Abraaj Capital announces first closing of Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund with commitments of USD500 million

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. Themanagement 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 Deutsche Bank: Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With Euro 1,035 billion in assets and 64,103 employees, Deutsche Bank offers unparalleled financial services in 73 countries throughout the world. The bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people.

About Ithmaar Bank B.S.C.: Ithmaar Bank, with a paid-up capital of US$360 million, is a full service investment bank with operations spanning the Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) region, as well as Asia and Europe. The Bank's business includes underwriting (equity and debt), private equity (structuring, participation and portfolio management), project financing, asset management and advisory business (capital market, merger & acquisitions and project advisory).

Ithmaar Bank's flagship companies include Bahrain-based Shamil Bank, a listed full service Islamic commercial bank; Solidarity, an Islamic insurance company based in Bahrain; First Leasing Bank, a wholesale lease finance company; Switzerland-based Faisal Private Bank and Pakistan-based Faysal Bank Limited (Pakistan).

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