Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading international investment bank, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MENA Growth Partners, a merchant bank headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The acquisition will establish Piper Sandler’s strategic investment banking hub for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
As part of the agreement, Eric Wilson, founder of MENA Growth Partners, and his team will serve as consultants to Piper Sandler. The firm will leverage their four decades of experience and extensive regional relationships to enhance its advisory and transaction capabilities across the Middle East. MENA Growth Partners’ deep local expertise will further connect Piper Sandler’s global specialisms — spanning energy, infrastructure, chemicals, healthcare, technology, equity capital markets, and private capital advisory — with clients in the region.
“Piper Sandler has a strong track record of building relationships and completing transactions in the Middle East,” said James Baker, global co-head of investment banking and capital markets. “We are excited to expand our presence through this new partnership and strategic office location.”
“With nearly 40% 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, currently managing director at Piper Sandler’s London office, will relocate to Abu Dhabi following the close of the transaction. He will lead the firm’s investment banking operations in the Middle East while maintaining oversight of his existing European business.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory and closing conditions.
Piper Sandler was advised by Al Tamimi & Company, while MENA Growth Partners was represented by Charles Russell Speechlys and advisory firm TMF Group.