Private equity in Mideast still struggling, says Shuaa head

In spite of the growing number of infrastructural deals, the private equity industry continues to suffer, and is unlikely to get respite in 2010, reports Reuters, citing Shuaa Capital’s CEO.

Sameer al-Ansari explained that although “infrastructure has become an asset class investors are interested in,” he doubts the industry will pick up again in 2010.

“We can’t wait for 2009 to end, but I wonder if 2010 will be any better,” he said.

“Can anyone raise funds in this region? Who’s going to do any exits?” he asked.

Al-Ansari also said that multinational private equity firms would find difficulty operating in the Middle East: “It’s very difficult… I really doubt if international players who have enough problems in their own portfolios at home would be really interested in this region.”