Apax Partners begins India operations

New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) United Kingdom's leading global private equity firm Apax Partners today announced its foray in India with the opening of its first office here.

''In view of the extraordinary growth of the Indian market, it is critical that we have a major presence and commitment here to invest in promising Indian companies, and to support the growth ambitions of our portfolio companies,'' Apax Partners Worldwide Chief Executive Officer Martin Halusa said.

''The drivers of private equity investment in the India market include consolidation in fragmented industries, international expansion, increasing domestic market spend, and continued growth in value-added services,'' company's Asia Chairman Max Burger Calderon said.

The firm, which can deploy its deep expertise in these sectors on a global basis, will continue its sector focused approach in India, he added.

Apax operates across the US, Europe, Israel and Asia and focuses on five global growth sectors -- technology and telecom, healthcare, retail and consumer, media and financial and business services. In keeping with its global strategy, Apax will look to back strong management teams in large businesses that have the capacity to expand.

Apax has more than 30 years of investing experience, with funds under the advice of Apax Partners totalling 20 billion dollars.

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