Middle East private equity investment to be defined in exclusive report

According to Zawya, private equity investment grew from $316 million in 2004 to $5.2 billion in 2006. Understanding the drivers behind this trend as well as the future prospects for the industry will be vital for local private equity and investment professionals according to the collaborators of an exclusive report set to be launched at this year's Private Equity Forum. The forum, which is due to take place on 16-21 June at the Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A'Salam Hotel, Dubai, will be where Dow Jones and Ithmar Capital will launch this exclusive report and engage attendees in debate and discussion over its contents.

"The private equity industry is experiencing greater understanding and interest in the Middle East in recent times with many local and international firms continuously increasing their activity in the region. This exclusive report will be a comprehensive guide to the most significant developments in the region and will be a thought provoking examination of where this thriving industry is heading." commented Faisal bin Juma Belhoul, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Ithmar Capital, UAE.

According to statistics produced by the Gulf Venture Capital Association (GVCA), the private equity sector in the region doubled in 2006 to almost $18 billion. Many experts expect private equity investments to increase greatly in 2007 with the Middle East firmly on the way to becoming the next significant private equity market. This unprecedented growth requires greater understanding of the industry, and a lack of discernable information in the market makes it increasingly difficult for investors and other stakeholders to make educated decisions.

"The rapid development of the private equity market in the Middle East has created a pressing need for accurate information on the sector. The Dow Jones/Ithmar Capital Middle East private equity report uses in-depth research and analysis to examine market trends and contribute to a consensus on the future direction and impact of the industry. The Private Equity Forum is an excellent arena to launch this valuable paper, with many of the foremost private equity and investment professionals gathered together in one place", commented Steve Harmston, Managing Director, Dow Jones Private Markets.

Debate and discussion at the Private Equity Forum amongst private equity professionals, investment experts, regulators and market leaders will centre on sector and regional analysis, investment trends, fund development and management issues. It will also address the role of private equity in the market and how it can be used to transform companies and change investment strategies in the region.

Two dedicated workshops have also been organised and will examine the due diligence process and strategies for executing a successful IPO from a private equity exit. In addition this year is a four-day, in-depth seminar entitled "Certified Private Equity Specialist" which runs for two days pre and two days post of the main conference and is the only certified private equity course in the region.

An impressive line-up of international and regional financial experts will speak at the event including amongst others, Michael Queen, Managing Partner, 3i; Rabih Khoury, Head of MENA Investments, Dubai International Capital; Abdullah Shahin, Senior Vice President, Abraaj Capital; Shailesh Dash, Senior Vice President - Head of Stregic Investment Group, Global Investment House; Samir Assaad, Senior Director - Private Equity, NBK Capital; Ammar Alkhudairy, Co-Founder & CEO, Amwal Al Khaleej; Axel Hansing, Managing Partner, Coller Capital.

NBK Capital is the Headline Sponsor, and Ithmar Capital is the Diamond Sponsor for the Private Equity Forum 2007.