** #6 Blackstone launches company to invest in MENA energy opportunities: Global private equity giant Blackstone has set up a standalone company, Zarou, through which it will invest in energy opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa, the company announced yesterday. “Zarou will develop, finance, construct and operate energy-related projects in the Middle East and North Africa. Zarou’s focus is primarily on thermal and renewable power [investments] and also includes oil & gas midstream and water assets.” Through Zarou, Blackstone will invest “hundreds of mns of USD” in Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, among other countries in the region, people familiar with the matter tell the Financial Times. Zarou will be led by Sameh Shenouda, former head of infrastructure equity investments at CDC Group.

Tags: