support for a period of relaunch.
Team

Let’s talk together

Our goal is to create a framework that will identify high growth companies in each of these sectors to facilitate their long-term development resulting in a sustainable impact on the local economy. Should you wish to present an opportunity please send us a message below:
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