Helios Investment Partners, a UK-based private equity firm led by Nigerian businessman Temitope Lawani, is considering a full exit from Axxela, one of West Africas largest privately backed gas infrastructure companies.
Helios has already agreed to sell its remaining 75 percent interest in the business, according to Lawani. That potential sale would complete nearly a decade of involvement in Nigerias natural gas distribution space. Lawani confirmed the pending divestment during a recent interview. He said the decision reflects a shift in Helios capital allocation priorities, not a retreat due to performance issues.
We signed an agreement to sell one of our businesses in Nigeria, a very large business for a meaningful amount of capital, Lawani said. He declined to name the buyer but said the asset sits within the gas infrastructure and energy transition segment. For strategic reasons, we have opted to no longer invest in that sector. However, were very proud of that investment. We created a real champion.