Graphite Capital
Overview
Graphite Capital is a leading independent private equity investor focused on the UK mid-market. We have been raising and managing private equity funds since 1981.
We have partnered with a large number of management teams across most industry sectors, identifying strategies to drive revenue and profit growth over the long term. Our investment approach is open-minded and flexible, centred on building strong partnerships with our portfolio companies.
Graphite’s investment team operates from a single office in London with no external investment committees, enabling us to put the emphasis on rapid decision-making and deliverability.
Over the last 20 years we have made over 100 investments, of which three-quarters have been realised. We have generated an annual return of over 35 per cent from these realisations. Graphite currently manages more than £1.2 billion of funds for institutional and private shareholders. We raised our most recent fund in May 2007 with total commitments of £585 million.
Our funds
Graphite Capital is an independent partnership, investing on behalf of a broad range of institutional and private investors.
We currently manage over £1.2 billion in funds. Our most recent fund, Graphite Capital Partners VII, raised £475 million from 39 institutional investors across the globe in May 2007. In addition, we raised co-investment funds of £110 million, which invest alongside Capital Partners VII in larger transactions.
Our investors represent a broad range of institutions, including pension funds, insurance companies, endowment funds and specialist funds-of-funds.
We also manage a London Stock Exchange-listed investment trust, Graphite Enterprise Trust PLC, with net assets of over £400 million. Graphite Enterprise is owned by a large number of institutional and private shareholders and invests in unquoted companies, primarily through specialist third-party funds.
Our style
Our investment approach is open-minded and flexible, centred upon developing strong relationships with our portfolio companies.
We are forthright in our views on investment prospects and consistent in our feedback throughout the transaction process. We deal proactively with potential issues during due diligence, enabling us to concentrate on the key investment features. Our four most senior managers form Graphite’s investment committee, enabling rapid decision-making and deliverability.
Drawing on our investment expertise and contacts, we support and value to our portfolio companies. We encourage growth, both organically and by acquisition, and provide appropriate operational, strategic and financial support.
We ensure that the same investment executives work closely with a management team from the early stages of a transaction to an eventual exit. We also typically appoint a chairman or independent non-executive director to provide additional expertise.
Businesses we have backed
Funds under management
£1.2bn
Investments since 1991
100+
Graphite has been an excellent partner, positively contributing to the board’s strategic thinking.
Frank Collins, CEO, Summit Medical
We chose Graphite as our backer as they shared our strategic vision and consistently delivered against tight deadlines.
Rosaleen Blair, CEO, Alexander Mann Solutions
Throughout the deal evaluation and now under their ownership, we have been impressed with Graphite’s analytical rigour and ability to add value.
John Bowman, CEO, Teaching Personnel