Samena Capital has been launched by entrepreneurs from the Indian subcontinent, other parts of Asia, the Middle East and North Africa to take advantage of the increasing integration of bus
Samena Capital has been launched by entrepreneurs from the Indian subcontinent, other parts of Asia, the Middle East and North Africa to take advantage of the increasing integration of businesses across these high-growth markets.
Bringing together a group of global business personalities and professional asset managers, the firm has already raised USD200m for its debut Samena Special Situations Fund and is targeting a USD350m final close by October 31 after deciding its institutional allocations.
The firm intends to launch further closed- and open-ended funds, intends to buy stakes in other, already identified asset management platforms in India and Japan, and will look to incubate and acquire quality asset managers across Asia, and has capital of USD50m to pursue a ‘buy and build’ strategy.
Samena Capital is headquartered in Bahrain, while its investment advisor has an office in London and intends to establish a presence in Hong Kong, Mumbai and Tokyo before the end of the year.
‘The anchor shareholders of Samena Capital have each created enterprises in excess of USD1bn over the past 10 years,’ says the firm’s president and founder Shirish Saraf. ‘Their business acumen and networks, coupled with the intellectual capabilities and track record of our investment team, makes Samena Capital a unique value proposition.
‘The firm is global in size and scale at the outset and aims to be a catalyst for increasing cross-border investment within the region comprising the subcontinent, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
‘Our model of investment management makes Samena Capital a preferred partner for institutional investors seeking exposure to the region and for businesses from within these markets looking to expand beyond their own borders. We are delighted that the Samena Special Situations Fund will be the largest first time independent closed-ended fund of this asset class and geographical focus.’
Atul Punj, founder and chairman of Indian engineering construction company Punj Lloyd and chairman of Samena Capital, says: ‘These are exciting times as the transfer of wealth from West to East accelerates, creating a host of new opportunities for global investors.
‘Samena Capital is uniquely positioned to become a preferred provider of funding to entrepreneurial businesses and to facilitate quality access and networks for investors looking to enter a region where markets remain complex and require more active value creation.
‘The unique coupling of top business groups from India, China and the Middle East, combined with a world-class asset manager, makes us stand out in pedigree and capability and underpins our ability to deliver superior returns.’
V-Nee Yeh, a founding shareholder and director of Samena Capital and honorary chairman of Hong Kong asset manager Value Partners, says: ‘The current environment demands players with a different value proposition, and Samena’s business model resonates with the desire of business leaders and institutions to work together to revive the value proposition of the old Silk Road.’
