ADQ, IHC to create MENA’s largest independent investment manager

Abu Dhabi-based entities ADQ and International Holding Company (IHC) have partnered to launch an independent alternative asset manager in the MENA region.

Upon launch, the region’s largest multi-asset class investment manager will be headquartered in Abu Dhabi and will manage a “portfolio of assets from ADQ’s alternative investments platform, Abu Dhabi Growth Fund (ADG) and IHC as well as fresh capital from founding shareholders and future investors to deploy globally,” the company said in a statement on Monday.

The investment manager, through a series of new funds, will make investments in alternative assets, including private equity (PE), venture capital (VC), private credit and public equities.

It will invest through a combination of LP commitments to top tier global funds, direct investments (including PE and VC), credit and co-investments. General Atlantic, a global growth equity firm, will join as a strategic investor and partner.

We partnered with @ihc__official to launch the largest independent alternative investment asset manager in the MENA region, which will serve the global market, with an aim to drive sustainable growth and deliver maximum value.

Read more: https://t.co/9IOWB6U71o pic.twitter.com/lMSmTJYHq5

— ADQ (@Adq_Official) March 6, 2023

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our intention to create the largest independent alternative investment manager from the region that will serve global markets, with a clear remit to maximize long-term returns,” said Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, managing director and CEO of ADQ.

At launch, the investment manager will manage funds on behalf of ADQ and IHC, and is structured to enable it to raise and manage third party capital, including from institutional investors, pension funds, family offices, and other private and public firms.

The funds will invest across the capital structure and asset life cycle, covering early-stage venture capital to growth and scale-up equity, through to mature and established businesses.

“Research is showing the global market for alternative investments will continue to grow in the next five years. With these positive indicators, we believe there is a compelling opportunity to invest at scale,” added Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC.

“There is no doubt this new joint venture will enable the new investment manager to access a diversified regional and global pipeline of investments, manage long-term capital on behalf of its investors, and become a leading institutional investor and partner of choice.”

With its primary hub in Abu Dhabi, the investment manager aims to add further international offices in North America, Europe and Asia.

Also read: Abu Dhabi-based IHC reports 236 per cent rise in profit for first nine months