The Capital Trust Group targets its corporate finance activities in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Investments are usually made in the form of mezzanine financing with equity- linked components or straight equity. In general, the Group targets privately held small to mid-market companies with significant growth potential in the manufacturing, distribution, services and speciality retail segments. The Group also participates in debt and equity offerings of public companies in select and opportunity-driven situations. The Group approaches each investment with the intention of maximising shareholder value and creating attractive exit scenarios that can be realistically implemented within a holding period of 3 - 5 years. Its investment philosophy requires it to be actively involved in all matters of investment oversight either by the acquisition of a controlling interest or through the strategic alignment of interests at both the board and operating levels. The Group believes that developing an excellent working relationship with the management team of each of its portfolio companies is a key element to building value. The Group works diligently to encourage and motivate management towards achieving the agreed objectives for each investment.