The London office of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has advised Opportunity International in its agreement to sell a majority stake in Kinshasa, a microfinance institution operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to VisionFund International.

Opportunity International will remain a 20% shareholder in the DRC microfinance institution and retain one board seat. VisionFund International and Opportunity International intend to focus on significantly expanding operations in and around Kinshasa before considering adding other regions, such as Lubumbashi, Katanga and Gemena. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval from the DRC Central Bank.

Opportunity International is a next generation microfinance organization that invests philanthropic and social impact capital to spark and scale innovative solutions to global poverty. Founded in 1971, the organization has provided more than $9 billion in loans to help clients launch and expand businesses, provide for their children and create jobs in their communities.

VisionFund International, World Vision’s microfinance arm, has been improving the lives of children in the developing world for more than a decade. By offering small loans and other financial services to families living in poverty, its clients develop successful businesses, enabling their children to grow up healthy and educated.

The Debevoise team advising Opportunity International was led by London partner Geoffrey P. Burgess, and included associate Sayo Ogundele. London associates Ellie Mends and Ceinwen Rees provided tax advice.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. We deliver effective solutions to our clients’ most important legal challenges, applying clear commercial judgment and a distinctively collaborative approach.