1st Middle East IPO Summit 2006 to open today

The Institute for International Research (IIR), the organisers of the event, have witnessed a dramatic industry response, with all of the specialised conference workshops, already sold out.

Barth de Ridder, Divisional Director, Conferences & training, IIR Middle East, said, "We have had an overwhelming response from the market, especially when we consider this is a first-time event. Numerous family-owned companies and most investment bankers and government regulators will be participating."

"It has eclipsed even our most optimistic projections and due to the high demand we have unfortunately had to stop taking registrations for the conference workshops and only a very limited number of delegate passes still available for the main conference," confirmed Gareth Parry, Project Director, IPO Summit.

Due to the recent surge in IPOs throughout the region, debate and discussion amongst investment experts, regulators and market leaders will centre on regulatory and industry standards, critical factors underpinning oversubscriptions, under-pricing, cross-border investment policies, the future of book-building, reporting standards, and macro-economic issues affecting IPOs.

Highlights will include the opening Address, by Mohammed H. Abudawood, Vice Chairman, Abudawood Group of Companies, Saudi Arabia and a special address from Dr. Karim El Solh, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Capital, UAE. Remarks from the Conference Chairman, John A. Sandwick, Managing Director, Encore Management S.A., Switzerland are also eagerly anticipated.

The event also resembles a Who's Who of the financial world, including senior managers at DIFC, Zamil Group, DIFX and DFSA. Experts include Dr. Habib Al Mulla, Chairman, Dubai Financial Services Authority, Jeffrey Culpepper, Head of Corporate Finance, Deutsche Bank, and Steffen Schubert CEO, Dubai International Financial Exchange.

In a number of highly practical sessions, executives responsible for listing their companies will share their reasons for launching, the complete IPO process, the prospectus, IPO marketing and roles of lead managers and partners.

In addition the IPO Summit will also provide a platform for investment banking executives to liaise with the leaders of the region's largest private and family owned businesses who maybe considering IPOs in the future.

Global Investment House is the diamond sponsor for IPO Summit, whilst the gold sponsors are Shuaa Capital and Gulf Capital. The silver sponsors are Dubai Bank, Gulf International Bank, Atlas Investment Group, and Zawya and the Associate sponsor is Jordinvest.

Associated media include ISI Emerging Markets, The Banker, CNBC Arabia, MENAFN and the Middle East Monitor.