Ascent Rift Valley Fund (ARVF), an SME Private Equity Fund investor, has signed an investment deal that will see it acquire a majority stake in Auto Springs East Africa.

The deal is their first investment in the auto-mobile industry in the region and their second investment in Kenya.

The Limuru-based factory produces a wide range of products for the motor assembly and vehicle spare parts industry including a variety of wiring harness, leaf springs, nuts, bolts and washers to fit cars, trucks and SUVs.

Ascent Rift Valley Fund will acquire a majority stake in Auto Springs East Africa in a partnership deal with SFC Finance Limited (SFC), a non-bank financial institution, which provides secured medium and long-term debt financing to SMEs in Africa.

“This investment has been done in partnership with SFC because they have shown increased interest in investing in East Africa and especially Kenya which has over the years embraced private equity funding. SFC has come in as a debt partners and the Ascent Rift Valley Fund will provide equity in this transaction,” said David Owino, Partner at Ascent Capital Advisory Services.

He further stated that with the investment, ARVF expects to gain a significant share in the growing automobile industry.

Besides the capital going to acquiring the majority stake in the company, Ascent announced the financing will be used for product expansion and factory improvements.

“SFC is pleased to be a debt partner in this transaction, adding to its growing portfolio of financings in East Africa. In addition to meeting the financing need, we look forward to an active participation in the deal, helping Auto Springs to achieve its growth objectives,” added Samia Tnani, Head of Credit Origination at SFC Finance

With favorable economic policies, Kenya has become the ideal hub for automotive manufacturers to gain entry into East and Central African region and grow their business. 

Auto Springs is positioning itself to serve this growing sector.

The assembly industry in Kenya is growing with the entry of major international players looking to turn around the local car assembly industry.

Last year, Peugeot announced the re-opening of its car assembly facility targeting production over 1,000 units annually.

Volkswagen has also begun production at Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers plant in Thika.

Last September, Simba Corporation took full control of Mombasa-based, Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA), with plans to expand production with clients such as Toyota Kenya, Scania, Tata and Volvo on board.

This year Foton Motors re-entered the market and has joined the assembly line at AVA.

“Partnership with Ascent gives us strength and ability to better serve the quality and service demands of our clients. Our long- standing relationships with organisations such as Isuzu East Africa and Simba Colt Motors demand constant investment in new plant and technology. Ascent’s investment moves us not only to improve our current processes but to also look aggressively into new product development,” commented Salil Patel, CEO of Auto Springs East Africa.