GFH Capital plan on sustained investment in Leeds United following a successful acquisition - GFH Capital 28/9/12
GFH (Capital) CEO and Board Member, Hisham Alrayes commented: "Like many around the world, people from Bahrain and across the Gulf are passionate about the game of football and notably, English clubs - their successes and hardships are a daily talking point. In so many instances this is what bridges the gap between borders and different cultures. We are excited by our intentions for Leeds United and remain fully focused on the specifics of this deal, hoping to conclude a positive outcome as soon as possible."
He continued "Our parent company GFH has successfully steered through tough economic times and we find ourselves in a position of strength and in an enviable market position to lead on fantastic deals such as this."
David Haigh, Deputy Chief Executive of GFH (Capital) said "As a club, Leeds United has it all – passionate loyal fans, a great heritage and masses of potential to return to the Premier League with the right, sustainable investment. From a business perspective, ownership of an English football club, notably Leeds United, is a great opportunity if the right strategies are in place to benefit from the significant revenues available from renewed broadcasting rights. The existing infrastructure of the club and the result of the work of Ken Bates means that Leeds United is ready off the field to compete in the premier league"
cont.
He continued "From a personal perspective, I have followed Leeds United since childhood and having been back to Elland Road with my business colleague, Salem Patel and our CEO Hisham Alrayes for the last few home games, it makes us even more determined to acquire the club Leeds United and to see the club prosper."
Salem Patel, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member of GFH Capital commented:
"From very early on in our approach to this deal, we knew Leeds United FC has pedigree but also offers huge potential in terms of the football, the club and the surrounding area. We are keen on waking this sleeping giant, building on and forging a sustainable long term future for the club - both on and off the pitch. We also hope to take back ownership of Elland Road eventually and continue to work closely with Neil Warnock and the team, we intend to show the fans - some of the most passionate in the game - just how we can 'March On Together' to give Leeds United the success it so richly deserves."
GFH Capital Limited
GFH Capital, formerly known as Injazat Capital, is a Middle East private equity investor, advisor and fund manager, providing capital and strategic support for growth companies. With a 10-year track record of top-performing investments and fund management, GFH Capital is one of the region's longest-established private equity firms, and one of the first to be licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
GFH Capital has undertaken and structured investments of more than USD 8 billion in over 40 companies and across 25 countries. The company has managed healthcare, technology, media, telecommunications (TMT) funds and financial institutions and is a regional leader and is a globally recognised participant in Technology and Health Care investment. It was commended by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the foremost international business organisation, for incorporating and upholding strong principles of corporate governance.
GFH Capital Limited attracts funds from the Dubai Islamic Bank, the World Bank, GE Healthcare, the Islamic Development Bank and regional investors including Gulf Finance House, SEDCO and several high net worth individuals. GFH Capital is a 100% subsidiary of Gulf Finance House.
Gulf Finance House
Gulf Finance House (GFH) was established in 1999. GFH has raised funding of more than US$5 billion to invest in Islamic financial institutions and infrastructure projects harnessing the enormous potential offered by the region's dynamic economies.
GFH has established some of the region's leading financial institutions including First Energy Bank, the world's first Islamic investment bank focused exclusively on the energy sector. Other financial institutions founded by GFH include Khaleeji Commercial Bank in Bahrain, QInvest in Qatar, Arab Finance House in Lebanon, First Leasing Bank in Bahrain and Asia Finance Bank in Malaysia.
GFH projects include GFH's Financial Harbours in the Kingdom of Bahrain - http://www.bfharbour.com/mediacentre/video.htm - and Tunisia and Energy Cities in Qatar, Libya and India.
GFH's ordinary shares are listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange, the Kuwait Stock Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market. Since 2007, its GDRs have been listed on the London Stock Exchange.
GFH receiving the following awards Euromoney's Best Islamic Investment Bank 2005; Best Investment Bank 2005, 2006 and 2007 from Banker Middle East; and Deal of the Year 2008 from Banker Middle East.