Old Mutual Private Equity (OMPE) is one of the largest and most established private equity managers in South Africa and Africa, founded in 2000, on the back of 130 years of collective experience, to source, invest, manage, and exit private equity opportunities.
We aim to deliver superior investment returns, together with meaningful impact, by building a diversified portfolio of private equity investments in medium to large companies operating predominantly in South Africa.
We have a successful, two-decade track record across five funds, with some ZAR 15 B (USD 844.9 M) in assets currently under management. We are in the process of raising our sixth fund.
*As at 30 June 2025
We have consistently delivered strong results across multiple economic cycles and spells of low economic growth in South Africa. We adopt a proven bottom-up strategy, investing mostly in mid-tier growth partnerships in South Africa, at the right price. We back management teams we ‘like, trust and admire’ in companies with market-leading positions, attractive cash generation and a distinctive growth strategy, underpinned by supportive industry tailwinds.
Our track record is rooted in three competitive advantages: our highly seasoned team, unparalleled networks and deal sourcing capability, and proven investment strategy.
Thanks to an extensive network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, intermediaries and advisers, we have access to unique and highly attractive investment opportunities not readily available to other private equity firms. These relationships, together with our extensive expertise and solid reputation, are behind our strong origination capability. This allows us to avoid competitive auctions and invest at attractive entry valuations. Our exceptional network and sourcing capability sets us apart from other private equity firms.
The sheer scale of our investments places us at the heart of South Africa’s economic development, with the ability to drive growth and transformation in key sectors and industries.
Our commitment to our Sustainable Investment Philosophy aligns with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 5 Gender equality
- SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth
- SDG 10 Reduced inequalities
- SDG 13 Climate action
- SDG 16 Governance
As one of the largest private equity employers in South Africa, we support some 28 000 jobs across our portfolio companies. Of the nearly 14 000 people employed in our Fund IV portfolio companies, almost two-thirds are women, who also account for 44% of all management roles.
We are particularly proud to have increased the proportion of historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) employed in our Fund IV portfolio companies from 74% to 95% over four years, while the number of HDSAs in management has more than doubled to some 30%.
The diversity of our team enables different perspectives to form an insightful mosaic view of our investments, improving the quality of our investment process.
80% Black | 30% Black Female
We target those investments with potential to deliver strong long-term returns.
