Fund will focus on real estate companies in emerging markets;

$650 million in capital commitments

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Equity International (EI), the privately held investor and builder of world-class companies outside of the United States, announced today the closing of its newest fund, EI Fund V. The Fund comprises $650 million of equity capital commitments and represents EI's largest fund to-date.

Recognized as a strategic, growth-oriented investor, EI seeks to identify the most attractive business opportunities in highly compelling emerging and frontier markets. Fund V will continue EI's proven strategy of co-investing with carefully selected operating partners in both existing and newly formed companies, with a focus on scalable operating platforms. EI is an active and strategic partner, contributing the expertise it has gained in numerous markets and sectors and providing its portfolio companies with access to both private and public growth capital.

Fund V is the fifth in a series of investment funds created by EI since its inception in 1999. Through these funds, EI has raised over $2 billion and invested in 21 portfolio companies representing a wide spectrum of real estate-related sectors, including homebuilding, retail property, corporate property, warehousing and distribution, hospitality, senior living and specialty finance. EI is distinguished by having played an instrumental role in the development of an array of leading portfolio companies including Homex (NYSE:HXM) and Corporate Properties of the Americas in Mexico, and Gafisa (NYSE:GFA), BR Malls (Bovespa:BRML3) and Bracor in Brazil.

"Fund V reflects the natural evolution of our business and recognition of our robust investment pipeline," said Gary Garrabrant, chief executive officer of EI. "We will continue our successful investment strategy and platform investing approach in markets where we have an established presence such as Brazil, as well as in new markets including Colombia and India."

Jonathan Lulu, EI's senior vice president of capital markets, added, "We are appreciative of the vote of confidence in EI, particularly in this financial environment."

About Equity International

Equity International invests in and builds world-class companies outside the United States, with a particular focus on identifying and initiating high-growth sectors in the most compelling emerging and frontier markets. Founded in 1999 by Sam Zell and Gary Garrabrant, EI is recognized as a leading international investor and partner of choice, distinguished by an outstanding reputation, global capability and industry-leading portfolio companies. EI has raised over $2 billion and invested in 21 portfolio companies to-date across 14 countries and 6 continents. For more information, please visit www.equityinternational.com.

Contacts

Equity International
Allison T. Davis
+ 1 312 466 3625
adavis@equityinternational.com