CedarBridge launches third private equity fund, begins investing across the GCC

CedarBridge Capital Partners today announced that its third private equity vehicle, CedarBridge High Growth III, L.P. (CBHG III), has begun investing, marking the continued execution of a strategy the firm has been deploying across the GCC for more than a decade. CBHG III is managed by Access Bridge Ventures Limited, a wholly owned Fund Manager regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the United Arab Emirates.

CBHG III represents the next phase of CedarBridge’s platform-building strategy, focused on acquiring and scaling high-quality businesses across education, healthcare, beauty, wellness, pet, and other consumer services. The vehicle is actively deploying capital and builds on the operational capabilities, track record, and momentum established through prior funds.

This launch comes amid a period of structural transformation across the Gulf. National programs such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s We the UAE 2031, and Kuwait Vision 2035 are accelerating the shift toward diversified, private-sector-led economies. Demographic growth, rising disposable incomes, and policy-driven reforms continue to support sustained demand across essential service sectors, particularly education, healthcare, and consumer services, where under-penetration and rising quality expectations create long-term investment opportunities.

CBHG III will primarily invest across the GCC, with up to 35% of capital allocated to select opportunities in the UK and Europe, leveraging established GCC–EU operating and expansion corridors. These dynamics support the creation of scaled platforms with strong cash generation, operational leverage, and multiple exit pathways.

CedarBridge differentiates itself through an operationally driven, platform-building approach focused on developing regional champions. The firm has demonstrated this strategy through investments such as Kids First Group (KFG), the largest provider of early childhood education in the UAE, and The Grooming Company Holding (TGCH), a global leader in beauty services. Across its portfolio, CedarBridge emphasizes professional management, institutional-grade governance, and responsible multi-market expansion.

“We do not rely on multiple expansion to generate returns,” said Imad Ghandour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of CedarBridge Partners. “Our focus is on building platforms with strong operations, governance, and scalability. CBHG III is a continuation of a model we have refined and executed across the region.”

CBHG III is targeting a gross Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of over 40% across its life and is structured to deliver regular cash distributions funded by operating cash flows once the portfolio is sufficiently deployed. This reflects CedarBridge’s emphasis on investing in cash-generative businesses rather than purely narrative-driven growth assets.

CedarBridge completed its first close for CBHG III in November 2025 with existing investors and aims to raise the full USD 150 million by the end of 2026.

For more information, visit https://cedar-bridge.com/cedarbridge/ and https://access-bridge.com/.