Arabian Gulf institutional and private investors are showing a continued interest for attractive emerging market deals, according to a leading United Arab Emirates-based alternative asset management company.
Speaking at a Press briefing held today, 28st June 2010 at the Capital Club in Dubai, Mr. Pankaj Agrawal, founder and Chairman of Signature Group, "From humble beginnings in 2005 we crossed the US$1 billion mark for assets under management by the end of last year."
"Our success is based on discernible investment partners, proprietary transactions and a dependable team of investment professionals," Mr. Agrawal added, "We also design and implement exit strategies that offer investors superior returns with minimal risk. As a result, we believe Signature's future is one of sustained growth leading to greater achievements for our clients as well as ourselves."
Signature's landmark transactions include India's first integrated logistics park in Navi, Mumbai; an entertainment-focused city, also in Mumabi, with film and multi-media studios, theatres, convention halls, commercial and retail elements; and an integrated township development in NCR, Delhi.
"The UAE is becoming an important gateway for investment in growth areas such as infrastructure, logistics, energy-particularly renewable energy, natural resources, food and agriculture – particularly for the Indian sub-continent and Africa," says Mr. Umesh Chandra, Chief Executive Officer of Signature Group,
Mr. Chandra continues, "Institutional and other investors from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries are exhibiting a greater appetite for exposure to emerging markets compared with many counterparts in North America and Europe. There is a paradigm shift and this is expected to continue in the coming years. The huge potential is something that we at Signature Group are well aware of and would like to exploit."
The Signature Group sees India's economy as a frontrunner in leading the global recovery process, particularly in the renewable energy sector. "Investment in renewable energy is at an all time high with support and promotion from the government," Mr. Chandra stated.
"Signature is on top of the game with our focus on renewable energy projects. We are now putting together a consortium of GCC investors to take significant equity stakes in various renewable energy projects in which Signature would be a stakeholder, It is part of a plan to bundle a critical mass of renewable energy assets and then create an acquisition opportunity for a larger player or depending on the market sentiment seek a listing in India or overseas markets like London, Luxembourg or Singapore."
Mr. Suresh Nanda, Director, Signature Capital PTE LTD, stated "Indian economy is sweeping aside the global economic downturn and is predicted to grow by as much as 8.75% in the new fiscal year, Signature's particular focus on infrastructure-related investment in India is a sector which has doubled from 4% to 8% of gross domestic product over the past five years, according to government figures. The country is said to be on course to achieve a US$500 billion infrastructure investment five-year target by 2012 providing great opportunities for the GCC investors.
Mr. Nanda added, "GCC companies have significant expertise in infrastructure development, real estate development, logistics and there are opportunities for strategic tie up with Indian companies. A large number of Indian corporate are exploring for strategic relationships in the GCC market and take advantage of the growth opportunities in the coming years, particularly in the areas of metals, chemicals, engineering, telecommunication, healthcare and education. Signature expects to play a key role in bringing together companies in GCC and India for key partnerships."
