Pipeline for IPO, M&A building up

The pipeline of initial public offers (IPOs) and M&A deals is building up and the region is likely to witness a resurgence of the market in the coming two years, Nasser Al Saidi, Chief Economist of the DIFC Authority said.

Speaking at an economic workshop yesterday, Saidi said: "Though the global crisis has caused a decline in IPO activity in the Mena [Middle East and North Africa] region, the stabilisation in advanced economies and recovery in emerging Asia, the region's main trading partner, are encouraging the business community to revive plans for new listings."

On the prospects for increased M&A activity, he said: "Regional economic integration, improved business prospects and corporate restructuring are also driving interest in mergers and acquisitions."

The DIFC Authority hosted the economic workshop to discuss the prospects for IPOs and M&As in Mena.

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