Helios Investment Partners (the “Sponsor”) is an Africa-focused private investment firm established in 2004, led and managed by a predominantly African team and based in London, Lagos and Nairobi. Helios’ portfolio companies operate in more than 30 countries in all regions of the continent. Helios has a track record of investing in businesses that span from start-ups to established companies. The Sponsor manages funds totalling c. $3 billion including three generalist funds in which IFC invested: Helios Investors LP, a 2006 vintage fund (Project# 25580); Helios Investors II, LP, a 2009 vintage fund (Project# 27876); and Helios Investors III, LP, a 2014 vintage (Project# 34569).

IFC will provide an equity investment of up to $15 million alongside HIP.

15.50 million (USD)

Product Line	IFC Investment (million USD)
Risk Management
Guarantee
Loan
Equity	15.50

* These investment figures are indicative

The combined business will operate across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a presence in over 30 African countries.

1) Increase in processing activity and value addition across the value chain: Consumer product companies in emerging markets are contributing to development across the value chain, by modernizing manufacturing and logistics services through increased processing activities; 2) Large-scale employment: The Company, on a combined basis, employs approximately 600 full-time employees and, with the projected organic growth, the Company will be substantially increasing this number by 2021; 3) Highly diversified reach: outside of the Company's core markets, the Company reaches to markets including Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, DRC, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Liberia, Mali and Somalia, among others. The Company intends to disseminate high quality food products at affordable prices to these states; 4) GBfoods' innovative pipeline of convenience products adds value to the African consumer by saving both money and cooking time versus the alternative of buying individual ingredients; 5) Promoting South / South investment: the proposed integration of brands and assets will form a unique business that encourages other local and multinational FMCG players to pursue investment opportunities across Sub-Saharan Africa; 6) Local farmers' linkage: the long-term backward integration plan is anticipated to reach local farmers across its supply chain.

1) Long-term funding: provide long-term equity financing not easily available in the Pan African market; 2) Local sourcing advisory services: one of the strategic pillars for the Company is to integrate backwards to minimize supply volatility, thus the local sourcing supported by IFC's advisory services will be a unique value add; 3) Local sourcing investment: Post completion of the 100-day plan, the Company intends to expeditiously implement a backward integration investment program in select markets. IFC is uniquely positioned to support the investment program; 4) Stamp of approval: With an eventual public listing of the Company's shares on the public stock market, adding IFC as a direct investor adds unparalleled weight to the investor bench; and 5) Environmental & Social: A review by IFC's E&S appraisal adds prestige and improvements to the Company's credentials and facilitates discussions with socially-minded investors.

This is a Category B project in accordance with IFC’s Policy on Social and Environmental Sustainability because it may create a limited number of specific environmental and social impacts that can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance specifications, guidelines, or design criteria. Key environmental, health and safety, human resources and social issues that were reviewed included the following: environmental and social management system including oversight of supply chains; labor and working conditions; emissions to the environment – air, water and subsurface; solid, and hazardous waste and materials management, including transportation; community and occupational health and safety; energy use and efficiency; community engagement and supply chain management. The Company is in compliance with applicable national regulatory requirements and, upon implementation of the management plan and specific additional measures described below, will comply with IFC's Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability. A detailed review of E&S risks and mitigation measures are presented in the Environment Social Review Summary and the Environmental and Social Action Plan that were publicly disclosed as part of the IFC’s procedures. The Company will be required to demonstrate compliance to all IFC Performance Standards which are or may become applicable during the life of the Project. The Company shall adopt IFC E&S Performance Standards (2012) as part of applicable legal requirements in its management system.  Additionally, the Company will be required to conduct its activities in accordance with good international industry practice for the sector (such as those described in applicable WBG/IFC EHS Guidelines), including oversight of its supply chain.

Please refer to the related Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS) document for this project.

Please refer to the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) tab in the related Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS) document for this project.