Wealth & Finance International - February 2017

Wealth & Finance International 82 Moving into Iran rjan Capital is a boutique M&A and Investment advisor operating across central Asia and the Middle East, with its core focus being Iran. The firm believes that the momentum to enter Iran will continue to accelerate, as time progresses, and that the first mover advantage principle will play a prominent role, which Arjan seeks to leverage for both itself and its business partners. Working with a wide range of clients, which include SMEs and listed firms, Arjan has to work hard to ensure it offers a superior service unlike any other, as Andreas outlines. “The fact that 80% of our clients are large companies with vast resourc- es highlights our firm’s reputation for excellence. Our firm’s founders are active and invested in Iran since many years. We support our clients throughout the investment process, from sourcing the transaction to implementing operations and help them to achieve strong returns through our local knowledge and hands-on support. Many of our clients come from referrals from lawyers and consulting firms who have worked with us in the past, which is a testimony to the superior level of service we provide.” Iran, Arjan’s target market, is a vital country with a young population which offers a wealth of opportunities for investors. As the sanctions im- posed on Iran began to be lifted, global firms possessing capital, exper- tise and technology, will be gearing up to enter the large, untapped and potentially lucrative Iranian market, which has been closed for decades. To conduct business in Iran, however, requires a nuanced under- standing of the way information and market intelligence flows amongst industry players. This flow is often informal and based on ties, often un-written, amongst market participants active in the country’s three economic sectors—the public, the private and the quasi-private. This unique business configuration can, to the initiated, be difficult to understand, penetrate and navigate. This is why Arjan Capital makes such a crucial business partner for those seeking to enter Iran; armed with an understanding and appreciation of Iran’s unique business envi- ronment, Arjan facilitates the entry of global firms into Iran. As an investment and advisory firm, Arjan providing a unique mixture of investment banking, industrial and legal solutions to global inves- tors contemplating entering the multi-sector market of Iran. Andreas discusses the market and the challenges he foresees for the future in the region. “Within the Iranian business market there have been a number of developments recently that will provide exciting opportunities and invigorating challenges to overcome. Donald Trump certainly added to the uncertainty regarding Middle East Policy in general and Iran in particular which is our main market. However, we see the opportuni- ty for the 2017 movers as you can still choose your deal without too much competition. This window of opportunity we believe will run for 18 months, after that for many reasons the world might become more confident dealing in Iran. “In addition, with the banks retracting from the trade finance market due to Basel II requirements we see trade finance as a great play. As such we have set up an EU regulated fund that factors receivables pro- tected by export credit insurance and provide the investor with a 5-7% return p.a. on a government agency risk, with 180 days’ liquidity. This compares well in a world of flat or negative interest rates.” Moving forward, Andreas believes that Arjan’s unique market positon will help it to achieve even greater success with Iran transactions as it looks towards a bright and prosperous future. “Ultimately, over the next three to five years Arjan Capital will be seeking to build upon its current success and foster growth. This will be achieved by boosting M&A and trade finance, which are the driving forces of the market and will help our firm to grow and develop.” Company: Arjan Capital Ltd Name: Andreas Schweitzer, Managing Director Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.arjan.capital , www.delta-arjan Address: Registered Office: Suite 4, 62/63 Morina Court, STJ 1081 St Julians, Malta Correspondence Address: Seestrasse 1, CH 6330 Cham, Switzerland Company Registration Nr: 70804 – VAT Nr: 22580722 Telephone: +41 79 211 65 60 Arjan Capital is an investment and advisory firm, providing a unique mixture of investment banking, industrial and legal solutions to global investors contemplating entering the multi-sector market of Iran. We invited Senior Managing Partner Andreas Schweitzer to tell us more. A 1702WF29