Business model and strategy
The model
We were set up in 1982 to help high-net-worth individuals and prime institutions in the Gulf states invest in companies in the West. Our focus has continued to be on serving the needs of these clients from the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates - where there is demand for international alternative investment products.
The strong, long-term relationships we develop with our clients give them unmatched access to the diverse alternative investment products we offer. Moving toward alternatives as a greater proportion of assets under management reflects international trends and gives clients the potential for returns in excess of traditional asset classes.
We are different because we offer investments to our clients on a deal-by-deal basis, reflecting our investors' preference for investment discretion. Our active relationships with our investors mean that we are constantly available to be guided by their wishes.
Five lines of business
We offer our clients a range of alternative investment products in three asset classes - corporate investment in North America, Europe and MENA, real estate investment in North America and hedge funds - covering varied levels of risk, return and liquidity. We are grouped into the following five lines of business:
- Corporate Investment - North America & Europe
- Corporate Investment - Technology
- Corporate Investment - MENA
- Real Estate Investment
- Hedge Funds
Funding
We fund most of our corporate and real estate acquisitions with a combination of debt and equity. The world's leading financial institutions provide us with debt financing, while we underwrite the equity portion and then place this equity with clients. We also offer some investments through a fund, which allows for further diversification.
