GCC M&A Report – Q4 2019

Executive Summary

During Q4 2019, there was a total of 49 closed transactions within the GCC, which is a slightly lower number relative to Q4 2018. However, in comparison to the previous quarter, the total number of transactions increased by 63%. The UAE prevailed to dominate the market yet again as it accounted for 45% of the total transactions closed, followed by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, who accounted for 23% and 20%, respectively. These three markets also witnessed the highest level of growth quarter over quarter. In addition, Bahrain and Oman closed three transactions each, which is a significant improvement compared to the last quarter during which there were no transactions closed. Qatar, on the other hand, witnessed a slower season as there were no closed transactions throughout the quarter.