Private equity firm EQT launches Middle East platform and opens Abu Dhabi office (updated)
UPDATE 1-Private equity firm EQT launches Middle East platform and opens Abu Dhabi office Adds Detail and company comment
By Federico Maccioni
ABU DHABI, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Swedish private equity firm EQT EQTAB.ST is launching a Middle East platform, it said on Wednesday as it opened an office in Abu Dhabi, establishing an on-the-ground presence in the Gulf and joining a slew of firms that have expanded in the region in recent years.
The platform will deepen support for EQT's existing portfolio companies, build on its institutional relationships in the region and pursue new investment opportunities, a company statement said.
Jimmy Mahtani, who was appointed chairman of the company's Gulf operations, leads the platform. He told Reuters the firm could look at deals from $15 million up to $1 billion depending on the opportunity.
The office currently hosts a 10-person team spanning private capital and infrastructure investment alongside capital raising and business operations.
The firm could invest in sectors such as healthcare, education, business services and infrastructure, including digital infrastructure and utilities, said Middle East head Smiyet Belrhiti, who also leads the office.
EQT has $389 billion in assets under management. Its portfolio companies with an active presence in the Gulf region include Nord Anglia Education.
Global investment firms have increased their Gulf presence, lured by proximity to some of the world's largest wealth funds and a growing deals pipeline.
(Reporting by Federico Maccioni
Editing by Jamie Freed and David Goodman
)
((federico.maccioni@thomsonreuters.com, +971 527370852))