IN recognition of its continued leadership in the Investment Banking space, Barclays has been crowned ‘Best Foreign Investment Bank' in the Middle East by EMEA Finance, a leading banking and finance publication specializing in Europe, Middle East and Africa. The judging panel's decision to name Barclays as ‘Best Foreign Investment Bank in the Middle East' was based on a number of factors including Barclays' commitment to client service and excellence, the profile of advisory and capital market transactions, and the bank's global reach and execution capabilities. The awards, which are bestowed to the region's investment banks for their annual accomplishments and achievements, was presented to Barclays during the Middle East's Banking Awards in Dubai reaffirming the Bank's position in the Middle East as a leader in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Equity Capital Markets (ECM) and Debt Capital Markets (DCM). Makram Azar, chairman of Banking for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and chairman of Barclays MENA, said: "This award by EMEA Finance, an industry reference, is a testament to our strong presence in the Middle East, one of Barclays' priority markets. Our regional expertise, combined with senior advice and global reach, present our clients with unmatched advisory services and execution capabilities." He added: "Over the past 12 months, Barclays executed 28 major transactions in M&A, debt and equity capital markets for sovereign, corporate and financial institutions. The transactions spanned various geographies, demonstrating our global capabilities, working closely with the rest of our teams around the world to deliver a seamless execution to our clients in the region. This was only possible in light of our clients' trust in our ability to deliver flawlessly, their global mindset and leading market position in their respective industries." Christopher Moore, publisher of EMEA Finance, said: "Barclays has for a second consecutive year secured our Best Foreign Investment Bank in the Middle East award. The bank continues to build from its solid client base and well-earned reputation for being able to manage and to execute some of the world's largest transactions." He added: "Topping off a strong year, the bank managed to secure a top three ranking in the 2015-2016 MENA league tables produced by Dealogic in M&A, debt capital markets and equity capital markets. We were most impressed with the bank's remarkable over 33% market share of completed M&A deals, which translates into a total deal value exceeding US$53bn. We imagine that getting good deals done for clients keeps them coming back." Transactions executed by Barclays over the past 12 months include beIN's acquisition of Pay-TV platform Digiturk and its second acquisition of Miramax, one of the leading independent film and television studios in the US; the sale of investcorp stakes in Gulf Cryo & Polyconcept; the State of Qatar's USD9 billion issuance; Emirate of Sharjah's $500m Sukuk; DP World's $1.2bn Sukuk issuance; Majid Al Futtaim's $300m tap of its outstanding $500m; Qatar National Bank's $1.0bn 5-year bond issuance; and AMD's $700m Convertible Notes and $600m Common Stock Offerings to name a few. Launched in 2008, EMEA Finance's Middle East Banking Awards celebrate accomplishments of retail and investment banks, asset managers, and brokerage houses in the Middle East region.
