Executive Summary
Throughout Q1 2020, the GCC market observed a total of 24 closed M&A transactions, a significant decrease relative to the same period in the previous year. Overall, the total number of closed transactions decreased by 51% relative to the previous quarter, and 52% relative to the previous year. The UAE dominated the market yet again as it accounted for 50% of the total closed transactions, followed by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, who accounted for 21% and 13%, respectively. In addition, all of the GCC countries, with the exception of Qatar, experienced a reduction in the number of closed transactions when compared to the previous quarter.
