Gate Capital: Best Corporate Finance Advisory Firm 2023 – MENA

Independent and trusted corporate finance and strategic advisory firm, Gate Capital Limited, offers unique expertise in deal making, financial restructuring, and opportunity investing by blending extensive experiences across multiple industry sectors. We find out more from Munther Hilal as the firm celebrates a win in the UAE Business Awards.

With over 20 years’ worth of experience in complex corporate finance and M&A challenges, Gate Capital Limited (Gate Capital) serves as a trusted advisor to leading middle market companies.

The firm has over $1.5bn worth of transaction experience, which provides it with a deep industry insight and a holistic industry coverage. The knowledgeable and highly skilled team at Gate Capital team backed by a solid track record, a wide network of investors and companies, and supported with thorough technical, industrial, and investment banking skills. The seasoned professionals focus on businesses in the mid-market space with deal value ranging between $20M to $200M+ in enterprise value.

“Our approach delivers exceptional results and adds value at every step of the process,” explains Munther Hilal, the firm’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “In Gate Capital we work in close synergy with our clients to ensure that their business and growth strategies are supported by efficient financial solutions. We are a strategic advisory firm dedicated to unlocking value through high quality services and innovative solutions.”

Home to a thriving financial services industry, the UAE has many local and international banks, investment firms, and insurance companies operating in the country. Some of the challenges that financial companies in the UAE may face include intense competition, regulatory compliance, and economic volatility. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the economy, and many businesses have faced financial difficulties as a result. However, the economy has been swiftly recovering and Gate Capital has, once again, been able to engage in high-quality deals. There are also many opportunities for financial companies in the UAE, particularly in Dubai which is a global financial hub. The country’s strategic location, growing population, and strong infrastructure make it an attractive destination for businesses.

“The UAE offers a range of advantages for corporate finance advisors, including a strategic location, business-friendly environment, robust regulatory framework, world-class infrastructure, and diversification opportunities,” Munther elaborates. “The UAE is a strategic location for transaction and investment activity in the Asia, Europe, and MENA regions while simultaneously offering a favourable business environment and strong and transparent regulatory framework that enables business setup and economic activity in the country. We, as Gate Capital believe that there are tremendous growth opportunities within the country over the next few years that we could mobilise.”

A diversified and highly experienced team, with strong technical expertise and deep market knowledge, enables Gate Capital to drive and support its clients’ goals. This focused approach, with a deep-dive methodology, has provided the company with an edge in the market, which enables it to lead the transactional business in the markets in which it operates.

Having a fast-paced culture, with a real focus on teamwork, innovation, and performance, Gate Capital promotes a respectful and inclusive work environment that truly allows all individuals to grow and contribute.

“Our work can be quite demanding which is why we require our employees to be highly skilled and dedicated,” Munther enthuses. “With a strong leadership team that outlines a clear vision for the company, we instil a positive culture right from the top.”

At Gate Capital, individuals who possess a combination of technical skills, relevant experience, and personal qualities that align with the culture and values of the company are highly sought after to join the growing team. It is traits such as these that Munther tells us can help new employees to integrate into the company by enabling them to quickly understand the business, collaborate effectively with their colleagues, and contribute positively to the success of the organisation.

Recently, the firm was recognised in the UAE Business Awards and crowned with the prestigious title of Best Corporate Finance Advisory Firm 2023 – MENA. This accolade is testament to the firm’s proactive approach and its dedication to its loyal customer base.

Now, regarding the future, the medium to long-term vision is to establish Gate Capital as a leading and preferred corporate finance advisor for clients based in the Middle East, offering a wide range of corporate finance services across in-demand and niche sectors.

The financial year 2023 is budgeted to be the biggest grossing year for the company, with the anticipated closing of a transaction pipeline of over $750m and Munther and the firm’s immediate expansion strategy will focus on cross-border M&A offerings, by supporting clients in the Middle East to transact in the key markets globally, such as the US, Europe, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Its regional focus is to establish physical offices in Saudi Arabia and expand its clients’ presence with on-ground partners in other key regional markets as well.

“We have added a capable team and successfully expanded into niche sectors such as Telecom, Real Estate, Luxury hospitality, Infrastructure, Specialty Chemicals, AgriTech, High-tech and Venture-as-a-service, and intend to further penetrate these sectors to strengthen Gate’s positioning in the region.”

Company: Gate Capital Limited
Web Address: www.gatecapital.net