Piper Sandler announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MENA Growth Partners, an Abu Dhabi–based merchant bank. The acquisition will establish Piper Sandler’s strategic investment banking hub in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, significantly strengthening its presence across the Middle East.
Founded and led by Eric Wilson, MENA Growth Partners has over four decades of experience facilitating growth and capital access for innovative companies across the Middle East. Following the acquisition, Wilson and his team will act as consultants to Piper Sandler, bringing their extensive network of relationships and deep regional expertise to the firm’s growing global platform.
The move aligns with Piper Sandler’s strategy to expand its international footprint and deliver specialized advisory and capital markets services to high-growth clients worldwide. The firm’s established expertise in energy, infrastructure, chemicals, healthcare, technology, and private capital advisory will be complemented by MENA Growth Partners’ regional reach and reputation.
The Abu Dhabi hub will serve as a base for new partnerships and transactions throughout the GCC—an increasingly critical region given its concentration of global sovereign wealth assets and growing investment influence.
Following the close of the transaction, Nabeel Siddiqui, currently a managing director in Piper Sandler’s London office, will relocate to Abu Dhabi to lead investment banking operations in the region while continuing to oversee his existing European business. The acquisition marks a significant step in Piper Sandler’s expansion into global growth markets and its ongoing commitment to providing clients with local expertise backed by international reach.
The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending customary regulatory approvals.
Counsel: Legal advisors on the deal included Al Tamimi & Company for Piper Sandler, and Charles Russell Speechlys and TMF Group for MENA Growth Partners.
KEY QUOTES:
“Piper Sandler has a strong track record of building relationships and completing transactions in the Middle East. We are excited to expand our presence through this new partnership and strategic office location.”
James Baker, Global Co-Head of Investment Banking and Capital Markets, Piper Sandler
“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. 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.”
Eric Wilson, Founder, MENA Growth Partners
