Press Release

Gulf Capital, one of the most successful alternative asset management firms in the region, has been named the winner of the “Best Private Equity Firm” Award in the Middle East at the prestigious Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2011 ceremony held on June 22^nd at Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai. The Firm received the accolade at the annual event, now in its 11th edition, which was attended by H.E. Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre, and by industry experts from the GCC, Levant and around the world.

Mr. Abdulla Al Mansoori, Chairman of CPI Financial, and Robin Amlot, Managing Editor, CPI Financial, presented the award to Dr Karim El Solh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Capital at the gala dinner. The Firm’s remarkable achievements in the private equity arena, its successful fundraising track record to date and the remarkable growth of its portfolio companies, which were secured despite a tough economic environment, firmly cemented Gulf Capital’s position as the Best Private Equity Firm in the Middle East. Gulf Capital shareholders consist of 300 of the most prestigious institutional and individual investors in the Gulf.

“It is a great honour for Gulf Capital to be selected as the ‘Best Private Equity’ Firm for 2011,” commented Dr Karim El Solh on winning the award. “It recognises our sound investment strategy and our strong focus on operational improvements which enabled us to generate substantial returns through a sharp rise in the profitability of our portfolio companies.”

Dr. El Solh added, “We successfully raised the largest private equity funds in the Middle East last year, the $533 Million GC Equity Partners II, and this was a remarkable achievement during one of the most difficult years for the industry. This reflects the confidence of Arab and global investors in our strategy. We are actively investing Fund II to finance the growth of promising companies across different sectors in the region, as well as to provide liquidity to potential sellers”. Gulf Capital has assembled to date a diversified portfolio of market leading companies in fast-growing industries such as oil & gas, water, healthcare, education and construction in the GCC and Egypt. “Winning the award is a gratifying recognition of Gulf Capital’s achievements to date,” concluded Dr. El Solh.

Organised by CPI Financial, the awards recognized both corporate and individual distinctions amongst top performers in the industry at an event that brought together more than 400 distinguished regional and global industry experts and decision-makers to honour and celebrate excellence in the banking and finance industry.