NFG Acquires Controlling Stake in Cayman-Based Kessner Capital Management Ltd., Expanding African Investment Portfolio
February 18 2025 - 3:00AM
NFG SA (“NFG”), a Swiss private investment firm, today announced
that it has signed an agreement to acquire a 76% controlling stake
in Kessner Capital Management Ltd. (“Kessner”), a Cayman-based
alternative investment management company specializing in debt
solutions for African markets. Completion of the transaction is
subject to customary regulatory approvals. This acquisition is
accompanied by an investment of up to $50 million, aimed at
expanding Kessner’s tailored debt solution across the continent.
Economic projections for Africa show a GDP increase from 3.4% in
2024 to 4.0% by 2026, spurred by growth in key economies including
Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. The African Continental Free
Trade Area (AfCFTA) is enhancing trade and investment across the
continent, presenting new opportunities for Kessner to expand its
market presence.
NFG, with offices in Geneva, London, and Los Angeles, is a
global investment firm specializing in insurance and reinsurance,
financial services, asset management, energy, and real estate. The
firm operates extensively across Europe, the USA, the Caribbean,
Africa, and the Asia Pacific region.
This acquisition reflects a strategic enhancement of NFG’s
global investment portfolio and a commitment to contributing
positively to Africa's economic development.
Keith D. Beekmeyer, Chairman and CEO of NFG, commented “NFG and
its affiliated companies have deep experience operating in emerging
markets and specifically, the African markets. By combining and
leveraging the strengths of both Kessner and NFG, I am confident we
can position Kessner as a leading provider of alternative debt
solutions for companies across Africa.”
Bruno-Maurice Monny, Managing Partner of Kessner, remarked “With
NFG’s resources and global reach, coupled with their anchor capital
towards our new fund strategy, we are positioned to be the premier
capital partner for African businesses. This partnership will
enhance our ability to support and scale the region’s most
promising companies.”
NFG recently announced its strategic investment from Beverly
Hills, California based private equity firm, NMS Capital Group,
which values NFG at approximately $2.5 billion.
About NFG SANFG SA is a global private
investment firm specializing in private equity and structured
finance investments in companies across the insurance, financial
services, energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. NFG
focuses on transformative business combinations within North
America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, establishing a
strategic international presence. NFG was originally founded by
Keith Beekmeyer and Andy Bye in 2017, emerging from the insurance
industry to address the financing needs of underbanked companies.
The firm quickly expanded its capabilities through key
acquisitions, including a dedicated reinsurance company, asset
manager and a Lloyd’s insurance brokerage, enhancing its position
within the sector. For more information, please visit
www.nfgsa.com.
About Kessner Capital Management Ltd.
Kessner Capital Management Ltd. is an alternative investment
management company focused on providing innovative investment
solutions aimed at providing exposure to African markets. The firm
is led by a management team with over 150 years of combined
management experience. For more information, please visit
www.kessner.co.uk.
NFG Media ContactJessica
Starmanmedia@elev8newmedia.com