Man Investments wins Best Hedge Fund Company at the Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2008

Man Investments is the first ever recipient of the award for best hedge fund company, presented at the prestigious Banker Middle East Industry Awards for the first time this year.

The Banker Middle East Industry Awards reward institutions that have done something truly exceptional. Nominees were elected by a judging panel of international industry specialists from the major rating agencies, the region's financial centres and independent banking consultants. Winners were chosen by the industry, with over 7500 readers of Banker Middle East magazine casting their vote in this year's awards poll.

Antoine Massad, the CEO of Man Investments Middle East, said:

"Man Investments has been a prominent figure in the Middle East hedge fund industry for over 20 years. When we launched our regional office in Bahrain in 1986, it was our first in the world, and Man Investments was the only company having a presence in the region. It has been an important player in establishing the local hedge fund industry and continues to play a pivotal role in the industry."

"Man Investments Middle East has an impressive track record of strong growth, positive fund performance and one of the highest client retention rates in the world," he added.

The company has a well established retail client base supported by a strong regional distribution network of around 80 providers. Looking to the future, Man Investments Middle East is set to expand its institutional business to meet the growing appetite for hedge funds that the regions institutional investors are showing.

With the backing of Man Group plc, one of the world's largest hedge fund providers, Man Investments Middle East is well positioned for future growth.

"We are pleased to have received this award which reflects well on how Man Investments has broken new grounds in the Middle East," Antoine Massad said. "When we look back at the last 22 years in the region the development has been incredible and the future does not look less exciting. I believe Man Investments Middle East is in a great position to stay at the forefront of the local industry also in the years to come."