Exits MENA, the region’s first investment platform and advisory firm focused on startups and SMEs, has announced the signing of a multi-seven-figure acquisition agreement with Avanz Capital Egypt (ACE)’s existing local management team.
The transaction, which has received initial approval from Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), marks a significant step in Exits MENA’s strategy to build an integrated financial group serving investors, startups, SMEs, and financial institutions across Egypt and the wider MENA region.
The acquisition expands Exits MENA’s platform by adding private equity and asset management capabilities, while paving the way for ACE to transition into Exits Manara, the group’s dedicated private capital and asset management subsidiary.
ACE Management to Continue Leading Operations
Under the agreement, ACE’s existing management team, led by Haytham Wagih, CEO and Managing Director, will remain in place and continue overseeing the firm’s operations and investment activities.
The transaction structure is designed to ensure continuity and alignment for ACE’s existing investors and clients, while maintaining management ownership and supporting the firm’s ability to develop scalable private capital opportunities in line with international private equity standards.
Avanz Capital Egypt has established a recognized position within Egypt’s private equity ecosystem, with a mandate focused on supporting SMEs and contributing to the development of the country’s private equity and venture capital landscape.
Its expertise is expected to complement Exits MENA’s advisory capabilities and regional network, creating a more integrated platform that combines access to investment opportunities and competitive risk-adjusted returns with long-term value creation across portfolio companies.
Haytham Wagih: Investment Process Remains Unchanged
Commenting on the transaction, Haytham Wagih, Managing Director and CEO of Avanz Capital Egypt, said the new ownership structure would strengthen alignment while maintaining continuity within the management team and investment process.
He highlighted the addition of Dr. Nader Elsayed as a shareholder and Executive Director, while Masa Arafa will continue in her role as Investment Director with ownership alignment.
Wagih added that the partnership with Exits MENA provides ACE with a broader regional platform and greater capacity to grow the firm, retain key talent, and further develop its management and portfolio capabilities.
Exits MENA Expands Its Regional Investment Platform
Founded in 2022 by Mohamed Abuelnaga Nagaty, Ayman El Tanbouly, and Ahella El Saban, Exits MENA has expanded its presence across more than seven global markets.
The company has built a growing track record across investment transactions and strategic advisory engagements, supported by an expanding network of regional and international partners.
To date, Exits MENA has established more than 75 global partnerships, launched three ongoing investment-readiness programs, and supported more than 2,000 businesses across the region.
Acquisition Strengthens Exits MENA’s Integrated Financial Group Strategy
The founders of Exits MENA described the acquisition as a defining milestone in the company’s efforts to build an integrated financial group serving the region.
The company said its experience working with businesses at different stages of growth has highlighted the need for a more connected pathway linking investment readiness, advisory services, and access to capital.
By adding private equity and asset management capabilities, Exits MENA aims to complete an ecosystem designed to serve founders, SMEs, investors, and institutional partners, while generating stronger outcomes for limited partners and portfolio companies and supporting the long-term development of Egypt’s private capital market.
ACE to Rebrand as Exits Manara
The next stage of the transaction will involve the rebranding of Avanz Capital Egypt as Exits Manara, which will operate as Exits MENA’s private capital and asset management subsidiary.
Exits Manara will continue managing and growing Manara 1, the existing fund of funds focused on SMEs. The subsidiary also plans to expand its assets under management through the establishment of Manara 2 for Export Investments, a new investment vehicle targeting mid-sized exporting businesses seeking to expand into international markets.
Focus on Egypt and the MENA Private Capital Market
The acquisition supports Exits MENA’s broader strategy to strengthen the region’s private capital ecosystem by providing investors with access to viable and scalable investment opportunities across Egypt and the MENA region.
The expanded platform will bring together advisory, private equity, and asset management capabilities under one group, while maintaining a strict separation between advisory mandates and investment decision-making to safeguard independence, governance, and alignment with investors’ interests.
SME Financing Gap Highlights Market Opportunity
The transaction comes against the backdrop of a persistent financing challenge facing SMEs and high-growth businesses across the MENA region.
According to the World Bank, SMEs in the region receive approximately 8% of total bank credit, compared with 22% in high-income economies. Meanwhile, CGAP estimates that the overall SME financing gap in the Arab world stands at approximately $123 billion.
Against this backdrop, Exits MENA expects the expanded platform to contribute to the development of deeper and more efficient private capital and exit markets across Egypt and the wider MENA region.
