Middle East & North Africa

Growth equity deals bolster global venture markets

Year-end 2007 data shows that increased investment in later stage deals drove growth in the US and European VC markets, whereas Israel’s most active firms focussed on seed-stage investments.

OPENED & CLOSED

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AccessTurkey raising &amp;euro;250m fund

The Turkish alternative asset manager is set to raise a domestic mid-market buyout fund, as the country continues to attract international buyout firms while local firms grow in size and number.

PE not included in California Iran ban(4)

The state of California has passed a law requiring that CalPERS and CalSTRS divest from companies that do business in Iran, but unlike similar bans elsewhere, private equity is not affected.

Arcapita sells healthcare company for $395m

The private equity arm of Bahrain-based Arcapita Bank purchased TLC Health Care Services nearly four years ago in a $189 million transaction.

Three Delta returns to QIA for £500m equity in Sainsbury’s bid(2)

Specialist acquisition firm Three Delta’s bid for Sainsbury’s awaits an 8 November deadline as its talks with the supermarket’s pension trustees near completion.

Abraaj raises region’s largest ever fund, plans float(3)

Abraaj Capital, the Dubai-based investment firm led by Arif Naqvi, has held a record close on its infrastructure and growth capital fund as it mulls listing on the Dubai stock exchange DIFX.

Ithmaar recruits business veteran

Bahrain bank Ithmaar has recruited Andrew Pocock from Gulf One Investment Bank where he worked in infrastructure. The firm is looking to invest $5 billion in an undisclosed infrastructure project.

PE not included in California Iran ban(3)

The state of California has passed a law requiring that CalPERS and CalSTRS divest from companies that do business in Iran, but unlike similar bans elsewhere, private equity is not affected.

Abraaj raises region’s largest ever fund, plans float(2)

Abraaj Capital, the Dubai-based investment firm led by Arif Naqvi, has held a record close on its infrastructure and growth capital fund as it mulls listing on the Dubai stock exchange DIFX.