Alvarez & Marsal appointed Ali Anwar a managing director and the Middle East practice leader of the firm’s global transaction advisory group, based in Dubai.

Anwar has provided financial due diligence and related services on transactions involving Middle East-based businesses. He has advised clients on more than 130 transactions/projects in the past decade in the Middle East. He has experience helping sovereign wealth funds, global and regional private equity firms, multinational corporations and family offices navigate M&A and capital markets transactions.

Additionally, Anwar has worked with clients on deal origination, market entry approaches, feasibility studies, expansion strategies, and operating model and business case development. He joined A&M after nearly 15 years at Ernst & Young, where he served as an engagement partner and a trusted advisor to some of the firm’s key clients in the Middle East.

“A&M’s integrated platform positions the firm to advise Middle East-based clients, as well as those around the world, on domestic, inbound and outbound transactions,” Anwar said. “Our Middle East transaction advisory group further amplifies A&M’s restructuring heritage and deep operational expertise. It advances our mission to drive change that helps clients turn market challenges into investment opportunities.”

“The Middle East, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is embracing a diversified economic outlook along with visionary advancements to legal and regulatory frameworks. This scenario increases the need for independent advisory services, driving our strong business growth in the region,” Tony Alvarez III, managing director and leader of A&M’s European and Middle East practices, said. “Our work on high-profile assignments across the region, including NMC in which I am personally involved, showcases our leadership, action, results differentiators. A&M’s ability to attract accomplished local talent supports our ability to build depth and breadth service offerings aligned with our integrated approach. Our expanding transaction advisory footprint, combined with Ali’s appointment, will help create value for Middle East-based businesses, sovereign wealth funds and regionally located international investors deploying capital and resources inside and outside of the region.”

“The expansion of A&M’s global transaction advisory group to the Middle East is the continuation of our firm’s global growth strategy,” Paul Aversano, managing director and global practice leader of A&M’s global transaction advisory group, said. “Ali’s experience and local market relationships align with A&M’s global network and boots-on-the-ground approach. He strengthens our ability to help clients be successful investors and maximize value amidst a fluctuating landscape regionally and globally.”