Sovereign Group, the leading independent global provider of corporate, private client and retirement planning services, is delighted to announce the acquisition of PRO Partner Group (PPG), one of the foremost company formation and corporate services providers in the Middle East.

This strategic acquisition combines the regional strength of PPG in the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia with the global reach of Sovereign Group to deliver tangible benefits and opportunities to the clients and staff of both parties.

PPG provides security, efficiency and local knowledge to international corporations and investors looking to set up within the GCC, while the Sovereign Group offers integrated advice, products and services to internationally mobile businesses and people with complex needs.

Following the acquisition, PPG’s staff will remain in their existing offices and will continue to operate under the PPG brand, except in Saudi Arabia where PPG and Sovereign will partner together and co-brand.

Commenting on the deal, Sovereign Group CEO, Gerry Kelly said: “We have been looking to expand our presence in the Middle East and Africa region and to increase our capacity in the corporate client market and I believe we have found a great fit in PPG. As we explored this deal and got to know Jane and the PPG team, it soon became apparent that we were very aligned in our outlooks.”

“In staffing terms, this partnership brings our headcount in the Middle East and Africa to almost 200, making us one of the best resourced corporate service providers in the region. It also gives our client base a platform in Oman and Qatar for the first time. We are very excited by this acquisition and are delighted to welcome PPG staff and clients to the Sovereign Group.”

Commenting, Jane Ashford, Founder and Chair of PRO Partner Group said: “For nearly eight years, the dedicated team at PPG has focused on growing the company in the region and serving clients from around the world. When I initiated discussion with Gerry and his team, it became clear that they value our work and share our fundamental ethics and company culture.”

“I look forward to remaining on the board of PPG, supporting the company to achieve its goals. This new chapter will further help us protect our clients and provide opportunities for the team to flourish within a global operation.”

Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the GCC increased by 12.4% to US$27.7 billion in 2020, led by strong increases in inflows into Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE, according to the UN’s annual World Investment Report (WIR), released in June 2021.

The upward regional trend is expected to continue as new laws bed in – notably, the UAE’s FDI Decree, permitting 100% foreign ownership of onshore companies, and Saudi Arabia’s Private Sector Participation Law, setting out a clear framework for privatisation as Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) – and as global investment picks up.

About Sovereign Group:

Sovereign began in Gibraltar in 1987 and has since grown into one of the largest independent corporate and trust service providers in the world. We have established a global office network and currently manage over 20,000 structures for a wide variety of clients – companies, entrepreneurs, private investors or high-net-worth individuals and their families. Assets under administration now exceed £20 billion.

We pride ourselves on the exceptional breadth and depth of our technical knowledge; our culture is entrepreneurial, but we are fully committed to maintaining compliance and promoting ethical conduct. We hold the appropriate authorisations in all jurisdictions that require us to be licensed.

We are also immensely proud of the charitable work of the Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF). Established in 2003, it has now raised over US$10 million to help underprivileged children build confidence and overcome trauma through the medium of art.

Contact number: +971 4 270 3400

Email Address: dubai@SovereignGroup.com

Website: www.SovereignGroup.com

Twitter: @SovereignTrust

LinkedIn: @TheSovereignGroup

SAF: www.sovereignartfoundation.com

How can PRO Partner Group help? 

If you have any enquiries or require assistance with any company related set up restructuring, local partner or PRO support matter in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the wider UAE, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia then please do get in touch with us on +971 (0)4 456 1761 for Dubai or +971 (0)2 448 5120 for Abu Dhabi, email us at info@propartnergroup.com or complete the contact form below and we will be delighted to assist you.