Private equity’s local game

by Imad Ghandour October 26, 2009

written by Imad Ghandour October 26, 2009

Up until the onset of the current economic downturn, private equity “global masters of the universe” extended their reach far beyond their home countries. American private equity funds first rolled into Europe and then into the Asian Tigers and Japan. Thereafter, PE funds had country funds focused on China and India, and claimed these countries to be like home. Finally, in 2007, David Rubenstein, head of the Carlyle Group, one of the largest global PE players, called Dubai the fourth capital of global private equity, following New York, London, and Hong Kong. This ushered the beginning of a (short-lived) era of globalizing the private equity business in the region. All the big names in the industry like Blackstone, KKR, TPG, Investcorp and TVM followed the leadership of Carlyle. Only a couple were committed and knowledgeable enough to raise a dedicated regional fund. Some serious players formed regional teams, backed by

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.

Private equity’s local game

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