Piper Sandler Companies, the investment bank that publishes the U.S. Teen Brand Preference Survey each Spring and Fall, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MENA Growth Partners, a merchant bank based in Abu Dhabi that will serve as its strategic investment banking hub in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Eric Wilson, founder of MENA Growth Partners, and his team will reportedly serve as consultants to Piper Sandler. The firm stated it will leverage the relationships it has built over its 40-plus years of experience to foster the growth of innovative companies in the Middle East.
MENA Growth Partners’ regional ties are expected to further connect Piper Sandler’s expertise in energy, infrastructure, chemicals, healthcare, technology, equity capital markets, and private capital advisory with clients in the region.
“With nearly 40 percent of the world’s sovereign wealth assets managed from the GCC region and two-thirds of the global population located within an eight-hour flight, this part of the world is positioned to continue to flourish,” said Eric Wilson. “After building long-term relationships in the region since 1983, I am proud to play a role in bringing Piper Sandler to one of the most exciting markets across the globe.”
Nabeel Siddiqui, managing director at Piper Sandler London, will move to the Abu Dhabi office after closing to head investment banking in the region while continuing oversight of his European business.
The transaction is scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
Piper Sandler received legal counsel from Al Tamimi & Company, while MENA Growth Partners was advised by the law firm Charles Russell Speechlys and TMF Group for this transaction.
Image courtesy Adobe Stock
