news - Monthly transaction overview – February

NEWS

Monthly transaction overview – February

March 1, 2021

As a leading impact investor, FMO supports sustainable private sector growth in developing countries and emerging markets by investing in ambitious projects and entrepreneurs. Our belief is that a strong private sector leads to economic and social development, and we have a proven track-record of 50 years in empowering people to employ their skills and improve their quality of life.

Our recent focus has been on business continuity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is precisely now, during these times of crisis, that it is important to continue investing in developing economies that are expected to be hit hard by the pandemic. While local governments are working hard to minimize the impact on their people and economies, we are needed now more than ever. Hence, we continue to empower entrepreneurs in developing economies to build a better world and boost resilience to withstand the pandemic.

Financial Institutions

CreditAccess Philippines Financing Company Inc.
Microfinance institution in the Philippines
FMO closed a repeat transaction for our Philippine client CreditAccess Philippines Financing, otherwise known as One Puhunan. One Puhunan is microfinance institution catering to the needs of low income individuals and small businesses. They are owned by Credit Access SEA, a group based in Amsterdam, that provides financial services to micro entrepreneurs in Indonesia and the Philippines. Our new USD 7.5m equivalent in LCY loan from MASSIF, the financial inclusion fund that FMO manages on behalf of the Dutch government, and has a 4-year tenor that will be directed towards female, rural and youth entrepreneurs. 

Private Equity

ACON Latin America Opportunities Fund V  & ALAOF V NLD
Private equity fund for mid-sized companies in Latin America
FMO made an additional USD 10 mln commitment to ACON Latin America Opportunities Fund V and ALAOF V NLD, on top of an existing USD 30mln commitment, to support the swift and successful fundraising of a smart capital pool that is intended to enhance the availability of structured capital solutions for middle-sized companies across Latin America. The objective of this commitment is to foster private-sector-led growth and job creation across Latin America, by making available risk capital and strong social, environmental and corporate governance practices to an underserved market segment. The Fund is managed by an affiliate of ACON Investments L.L.C. and has a target total commitment of USD 600mln. The fund is ACON's fifth consecutive investment program dedicated to Latin America.

Energy

Scatec ASA
150MW Solar Project in Pakistan

FMO signed loan agreements of an aggregate amount of USD 39.1 mln for the non-recourse debt financing of the development and construction of three 50MW solar farms in the Pakistan (“Sukkur”). The Government of Pakistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy to 30% by 2030. These three solar farms will support this green-based growth by delivering 305 GWh/p.a. This is enough to cover the electricity needs of about 150,000 households and will contribute to avoid more than 106,000 tonnes of GHG emissions on a yearly basis.The FMO investment is supplemented by senior debt in local currency from local banks Faysal Bank, the Bank of Punjab and the PAK Kuwait Investment Company. Scatec ASA is the Sukkur project’s majority sponsor and a key partner of FMO. The design, construction and operations will be executed by various teams of Scatec and their support platforms and companies in Pakistan.