EIF supports WestBridge II to provide additional financing for SMEs in the UK

The European Investment Fund has signed a commitment of GBP 20m into WestBridge II, a lower mid-market fund focusing on investments in the United Kingdom.

The EIF investment into the fund will enable WestBridge II to increase its funding for UK SMEs, providing growth and expansion capital to businesses. The EIF’s participation is expected to attract other investors, enabling WestBridge II to invest into growing companies in the UK.

EIF’s commitment in WestBridge’s second fund supports the institution’s approach as a long-term backer of fund managers across the European Union. EIF has supported WestBridge since inception in 2009, acting already as a cornerstone investor in its first fund.

Via their offices in London and Cardiff, the team has developed long-term strategic relationships with local M&A boutiques and entrepreneurs across the south of England, the Thames Valley and Wales. Due to their demonstrated hands-on approach based on extensive experience, the team is the preferred partner for many founders and executives in these regions. The team has proven experience in growing SMEs by implementing a strategy of growth, professionalisation and improved corporate governance.

WestBridge II is expected to continue the investment strategy successfully implemented by the predecessor fund, backing SMEs and small mid-caps across the UK regions with the potential to grow rapidly and dominate their niche or exploit new opportunities that will lead to growth. With a regional office in Cardiff and an investment strategy based on regional development, WestBridge II should benefit across the UK.

About the European Investment Fund

The European Investment Fund's (EIF) is part of the European Investment Bank group. Its central mission is to support Europe's micro, small and medium-sized businesses by helping them to access finance. EIF designs and develops venture and growth capital, guarantees and microfinance instruments which specifically target this market segment. In this role, EIF fosters EU objectives in support of innovation, research and development, entrepreneurship, growth and employment.

About WestBridge Capital

WestBridge Capital typically invests in profitable, fast growing UK SMEs with enterprise values of GBP 10m to GBP 20m, many of which are technology enabled. The WestBridge SME Fund includes investee companies operating in aerospace; electronics; B2B business services; medical technology; business critical software; and HR systems. It has an enviable reputation for providing strategic and operational support to its investee companies. The four founding partners have over 100 years’ experience in the private equity market and proven track records of successful lower mid-market investment.

http://www.westbridgecapital.co.uk/

Press contacts:

EIF: David Yormesor
Tel.: +352 42 66 88 346, e-mail: d.yormesor@eif.org

WestBridge: Ruth Shearn
Tel.: +44 7881 772960, e-mail: ruth.shearn@thisisrms.co.uk