EY appoints Transaction Advisory Leader

Riyadh: EY appoints Matthew Benson as Transaction Advisory Services Leader across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, leading a team of transaction professionals across 16 countries and 21 offices, effective 01 July 2019.

Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim, MENA Chairman and CEO, EY, says:

“Executives today are looking to accelerate the growth and maximize the capital of their businesses to create stronger and more resilient models that will increase both economic and social value. The MENA region is home to some of the fastest-growing economies and businesses in the world today, which require disruptive and innovative solutions that will support them in reshaping their strategies for a better future.

“Matthew’s experience across key markets and enthusiasm to lead a team that embraces a digital transaction mindset reiterates our commitment to helping clients work more efficiently and effectively.”

Matthew has enjoyed a 25 year-long career at EY, starting at the London office in 1994 working in Audit and Transaction Advisory Services (TAS), then shifting to the Frankfurt office for 14 years before moving to Dubai in 2013. His transaction advisory experience includes acquisition and vendor transaction support services to international strategic and financial investors, as well as independent business review work. He most recently launched the EY report ‘The economic impact of Expo 2020 Dubai’, highlighting the contribution of the event and its legacy towards the UAE economy.

Matthew Benson, MENA Transactions Leader, EY, says:

“I am very excited to be leading the transactions team in the MENA region during this increasingly digital and disrupted business environment. I strongly believe that our team can be a meaningful force for positive change in the region, helping drive long-term economic and social prosperity through helping public and private clients manage their capital agendas. By leveraging our global scale and connectivity, the organizations we work with will benefit from our innovative and agile approach to helping clients raise, invest, preserve, and optimize capital.”

EY recognized for innovation and technology achievements

EY was recently awarded as the Best Corporate Advisory Firm – UAE 2019 at the International Finance Awards for its contributions to the local finance community and outstanding performance as a firm.

In addition, EY won the award for Best Technology M&A Financial Advisor at the fourth annual Mergermarket Middle East & North Africa Awards held earlier this year.

“We are very proud of being recognized at both the International Finance and Mergermarket awards for our innovative services and commitment to delivering the best possible outcome for our stakeholders,” concludes Matthew.

-Ends-

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EY | Assurance | Tax | Transactions | Advisory

About MENA Transaction Advisory Services
The regional EY TAS function focuses on the capital agenda, understanding the issues that private sector businesses, private equity clients, governments, and sovereign wealth funds are facing, with a sector focus on energy, financial services, government and public sector, real estate, hospitality and construction, consumer products and retail, telecom, media and technology, healthcare, and education.

The strategy consultancy EY-Parthenon will be a key part of the MENA TAS strategy and operations team, working closely on strategy and implementation.

The MENA TAS team offers a multitude of services including the core transaction services due diligence, valuations, M&A advisory, IPO, as well as portfolio management, capital allocation solutions, growth strategy, transformation strategy, economic advisory, infrastructure advisory.

The team produces reports regular reports such as the Capital Confidence Barometer, MENA IPO Eye, and the Middle East Hotel Benchmark Survey Report.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

The MENA practice of EY has been operating in the region since 1923. For over 90 years, we have grown to over 7,500 people united across 21 offices and 16 countries, sharing the same values and an unwavering commitment to quality. As an organization, we continue to develop outstanding leaders who deliver exceptional services to our clients and who contribute to our communities. We are proud of our accomplishments over the years, reaffirming our position as the largest and most established professional services organization in the region.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

© Press Release 2019