Like most other private equity firms, the Carlyle Group is in the process of cleaning things up. For example, the firm has taken write downs on funds, such as the Carlyle Partners IV platform. The fund was launched in the heyday of 2005, with $7.9 billion in assets.
But, at the same time, Carlyle is trying to find ways to capitalize on the low-valuation environment or even find growth opportunities. Just take a look at the latest fund: the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) fund, which has commitments of up to $500 million.
The focus of the fund will include broad areas like energy, healthcare, infrastructure and so on. To carry out the deals, Carlyle has a network of offices in Cairo, Dubai and Istanbul. No doubt, there should be lots of opportunity in these regions -- and it doesn't take much money to participate.
In fact, Carlyle has already made a deal; that is, a 50% equity stake in TVK Gemi Yapim Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., which is a Turkish shipbuilder focused on the chemicals industry.
Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook
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