Mergers and acquisitions, M&A, activity in the Middle East and North Africa, MENA region, is showing significant growth in both inbound and outbound transactions. According to the intelligence and news service Mergermarket, the first half of 2014 generated more than 180 transactions totaling US$45,342 million in value, representing a 36 percent increase in deal value compared to the first half of 2013.
Against a backdrop of a resurgent global M&A market, PwC, Latham & Watkins and the Dubai Economic Council, DEC, will host an industry summit on Wednesday, 29 October at the Dubai International Financial Centre. DIFC, under the patronage of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, U.A.E. Minister of Economy.
‘Megatrends in Mergers & Acquisitions’ will bring together senior executives from multinationals, banks, private equity and venture capital firms, as well as entrepreneurs and representatives of government bodies. It will also focus on the evolving M&A landscape, inbound and outbound M&A trends and lessons learned from national policies for foreign direct investors.
Commenting on the significance of the conference, Hani Al Hamli, DEC Secretary-General, said, “Increased globalisation and cross-border trade have been key drivers behind the heightened M&A activity we have seen in recent years. At a local level, this is further supported by economic reforms undertaken by countries in the region, particularly in terms of liberalisation of foreign direct investments, FDIs.” “The Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, is playing an increasingly significant role in global M&A, supported as it is by a favorable investment environment, solid financial institutions and a thriving debt market. Now is an ideal time to review the most important developments at a global, regional and local level and we’re delighted to partner with Latham & Watkins LLP and PwC to organise this important event, gathering M&A leaders from across the globe.” Richard Rollinshaw, Partner, PwC, said, “The MENA region is very active at present with good levels of interest both internally generated, internationally and cross-sector. This resonates with the global M&A momentum of the past few months. This conference will provide the opportunity to both learn more about this trends and network with industry peers.” Adding, “We are delighted to partner with Latham & Watkins and the Dubai Economic Council, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, to bring together the business, private equity and financial community to discuss these trends.” Charles Fuller, a corporate partner in Latham & Watkins’ Dubai office, said, “The strong M&A market is testament to the positive market outlook and strong capital markets. Boards and business chiefs are acutely focused on growth and we expect the Middle East will play an increasingly larger role in global M&A activity. The diversifying economy and further developments in the regulatory landscape will continue to drive the burgeoning M&A market.”
Source : WAM News Agency for United Arab Emirates
