#United States #Miami #Valante Capital #Ascend Fund II #IDC Network

Valante Capital Launches Ascend Fund II

In a bold move for the private equity landscape, Valante Capital, the investment division of IDC Network, has announced the first closing of its latest initiative, Ascend Fund II. The fund is designed with a target of $250 million, focusing primarily on scaling consumer and retail platforms across Latin America and selected U.S. ventures that cater to the Latin American demographic. The initial close at $115 million reflects strong support from existing limited partners and new institutional investors, with the general partner contributing over 15% towards the total fund capital.

Building on Proven Strategies

Ascend Fund II aims to continue the proven investment strategy that its predecessor initiated by transforming underperforming businesses into significant regional contenders. The fund’s focus includes family-owned and corporate-divested assets primarily in Northern Latin America. Additionally, it will explore high-growth opportunities in the U.S. market, particularly those that are closely tied to needs of the Latin American consumer base.

Key Investments Made

On the heels of its first close, Ascend Fund II has already secured three notable cornerstone investments:

• - Vitali Alimentos: This company focuses on the protein sector and has seen impressive performance, growing 38% in revenue since 2020 and improving its EBITDA by 50%. As it enters Fund II, the company is on track to further enhance its operational and geographical reach.
• - American Foods: A U.S.-based food distribution entity that services over 25 countries in Latin America. This investment serves as a pivotal asset in a roll-up strategy for Ascend, emphasizing opportunities in the imported products market while maximizing cross-border synergy.
• - Nutrica: A socially responsible food production firm targeting child malnutrition through accessible and nutritious food solutions. This venture aligns perfectly with Ascend's impact objectives, tackling a pressing public health issue in Latin America.

Confident Capital Deployment

With a robust portfolio in place, Ascend Fund II is projected to achieve net returns exceeding 25%. This ambitious goal will be pursued through strategic acquisitions, operational enhancements, market expansion, and comprehensive consolidations. Héctor Valero, Managing Partner at Valante Capital, expressed optimism, stating, “We enter Fund II on a high note, supported by our LPs and fully committed to the businesses we’re backing. We have shaped our strategy around transforming undervalued but promising assets, and the investments in Vitali, American Foods, and Nutrica are just the beginning.”

Future Growth Prospects

With a strong initial backing and three significant platforms already under management, Ascend Fund II is strategically positioned to build sustainable and competitive businesses that cater to the changing demands of Latin America's burgeoning consumer market. Valante Capital has proven itself a leader in the realm of consumer goods and retail investments, leveraging its wealth of experience through the IDC Network.

About Valante Capital

Valante Capital specializes in acquiring and transforming businesses in the consumer goods and retail sectors across Latin America. It operates under the larger umbrella of the IDC Network, established in 1995, which encompasses several investment verticals and manages assets across various industries.

For additional details or media inquiries, please reach out to Paula Medrano at [email protected].

IDC Network Overview

Founded in 1995, IDC Network is a multi-fund investment platform, partnering with strategic investors across diverse sectors, including private equity, energy infrastructure, and real estate. IDC operates across Latin America, the U.S., and Europe, serving as the preferred partner for a multitude of influential families from over 30 nations. To learn more, visit IDCNetwork.com.