Ethos is an investment firm that manages investments in private equity and credit strategies in South Africa and in sub-Saharan Africa.  Ethos has a 32 year history and an unparalleled record of successful, sustainable investing across economic and political cycles.

Ethos was instrumental in establishing the private equity asset class in the region, concluding the first buyout (1984); first public-to-private deal (1992); first BEE deal (1994); and, first international fund raising (1996). 

Ethos is currently investing Ethos Fund VI with c.R8.6bn in commitments; one of the largest pools of third-party capital in Africa.

The firm specialises in control and joint-control acquisitions and expansion capital, in medium-to-large businesses.  To date, Ethos has made 104 investments, investing over R10.5billion over this period and exited 94.

Ethos seeks to leverage its understanding of the South African and sub-Saharan African markets to target companies best positioned to benefit from the region’s unique growth dynamics. As an active investor, it capitalises on its experience of owning businesses across a variety of investment, economic and political cycles to maximise value post-investment and generate superior returns.

Being independently owned and managed by its investment professionals, Ethos’ interests are aligned with stakeholders.  The Ethos partnership group has a combined 200 years of private equity experience, of which 177 have been at Ethos.

Growth is a central principle of Ethos' strategy: value is added by actively transforming the strategy, operations and finances of investee businesses, making them "best-in-class". Through pioneering thought leadership, creativity, and innovation, Ethos has developed a long track record of sustainable, superior investor return.