General Information  

SBI is a semi-public investment company, whose main objective is the medium to long term co-financing of foreign investments by Belgian companies. Its major shareholders are Belgian public institutions, the Federal Investment Company and the Central Bank of Belgium, as well as private companies such as Fortis Bank, ING and Tractebel.

By offering financing specifically focused on the international expansion of Belgian companies, SBI represents an exceptional case in the range of products currently offered by most investment companies/venture capitalists in Belgium.

Its activities are oriented towards the creation of new “joint ventures” or subsidiaries world wide, as well as the acquisition, restructuring or development of existing companies, always in co-operation with Belgian companies. SBI can offer Belgian companies flexible and attractive financing packages as well as services which can contain an important added value based on its extensive experience in managing foreign investment projects and its large network of correspondents/partners both in Belgium and abroad.

The equity of SBI amounts to €33 million while its portfolio presently comprises 35 investments in 22 countries, including several investments in China.

Instruments

SBI takes minority participations in equity and/or quasiequity (subordinated loans, profit sharing loans) and/or provide medium and long term loans. The average financing amount ranges between €0.5-2.5 million while the term is usually between 5-10 years.