WAM Abu Dhabi, 14th May 2012 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi-based investment company Invest A.D. and U.S. private investment company Paladin Capital Group have established a private equity joint venture that will channel investments into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Turkey.

The joint venture between Paladin Capital (Middle East) Limited, a company registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, and Invest A.D., a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Council -- a leading sovereign wealth fund -- plans to launch a $100m fund to tap growing global investor interest in new emerging markets growth opportunities.

The joint investment team has identified a strong deal pipeline in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, a region that is expected to see GDP growth of 4.7% this year and 3.8% in 2013.

"Small- and medium-size companies are the backbone of the region's economy, and they are hungry for capital to expand, operationally and geographically, in the process creating jobs and increasing profits," said Mr. Michael Steed, Founder and Managing Partner of Paladin Capital Group and Chairman of Paladin Capital (Middle East) Limited. "As they move to the next level, their prospects are excellent, given that MENA economies are set on a strong growth trajectory, and are performing well considering the uncertain global backdrop." "Companies in the MENA region are looking for stable and respected partners to help them achieve their ambitions, not just with capital, but with expertise and international business networks," said Invest A.D.'s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nazem Fawwaz Al Kudsi.

"The Paladin-Invest A.D. partnership delivers weighty international experience, an excellent deal making track record, and a deep boots-on-the-ground knowledge of the region's public and private sectors," he added.

WAM/TF