Tunisian American Search Fund (TASF)
We created the Tunisian American Search Fund (TASF) to address the critical succession dilemma faced by Tunisian SMEs. TASF connects high potential companies in transition with talented entrepreneurs.
- to support businesses transmission and address the critical succession dilemma in Tunisia by connecting talented entrepreneurs ’candidate for acquisition with high-potential companies in transition.
The model addresses two key needs:
- SME owners seeking succession or sale of their businesses.
- Entrepreneurs aiming to acquire and grow existing businesses: the entrepreneur starts as a searcher and becomes a manager upon acquisition.
TASF operates by:
- Selecting an entrepreneur “searcher” with the skills and vision to acquire and manage a company.
- Providing financial and strategic support during the search phase.
- Financing (totally or partially with other investors) the buyout operation once a target company is identified and validated.
- Unlocking value through fresh leadership and management expertise.
- Incentivize the entrepreneur “manager” with an alignment of TAEF achievements and returns objectives
This approach aligns the interests of investors, entrepreneurs, and selling owners, creating growth opportunities while ensuring sustainable business succession.
TASF I – Tunisia’s First Search Fund
TAEF partnered with an experienced entrepreneur to implement this model in Tunisia, resulting in the acquisition of Propann, Tunisia’s first search fund investment.
Company Acquired: Propann (100%)
Company website: https://propann.com/
Sector | Industry: Manufacturing Building Materials | High-quality TFL thermo-fused melamine panels for furniture and interior design
Financing Mechanism: TASF I equity combined with a leveraged buyout from a Tunisian private bank
Investment Status: Active
TASF I-Initiative led by Slah Kooli
Slah Kooli – 1st Tunisian Entrepreneur Searcher
Slah KOOLI has over 21 years of experience as a senior executive in managing, transforming and growing businesses. Prior to TASF, Mr. KOOLI contributed to the success of large and complex companies in the food industry as Managing Director. Most recently, he held the position of CEO of a grain group in Tunisia.
He is chairman of the board of directors of Enda Inter Arabe (microfinance institution). Mr. KOOLI graduated from Ecole Centrale de Paris in 1985. He also holds a postgraduate degree from Ecole Centrale de Paris. Mr. KOOLI is responsible for creating investments, structuring transactions, executing acquisitions and managing the acquired company. He is currently CEO of PROPANN.
TASF II-Initiative led by Hedi Ben Tanfous
Hedi Ben Tanfous – 2nd Tunisian Entrepreneur Searcher
Hedi Ben Tanfous has over 20 years’ experience in business creation & development, strategy qualification and operations leadership in highly competitive environments. He has shown excellence, dedication and commitment.
He graduated from Ecole Telecom Paris in 1998 and developed a valuable knowledge in Executive Program and Project Management. He worked indeed as a General Program Manager in a multinational telecommunication company for several years and as a senior advisor for strategic consulting in technology. Most recently, he served as a founder-CEO of a hotel in Tunisia.
TASF III-Initiative led by Khalil Talbi
Khalil Talbi – 3rd Tunisian Entrepreneur Searcher
In more than 12 years’ experience in Tunisia and France, Khalil Talbi has been exposed to diverse business environments and succeeded to build a proven track record of company management and business development.
Khalil has a double degree in Finance and Marketing from HEC Paris and IHEC Carthage. He worked indeed as strategy and management consultant in multinational companies then as a CEO of an industrial company in Tunisia. Most recently, he served as a Strategy & Business Development Director and Business Unit general manager in a textile Industry/Retail Tunisian group.