In a strategic move reflecting the growing interest in alternative assets, U.S. private equity firm General Atlantic has announced the acquisition of UK-based infrastructure investor Actis. This development comes hot on the heels of BlackRock’s recent $12.5 billion deal with Global Infrastructure Partners, underlining a trend where major players are increasingly investing in ports, power, and digital infrastructure projects worldwide.
The joint statement issued by General Atlantic and Actis did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, but it is expected to propel General Atlantic’s assets under management to approximately $96 billion. This acquisition positions Actis as the sustainable infrastructure arm of General Atlantic, focusing on assets totaling around $12.5 billion. Actis specializes in energy transition, digital transformation, and supply chain evolution.
General Atlantic’s Chairman and CEO, Bill Ford, highlighted a “multi-decade opportunity” in energy transition during the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. Emphasizing the global need for increased renewable energy, Ford pointed to Actis’s role in the ‘Global South,’ where renewable energy is crucial to supporting growth. The acquisition aligns with a broader strategy to capitalize on the rising demand for sustainable and digitally transformative projects.
Actis, led by Chairman and Senior Partner Torbjorn Caeser, will maintain its autonomy and brand identity. The funds managed by Actis will continue to operate under the existing Actis brand. This approach ensures a seamless transition and leverages Actis’s established position in the market.
Founded in 1980, General Atlantic boasts a portfolio of 225 companies across various sectors. Notable investments include fast-fashion retailer Shein, India’s digital payments startup PhonePe, and self-driving technology firm Mobileye. The acquisition of Actis expands General Atlantic’s reach into sustainable infrastructure, capitalizing on the rising global emphasis on environmentally conscious and technologically innovative projects.
The General Atlantic-Actis deal signifies a strategic alignment with the evolving landscape of global investments. As major players recognize the potential in alternative assets, particularly in sustainable infrastructure, this acquisition positions General Atlantic to actively participate in energy transition initiatives and other transformative projects. With a commitment to supporting growth in the ‘Global South,’ General Atlantic aims to play a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy and sustainable development on a global scale.
