14 Feb 2016
Investcorp, a leading provider and manager of alternative investment products, today hosted a conference Grand Hyatt in Muscat to discuss investment opportunities that can support the sustainable growth of family businesses throughout the Gulf.
The conference, ‘Investing in Family Businesses in the Gulf’, was attended by over 100 guests. As well as investment professionals sharing their insights, the conference also saw a number of family business executives discuss their experiences of growing alongside a private equity partner.
In his opening remarks, Investcorp’s Executive Chairman, Mohammed Al Ardhi gave an overview on Investcorp’s history and its current growth plans. He also discussed how a strategic partner can bring not only capital but also industry and operational expertise to help accelerate the growth of a family business.
Mohammed Al Ardhi said, “With the global economy currently going through a period of significant volatility and with oil prices at their lowest for a decade, it is critical that family businesses in this region continue to innovate and diversify.”
“Having the right partnerships and networks is also crucial to business success and given the current environment, this is more important than ever. Investcorp has been investing in family businesses around the world for over thirty years and is on an ambitious growth journey to continue building upon this unparalleled platform in the Gulf. When you combine this international experience with our deep roots in the regional markets, it positions us as the ideal partner for Omani businesses that are looking to maximise their full potential.”
Harsh Shethia, Managing Director at Investcorp for Oman said, “Investcorp is one of the oldest and most experienced investors in family businesses globally. In the last seven years we have brought our expertise to the Gulf, deploying over $1.2 billion of equity in regional businesses. Investcorp has also been active in realizing value from its investments, with exit proceeds of $7 billion in the last five years from companies and property investments.”
Also speaking at the event were Mohammed Al-Shroogi, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Investcorp; Fahad Al Haqbani Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fitness Time and Wassim Hammoude, Principal, Corporate Investment MENA at Investcorp.
A panel discussion moderated by James Tanner, Head of Corporate Investment MENA, on the opportunities and challenges facing family businesses took place with Walid Majdalani, Managing Director of Corporate Investment MENA at Investcorp, Hussain Jawad, Chairman of W.J. Towell Group, and Hilal Al Busaidy Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Energy.