European Investment Fund invests EUR44m in Turkey focused private equity fund, Actera Partners

European Investment Fund (EIF), the risk capital arm of the European Investment Bank, has undertaken its first investment in the Turkish market by committing EUR°44m to support the establishment of Actera Partners, a new fund which expects to raise EUR 250m before end of 2007.

Francis Carpenter, EIF's Chief Executive, said Whilst Turkey seems to have the necessary ingredients to become a major market for private equity in the region, there are currently very few players, and EIF wants to play a role in supporting strong management teams such as Actera. Isak Antika and Murat Cavusoglu, the Managing Partners of Actera, stated it brings us great satisfaction to have EIF on board as it is a leading institutional investor that provides the European dimension. Two major North American institutional investors are cornerstones to the fund.

Actera Partners will focus primarily on buy-out and growth equity investments in the mid-market across a wide range of industries in Turkey.

About EIF

EIF, the risk capital arm of the EIB, is a triple-rated organisation (AAA/Aaa/AAA ratings from Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch) that focuses on venture capital and the provision of bank guarantees. With investments in 244 funds, and commitments in excess of EUR 3.8bn in venture capital and EUR 11.1bn in guarantees, EIF is major player in access to finance for SMEs. With a focus on high-tech and early-stage investments, and working to support first time teams, EIF aims to catalyse the development of the venture capital industry in the European Member States and the Accession countries.