Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, Investindustrial partner to drive regional growth

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Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners (ADCP), a joint venture between Mubadala Capital and Alpha Wave Global, has announced a strategic partnership with Investindustrial, one of Europe’s leading independent investment firms, managing EUR15bn in assets.

This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) as a leading financial hub, positioning Abu Dhabi as a key link between Investindustrial’s European and Asian operations.

ADCP’s participation in the first closing of Investindustrial’s latest private equity fund underscores its commitment to expanding industrial and consumer markets in the region.

The new fund will leverage Investindustrial’s well-established buyout strategy, focusing on driving growth and profitability through international expansion, industrial repositioning, and bolt-on acquisitions.

Creating value for businesses

Maxime Franzetti and Fatima Al Noaimi, co-heads of Mubadala Capital Solutions, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership. “We’re excited to partner with Investindustrial in their 8th flagship fund, as they continue to build on their impressive 30-year track record. With the establishment of their 8th international office and Middle Eastern headquarters in ADGM Square, Abu Dhabi will become a strategic and operational bridge between Investindustrial’s European and Asian offices.”

Investindustrial’s portfolio

Founded by the Bonomi family in 1990, Investindustrial has long specialised in partnerships with family-owned businesses, primarily in niche markets with substantial growth potential.

This partnership further highlights Investindustrial’s longstanding presence and influence in the UAE market.

Several flagship companies within Investindustrial’s portfolio already have a notable footprint in the region, such as the Italian luxury brand Ermenegildo Zegna, the Italian culinary marketplace Eataly, and Flos B&B Italia Group, a global leader in high-end design.

Investindustrial chairman and founder Andrea C Bonomi said: “The Middle East is of strategic importance to Investindustrial, and the opening of our office in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in our history and demonstrates our commitment to the region. By establishing a permanent office, headed by our co-head of Operational Improvement, we are well-positioned to create additional value for our businesses.”

The partnership is already seeing tangible developments, with Eataly set to open its first Abu Dhabi location at Reem Mall, marking the brand’s fifth UAE outlet.

Eataly’s CEO Andrea Cipolloni expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter: “The opening of our store in Reem Mall reflects our desire to bring the very best of Italian food culture and unique culinary experiences to Abu Dhabi, and it is the latest development in exciting growth plans for the Middle East.”

Ermenegildo Zegna, CEO of Zegna, also emphasised the region’s strategic importance: “The Middle East, including the UAE, is a core market for ZEGNA and will continue to be a focus of important investments.”

Zegna first opened in Abu Dhabi in 2014, further solidifying its regional presence with eight directly operated stores.

Meanwhile, Flos B&B Italia Group has already contributed to over 500 projects across the Middle East, including iconic locations such as the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and Atlantis the Royal in Dubai.