The Abraaj Group, a leading investor operating in global growth markets, has announced the completion of the full exit of its investment, through one of its funds, in UAP Holdings Limited, a pan-African insurance holding company with subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan, as well as an insurance brokerage arm in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Under the terms of the agreement, Abraaj has sold its 13.6 per cent stake in the company, which is traded on Nairobi’s over the counter (OTC) market, to Old Mutual, a London-listed international investment, savings, insurance and banking group.

In March 2012, Abraaj invested, through one of its funds, in UAP alongside Africinvest and Swedfund, using a convertible debt instrument. Simultaneously with a limited public offer conducted in November 2012, Abraaj converted its instrument into equity shares in the Company.
 
UAP’s services include life insurance, general insurance, health insurance, premium financing services and investment management services.

The company has been operating in Sub-Saharan Africa since 1977 and its general insurance subsidiaries hold dominant market positions in its main markets.

The respective general insurance subsidiaries are currently the fourth largest insurance company in Kenya, third largest in Uganda, fifth largest in Tanzania and the largest in South Sudan. UAP’s life insurance subsidiaries have exhibited sustained growth and continue to improve their market rankings.

Abraaj said it worked closely with UAP’s board and management team to expand the company’s regional footprint. Over the course of Abraaj’s investment, the company’s gross written premium and book value increased at compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 25.5 and 18.8 per cent, respectively.

Commenting on the move, Davinder Sikand, partner at The Abraaj Group, said: "We invested in UAP based on the company’s strong brand and well established business lines. With a surge in demand driven by the rapid expansion of a young, urban middle class across Sub-Saharan Africa, UAP has developed in key African markets, and is well positioned to lead the insurance sector in the region."

"The team has a clear vision for the Company’s further establishment as a leading pan-African insurance firm, and we look forward to seeing its continued growth," he noted.

Peter Njoka, the managing director at The Abraaj Group, said: "UAP has been a strong investment for Abraaj and is well positioned to grow its market-leading position across the region. Our experience in UAP demonstrates Abraaj’s depth of knowledge in the financial services industry, and continues to validate the Group’s experience in growing successful businesses in growth markets."

Dr Joseph B. Wanjui, the chairman, UAP-Old Mutual Group, said Abraaj had played an important role in developing its business, enhancing corporate governance and positioning the company for further growth.

"Our partnership created many opportunities for UAP and we take this opportunity to thank Abraaj for their support," he added

Abraaj has helped pioneer the growth and development of the private equity industry in Africa with more than a decade of investing experience and deploying $3 billion across the continent.

In East Africa alone, Abraaj has over 19 investments, with an active portfolio in Kenya, including leading dairy company Brookside Dairy Limited and cement company Athi River Mining Limited.-TradeArabia News Service