Money Makers

With the macroeconomic blues still singing in the headlines, the prospect of earning big returns through conventional market investments — such as buying stocks, bonds or trading foreign currency — seems increasingly uncertain. Investors are looking for alternative assets, for real deals, for something they can touch, such as acquiring property or investing in a start up.  Lebanon has its share of alternative investment opportunities to offer those looking to place their capital. But these opportunities will not to be found at local banks, which have largely run dry on deals; it is the small number of private equity firms in the country that hold the keys to the lion’s share of these investments. Small and medium-sized enterprises represent the vast majority of Lebanese companies, but increasing limitations on their access to leverage means raising equity through selling stakes in their companies often becomes the only solution if they wish