As home to 60% of the world’s hydrocarbon energy, GCC countries such as United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are the source of not only long term financial security, but phenomenal purchasing power.
Strategically placed as the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, this rapidly emerging business hub (with a unique centralised time zone that combines the working hours of both East and West), has the fastest growing population after Africa. This is anticipated to massively affect consumer requirements in goods and services.
Regardless of the volatility in the Oil & Gas sector, the Middle East is aggressively developing a diversified model of economic growth in the private sector creating significant business opportunities to International trade. It has increased revenues in tourism, communications, retail and leisure, as well as combining phenomenal urban regeneration in sectors such as road, rail and air. These countries already have strong international professional services infrastructures in both banking and law.
The marketplace is further strengthened by continually developing legal frameworks and governmental support for foreign investment, whilst its leadership strives to attract investors through high profile global events such as Dubai EXPO 2020 and Qatar World Cup 2022.
It is now evident that investors and overseas companies are compelled to gain a strategic foothold in this market and our aim is to harness the business potential in this unique and extraordinary local marketplace as an entrepreneurial consulting company committed to the advancement of SME's in the region.
As Head of Corporate Development of the PALFINGER AG I had the opportunity to work with Scarlett Diamond as the seller’s representative in a M&A deal in the Middle East between Megarme and PALFINGER. Even though there is a certain complexity concerning more legal entities in different countries, Scarlett Diamond has always been a fair and professional negotiator in this transaction by defending the interest of its client in an adequate manner. The deal process has certainly been enhanced by the great commitment of the Scarlett Diamond management. Based on the very good cooperation and clear vision to make things happen, the bridge between an Austrian based buyer and a Middle East based seller has been successfully facilitated with the support of Scarlett Diamond.
PALFINGER - AUSTRIA