Nicolas Murat

Partner at Levant Capital | Private Equity investor | Board Director

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

About

I’m an investment professional and hands-on board director with over 20 years of experience leading complex M&A and capital-raising transactions across global markets, totaling more than USD 25 billion in value and building a successful track record. Over the years, I’ve evaluated thousands of companies and investment opportunities, learning something new from each one. I take great satisfaction in learning new industries and have built deep expertise in the consumer products, retail, apparel, luxury, leisure, food, beverage and restaurant sectors. As an engaged board director, I engage closely with leadership teams to align strategy, drive growth, scale operations, and foster talent, all with the aim of delivering measurable growth and maximizing shareholder value. Having lived and worked in 12 countries, I bring a truly global perspective and an expansive network that spans North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, and Asia. This international exposure enables me to identify unique opportunities, connect dots, adapt quickly, bring perspective and lead across cultures.

Experience

  • Partner | Member of the Investment Committee at Levant Investment Management Limited (Levant Capital)
    2008 - Present · 18 yrs 7 mos

    Partner and Member of the Investment Committee. Levant Capital is a partner-owned private equity firm based in Dubai, UAE. We are control and near control investors focused on buyouts and growth equity investments. Actively involved with the following current investments: - Country Hill: a leading distributor of premium meat and seafood in the UAE - Warehouse Gym: the largest premium gym operator in the UAE - Papa Johns UAE, KSA, Jordan, India: master franchisee of Papa Johns with more than 150 locations Prior investments include APR Energy (sold to Soros Fund Management), Bayara (sold to Savola Group), Panço Kids (sold to Kuzu Group), Power Horse Energy Drinks (sold to Spitz), Al Raya Supermarkets (sold to Tamimi Markets), IRRAS (sold to ClearPoint Neuro)

  • Board Member at The Warehouse Gym
    Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

    The Warehouse Gym is the largest premium gym operator in the UAE, known for its innovative spaces and community-driven approach.

  • Board Member at PJP Investments Group (UAE, KSA, Jordan)
    Oct 2017 - Present · 8 yrs 10 mos

    PJP Investments Group is the master franchisee of Papa Johns in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan with more than 150 restaurants operating across those markets.

  • Board | ExCom | Audit Committee at ALRAYA الراية
    Feb 2012 - Feb 2024 · 12 yrs 1 mo

    Established in 1991 with its maiden store in Jeddah, Al Raya has grown into a leading regional supermarket chain, operating over 50 supermarkets across more than 20 cities in the Northwest, West, and Southwest of Saudi Arabia. Sold to Tamimi Markets in 2024.

  • Board Member | Vice Chairman at Panço Giyim San. Tic. A.S.
    Mar 2014 - Jan 2023 · 8 yrs 11 mos

    Panço is the largest childrenswear specialist retailer in Turkey. Founded in 1978, Panço's network spanned 88 stores in Turkey and 34 stores internationally as of December 2022. Sold to Kuzu Group in 2023.