Awards for Excellence 2017
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In a year that was difficult for much of Africa because of low commodity prices and especially the price of oil, which dragged down deal activity, one investment bank outshone its peers, managing to remain busy throughout the period. That bank was Citi, which wins this year’s best investment bank in Africa award.
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Miguel Azevedo, Citi |
Citi, which has an on-the-ground presence in 15 countries across Africa, has long been a dominant force. Over the last decade, the bank has either been top or near the top in equity capital markets, debt and M&A rankings.
The last year was especially successful for Citi under the leadership of Miguel Azevedo, head of investment banking for Africa, excluding South Africa. In ECM, the bank ranks first in Dealogic’s table with a market share of 14.4%. Noteworthy deals include the €2.5 billion capital increase for retail firm Steinhoff, on which Citi was a joint global coordinator.
In the corporate debt league table, Citi also comes first, having worked on such deals as the $2.2 billion deal for First Quantum Minerals, one of 11 deals in total.
In syndicated loans, Citi comes second, having close to 9% in market share and worked on eight deals totalling more than $4 billion. These included work as a joint underwriter and bookrunner on a $2.65 billion loan for gold producer Sibanye at the end of last year.
Citi was also active in mergers and acquisitions, acting, for example, as sole adviser to Shell on the sale of its 100% stake in Shell Gabon to the Carlyle Group, in March 2017, for $1 billion.
Among Citi’s regular clients are big regional corporates MTN, IHS, Steinhoff and Amcon. Their regular business, as well as that of many other companies and sovereigns across Africa, has helped Citi attain the dominant position it holds today in the continent’s investment banking.
