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• Trussbridge to address client demand for more independent, relationship-focused corporate finance advisory services in the Middle East
• Firm also aims to facilitate cross-border business joint ventures and mid-market investment opportunities between North America and the Middle East
• Firm is well-capitalized and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority
Dubai - Trussbridge Group today announced the launch of a new, independent financial services firm - Trussbridge Advisory (DIFC) Limited ('Trussbridge' or 'the Firm'). Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, and primarily targeting the underserved mid-market sector in the Middle East, the Firm will offer independent and dedicated investment banking advice and execution to regional corporates, investors and family businesses. The Firm, through its presence in North America, will also act as a bridge facilitating cross-border investments and business joint ventures.
With a core focus on clients in the Gulf Cooperation Council ('GCC') and Levant, Trussbridge will provide a complete range of financial advisory services such as mergers & acquisitions, capital markets advisory and long-term strategic corporate finance advisory. The Firm's business model will specifically focus on becoming a dedicated and trusted business and financial advisor to both the boards and senior management of its clients, rather than solely focusing on short term individual transactions or financings.
Trussbridge is founded by a distinguished group of institutional and private shareholders with considerable regional and international business and investment experience. The Firm will be headquartered in the UAE under the supervision of the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Trussbridge will be managed by two veteran investment bankers, Samer Katerji and Rody Yared.
Mr. Katerji has over 17 years of experience in investment banking in the Middle East. Prior to Trussbridge, Mr. Katerji led the Financial Institutions and Financial Sponsors advisory practice for Citigroup Global Markets Limited in the Middle East and played a key role in the development of the franchise in the region. Mr. Katerji was named among the top five M&A advisors in the Middle East by Financial News in 2012. Prior to joining Citi in 2007, Mr. Katerji held key positions at SHUAA Capital in Dubai, PrimeCorp Finance and Middle East Capital Group, in Beirut.
Mr. Yared is an accomplished investment banker with over 16 years of experience spanning North America and the Middle East. Prior to Trussbridge, Mr. Yared was responsible for growing J.P.Morgan's investment banking business in Abu Dhabi from 2010 to 2014. He also managed J.P.Morgan's equity capital markets business in the MENA region, and was one of the founding members that established the bank's investment banking franchise in the region in 2007. Previously, Mr. Yared headed the Syndicate & Equity Capital Markets Department at SHUAA Capital in Dubai, after spending six years at Credit Suisse in New York.
Mr. Mohammed Saeed Al Qassimi, Founding Shareholder of Trussbridge, said: "Trussbridge represents a new departure for the regional investment banking advisory industry. As we have seen in other markets, such as the USA and Europe, clients are seeking advisors who not only originate and execute seamlessly but also offer more bespoke, independent advice that is born from a highly trusted, long-term relationship and a greater alignment of interests."
Samer Katerji, Co-Managing Director, said: "We believe there is a fundamental change in the views and requirements of clients in this region. Many clients have told us that they are increasingly seeking closer, longer-term relationships with their advisors that are not solely based on one-off transactions or financings. We, therefore, felt it was necessary to go back to the basics of investment banking in order to provide a more objective and independent alternative advisory offering."
Rody Yared, Co-Managing Director, added: "The Middle East can be a unique region in terms of its investment banking advisory needs. Many private businesses are seeking advice for their next phase of strategic development including expansion in new markets. This requires the right balance between world class investment banking capabilities, market access and a deep understanding of the regional landscape and client relationships."
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About Trussbridge
Trussbridge is an independent financial advisory firm focused on providing objective and long-term strategic financial advisory services and capital raising solutions for companies and investors in the Middle East. Through its presence in North America and the Middle East, Trussbridge acts as a bridge between established players in both regions by advising on cross-border investments and business joint ventures. Trussbridge prides itself on its world class transactional and structuring experience, industry knowledge, dedicated approach and both the quality and integrity of its business relationships. Trussbridge is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates and is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
For more information visit www.trussbridge.com
© Press Release 2015
