Background
CMI was established in 2006 and achieved its final closing at 31 December 2007. CMI is incorporated under the laws of Mauritius. Its investment manager Catalyst Microfinance Investment Company (CMIC) is supported by ASA in Bangladesh(www.asa.org.bd), and Sequoia (www.sequoia.eu) in the Netherlands.

ASA is one of the world's leading microfinance institutions (MFIs). It currently serves over 6,000,000 clients in Bangladesh in an extraordinarily efficient manner. ASA has provided technical support to numerous MFIs worldwide in designing and implementing sound and proven credit methodologies and building efficient and well-managed organizations.

Sequoia is an independent international corporate finance advisory and private equity firm, specializing in strategic, M&A, capital markets advisory services and private equity investments, with a focus on the Benelux. Sequoia has advised on numerous strategic assignments, with a combined transaction value in excess of U.S.$ 20.0 billion.

CMIC, the fund manager of CMI, is based in Mauritius and supported by ASA and Sequoia, together with their respective founders.

Corporate details
CMI is a private company limited by shares. CMI has a term of 10 years. CMI received capital commitments of U.S.$ 125 million from leading international institutional and private investors such as, amongst others, the Dutch pension fund, ABP, the US investor financial services organization, TIAA-CREF, the government-owned fund, CDC Group, established microfinance funds like Gray Ghost Microfinance Fund and responsAbility as well as a number of other private investors from mainly Europe and the United States.

Sequoia and Gray Ghost Microfinance Fund (www.grayghostfund.com) are CMI's cornerstone investors.