News

September 2025

CMS MENA and Pedersen & Partners were delighted to co-host in Abu Dhabi the 5th GCC Private Markets Investment Breakfast, bringing together leading voices from across the Private Equity, Private Debt, and Venture Capital landscape. 
 

The session explored a range of timely topics shaping the private markets industry in 2025, including:

• Resilience Amid Global Instability: Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting capital flows, the GCC private markets continue to demonstrate resilience, with robust deal flow in technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and consumer sectors.
• Valuations & Exit Strategies: Market volatility and regulatory changes are prompting investors to rethink valuation approaches and exit strategies. IPOs, trade sales, and secondary buyouts remain key options, with increased focus on early exit planning and cap table optimisation.
• Rise of Private Debt: The GCC is witnessing a surge in Private Credit funds, with debt instruments becoming an increasingly flexible alternative to equity financing. Careful structuring and risk management remains essential however, particularly in Emerging Markets.
• Value Creation & Human Capital: Operational value creation, digital transformation, and strong leadership are central to portfolio management. The importance of succession planning, long-term incentive schemes, and effective board composition were highlighted as critical to sustainable growth.
• AI, Technology & Sustainability: Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a must-have across sectors, driving investment strategies and operational efficiencies. ESG and climate transition strategies are now integral to both equity and credit investment decisions, with growing accountability expected from funds and portfolio companies.
• Fundraising & Capital Flows: Family Offices and regional Sovereign Wealth Funds are playing an increasingly active role as LPs and co-investors, though ticket size and direct participation preferences can present challenges for mid-market firms.
• Cross-Border M&A: Both inbound and outbound M&A activity is on the rise, with the GCC serving as a hub for regional integration and international expansion. Navigating regulatory, cultural, and market integration issues remains a key focus for successful cross-border transactions. 

The event was attended by over 100 industry professionals, fostering lively discussion and valuable networking. A special thank you to our distinguished panellists for sharing their insights:

• Michael Al-Nassir – Partner, Head of Private Equity APMEA, Pedersen & Partners
• Graham Conlon – Partner, Head of Corporate Middle East, CMS Abu Dhabi
• Alvaro Abella – Managing Director, Private Equity, Gulf Capital
• Victoria Harling – Co-Head of Emerging Market Corporate Debt, Ninety One
• Patrick Bird – Director, A.P. Moller Capital
• Nitin Reen – Partner, Nuwa Capital
• Sam Peter – Managing Director, Gateway Partners
• Olivier Tricou – Managing Director, Head of M&A, Alpen Capital
• Gaurav Wadhwa – Managing Director, Aliph Capital
• Leena Khalil – Partner, Key Capital 

We thank all who attended and contributed to an engaging and thought-provoking morning. We look forward to continuing the conversation and driving the private markets industry forward in the region.