Actis names ex-BC Partners dealmaker as COO

Andrew Newington, a former top dealmaker at BC Partners, was named chief operating officer at Actis, with immediate effect, according to a statement.

Newington, who acted as co-head of BC’s London office, left the firm in early 2013 over what insiders called a “difference of opinion” at the time on where the firm was headed next.

The departure was heavily reported for coming at a time when BC was entering a difficult period, and Newington was considered one of the group’s top dealmakers, having advised on high-profile transactions including estate agency Foxtons Group and UK mobile phone retailer Phones4U, which entered into administration in 2014.

It is understood that after leaving BC, Newington founded and ran West Heath Capital, a private investment firm based in Sydney, Australia.

At Actis, Newington will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the firm but will also take on some investment-related duties, according to a source close to the firm. He succeeds former COO Chris Coles, who “will remain closely involved with the firm, initially during a phased transition and then in an advisory capacity going forward,” the source said.

With $7.6 billion of assets under management, Actis targets deals in the emerging markets, particularly opportunities in Asia, Africa and Latin America.