Dubai: Alpen Capital, an investment bank headquartered in Dubai with branch network across the GCC and India, expects to see steady growth in mergers & acquisitions (M&A) deal flows and fund raising in all markets it operates, the company’s chairman said in an interview.
The bank that was established in 2005 now has presence in all major regional target markets such as Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and India.
“Right since our inception, we knew that suitcase banking is not the model we wanted to follow,” said Rohit Walia, executive chairman of Alpen Capital and Alpen Asset Advisors. “Being close to the client makes a big difference to the business we are in. When they see we are locally present are locally regulated it adds to the overall comfort level. All our offices are doing well in terms of business.”
Alpen Capital offers a full range of investment banking advisory solutions in the areas of M&A, debt and equity and capital markets and private equity. Over the years, it has executed debt advisory, joint ventures and M&A transactions for some of the largest business groups in the GCC.
Alpen advised and raised over $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion) in 2014 for local and regional firms. Last year the bank advised on the $300 million sukuk for Dubai Investments Park, a $150 million loan for India’s Jet Airways and $130 million for the Indian conglomerate Jindal Saw.
Walia said deal flows across the GCC region and India were strong thanks to improved M&A transactions, growing demand for financing facilities for new projects and the refinancing of some upcoming debt maturities. Although the capital market activity on both debt and equity has taken a pause for the summer months, Walia expects a strong revival in activity from the third quarter.
“We have a strong pipeline of fund-raising transactions. There are a number of M&A deals that are happening although many of them go unreported. While a number of businesses are seeking funding for expansion, refinancing needs are also driving fund-raising activity,” Walia said.
While low oil prices are likely to dampen capital market activities temporarily across the GCC region, Walia expects project spending by governments and strong private sector activity in countries like the UAE to sustain demand for funding.
A significant presence of Indian businesses across the GCC region is expected to boost cross-border acquisitions and fund raising. In the recent past Alpen has advised several Indian clients in setting up or acquiring businesses in the GCC region.
“Improving [the] business environment in India is certain to reflect positively on cross-border investments and Indian corporate acquisitions in the GCC,” Walia said.
Alpen’s range of debt-financing services include bilateral and syndicated debt, bond and sukuk issuance, structured financing and securitisation deals as well as mezzanine debt and off-balance sheet financing. In M&A transactions, Alpen helps clients identify opportunities for mergers. Additionally, it also advises on strategic asset sales, partnerships and joint ventures.
