Investcorp, a major provider and manager of alternative investment products, hosted a conference in Muscat to discuss investment opportunities that can support the sustainable growth of family businesses throughout the Gulf.

The conference, Investing in Family Businesses in the Gulf, was attended by over 100 guests. As well as investment professionals sharing their insights, the conference saw a number of family

business executives discuss their experiences of growing alongside a private equity partner.

Investcorp’s Executive Chairman Mohammed Al-Ardhi gave an overview on Investcorp's history and its current growth plans. He also discussed how a strategic partner can bring not only capital but also industry and operational expertise to help accelerate the growth of a family business.

Al-Ardhi said: “With the global economy currently going through a period of significant volatility and with oil prices at their lowest for a decade, it is critical that family businesses in this region continue to innovate and diversify.”

Harsh Shethia, MD at Investcorp for Oman, said: “Investcorp is one of the oldest and most experienced investors in family businesses globally. In the last seven years we have brought our expertise to the Gulf, deploying over $1.2 billion of equity in regional businesses. Investcorp has also been active in realizing value from its investments, with exit proceeds of $ 7 billion in the last five years from companies and property investments.”

Also speaking at the event were Mohammed Al-Shroogi, co-CEO of Investcorp; Fahad Al-Haqbani, co-founder and CEO of Fitness Time, and Wassim Hammoude, principal, corporate investment MENA at Investcorp.

A panel discussion moderated by James Tanner, head of corporate investment MENA, on the opportunities and challenges facing family businesses took place with Walid Majdalani, MD, corporate investment MENA, Investcorp; Hussain Jawad, chairman, W.J. Towell Group; and Hilal Al-Busaidy, co-founder and CEO, Gulf Energy.