Andrew L. I. Pocock

EMP Global focuses on global private equity investments in a variety of sectors including agribusiness, transportation, power and water, telecommunications, retail, diversified infrastructure, cement, paper, mining, synthetic fiber, basic material, restaurants, chemicals/petrochemicals and glass. Investments range from $10 million to approximately $100 million. The firm typically provides capital to growing companies at the expansion stage rather than at the start-up stage. They also consider investments in mature companies that offer restructuring opportunities. In addition, EMP considers investing in greenfield projects in conjunction with a strategic corporate partner or in certain regulated industries in which development risk is reduced through licenses or off-take agreements. The firm invests globally including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. EMP looks for companies with an understandable business model and clearly identified drivers of growth and profitability. They look for companies with favorable long term prospects, especially those that benefit from high barriers to entry through licenses, high capital costs for any potential competitor or high switching costs on the part of customers. EMP considers minority positions in companies that are controlled by a reputable local sponsor or an international strategic investor. The firm prefers to invest in control positions, either as a sole investor or in partnership with other financial investors, including participation in LBOs in markets in which capital markets support such activities. EMP pays particular attention to downside risk and risk/return profile and employs a variety of techniques to alter the risk/return profile to mitigate risk. These include structuring investments as hybrid debt/equity securities, including preferred stock, mezzanine and convertible debt and debt with warrants. The firm also seeks to address illiquidity risk by negotiating put option agreements with partners that assure EMP of an exit within the timeframe of each fund.

HSBC Private Banking is a conservative investment manager that focuses on capital preservation through long-term investing by using the principles of diversification and strategic asset allocation. The firm's discretionary investment strategy follows a top-down approach. They look for higher returns while minimizing risk. Macro-economic analysis is used for their bond investment process. Equities are selected based on key trends and expected returns. Hedge funds are designed to follow absolute return strategies with the aim of increasing returns and lowering volatility.

Functions as a College/University

EMP Bahrain's investment objective is to achieve superior returns for investors. They endeavor to minimize risk through prudent selection of projects, lengthy analysis and financial structuring. Their investment strategy targets regional growth firms within the infrastructure sector in segments such as telecommunications, electric power, and transportation systems including roads, ports, and petrochemicals. They tend to concentrate on areas where there is a comparative regional advantage. They also consider investments in greenfield projects. EMP Bahrain generally structures their fund investments through significant minority positions requiring robust contractual rights. They take majority positions in association alongside one or more financial or strategic investor. The fund's typical investment size ranges from US 10 million to US 70 million per investment. The IDB fund managers invest in countries that have varied stages of economic development. They have invested in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Oman, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, as well as in Guinea. They typically invest with other strategic partners who have extensive knowledge in the selected sectors. They look for firms with strong management able to operate at international levels. EMP Bahrain takes an active, hands-on investment role. They take Board representation on their portfolio firms. They aim to add value to their investments by strengthening management and management processes, leveraging their marketing contacts, and seeking to enlarge the available financing options. EMP Bahrain's managed funds typically have a medium-term exit strategy. Exit strategies they employ include IPO, trade sale, or a structured mechanism.

Ithmaar Bank invest in companies located in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Asia Pacific. The firm targets companies operating in the fields of infrastructure, oil and gas, real estate and technology. It provides financing for later stage and growth capital requirements.

Gulf One Capital invests in middle market companies located in Middle East, Europe and Asia. The firm focuses on water & power, specialized manufacturing, veterinary pharmaceuticals and aviation services & leasing sectors. It participates in buyout capital requirements.