Impact Investor of the Year
Apax
Apax has a strong heritage in impact and sustainability as the firm was an early leader in implementing ESG data measurement in private markets. Since its inception over 50 years ago, the firm has been steadfast in driving excellence in sustainability. This culminated in December 2023 when Apax held the final close of the Apax Global Impact Fund (AGI) at c.$900m. The fund’s strategy is to partner with businesses making a positive contribution to both people and planet.
AGI’s successful fundraise was testament to the firm’s renowned focus on ESG. In line with Apax’s sector-driven strategy, AGI seeks buyout and growth investment opportunities in companies delivering tangible societal and/or environmental impact in its core sectors: Tech, Services, Healthcare, Internet/Consumer.
AGI’s robust and proprietary impact measurement system is rooted in the ESG performance measurement and data collection from the Apax flagship funds’ portfolio companies which has been in place for over a decade, making AGI well-positioned to track KPIs across its portfolio.
AGI leverages the deep sub-sector expertise of the Apax sector teams, the strength and scale of the Apax platform globally, and the value creation potential of Apax's Operational Excellence Practice (OEP).
Apposite Capital
Apposite Capital is a private equity firm specialising in healthcare. It is uniquely positioned as the only UK-based investment firm dedicated to the lower end of the healthcare market. Apposite aims to improve quality, and increase access to healthcare, as well as promote innovation. Apposite’s dedication to these goals has attracted numerous investors to its latest fund, Apposite Healthcare III, with a strong emphasis on impact investing.
This focus on healthcare impact has resonated deeply with the investment community, leading to one-third of all participants and 42% of total fund commitments coming from impact-focused investors. These investors include both generalists and those with a specific interest in healthcare impact, underscoring Apposite’s credibility and leadership in the sector.
Apposite’s strategic investments are not only improving patient outcomes and satisfaction but also making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Their commitment to innovation is fostering advancements in medical technologies and processes, further solidifying their role as a pioneer in healthcare investment. By consistently delivering positive health outcomes and strong financial returns, Apposite’s contributions to transforming healthcare exemplifies how targeted private equity can drive substantial social impact.
Foresight Group
Over the chosen period, Foresight has significantly extended its regional footprint by raising a new fund in Northern Ireland, being appointed as the fund manager of the Investment Fund for Wales by the British Business Bank and holding additional closes in Foresight’s North West, North East and Ireland-focused funds that focus on local SME investments. Foresight’s Private Equity division increased its AUM to over £1.6bn and deployed c.£115m across 73 SMEs making it one of the most active investors in the UK market.
In addition, Foresight Private Equity completed 18 exits returning c.£160m at an average of 2.3x MoM, including notable exits from Specac (10.3x MoM), ABL Health (4.1ox MoM) and ONFAB (3.2x MoM).
Foresight’s private equity team focuses on supporting SMEs in underserved areas of the U.K., and has a nationwide network of offices. Foresight has recently opened office spaces in Cardiff, Belfast and Dublin, developing local teams that build relationships within the local business communities. This investment strategy generates an economic development within the region, creating high-quality jobs that power tomorrow’s economy. So far, Foresight’s regional funds have created over 2,800 high quality jobs.
Voting Closed
To find out who won, book a table at the Mergermarket British Private Equity Awards on 01 October 2024, by contacting Chris Coe.