Private Equity

Criterion Africa Partners managing director George McPherson says investors are mispricing the risks associated with Africa's potential for agricultural development.

The acquisition of Gundaline by a Chinese textiles firm is a sign that Chinese investors are looking Down Under again, with more ‘big deals’ possible in the next 18 months.

After two years, PRI signatories will again report on their responsible investment practices and receive scores of up to five stars. The new questionnaire is ‘more aligned’ to the TCFD and other bodies, but still focuses on practices and policies over outputs.

Chief executive Paul Young says partnership with asset manager Diffractive Managers Group will bring fresh sources of capital for timber and ag strategies.

Peoples Company’s annual Land Investment Expo saw attendees trying to predict the direction of US interest rates, geopolitics and the weather – but the centrality of government support only appears to be heading in one direction.

The myriad challenges facing the world presents private markets with a lot of unanswered questions – the hunt to find their solutions promises to be a fascinating journey.

A confluence of events could lead to increased food scarcity in 2023, with knock-on effects for prices and an increase in the attractiveness of controlled environment production in hot countries.

A renewed focus on the importance of diet and nutrition, as well as enthusiasm for more sustainable crop inputs and alternative materials, continue to provide opportunities for agtech investors.

2023 looks set to be another year of disruption in global markets and agriculture is not immune, presenting opportunities for savvy investors.

The New York-headquartered agribusiness firm will target 20-25 percent gross IRR through a mixture of control and growth equity investments from the fund.