Actis' acquisition of Compuscan wins private equity deal award

© Dreaming Andy – za.fotolia.com

Compuscan, one of South Africa's leading credit bureaus, forms part of the CSH group which also comprises ScoreSharp, P:Cubed and Compuscan Academy. In June 2014, pan-emerging markets investor, Actis acquired Compuscan by purchasing a 60% stake in the business. Since then, CSH was formed and South African marketing service provider, P:Cubed was welcomed to the group. CSH is chaired by a leading figure in the African financial services industry, Michael Jordaan, former CEO of First National Bank.

"Along with Actis, we are exceptionally proud to accept this award. We see it as a testament to the excellence of the companies' combined force, as well as to the potential we have to positively shape the credit industry in South Africa and across borders," says director at Compuscan, Frank Lenisa.

Key criteria

The acquisition of Compuscan by Actis was selected to receive the award based on a number of key criteria that were well met, including, amongst others, transformational value, innovation and creativity, time constraints and deal size.

Comments Editor of Catalyst Magazine, Michael Avery: "Perhaps the most important element that set this deal apart from the rest was its potential to create long-term value for the parties involved. Only 5% of adults in Africa are covered by credit bureaus compared with 64% in OECD countries and alongside rapidly increasing access to financial services, and the expanding African consumer market, this presents a singularly attractive growth opportunity."