Exits MENA is expanding its position in Egypt’s private capital market through the acquisition of Avanz Capital Egypt (ACE), a move that will add private equity and asset management to its existing investment and advisory operations. The transaction is expected to give businesses and investors access to a more connected platform while supporting the growth of SMEs and emerging companies.
The multi-seven-figure transaction, completed in partnership with ACE’s existing local management, has received initial approval from Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). It forms part of Exits MENA’s strategy to build an integrated financial group serving investors, startups, SMEs and financial institutions across Egypt and the wider MENA region.
Under the agreement, ACE’s existing management team will remain in place and continue to oversee the firm’s operations and investment activities. This structure is intended to provide continuity for existing investors and clients while giving the business greater capacity to expand.
A broader platform for business growth
ACE has established a recognised position within Egypt’s private equity ecosystem, with a mandate focused on supporting SMEs and contributing to the development of the country’s private equity and venture capital market.
Haytham Wagih, Managing Director and CEO of Avanz Capital Egypt, said the acquisition would strengthen the company without changing its core investment approach.
“We are now better aligned through ownership participation. Our team remains in place and will continue to expand. Our investment process remains unchanged,” Wagih said.
He added that the new ownership structure would give the firm greater capacity to grow and retain key talent. Dr. Nader Elsayed will join as a shareholder and Executive Director, while Masa Arafa will continue in her role as Investment Director with ownership alignment.
“What changes is our capacity to grow and retain key talent. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Nader Elsayed as a shareholder and Executive Director. In contrast, Masa Arafa will continue her leading role as Investment Director with ownership alignment,” Wagih said.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the link between investment readiness, advisory services and access to capital. For SMEs and growing businesses, that could mean a more direct route to financing and strategic support as they move through different stages of development.
“With Exits MENA, we now have a broader regional platform behind us while developing the way we manage the firm and its portfolio,” Wagih said.
The acquisition also gives Exits MENA greater reach across the investment cycle. Its existing work with startups and SMEs can now be supported by private equity and asset management capabilities, creating a platform that can work with businesses beyond the early stages of growth.
Exits Manara and the next phase of expansion
Founded in 2022 by Mohamed Abuelnaga Nagaty, Ayman El Tanbouly and Ahella El Saban, Exits MENA has expanded its footprint into more than seven global markets. The company has built a track record across investment transactions and strategic advisory engagements, supported by a growing network of regional and international partners.
The acquisition will be followed by the rebranding of ACE as Exits Manara, which will serve as the private capital and asset management subsidiary of Exits MENA.
The company will continue managing Manara 1, its existing fund of funds focused on SMEs, while preparing to expand its assets under management through Manara 2 for Export Investments.
The new investment vehicle will focus on mid-sized Egyptian exporting businesses and support their expansion into international markets. This creates an opportunity to direct more private capital towards companies with the potential to grow their operations, enter new markets and increase their international reach.
For Exits MENA, the transaction is also about building a more complete financial ecosystem.
“Since 2022, we have worked with businesses across different stages of growth and consistently seen the need for a more connected pathway between investment readiness, advisory services, and access to capital,” the Exits MENA founding team said.
By bringing private equity and asset management into its platform, Exits MENA aims to strengthen the support available to founders, SMEs, investors and institutional partners.
“By bringing private equity and asset management capabilities into our platform, we are completing the ecosystem we set out to build for founders, SMEs, investors, and institutional partners,” the founding team said.
