Abraaj Capital inaugurates India Fund with acquisition of strategic stake in Ramky Infrastructure Ltd.

Notes and media contacts

About Abraaj Capital: Abraaj Capital is the premier investment firm specializing in private equity investment in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region. The management team has brought together some of the most compelling and successful transactions in the history of leveraged acquisitions across the region.

With over US$2 billion of assets currently under management, Abraaj has pioneered institutionalizing private equity practice in the region and is setting trends and benchmarks for others to follow. Funds currently being marketed (in the fund raising phase) will bring an additional US$2 billion under management.

Winner of industry awards including 'Middle East Private Equity Firm of the Year' from Private Equity International and the Banker Middle East Award for 'Best Private Equities Institution' in 2006, Abraaj is also the first pure private equity firm to be registered by DFSA to operate out of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

In 2006, Abraaj launched a US$300 million joint venture with Sabre Capital focused on private equity in India and the US$300 million Abraaj BMA Pakistan Buyout Fund. Most recently Abraaj launched the US$2 billion Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund. In September 2006, Abraaj became the single largest shareholder in leading investment bank, EFG-Hermes, by way of a capital increase bringing Abraaj's issued share capital to US$1 billion.

About Sabre Capital: Sabre Capital Worldwide Group (Sabre) seeks to participate in the development of the financial services, business process outsourcing and private equity sectors in emerging markets by channeling financial and management resources into growth opportunities that generate superior returns.

Sabre was founded by Rana Talwar, along with Rajiv Maliwal, Harpal Randhawa and Nigel Kenny. They have a unique combination of industry and emerging markets knowledge, extensive networks and relationships with customers, regulators, investors, other industry participants and access to a cadre of professional management talent. Management expertise that the team has developed over a number of years in financial services includes the acquisition and building of businesses, customer relationship management, product development, technology, risk and financial management together with a deep strategic understanding. Sabre Capital Worldwide has recently effected the successful turnaround of Centurion Bank through a unique restructuring and capital infusion strategy. It has also set up an Asset Management Company through a joint venture with Alexandra Fund Management (an entity owned by Temasek Holdings, Singapore) to launch a mutual fund in India.

For further information, please contact:
Nicholas Nesson/Bakul Gala
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman, Middle East & North Africa
Dubai, UAE Tel: 971-50-4785324 / 50-2459547
Fax: 971-4-3356080