In 2013, IFU continued to invest at a high level. IFU invested DKK 566m in 43 companies. DKK 279m was invested in Africa, which is the highest level since 2009. The remaining investments were made in Asia and Latin America and in a new climate investment fund which has been established in cooperation with institutional investors.
– I am content that we are maintaining a high level of investments. Thus again in 2013, we have contributed to the growth of Danish industry in new markets and to the economic and social development in developing countries, said Tommy Thomsen, CEO of IFU.
Tommy Thomsen emphasizes that in its new strategy, IFU has the objective to double its investment activities by 2018.
220 active investments
By the end of 2013, IFU had an active portfolio of 220 companies with a total direct employment of approximately 35,000 people. IFU’s investments in the companies have a market value of DKK 2bn. IFU recorded net income of DKK 72m in 2013.
– Over the years, IFU has invested in more than 800 companies in nearly 90 countries, thus contributing to the creation of 350,000 jobs in developing countries and the yield of a reasonable profit, said Tommy Thomsen.
IFU as a fund manager
IFU is increasingly used as a fund manager for other investment funds, at present IFU manages 4 such funds. In 2013, IFU and funds managed by IFU invested a total of DKK 637m.
Two of the funds have been established in a public-private partnership, and the most recent one is the Danish Climate Investment Fund, which has been established in cooperation with pension funds such as: PensionDanmark, PKA, Pædagogernes Pensionskasse (PBU) and the private investment fund, Dansk Vækstkapital, with total funds of DKK 1.2bn.
– The targeted funds are an opportunity to match Danish strengths with the needs of the developing countries. That is the case with the Danish Climate Investment Fund as well as with the agribusiness fund, which is our next initiative, said Tommy Thomsen.