The London and Frankfurt offices of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP have advised Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”) in its sale of a stake in Interswitch Limited, Lagos/Nigeria, to TA Associates. Helios will remain the majority shareholder of Interswitch following the transaction.
Interswitch is an Africa-focused integrated digital payments and commerce company. Founded in 2002, it is a recognized leader in the payments space in Nigeria, and also operates in Kenya and Uganda through add-on acquisitions.
TA Associates is one of the largest and most experienced global growth private equity firms. The firm has invested in more than 480 companies around the world and has raised $24 billion in capital.
Helios is an Africa-focused private investment firm managing funds totaling approximately $3 billion. Established in 2004, led and managed by a predominantly African team and based in London, Lagos and Nairobi, Helios has completed investments in countries across the African continent, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco. Helios’ portfolio companies operate in more than 25 countries in all regions of the continent.
Debevoise has advised Helios on a range of transactions in recent years, including its acquisition of a 60% shareholding in Telkom Kenya in 2016.
The Debevoise team advising Helios was led by Frankfurt international counsel Philipp von Holst and included London partner Geoffrey P. Burgess, as well as associate Jacqueline Eaves. Finance advice was provided by Frankfurt international counsel Klaudius Heda. Tax advice was provided by London partner Matthew D. Saronson and international counsel Cécile Beurrier. Competition advice was provided by international counsel Timothy McIver and associate Anne-Mette Heemsoth.
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.