Press Release
DIFC Economics Workshop Discusses Prospects for IPOs and M&As in
the MENA Region
Dubai, 28 February 2010: The DIFC Authority today hosted an economic workshop to discuss the prospects
for initial public offerings (IPOs) and mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) region.
The eighth event in the DIFC Economics Workshop series titled ‘IPOs, M&A & Alternative Investment Markets in
the MENA Region’ brought together leaders in the banking and investment sector to discuss how recent signs
of economic recovery are driving renewed interest in new listings and mergers and acquisitions.
Dr. Nasser Al Saidi, Chief Economist of the DIFC Authority said: “Though the global crisis has caused a decline
in IPO activity in the MENA region, the stabilisation in advanced economies and recovery in emerging Asia, the
region’s main trading partner, are encouraging the business community to revive plans for new listings. The
pipeline of IPOs and M&A deals is building up and we are likely to witness a resurgence of the market in the
coming two years.”
Speaking about the prospects for increased M&A activity, he said: “Regional economic integration, improved
business prospects and corporate restructuring are also driving interest in mergers and acquisitions.”
The DIFC Workshop also explored the potential for an alternative investment market that could provide much
needed capital for the burgeoning small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in the region. “Over the past
decade, we have seen the establishment of several successful SMEs, especially in Free Zones. These
companies are on the lookout for financing to expand. A well structured ‘second tier’ or alternative investment
market, which these companies can tap for capital, is critical for the sustained growth of businesses,” said Dr.
Saidi.
Apart from Dr. Nasser Al Saidi, some of the leading speakers at the DIFC Economics Workshop included Josef
Schuster, Director, IPOX Schuster; Phil Gandier, Managing Partner, Transaction Advisory Services, Ernst &
Young; Peter Fort, Executive Director for M&A, Morgan Stanley; Amjad Ahmed, Senior Managing Director, NBK
Capital; and Imad Ghandour, Executive Director, Gulf Capital.
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About DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap
between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped
emerging market for financial services. In just five years, over 850 firms have registered at DIFC. They operate
in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. DIFC offers its member
institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no
restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational
support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.
For PR inquiries on the DIFC, please contact:
Amira Abdulla
Director - Regional Public Relations
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2433
Email: amira.abdulla@difc.ae
Shaima Al Zarouni
Assistant Public Relations Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2432
Email: shaima.alzarouni@difc.ae
Iman Ahmad
Manager - Regional Media Relations
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2685
E-mail: iman.ahmad@difc.ae