Latest news with #Alain
The 961
7 days ago
- Business
- The 961
Shark Tank Lebanon Just Revealed Who The Sharks Are
It's happening! Shark Tank is officially coming to Lebanon, and the investor panel is stacked with some of the country's most powerful and experienced business minds. From retail and energy to F&B and tech, these sharks bring serious knowledge, regional impact, and an appetite for bold ideas. With filming rumored to begin in just a few weeks, here's your first look at the all-star lineup: Maroun Chammas Chairman & CEO of Medco | CEO of Berytech At the helm of one of Lebanon's largest energy companies, Maroun also heads Berytech — a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. With deep roots in tech, startups, and investment, he's a powerhouse in both traditional and future-focused sectors. George Karam Investor | Former Dragon on Dragon's Den (Quebec) Lebanese-Canadian entrepreneur and investor, George made a name for himself as a guest Dragon on Quebec's Dans l'œil du dragon (the French-Canadian Dragon's Den). Now, he's diving into Lebanon's tank — ready to back bold ideas and strong founders. Christine Assouad CEO of Dunkin Middle East | Co-founder of Semsom A force in the F&B world, Christine leads Dunkin across the Middle East and is the co-founder of the Lebanese restaurant brand Semsom. With a mix of corporate experience and entrepreneurial hustle, she brings serious food and franchise expertise to the tank. Hassan Ezzeddine Executive Chairman, Gray Mackenzie Retail Lebanon With a deep understanding of Lebanon's retail landscape, Hassan oversees one of the country's biggest retail and distribution companies. He knows how to scale operations, build distribution, and lead teams — even in tough markets. GMRL owns brands like Spinneys, Happy, and recently acquired NokNok. Alain Bejjani Former CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Until recently, Alain was the CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Group, the regional giant behind Mall of the Emirates, Carrefour Middle East, and more. Known for transforming MAF into a future-ready conglomerate, Alain brings regional leadership and long-term strategy to the table. Shark Tank Lebanon is set to shake up the business scene, giving local entrepreneurs a shot at real investment and mentorship from Lebanon's top business minds.
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
First Vida-branded residences to come up in Abu Dhabi
In a landmark move set to reshape lifestyle-led real estate in the capital, Alain, a leading Abu Dhabi-based asset management company, has joined hands with Vida Hotels & Resorts, a vibrant lifestyle brand by Emaar Hospitality Group, to launch the first Vida-branded residences in Abu Dhabi. The new project, Vida Residences Saadiyat Island, introduces a contemporary, fully furnished living concept with 121 one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, where creative design meets effortless sophistication, it stated. Saadiyat Island, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum, is the cultural soul of the UAE, where soft sandy shores meet world-renowned museums and galleries. Just minutes from the city centre yet surrounded by calm, it offers residents an unmatched blend of cultural vibrancy, architectural excellence, and beachside tranquillity, making it a new lifestyle address in Abu Dhabi's cultural capital. In this exceptional location, Vida Residences Saadiyat Island brings a fresh, vibrant energy to the capital, said the Emirati asset manager in a statement. Vida's signature approach to community living ensures that each residence is not just a home but part of a curated lifestyle designed for thinkers, dreamers, and modern explorers seeking a dynamic connection with Abu Dhabi's thriving cultural and social scene, it added. Alain Group CEO Rabih Elie Karam said the launch of Vida Residences on Saadiyat Island is another step in its commitment to shaping the future of living in Abu Dhabi. "In partnership with Vida Hotels & Resorts, we are delivering a development that goes beyond traditional residential offerings, where cultural connection, and lifestyle quality come together to create an exceptional living experience and enduring value for our city," he noted. Nicolas Bellaton, Head of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: "We are pleased to partner with Alain to bring Vida's vibrant hospitality lifestyle to Saadiyat Island. This launch is an exciting milestone for Vida as we expand our footprint in Abu Dhabi, offering residents a living experience that blends design, energy, and culture in a way only Vida can. We look forward to seeing this development become a sought-after landmark in Abu Dhabi." Karam said this launch underscores Alain's commitment to shaping a portfolio that seamlessly blends lifestyle aspirations with long-term investment value, reflecting its vision for the future of urban living in the UAE. It is a testament to our dedication to creating thoughtfully designed developments that go beyond providing homes, by fostering vibrant, connected communities that inspire and enrich daily life. "Through projects like Vida Residences Saadiyat Island, we aim to contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of Abu Dhabi, delivering spaces that elevate the way people live while generating enduring value for our residents, partners, and the wider community," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Enko Capital welcomes commitment from IFC to new Impact Credit Fund
LONDON, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enko Capital ('Enko'), an African-focused asset management firm managing debt, private debt, equity and private equity investments across Africa, has welcomed commitment from International Finance Corporation ('IFC') to its new Impact Credit Fund ('EICF'). The commitment has been confirmed by IFC with the planned equity investment in the fund being up to the lower of US$25 million or 20% of total Limited Partner (LP) commitment to EICF. The project is being processed under IFC's Debt Funds Project (DFP) Investment Framework. EICF is Enko's first private credit vehicle. It has a target LP commitment size of US$150 million, targeting US$80 million at first close, expected to take place in Q3 2025. EICF's objective is to invest in a diversified portfolio of USD denominated senior secured and unsecured debt to mid-sized corporates in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. EICF will seek to invest in SDG-aligned, ESG focused and gender-oriented businesses, while generating commercial returns and utilising guarantees, insurance wraps and collateral to hedge downside credit risks. Alain Nkontchou, Managing Partner of Enko, said, 'We are delighted to have received this invaluable support from IFC for our debut private credit fund. The fund will provide critical growth capital for mid-market SMEs on the continent and will deliver both positive social impact and compelling risk-adjusted returns. This growth capital can help address the massive funding gap which businesses on the continent face while driving sustainable development.' About Enko: Enko Capital ('Enko'), is an African-focused asset management firm managing debt, private debt, equity and private equity investments across Africa. Enko offers deep knowledge of the continent combined with best-in-class investment expertise. Enko was founded in 2008 by Alain and Cyrille Nkontchou, and has over $1bn in assets under management. Contact:
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Enko Capital welcomes commitment from IFC to new Impact Credit Fund
LONDON, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enko Capital ('Enko'), an African-focused asset management firm managing debt, private debt, equity and private equity investments across Africa, has welcomed commitment from International Finance Corporation ('IFC') to its new Impact Credit Fund ('EICF'). The commitment has been confirmed by IFC with the planned equity investment in the fund being up to the lower of US$25 million or 20% of total Limited Partner (LP) commitment to EICF. The project is being processed under IFC's Debt Funds Project (DFP) Investment Framework. EICF is Enko's first private credit vehicle. It has a target LP commitment size of US$150 million, targeting US$80 million at first close, expected to take place in Q3 2025. EICF's objective is to invest in a diversified portfolio of USD denominated senior secured and unsecured debt to mid-sized corporates in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. EICF will seek to invest in SDG-aligned, ESG focused and gender-oriented businesses, while generating commercial returns and utilising guarantees, insurance wraps and collateral to hedge downside credit risks. Alain Nkontchou, Managing Partner of Enko, said, 'We are delighted to have received this invaluable support from IFC for our debut private credit fund. The fund will provide critical growth capital for mid-market SMEs on the continent and will deliver both positive social impact and compelling risk-adjusted returns. This growth capital can help address the massive funding gap which businesses on the continent face while driving sustainable development.' About Enko: Enko Capital ('Enko'), is an African-focused asset management firm managing debt, private debt, equity and private equity investments across Africa. Enko offers deep knowledge of the continent combined with best-in-class investment expertise. Enko was founded in 2008 by Alain and Cyrille Nkontchou, and has over $1bn in assets under management. Contact: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chanel might hold off dividend payment for 2024 as profits tumble by 30%
Chanel is the latest luxury company to succumb to a sector-wide downturn that has weakened several of its larger French competitors, including LVMH and Kering. The London-headquartered tweed suit maker saw revenues and operating profits fall 4.3% and 30%, respectively, in 2024—a sharp drop for a company that had weathered the initial shock of the luxury slowdown. Meanwhile, its capital expenditure jumped 43% to $1.8 billion as Chanel expanded its stores and targeted new markets and creative endeavors. As Chanel navigates a tricky year, its dividend for 2024 may take a backseat. The luxury giant hasn't disclosed or proposed a final dividend yet, according to a filing reported by Bloomberg. But a spokesperson told Fortune that the board will decide any payments in the coming months. Last year, the Wertheimer family behind Chanel received a $5.7 billion dividend, marking the largest payout in six years following strong 2023 results. Brothers Alain and Gerard, the owners of privately held Chanel, made a whopping $12.4 billion over the last three financial years thanks to a luxury spending splurge. The Wertheimers' family investment office, Mousse Partners, is overseen by their half-brother, Charles Heilbronn. It invests in various companies in the clothing and personal products industry and was also among the companies that took the Franco-British investment bank Rothschild private in 2023. Chanel's earnings were dragged down by a slower appetite from high-end shoppers due to macroeconomic challenges and the company's aggressive price increases. Bernstein SG analysts, led by Luca Solca, noted that the brand had increased prices by 59%—the highest compared to other luxury players—between 2020 and 2023. But its price rises are slowing now, as Chanel plans to make increases in line with inflation going forward, CFO Philippe Blondiaux told Reuters. 'Chanel's management may blame the macroeconomic context for their performance — we aren't buying it — but their decision to hold off on price increases in 2025 and potentially even absorb U.S. tariffs suggests they know better,' Solca wrote in the note. Other luxury companies have also been dealing with headwinds similar to Chanel's. LVMH, for instance, reported a 2% drop in revenues in 2024 compared to a year earlier, higher than analyst expectations but still reflecting muted demand for luxury goods. Tariffs and their impact could result in further uncertainty for luxury labels, which might have to increase prices, move some production, or find alternate ways to cope with how the additional levies impact consumer confidence worldwide. 'As a 100-year brand, we expect ebbs and flows. Our philosophy has always been to act with a long-term view, propelled by the singularity of the Chanel brand,' CEO Leena Nair said in a statement when reporting annual results on Tuesday. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
