Private Equity Investments

Lesha financed a Qatari consortium of investors with Shari’a-compliant financing participated in the acquisition of a 13.6% stake in Ennismore Group. Ennismore is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle hospitality companies and is majority owned by international hospitality conglomerate group, Accor.

Lesha completed an agreement to invest in SoundHound, a late-stage tech company specialized in voice AI, headquartered in California.

Lesha owns a minority stake in Al Jazeera Finance (AJF) of 3.5%. AJF which was founded in 1989 is known to be a pioneer of Shari’a financing in the State of Qatar and is a leader in providing innovative financial solutions and services to its customers.

Lesha acquired a minority stake of Tera Kaffe in Q3 2022. Renowned for its ability to offer at-home coffee makers a level of precision previously only available with industrial, barista-level machines, Terra Kaffe manufactures and sells high-end automatic coffee and espresso machines at a competitive price-point, primarily through a direct to consumer business model.

In March 2023, Lesha purchased 27.5% minority stake in Starlink, Qatar a leading provider of ICT, managed services and retailer of technology products as part of its private equity strategy to expand its footprint in Qatar. Starlink has an omnichannel presence spanning across 19 retail outlets in Qatar, an online platform as well as a variety of other supporting channels that provide outsourcemanaged services in multiple areas such as: IT, installations, maintenance and contact centers

ARIH marked Lesha’s debut investment venture in the food and beverage manufacturing industry when the Bank acquired 15% stake in the company in 2011. The Bank later raised its shares in the company to 31.% in 2012. Since the acquisition, ARIH has emerged as a household name for nuts and snacks not only in the GCC, but also globally on the back of its strategic alliances with global FMCG players, distribution channels and duty-free operating partners.

Acquisition: 2011
Exit: March 2021

In 2015, the Lesha acquired an adjusted stake of 13.5% in CMRC Limited, the leading medical rehabilitation center in the Gulf region. The company’s turnover has increased from USD $ 15 million in 2015, to more than USD $ 54 million in 2020. Lesha Bank exited CMRC in March 2021 with a net IRR (internal rate of return) of 19%.

Acquisition: January 2015
Exit: March 2021

Lesha acquired a 71.3% stake in ENPI and since then has played an instrumental role in streamlining the business, institutionalizing operations and expanding its manufacturing base to include Abu Dhabi and KSA hence cementing ENPI’s position as leading player in the plastic packaging solutions industry.

In October 2012 Lesha Bank signed a share purchase agreement with Saudi Printing & Packaging Co. (SPPC) to sell its 71.3% stake in ENPI Group.

Acquisition: July 2009
Exit: October 2012

Lesha acquired 40% stake in English Home, the leading retailer of home textile products in Turkey.

The acquisition marks Lesha’s first venture into the retail sector and the second in the Turkish market, which further demonstrates Lesha Bank’s commitment to portfolio and geographical diversification.

Acquisition: November 2012
Exit: September 2018

Lesha invested a 49% stake in FSC, the leading Qatari Food & Beverages Company that operates a 16-branch network of 5 brands including Opera Patisserie, Opera Café, Opera Catering, Take Away and Kanafaji.

Lesha exited FSC in March 2019 which is in line with the Bank’s strategy to ensure an optimum value from its PE portfolio in Qatar.

Acquisition: January 2015
Exit: April 2021

Lesha along with ARGUS Capital, a London based private equity house, acquired a 40% minority stake in Memorial Health Group (MHG), one of the leading healthcare providers in Turkey.

MHG began operations in February 2000 and is among the top two ‘class A’ healthcare groups in Turkey, offering high quality service with well respected physicians and state-of-the-art equipment.

Acquisition: August 2010
Exit: September 2018

Qcon is among the pre-eminent EPC contractor based in Qatar. In 2009, Lesha acquired a 41% stake in QCON as a part of a consortium that bought 100% of Qatar Shipping’s share in the company and exited its entire stake in Qcon, which has been sold to an undisclosed Qatari investor.

Acquisition: September 2009
Exit: March 2012

Lesha invested a 50% stake in David Morris International Limited (DMI) which is a designer, manufacturer, and retailer of custom-made, high-end jewelry and precious stones. Bringing over 60 years of experience in the business, DMI stands renowned for creating unique, custom-made pieces using the rarest and most valuable gemstones, and sought by jewelry fanatics worldwide. The exquisite jewels can today be found in 12 DMI boutiques worldwide with one located in 21 High Street Katara – Qatar.

Acquisition: 2014
Exit: August 2024