Global private equity has a long reach

by Imad Ghandour April 1, 2007

written by Imad Ghandour April 1, 2007

The Middle Eastern Private Equity Internationalconference, held each year in the third week of March inDubai, has become the annual hotspot for the region’s PEindustry. Heads of international PE funds, like Carlyle’sDavid Rubenstein and CD&R’s Joseph Rice, descended on Dubaito explore how to expand their sprawling reach to one of thefew remaining untapped markets. In addition, rising PE starsfrom the region lectured about their experiences and theirvisions, eyeing further international expansion, and aimingto attract the attention of global PE giants. Carlyle’s Rubenstein, in his keynote speech, predictedthat the Middle East will be the fourth pillar in the globalPE industry after US, Europe and the Far East. The region,loosely defined from India to Morocco, has more than 2billion inhabitants, $1.5 trillion GDP, and is one of themain exporters of capital. Rubenstein is practicing what hepreached by setting up a $1.8 billion fund targeting theMiddle East and Turkey. Sarah Alexander, President of

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.

Global private equity has a long reach

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