Dubai, UAE: The 2i Capital Group, which operates in India, U.K., and Mauritius; in conjunction with Oman-based Amwal Investment SAOC, advisers to 2i Capital; held an investor lunch and presentation on the US$300 million "Indian Infrastructure Development Fund", yesterday (Thursday 22nd March 2007), at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Guests learned about targeted real estate and infrastructure sector investment opportunities in the world's fourth largest economy. The Fund's investments will be made in accordance to Islamic Shariah principles, making it the first Shariah Compliant fund for investing in India. Investors not wanting to invest according to Shariah principles will be given an option to invest through a parallel investment vehicle that will invest in projects and companies with the Fund on a pro rata basis.
Founder of 2i Capital Group, Mr. Vivek Sekhar, who presented the lucrative investment opportunity with the Group's Head of Real Estate Investments, Mr Vikram Lall, commented saying, "The Indian economy has been on a growth trajectory with 6-8% GDP growth in the last three years, led by exports as well as domestic consumption, and supported by a favourable demography."
"Despite impressive growth in services such as IT, manufacturing and retail; infrastructure continues to lag far behind, and is an area focus for the country. It will be the next growth driver because of a huge demand-supply mismatch- estimated at US$320 billion. The Fund presents a unique opportunity to investors as it is set to capture this upside in both real estate and infrastructure," Mr. Sekhar concluded.
Mr. Sekhar has over 15 years of Indian and international investment experience across diversified sectors, and has managed assets of US$ 350 million for Batterymarch Financial Management, Boston. He previously managed assets of US$ 300 million for Fleming Asset Management, London, (now part of JP Morgan); US$ 65 million for Baring Asset Management, London and Mumbai; and US$ 30 million ANZ Grindlays Bank -Investment Funds Division (an ANZ and 3i plc joint venture). He was ranked among the top-20 Fund Managers in Asia by AsiaMoney in 1998.
The US$300 million fund aims to post net investor returns of 30%/year during a 7-year investment life, with first returns expected within 2 years. However; given the long track record of the team, excellent investment projects at hand, and growth conditions in India, performance in excess of this target is expected.
The Fund is authorized and regulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Amwal Investment has also presented the fund in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Kuwait. Those interested in learning more on this investment opportunity should contact ref@2icapital.com.
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Issued on behalf of Amwal Investment by T&M EVENTSCOM, Bahrain.For further information, please contact:
Bharti Mathew
Tel: +973 17 226 775
Fax: +973 17 226 698
© Press Release 2007
