UK consultancy plans Mideast expansion
Dubai, September 10, 2013
College Group, one of the fastest growing international business communications consultancy groups headquartered in London, has announced the establishment of its first regional office in Dubai.
The group is backed by funds managed by Vitruvian Partners, an independent private equity firm which specialises in middle market buyouts, growth buyouts and growth capital investments in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe.
Run by Managing Partners, Nicholas Lunt and Samantha Bartel Al Khalaf, the team, which has been operating out of the UAE and across the Middle East region since 2008, will provide an integrated, multi-disciplinary offering, operating seamlessly across the region and linked to College Group’s fast-growing international network.
It will be supported in due course by further expansion in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh as well as satellite offices in Doha and Manama.
Richard Nichols, the chief executive of College Group, pointed out that the setting up the Middle East office was an important milestone in the group's international expansion strategy.
"We are delighted to welcome Nicholas Lunt and Samantha Bartel Al Khalaf and their team to the Group. The Middle East is a thriving but challenging business centre with many opportunities and so it is vital we can deliver a strong integrated offering on the ground that is second to none."
"Today’s news reflects our commitment to this and our on-going plans for further international growth in key global financial and business markets," he stated
In his comments, Lunt said: "We are delighted to be joining College Group. We’re establishing the company’s regional presence at a time of great growth and opportunity in the Middle East. The UAE is beginning to fulfil its potential as one of the world’s key centres of trade and commerce."
"We see many opportunities emerging in the region and in the UAE’s wider footprint in South Asia and Africa. Clients increasingly look for globally-networked strategic counsel and the experience of our Middle East team combined with the group’s industry and practice experts will benefit our clients," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
