Private Equity as an alternative asset class can provide investors with significant diversification benefits. Though it is a highly risky asset class on a standalone basis, empirical studies suggest that private equity, when combined with other asset classes in an optimal way, can enhance the risk-adjusted returns of the portfolio.

A’Sharqiya invests in Private Equity (PE) funds with a defined investment horizon. Our investment team adds value by doing a thorough analysis of the fund manager, the GP structure, investment mandate of the fund, suitability of the fund in the context of the portfolio. Moreover, the team performs a rigorous analysis of the feasibility of the fund achieving the proposed investment mandate.

Apart from investing in PE funds, the company has also invested directly in privately held companies that we believe has the potential to achieve an attractive return on investment upon exit. The following are the private companies where A’Sharqiya holds a stake.

• A’Sharqiyah University (ASU):

ASU is a private institution of higher education located in the north of the A’Sharqiyah region of the Sultanate of Oman. It was established in 2009 by Ministerial Decision (78/2009) issued by the Ministry of Higher Education. The University co-operates with Oklahoma State University and Texas Technological University in the U.S.A, in areas such as design of academic programs and their implementation according to best international standards.

ASU started operation in the Fall of 2010, with three colleges, namely, Business Administration, Engineering and Applied Sciences. The total number of students at present is 2,113. ASU aspires to be a leading higher institution in Oman that advances knowledge through innovative learning and applied research that will contribute to the economic and social development of the region by providing a conducive environment enhanced by international collaboration.