ADM Capital announces US$100m first close of the Cibus Fund
ADM Capital Europe LLP, the London-based private equity and investment advisory firm, is pleased to announce the US$100m first close of its global agribusiness investment fund, the Cibus Fund (“The Fund”).
The Cibus Fund will focus on mid-market investment opportunities in sustainable food processing and production companies, primarily across Europe and Australasia, and is targeting a US$500m final close in 2018. The Fund will have a secondary mandate to invest equity growth capital in opportunities focussed on parts of the food and agriculture value chain primed for technological disruption and innovation. The fund has attracted high quality cornerstone investment, including a significant commitment from Nasdaq listed, Arch Capital Group Ltd.
ADM Capital has assembled a specialised, experienced team to advise the Fund, led by Robert Appleby, co-founder of ADM Capital, with over 20 years of direct international investment experience; and Jason Silm, ex-Head of Agribusiness Investment at VTB Capital and Director at Macquarie Agricultural Funds Management. The Cibus Fund builds on ADM Capital’s proven track record in the agribusiness sector.
The Cibus Fund aims to take advantage of the significant investment opportunities presented by global demographic changes, shifting trade patterns and, fundamentally, the inability of the world’s fastest growing economies to meet rapidly increasing regional demand for high-value foods driven by burgeoning middle classes.
The Fund will target companies with strong management teams that are active in one or more stages of high-value food chains. The Fund will look for companies that are established category champions, and which have a demonstrable technological advantage that can support superior returns. Investments will also be evaluated on their environmental sustainability as a key determinant of value creation.
Commenting, Robert Appleby, joint CIO and co-founder of ADM Capital said: “As a zoologist by training, a financier by necessity and a conservationist by choice, I am passionate about identifying companies that work towards meeting the global challenges of sustainable food supply and resource efficiency.”
“With an unrivalled network built up over 20 years of investing, deep agribusiness sector knowledge and a proven investment track record, we are able to clearly identify the structural growth drivers that are reshaping ecosystems and deliver on the opportunities these present for value creation.”
“We welcome the Cibus Fund’s new investors and look forward to advising on our robust pipeline of opportunities and delivering outperformance.”
Commenting, Jason Silm, Head of Agriculture at ADM Capital said: “The demand for high-value foods from emerging markets is driving significant opportunities for mid-market food companies predominantly domiciled in Europe and Australasia. Our team, based in London and Sydney, consists of experienced food and agriculture investment and operational experts with a strong track record across our target geographies.”
“By partnering with companies to provide buy-out and growth capital the Cibus Fund will enable them to realise their potential through expansion, technology adoption and by leveraging our own food chain network.”
Commenting, W. Preston Hutchings, CIO of Arch Capital Group Ltd. said: “Arch has had a long relationship with ADM Capital, and we are very pleased to be a cornerstone investor in the Cibus Fund. The impact of emerging market food demand is changing the world’s food map and creating significant investment opportunities.”
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About ADM Capital
ADM Capital Europe LLP is a London-based private equity and investment advisory firm. Founded in 1998, ADM Capital manages or advises approximately US$1.2bn as at 31, March 2017 invested in 15 countries. With over 50 people operating out of 7 international offices, ADM Capital manages or advises closed-end, open-ended and managed accounts. With its long track record, and particular expertise in Asia and Europe, ADM Capital focuses on private transactions accessed via its extensive, proprietary network. Its proven investment strategy delivers stable and consistent returns through careful selection, investment rigour and partnership.
About Arch Capital Group Ltd.
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ – ACGL) is a Bermuda-based public limited liability company which provides insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. At March 31, 2017, total investable assets amounted to $18.83 billion.
References in this press release to the “Cibus Fund” are to the Cibus Fund LP registered with the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. ADM Capital Europe LLP is registered with the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority. References to “ADM Capital” are to Asia Debt Management Hong Kong Limited, ADM Capital Europe LLP, ADM Capital Almaty LLP and their affiliates.