Briarwood Capital Partners LP, a New York-based investment firm, has reached a new milestone by crossing the 5% ownership threshold in Hightech Payment Systems (HPS), a leading Moroccan payment technology company. According to the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC), this pivotal transaction occurred on December 11, 2024, with the acquisition of 1,358 shares on the central market at 549.85 Moroccan dirhams per share. This purchase elevates Briarwood’s holdings to 370,318 shares, representing a precise 5.0001% stake in HPS.

This move underlines Briarwood’s long-term strategy of targeting high-potential companies. Known for its selective and global approach, the firm aims to invest in transformative industries. HPS, a significant player in digital payment technologies, is a testament to Briarwood’s confidence in the company’s robust growth potential and innovative capabilities. Listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange, HPS has become a beacon of progress in both Morocco’s and the global financial ecosystems.

Briarwood isn’t stopping at the 5% milestone. The firm has announced its intention to further increase its stake in HPS within the next six months, signaling its strategic commitment to the company. HPS’s role as a leader in digital payment transformation makes it an attractive prospect for investors. Its cutting-edge solutions span transaction management, electronic payments, and tailored services for financial institutions, enabling it to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector.

Why HPS?

HPS’s impact stretches beyond Morocco’s borders, solidifying its position as a global innovator in electronic payment solutions. With a portfolio that caters to banks, payment processors, and merchants, the company has demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt and lead in an increasingly digitized financial landscape. This agility is precisely what draws strategic investors like Briarwood, who are keen to back firms with a clear growth trajectory.

Briarwood’s growing involvement in HPS also sends a strong signal about Morocco’s financial market appeal. The Casablanca Stock Exchange continues to attract prominent international investors, cementing Morocco’s reputation as a gateway for investments across Africa. Briarwood’s interest reflects the confidence in the country’s economic stability and the promise of its leading companies.

For HPS, Briarwood’s enhanced investment is not just a vote of confidence but also a partnership that could accelerate its growth ambitions. For Morocco, it highlights the country’s emerging role as a hub for financial innovation, paving the way for further international collaborations.