A majority of institutional investors (60%) and AIM-listed companies (63%) are optimistic regarding further improvement in AIM performance over the next 12 months. Baker Tilly has released its annual survey of investors and companies on AIM. According to it, 80% of investors say their overall portfolio has benefited in 2010 from investing in AIM.  Access to funds remains the major concern for companies on AIM, but this was mentioned less frequently by those in the survey (28% versus 45% a year ago).

Link: http://www.bakertilly.co.uk/publications/ta2011-looking-forward.aspx 

Very interesting article on how GCC firms are increasingly listing in UK to access international capital and a higher profile.

Link: http://gulfnews.com/business/markets/gulf-firms-eye-london-over-local-markets-for-listings-1.801989?localLinksEnabled=false%26 

Oracle Coalfields has become the first company from Pakistan to join AIM, a press release from London Stock Exchange says. The company is an independent coal developer of an estimated 1.4 bn ton coal resource in the south-eastern desert of Pakistan’s Sindh province. The company was previously listed on PLUS and has transferred the listing, raising an additional £3 million.

Link: http://www.londonstockexchangegroup.com/newsroom/2011pressreleases/lsewelcomesoraclecoalfieldsfirstpakistanfocussedcompanytojoinaim.htm

Global PE firms are still seeking deals in MENA despite the ongoing turmoil. In the annual SuperReturn conference in Berlin, the PE community is discussing their thoughts on the current turmoil. Although most players see a short-term impact, there is a realization that it bodes well for the long-term economic prospects of the region. Nevertheless, most PE firms will prefer to wait on the sidelines to see how things shape up in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and other affected countries before making any further investments.

Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/01/privateequity-carlyle-idUSN018839320110301

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) will provide up to US$2 billion to catalyze private sector investment in the MENA region. OPIC is the US Government’s development finance institution. With an emphasis on SMEs, the financing is available for projects in Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories and potentially Algeria, Oman and Yemen.

Link: http://www.opic.gov/news/press-releases/2009/pr031711