Alta Semper Capital, a consumer and healthcare focussed private equity investor, alongside CI Capital Partners, an Egypt-focused private equity investor, have partnered through the MEA Healthcare Partners platform with Macro Holding, a consumer healthcare company in Egypt.

The company is partnering with Alta Semper and CI Capital Partners to expand the product portfolio, grow into complementary product lines, and expand geographically.

Mohamed Sobhi, Founder and CEO of Macro Holding, said: “The partnership with Alta Semper and CI Capital Partners will enable Macro Group to further expand its product offering, enter into new and complementary products, further penetrate export markets and support our vision on becoming a regional leader.”

The consumer healthcare market in Egypt and the MENA region, is characterised by rising and growing demand driven by favourable demographics, increased consumer awareness and evolving consumption patterns.

Founded in 2002 by Dr Ahmed El Nayeb and Dr Mohamed Sobhi, Macro Holding has grown into one of the leading consumer healthcare companies in Egypt. 

The company targets a broad base of consumers through a large and evolving product portfolio.

The company, employing over 750 people, currently manufactures and distributes 64 products across seven therapeutic areas, including skin care, haircare, feminine care, anti-scar, oral care, antiseptics and muscle relaxants, under the Gold, Orovex, Verdex, Cordo and Scaro brands. 

The company’s products are marketed to the Egyptian medical community through a market-leading, 500 person strong sales force.

The firm’s products have amongst the broadest coverage in the market, reaching over 50,000 physicians, centres and pharmacies nationwide.

Macro operates a production facility in Cairo with a second facility dedicated to the growing medical devices market currently under construction. 

The company currently exports to eight markets across the region, and plans to expand its export base significantly in the near future.

As part of its investment strategy for Africa, Alta Semper looks to invest in high growth, yet defensive sub-sectors within the consumer, healthcare and enabling technology sectors. 

Scalable businesses, which have scope for regional expansion are a focus for Alta Semper. 

The investment in Macro marks its first investment in Egypt.

Afsane Jetha, Managing Partner and CEO of Alta Semper, said: “We are very excited to embark on our partnership with Dr El Nayeb, Dr Sobhi and Macro to expand the business within Macro’s high growth niche markets.” 

“We have a strong belief in the high quality of the Company’s products, the Company’s ability to innovate successfully over the last 15 years, and the management team who share our values and vision of making Macro the market-leading healthcare company in the region.”

CI Capital Partners is dedicated to investing in Egyptian businesses with proven and scalable business models and partnering with leading entrepreneurs to create long term sustainable value.

Amr Helal, Managing Partner of CI Capital Partners, said: “We are extremely delighted with this partnership with Macro Group, a remarkable model for a home grown local champion that promotes local innovation and manufacturing providing consumers with high quality local alternatives at attractive price points. We are looking forward to working closely with our partners, Dr. El Nayeb and Dr. Sobhi, to further unlock Macro’s potential and development in Egypt and beyond by leveraging our investing experience in Egypt and the consumer space.”

Alta Semper Capital and CI Capital Partners were advised by Matouk Bassiouny and Norton Rose Fulbright.