Dubai, UAE: Awad Capital, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) regulated firm specialising in M&A, corporate finance and capital markets advisory, has announced the creation of a new Employee Share Ownership Program (ESOP) that allows senior employees and members of the board and advisory board to become shareholders in the firm. Founding shareholder Ziad Awad, with the approval of the DFSA, has established the holding company, ACL Equity Partners, where the new shares are to be held.
The announcement comes as a result of the growth of the company, which less than five years since its founding has matured from a 1 to a 10-member team driven by the demand for mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the tech and venture capital sectors, and among family businesses, regional corporates and financial investors. The innovative and strategic initiative is intended to continue to support the company’s expansion.
Speaking on the announcement, Ziad Awad, founder and CEO of Awad Capital, said “The aim of this program is for Awad Capital to continue to attract and retain the best talent in the region. By providing an added incentive to join our boutique firm we hope to continue to draw some of the brightest minds in the industry. This will help us further our long-term client relationships, based on our values of trust, integrity and personal service.”
Dr Nasser Saidi, Chairman of the Awad Capital Advisory Board, commented, “By making this move, Awad Capital is demonstrating good corporate governance and is further institutionalising its structure. In doing so it is best positioned for ongoing healthy growth.”