Gulf Capital Group to target mid-market clients from new office at DIFC

Will advise leading sector-based private equity teams and examine listings of portfolio companies on the DIFX

Gulf Capital Group today announced that it aims to establish itself as a leading mid-market advisor for the energy, telecommunications, media, technology and financial sectors in MENA and Asia, following approval by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to operate as an authorised firm from the 
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Omar Rana, Managing Director of Gulf Capital Group, said the firm will focus on using its strong proprietary relationships to deliver corporate finance advisory services to mid-market clients, including family-owned businesses and private equity funds.

“Our senior management team has an exceptional track-record, advising governments, multi-nationals, SMEs and family businesses in over USD10 billion worth of deals. We aim to use our relationships with institutional and ultra high net worth clients to deliver value to private equity teams with proven track records and focused investment strategies. We will work with the general partners of leading private equity and venture capital funds to provide sophisticated investors with unique investment opportunities “, he said.

Gulf Capital Group will also study the feasibility of dual listings or public listings of mid-market energy companies on the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX).

“We have interest from small and mid-cap energy companies seeking capital and access to regional markets and are looking to potentially list on the DIFX. Gulf Capital Group is well positioned to facilitate these listings, providing our clients with a high-standard of service and a broad regional investor base“, said Mr.Rana.

Gulf Capital Group recently hired Waheed Qaiser to expand the firm’s Islamic finance business. Mr. Qaiser was formerly a principal involved in setting up the Islamic Bank of Britain and is a well-regarded figure in the Islamic arena. Over the coming weeks Gulf Capital Group will advise a number of clients for the launch of sector-based private equity and venture capital funds.

Assem O. Kabesh, Chief Business Development Officer and Board Member of the DIFC, said:
“Mid-market and family-owned businesses comprise a significant portion of the corporate sector in the region. Focusing on this market segment provides Gulf Capital Group with a tremendous opportunity to grow its business“.