City & Corporate: Fishburn Hedges lands Actis account

Actis, one of the most significant private equity players in the emerging markets space with $4.7bn under management, has charged the agency with supporting corporate and financial comms globally.

The agency will provide strategic comms advice, as well as handle media relations around investments and portfolio sales and support investor development.

Gong Communications previously handled Actis' financial comms.

Since its creation in 2004, Actis has invested in 69 companies and has more than 230 staff. It has stakes in firms across sectors including retail, leisure and natural resources in countries such as Brazil, China, India and Egypt.

Almost 50 per cent of the portfolio is invested in Africa, with South Asia and China also representing significant proportions by value.

Fishburn Hedges directors Andy Berry and Paul Farrow will lead the account, reporting to Actis director of comms Tashi Lassalle and working closely with comms manager Claire Davies.

Berry commented: 'Helping to raise awareness of the positive power of capital ... promises to be fascinating.'