Fidante, Challenger’s multi-affiliate fund manager, has entered into a strategic partnership with Proterra Investment Partners Asia, a private equity firm focused on the Asian food and agribusiness sectors.

Fidante has taken a minority stake in Proterra Asia and builds on an existing distribution agreement whereby Fidante has been marketing Proterra Asia food strategy to investors in Europe.

As a result, Fidante’s distribution support for Proterra Asia will extend to jurisdictions outside Europe, including Australia and Japan.

The strategy seeks to capitalise on growing consumer demand from expanding urban populations for safe, high-quality, healthy and sustainable food products.

Victor Rodriguez, chief executive of funds management at Challenger, said: “Diversifying Fidante’s capability and offering in the alternatives space is a strong area of focus for us.

“Proterra Asia’s commitment to supporting and investing in sustainable food and agriculture businesses in Asia is a highly sought-after proposition to global investors seeking innovative, high-growth opportunities.

“We are excited to support Proterra Asia to bring their exceptional offering to investors in strategic markets, while enabling them to maintain their diligent focus on investing in the dynamic food and agriculture landscape in Asia.”

Tai Lin, managing partner of Proterra Asia, added: “We have enjoyed a highly productive collaboration with Fidante over the past few years, including most recently in the successful final close of Proterra Asia Food Fund 3 in October 2022. We are pleased to be deepening our relationship with Fidante through this minority investment, leveraging their network and market expertise globally.”

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