KUWAIT, Oct 9 (KUNA) -- Gatehouse Bank plc (Gatehouse), a Shariah compliant wholesale investment bank based in the City of London announced on Tuesday completion of an acquisition valued at 165 million pounds of the building of the international law firm SJ Berwin in London for the benefit of a Malaysian sovereign fund.

A press statement issued by Gatehouse - Kuwait Branch, whose majority of returns are owned by the Securities House Co quoted chief executive of the bank Richard Thomas as saying that Gatehouse Bank acted as an investment adviser in the deal, saying it is the first investment for the Malaysian fund in London real estate market and is considered a key part of its broader strategy for global investment.

Thomas added that the deal is the largest since the establishment of the bank three years ago in favor of the Malaysian sovereign fund, and the selection of the bank as an adviser for the deal is a proof of the quality of the work provided by the bank to its customers and its high competitiveness.

He said the global Islamic finance markets are witnessing growth and diversity and this deal is an example of international cooperation, noting that according to the latest statistics, the United Kingdom accounted for the equivalent of 30 billion pounds of global real estate trade volume in 2011.

With a global real estate portfolio in excess of ?575 million, Gatehouse Bank specialises in originating, structuring and funding investments in a Shariah compliant manner. To meet continuing investor demand for high quality property investments, Gatehouse provides leading advice and opportunities to investors across a diverse range of properties ranging from office, student and logistics sectors.