Investment Philosophy

Cartesian offers quality companies growth capital as well as regional and global development assistance.

Opportunistic, Long-Term Investors: We consistently focus on creative situations caused by market dislocations-such as macroeconomic events, sectoral realignments, corporate reorganizations, or external shocks. For example, we were most active in Central Europe following the ruble devaluation in 1998, most active in Latin America following the peso devaluation in 2002.

Active Minority Positions: We focus on acquiring significant minority stakes alongside established management teams, strategic partners and/or family groups. Typically, we finance the expansion of a proven business model to new markets-either through organic growth or acquisition.

Growth Capital: We provide growth capital to both private and public companies to finance business expansion or the entry into new international markets. We typically are conservative with respect to leverage and balance sheet management. Our investment vehicles range from mezzanine structures with equity features, preferred stock and common stock.

Comprehensive Value-Added: We take a hands-on approach to value creation and operational performance, working closely with the management of our portfolio companies. We add value not only at the board level on strategic decisions, but in many aspects of the companies' development.