Univest's research content now available on regional financial news portals

All of Univest's new publications will be available on-line shortly after their release in electronic format. The move comes on the heels of the senior management's decision to expand the company's research operations in MENA region, and ahead of scheduled multiple new releases that will serve as the 'new benchmark'.

At a fundamental level, the profound changes to the landscape of the financial services industry have rendered adopting a different 'research mindset' imperative. The focus is no longer primarily geared towards bridging the regional information gap; rather, emphasis is on innovation and creativity, with a shift from mass markets to rising niche markets.

"All indicators seem to suggest thus far that demand for non-conventional research will rise rapidly," said Mr. Al-Nakib, adding "as a result, we are likely to witness a proliferation of research products, concurrent with an increase in their level of complexity. Companies that manage to ride the trend early on will be able to book profits at the end of the curve."

Leveraging the management's in-depth expertise in catering for the regional investment community, Univest's research capabilities will span a full suite of tailored products that meet an array of investor needs. The company's services include pre and post investment consulting, independent equity research, market and sector-based indices, competitive intelligence and syndicated research, and political & economic risk assessment.

Mr. Khaled Magdy El-Marsafy, Vice Chairman & Co-Founder of Univest Group said, "KMEB has been launched with the emphasis on technical analysis in order to allow investors to compare companies across different sectors, while forecasting future price movements based on examination of past trends - the premises being that it is possible to detect the onset of a movement in a market value from one equilibrium condition to another."

"Moreover, when the report is applied in tandem with fundamental analysis, its findings would allow for the development of unique buying and selling strategies. Also, rather than providing a month-to-month comparison, KMEB focuses more on year-to-date performance as it is more indicative of market trends, thus more relevant to investment placement decisions and tactics," Mr. El-Marsafy added.

During the last few years, Univest Group has managed to accomplish a record of successful transactions and investments by acquiring equity and strategic partnerships in global and regional leading companies, such as the Chart Group, US Helicopter, BPL Global, Seamobile, Yotel, Aiwa Gulf, Al-Khat Printing Press, Kuwait National Lubricant Oil Company, FASTtelco, Warba Press & Publishing Company, as well as Ithmar Capital in Dubai among other numerous companies.