QFIB, the Qatar independent Islamic investment bank, is predicting that the Saudi Arabian market will have an influential role in developing the private equity (PE) market across the region. The days of highly leveraged buyouts (LBOs) have gone and it will be the family and entrepreneurial businesses looking for increased funding and management efficiencies who should take another look at what PE firms have to offer.
QFIB’s Deputy CEO, Emad Mansour, said: “There is no doubt the private equity industry has changed and companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia– in particular family businesses– should look again at what PE firms have to offer,”.
“In any deal, with the absence of debt funding, PE firms will have to provide real in-depth value and management support which allows significant business growth and improvement. With the injection of capital and a focus on increased output and efficiency, KSA firms can get real benefit from PE.”
For many firms investment capital remains in short supply, and yet many market sectors are starting to show signs of recovery and growth. Saudi firms have an opportunity to prepare for growth and expand their businesses and influence across the region.
“As a non-affiliated Shari’ah compliant investment bank we have the same outlook and approach of many family businesses: we want to have controlled consistent growth and provide the right level of returns for our investors. The financing and management support we provide can help family firms, who have the vision and drive to take their businesses forward, achieve this.” concluded Mr Mansour.
A senior delegation of Qatar First Investment Bank (QFIB) executives will be attending the 2010 Saudi Investment and Private Equity Summit, opening on Saturday at the Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Mansour will be participating in a panel discussion entitled “Saudi Arabia Investor Perspective – The Most Powerful KSA Investors Discuss Regional Family Office Expectations” along with senior representatives from Jarir Investments and the Government of Saudi Arabia. The panel will explore the changing needs and expectations for regional family offices/investors and more specifically, how to maintain investor support and confidence given the recent crisis.
Held each year in strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Outlook Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Investment Private Equity Summit is the Kingdom’s premier investment, private equity and venture capital event. Over 400 senior banking industry executives attend the event that attracts regional players like Amwal AlKhaleej, Rasmala Investment Bank, Shuaa Capital, Siraj Capital, Jarir Investments and HBG Holdings Private Equity.