A random blip or a future trend?

by Imad Ghandour December 1, 2007

written by Imad Ghandour December 1, 2007

Zawya Private Equity Monitor released last month its statistics for investments and fund raising for the first nine months of 2007. Problems in fund raising? The funds raised in the first nine months have increased by 20% from $1.9 billion in 2006 to $2.3 billion in 2007. Great news — at first glance. However, the $2.3 billion includes $1.2 billion raised by Abraaj’s Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund, and conceals the untold truth that many funds are struggling to raise money. The easy money days of 2005 and 2006 seem to be over. Despite headline news of oil hitting $100 a barrel and the excess liquidity in the region, many private equity houses are unable to close their funds. A leading regional private equity firm that was successful in raising several funds and has billions of dollars under management have closed its latest fund only a third of its target

Imad Ghandour

Imad is the Co-founder and Managing Director of CedarBridge, an investment company focusing on high-growth opportunities in education, healthcare, wellness & beauty, and retail in Europe and MENA. With over 15 years of experience in private equity across MENA, the UK, and China, he serves on several boards, including SAE Arabia and The Grooming Company. He has also served as a director for major organizations like CIRA, Maarif Education, and Metito. Imad co-founded the MENA Private Equity Association, is a member of the British Venture Capital Association, and holds an Engineering degree from the American University of Beirut and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

A random blip or a future trend?

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