Helios Funding Companions, the UK-based personal fairness agency co-founded by Nigerian investor Tope Lawani, has accomplished the sale of its majority stake in Axxela, one among Nigeria’s largest personal fuel distribution firms, to BlueCore, a newly shaped power consortium.
Helios offered its 75 % holding within the enterprise, whereas Japan’s Sojitz Corp. exercised its tag-along rights to exit its remaining 25 % stake, bringing the possession transition to a detailed. Monetary phrases weren’t disclosed.
The transaction follows Helios’ announcement in November that it was making ready to exit Axxela, a transfer that signaled a shift in how the agency is reshaping its portfolio after greater than a decade invested in Nigeria’s fuel infrastructure.
BlueCore consortium buys Axxela property
BlueCore was set as much as increase fuel and energy property throughout Nigeria and West Africa, the place demand for cleaner gas options is rising as international locations look to chop diesel use and stabilize electrical energy provide.
The alliance consists of Afrigaz Energie, a portfolio firm of the Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Development Fund, alongside Levene Power Improvement, emPERSAND and power&. The group says Axxela’s pipeline community and buyer base present a robust platform for additional funding.
“We’re happy to finish this acquisition,” BlueCore director Dolu Olugbenjo mentioned. He described Axxela as a well-run firm with skilled administration and mentioned the consortium plans to work intently with the group to increase operations and assist long-term power wants within the area.
Helios exit, BlueCore backs Axxela progress
Helios accomplice Nitin Kaul mentioned the agency was happy with the result after years of working with Axxela’s administration. “Collectively, we constructed a sturdy enterprise that performs an vital function in Nigeria’s power provide,” he mentioned, including that BlueCore is properly positioned to assist the corporate’s subsequent section.
Axxela Chief Government Timothy Ononiwu mentioned the change in possession displays the progress made beneath Helios. He famous that the brand new shareholders convey capital and sector expertise that ought to assist the corporate lengthen its attain whereas sustaining a deal with dependable fuel provide.
Lawani-founded Helios expands by way of €100 million deal
Based in 2004 by Lawani and Babatunde Soyoye, Helios manages about $3 billion and invests throughout power, monetary companies, telecom infrastructure and shopper companies. The agency operates from places of work in London, Paris, Lagos and Nairobi.
In December, Helios agreed to amass Frigoinvest Nigeria Holdings, the mum or dad of Frigoglass’ Nigerian models, together with Beta Glass Plc, in a deal valued at up to €100 million ($117.3 million). That transaction is predicted to shut within the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
