Post by Pedersen & Partners

CMS MENA and Pedersen & Partners were delighted to co-host in #AbuDhabi the 5th GCC Private Markets Investment Breakfast, bringing together leading voices from across the Private Equity, Private Debt, and Venture Capital landscape. The session explored key topics shaping the private markets industry in 2025, including: • Resilience Amid Global Instability: Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting capital flows, the GCC private markets continue to demonstrate strength, with active deal flow in technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and consumer sectors. • Valuations & Exit Strategies: Volatility and regulatory change are prompting investors to rethink valuations and exit planning. IPOs, trade sales, and secondary buyouts remain key routes, with a stronger focus on early exit strategies and cap table optimisation. • Rise of Private Debt: The GCC is seeing a surge in Private Credit funds, with debt instruments becoming a flexible alternative to equity. Careful structuring and risk management remain critical, particularly in Emerging Markets. • Value Creation & Human Capital: Operational improvement, digital transformation, and strong leadership are central to portfolio growth. Succession planning, incentive schemes, and effective boards were highlighted as essential to sustainable value creation. • AI, Technology & Sustainability: Artificial intelligence is fast becoming indispensable, shaping investment strategies and efficiencies. ESG and climate transition frameworks are now integral to equity and credit decisions, with rising accountability for funds and portfolio firms. • Fundraising & Capital Flows: Family Offices and regional Sovereign Wealth Funds are increasingly active as LPs and co-investors, though preferences around ticket size and direct involvement can challenge mid-market firms. • Cross-Border M&A: Inbound and outbound M&A is on the rise, with the GCC a hub for regional integration and international expansion. Addressing regulatory, cultural, and market integration issues remains key for success. The event welcomed over 100 industry professionals, fostering lively debate and valuable networking. A special thank you to our distinguished panellists: - Michael Al-Nassir – Partner, Head of Private Equity APMEA, Pedersen & Partners - Graham Conlon – Partner, Head of Corporate Middle East, CMS Abu Dhabi - Alvaro Abella – Managing Director, Private Equity, Gulf Capital - Victoria Harling – Co-Head of Emerging Market Corporate Debt, Ninety One - Patrick Bird – Director, A.P. Moller Capital - Nitin Reen – Partner, Nuwa Capital - Sam Bruce Peter Peter – Managing Director, Gateway Partners - Olivier Tricou – Managing Director, Head of M&A, Alpen Capital - Gaurav Wadhwa – Managing Director, Aliph Capital - Leena Khalil – Partner, Key Capital Thank you to all who attended and contributed to an engaging morning. We look forward to continuing the conversation and driving the private markets industry forward in the region.