Piper Sandler to establish GCC investment banking hub in Abu Dhabi: US-based investment bank Piper Sandler has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mena Growth Partners, an Abu Dhabi-based merchant bank that will serve as the US firm’s base for GCC investment banking operations, according to a press release. The transaction is expected to close in 1Q 2026, subject to conditions. The value of the acquisition has not been disclosed.

The plan: The Mena Growth Partners team, led by founder Eric Wilson (LinkedIn), will act as consultants to Piper Sandler, while Nabeel Siddiqui (LinkedIn), currently managing director at Piper’s London office, will relocate to Abu Dhabi to also head up the firm’s regional investment banking practice.

ADVISORS- Al Tamimi & Company acted as advisors for Piper Sandler, with Charles Russel Speechlys and TMF Group providing legal advice for Mena Growth Partners.

OTHER M&A NEWS-

Real estate financier Amlak Finance sold its Egypt arm to Al Baraka Bank Egypt for EGP 400 mn (AED 30.8 mn), according to a disclosure (pdf) to the Dubai Financial Market. The move marks Amlak’s complete exit from the country and is set to narrow its earnings for the rest of the year by AED 94 mn.

ICYMI- Amlak Finance recently settled up its debt ahead of schedule, repaying a total of AED 10.2 bn owed to 29 financiers since 2014. The firm had said it was exiting its real estate finance portfolio to finish the settlements earlier than planned.

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