Abu Dhabi, UAE, 20 June 2007: The National Investor (TNI) has set up a specialized oil and gas team within its investment banking group to advise regional firms on M&A and capital market transactions in the sector. With the new team TNI will be able to distinguish itself from others in the region by having in-house expertise in one of the most important industries in the region. “The oil & gas sector requires significant specialist expertise and know-how. This is why we have decided to establish this team so that we can offer our clients intelligent solutions backed by strong understanding of industry fundamentals. The team comprises oil & gas professionals recognized for their practical approach, creativity, and industry knowledge,” said Mr. Orhan Osmansoy, TNI’s CEO.
Led by Ms. Gundi Royle, who has over 26 years experience in the oil and gas industry as a geologist and financier, TNI’s oil & gas team provides creative, comprehensive and effective investment banking solutions to participants in the oil & gas industry region wide. Ms. Royle has been working for recognized energy banks such as Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse as a leader in their Energy groups. She also has extensive experience, covering major European, Russian and Australian stocks. Ms. Royle indicated that TNI will be able to offer a distinctive and genuine energy-sector experience. “Our team of experts offers services to the entire energy supply chain, including capital raising and M&A. Our objective is to offer innovative solutions which enable our clients to gain access to high value and growth opportunities and assets”” she pointed out.
Led by Ms. Gundi Royle, who has over 26 years experience in the oil and gas industry as a geologist and financier, TNI’s oil & gas team provides creative, comprehensive and effective investment banking solutions to participants in the oil & gas industry region wide. Ms. Royle has been working for recognized energy banks such as Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse as a leader in their Energy groups. She also has extensive experience, covering major European, Russian and Australian stocks. Ms. Royle indicated that TNI will be able to offer a distinctive and genuine energy-sector experience. “Our team of experts offers services to the entire energy supply chain, including capital raising and M&A. Our objective is to offer innovative solutions which enable our clients to gain access to high value and growth opportunities and assets”” she pointed out.
Now that the oil & gas team has been firmly established within TNI’s investment banking group, the firm will be able to advise a wide range of clients, including oil & gas producers, pipeline and distribution companies, oil services companies and governments and state agencies, on upstream, midstream, and downstream oil & gas transactions in the Middle East and North Africa region.
TNI recognizes the significance and potential of the energy business in the region. Gulf based companies are firmly established in the international scene and the past 12 month alone have seen M&A transactions in excess of $4 bn initiated by UAE companies. The UAE are a centre of technical excellence, innovation and trading in the hydrocarbon business.
Recent notable transactions include RAK Petroleum’s agreement to buy all of the issued and to be issued share capital of Gulf Keystone; Dana Gas’ acquisition of Centurion Energy International of Canada for 1.15 billion Canadian dollars to add exploration assets in Egypt, Tunisia and West Africa; Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, or Taqa’s announcement on May 29 of its plans to enter Canada’s upstream energy sector by agreeing to buy Calgary-based oil and gas company Northrock Resources for US$2 billion in cash, and an announcement in January this year that Aabar, a UAE-based Oil & Gas company successfully bid for Pearl Energy of Singapore. Significant growth capital will be needed in the region and local companies have the financial and technical capability benefit.
“This is why we have decided to be active in this sector by combining our local knowledge with Ms. Royle’s global experience,” Mr. Osmansoy said. “We aim to advise regional companies that are active in this sector and aggressively looking at acquiring oil & gas assets,” he added.
About The National Investor: The National Investor (TNI) is a privately owned regional investment banking group. The firm comprises six strategic business units covering investment banking, private equity, asset management, real estate, investment research, and principal investments. In addition, the firm has an associate company, GNSC, which provides brokerage services as a registered member of the Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM) and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).