Investment One Facilitates Acquisition Universal Steel Limited

Investment One Financial Services, a leading financial services firm in Nigeria, has led a group of private investors to acquire the assets of Universal Steel Limited.

Investment One, acting as sole financial adviser and arranger, brought together a group of private investors to complete the acquisition following the decision of the core investors to sell the company. Following the acquisition of the assets, Universal Steel will be wound down by the original shareholders/vendors.

Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive of Investment One Nicholas Nyamali said: “We are very pleased to have led the execution and completion of this transaction, as Universal Steel is a reputable company with a long track-record in the domestic steel production industry. We are also very pleased with our ability to arrange private investors to complete the acquisition in record time despite the tough liquidity and economic conditions in the country today... .”

Speaking in the same vein, Managing Director of Investment One Capital Maket Management(a division of Investment One Financial Services), Ademola Aofolaju said: “Our involvement in this transaction is in line with our strategic drive to provide specialist support to clients and investors seeking to make or exit long-term investments in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.”

Universal Steels Limited is a leading steel manufacturer with over 50 years of operations in Nigeria. At its peak, the company had an installed capacity of 120,000 metric tonnes/annum at its 10 hectare production facility located within the Ikeja Industrial Scheme, in Ogba, Lagos. However, the company’s shareholders have taken a decision to wind down its operations and dispose of its assets.

Founded in 2008, Investment One Financial Services Limited is one of the fastest-growing financial services firms in Nigeria. Investment One focuses on providing premium financial advisory and asset management services to its clients. Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Investment One provides financial advisory, investment management and trust services, while its subsidiaries provide securities brokerage, fund management and pension management services to individuals, corporate institutions, state governments and government agencies.

According to the company, its business model is simple: attract investor’s funds through its wealth management, mutual funds and pension businesses; seek attractive returns through its investment management (equities & fixed income), real estate and private equity/venture capital businesses; and provide financial advisory and intermediary services through the investment banking and securities brokerage businesses.