Sustainability

Corporate Governance and Best Practices

BPE Partners’ investment process is overseen by four dedicated committees and governed by high standards for internal systems and controls

The Operating Committee evaluates the firm’s investment opportunities by analyzing each company and management and identifying potential risks and rewards. This committee is responsible for initial company valuations, as well as preliminary transaction structuring and consideration of potential exit strategies.

The Investment Committee makes recommendations to the General Partners after reviewing each potential investment case; Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) findings; and Value Creation Plan. Critical success factors and pricing are considered in this committee, as are due diligence findings, risk mitigation and potential hedging strategies.

The Monitoring Committee conducts a periodic review of portfolio company performance against the original Value Creation Plan. It is also responsible for monitoring ESG standards on an ongoing basis; analyzing expansion opportunities, including potential acquisitions; and preparing exit strategies.

The Advisory Committee importantly provides counsel to the General Partners on corporate governance issues. The members are responsible for reviewing and modifying the firm’s investment strategy and identifying and resolving potential conflicts of interest. While not involved in the investment decision making process, they are resources for discussion on valuations.

Responsible Investing

Our firm was among the first financial institutions in Egypt to recognize the importance of integrating environmental and social practices into the principles that govern all aspects of our business and portfolio companies

BPE Partners understands the role of responsible investing in creating a positive sustainable impact. We work hard to position the companies in which we invest for sustainable growth that not only supports their local communities, but also has the impact of strengthening the overall economy and contributing meaningfully to job creation.

We have developed an Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) Manual that we use as a fundamental tool in analyzing the risks and opportunities in our portfolio companies. We look to maximize both our financial and social returns by integrating ESG standards into our investment process at every stage, from initial screening to exit. Our management uses these guidelines to evaluate ESG issues related to our own business, and we encourage our portfolio companies to embrace them. These disciplines have broad application to business decision making, from determining when specialist expertise is required to establishing reporting mechanisms to boards, investors and the public.

At BPE Partners, we are always working to improve the environmental, social and corporate governance aspects of our business and portfolio companies. Applying international ESG standards, most notably those used by Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) is the road map for conducting business in a highly ethical manner to deliver strong financial performance.

Corporate Social Responsibility

BPE Partners works closely with the management of its portfolio companies to support their local communities

Giza Systems

  • In collaboration with INJAZ Egypt, mentor students from public schools and universities to prepare them for employment.
  • To raise environmental awareness, created the ‘EcoChic’ brand to go on products manufactured from discarded vinyl posters; this initiative also generates income for the disadvantaged women who manage the production.
  • Established the Giza Systems Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on combating ignorance and poverty in Egypt’s most marginalized areas through information and communications technology.

MNHD

  • Programs to upgrade all its local communities, with investments ranging from road paving and garbage collection to landscaping and sidewalk painting.
  • Embarked on a plan to revitalize Nasr City through enhancing the aesthetics of the surrounding area to create more parks and green spots, as well as improve the traffic flow and add parking.

Total Egypt

  • Launched ‘Startupper of the Year by Total’ Challenge, a contest to identify, reward and develop the top projects in enterprise creation or development in Egypt. Winning projects are given financial support and coaching from Total Egypt.
  • As part of its Women in the Workforce Empowerment Program, launched the first fuel service station in Egypt to employ women.

PGESCo

  • Donates equipment to hospitals based on specific needs.
  • Makes annual donations of fully-depreciated computers to Cairo orphanages.

Cairo Kidney Center

  • Supports local communities by allocating an annual budget for free dialysis sessions for patients in need.