Universal Partners Limited

Overview

Universal Partners Limited is a private equity firm based in Mauritius, focusing on investments in growth businesses across Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom. The company aims to achieve strong capital appreciation for its shareholders by partnering with organizations where it can add strategic value. Universal Partners is a patient investor with a permanent capital structure, seeking to acquire and build successful businesses across various sectors where it has the experience to add value. The company takes an active shareholding in the businesses it invests in, allowing it to participate in the formulation and execution of the business strategy. It typically invests between £10 million and £20 million and secures a significant minority stake in the business (25% to 49%). Universal Partners has a strong global investor network and only seeks to partner with organizations where it believes it can add strategic value. The company's investment mandate allows up to 20% of total funds at the time an investment is made to be invested outside of the UK and Europe. Since its listing on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Universal Partners has worked closely with its investment advisor, Argo Investment Managers, to identify potential investments that meet its investment criteria. The company currently has five investments after it successfully concluded its first exit during the current reporting period. The sale of YASA Limited to Mercedes-Benz AG was completed in August 2021 for a total consideration of £42.8 million. The deal resulted in gross proceeds of 3.00 times money invested and an Internal Rate of Return, after allowing for transaction fees and carried interest charges, of 27.6%. The board of directors of Universal Partners is pleased with the outcome of this transaction and the value it has created for shareholders in the period since the first investment in YASA was made in August 2017. Dentex Healthcare Group Limited completed the acquisition of its 100th practice on 5 November 2021, a significant milestone for the business considering its unique co-ownership partner model. The company has also invested in TechStream Group, a global business with over 650 technology, engineering, and digital consultants across nine global offices. Universal Partners continues to focus on strategic investments that align with its investment criteria and contribute to the growth and success of its portfolio companies.

Investment Focus

• High-quality, growth-oriented businesses
• Strong management teams
• Clear competitive advantages
• Sustainable profitability
• High cash conversion
• Long-term growth potential

Portfolio Companies