Specialist financial advisory built on global expertise

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Shaping Growth, Empowering Success

Gutmann Capital is an independent mid-market advisory firm with global reach and regional roots, focusing on M&A, capital raising, and strategic advisory services. We provide specialized offerings built on our strong industrial, hospitality and real estate expertise. Our philosophy lies in partnering with owners, management teams and investors through a partner-led execution approach to achieve outcomes that maximize the full value of what they've built.

Trusted Independent Advisor for Resilient Leaders

Our Mission
To be the leading specialist advisor to established business owners, delivering comprehensive M&A, capital raising and strategic advisory solutions through leveraging decades of advisory, investing and operating experience and a global network of partners and investors to bridge capital and client objectives.
Our Vision
To be a trusted advisory partner creating long term value for our partners and clients.
At a Glance

Consistent Track Record

Decades of global advisory experience across 150+ deals worth over $30 billion, spanning private equity, investment banking, and strategic advisory mandates across the GCC, MENA, and international markets.

$5B+

in consummated transaction value across the team.

Countries
Served

15+

Executed
Transactions

30+

Sectors
Served

15+

Select Transactions

A selection of mandates spanning acquisitions, divestitures and platform structuring, reflecting our cross-border advisory expertise.

Industrials

Exclusive financial advisor on the evaluation, structuring and execution of a North American platform

Industrials

Advisor on the majority acquisition of a leading building fasteners distributor

Industrials

Advisor on the majority acquisition of regional industrial conglomerate

Real Estate & Hospitality

Advisor on the structuring of a holding platform for two luxury hospitality assets in the Maldives

Real Estate & Hospitality

Advisor across the acquisition, refurbishment and disposal of a prime residential villa

Automobile

Advisor on a joint venture for the distribution of bespoke restored vintage cars

Sector & Regional Coverage

Global Execution with Deep Local Presence

Sector Coverage

Industrial Manufacturing
Real Estate
Financial Services
Hospitality & Retail
Education Services
Food and Beverage
Tech, Media & Telecommunication (TMT)
Energy & Utilities
Transportation & Distribution

Service Offering

We provide integrated end-to-end advisory services across the transaction lifecycle, continually tailored to client objectives and led by experienced leadership.

  • We take board and advisory seats, working alongside shareholders on governance and long-term direction
  • We run financial health checks and diagnose performance, liquidity & capital requirements to address business needs
  • We lead strategic reviews, asses growth initiatives, refine long-term priorities, portfolio choices and capital allocation
  • We conduct in-depth analysis of your organization, market and competition to advise on a transaction that unlocks shareholder value
  • We lead the entire transaction process, coordinating legal, financial and commercial advisors to ensure seamless execution
  • We design tailored transaction strategy, define optimal timing, positioning, targets and execution pathways
  • We manage negotiations with investors & lenders, structuring terms to balance growth and risk management
  • We evaluate the implications of financing structures on enterprise value, control, governance and stakeholder outcomes
  • We develop forward-looking financing frameworks that support expansion plans and value creation objectives
  • We lead operational turnarounds, working alongside management to stabilise performance and rebuild margins
  • We structure cross-border joint ventures and partnerships, from partner selection to commerical terms
  • We drive greenfield projects and commercial expansion, from feasibility through to delivery
Strategic Advisory
  • We take board and advisory seats, working alongside shareholders on governance and long-term direction
  • We run financial health checks and diagnose performance, liquidity & capital requirements to address business needs
  • We lead strategic reviews, asses growth initiatives, refine long-term priorities, portfolio choices and capital allocation
Mergers and Acquisitions
  • We conduct in-depth analysis of your organization, market and competition to advise on a transaction that unlocks shareholder value
  • We lead the entire transaction process, coordinating legal, financial and commercial advisors to ensure seamless execution
  • We design tailored transaction strategy, define optimal timing, positioning, targets and execution pathways
Debt Advisory
  • We manage negotiations with investors & lenders, structuring terms to balance growth and risk management
  • We evaluate the implications of financing structures on enterprise value, control, governance and stakeholder outcomes
  • We develop forward-looking financing frameworks that support expansion plans and value creation objectives
Special Situations
  • We lead operational turnarounds, working alongside management to stabilise performance and rebuild margins
  • We structure cross-border joint ventures and partnerships, from partner selection to commerical terms
  • We drive greenfield projects and commercial expansion, from feasibility through to delivery

Competitive Advantage

Institutional-grade advisory combining investment banking rigor with an investor mindset

Strategy & Value
Conceptualization

  • In-depth analysis of your organization, market and competition to advise on optimal strategy to generate sustainable shareholder returns
  • Deep knowledge of emerging trends, M&A objectives, financing structures, and valuations

Deep
Relationships

  • Real-time market knowledge through continuous dialogue with decision makers and market participants
  • Our M&A expertise and experience consulting Gutmann group across principal investments gives us unique insights and strong relationships with relevant targets and buyers

Execution
Excellence

  • End-to-end strategy formation and transaction execution from origination to close with a proven ability to close complex deals
  • Strong mediation and stakeholder management, whilst providing strategic guidance to management teams

Regional
Advantage

  • Strong on-the-ground presence across MENA, Asia & North America, bolstering cross-border perspectives and execution capabilities
  • Thorough understanding of local regulations and business culture

Leadership
Depth

  • Senior leadership with 50+ years of combined investment and strategy experience, comprising operators, investment bankers and private equity professionals
  • Partner-led involvement across every mandate

Our Team is the Strength of Our Endeavors

Managing Success

Gutmann Capital’s core team has spent years cultivating deep roots within the advisory landscape in the GCC region.

Leadership Team

Nael Afieh
Chairman
Nael Afieh is a distinguished business leader and professional architect with a robust background in architectural engineering. He leverages his extensive expertise in both the aesthetic and technical realms of construction and design to drive innovation and growth.As the Managing Partner of Gutmann ME and Chairman of Gutmann Capital, Nael oversees operations and spearheads strategic growth initiatives: his visionary approach and dedication to client relations have solidified Gutmann's reputation as a leader in the construction industry.Previously, he served as the MD of Schuco, a leading provider of architectural envelope systems, further establishing his reputation for excellence.
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Syed Ahmed
CFO & Board Member
Syed is a recognized financial leader with substantial experience in financial management and stewardship, having developed his expertise over 17 years in the financial and manufacturing sectors across the Middle East and Asia.Currently serving as the Group CFO at Gutmann Middle East, Syed is pivotal in developing and driving the financial strategy, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to maintain the company's fiscal health, stability, and long-term growth.Syed's prior roles include Finance Director at Mabani Steel (Al Rajhi), and senior positions at PWC, Jaffali Group, and Rostamani Group, overseeing operations in the Middle East.
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Waleed Dhaduk
CEO & Board Member
Waleed is a seasoned principal investor and platform builder with 25+ years of deep experience across industrials, hospitality and real estate. He has built, scaled and exited businesses, served on boards and structured complex transactions across the GCC, Europe, and NA.Currently serving as the CEO & Board Member of Gutmann Capital, Waleed drives the firm's overall strategic vision, leads principal investment activities, and oversees platform growth and value creation.Previously, he was the CEO of Emaar Industries and Investments, leading its private equity practice, following senior roles at Stratum Advisors and EY. Waleed holds degrees from the University of Cambridge and Queen's University.
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Krishna Dhanak
Managing Director
Krishna leads M&A, capital raising, and restructuring initiatives, advising clients on cross-border transactions. He brings extensive senior leadership experience from roles at Wusoom Holdings, Alpen Capital, and KPMG. Krishna is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
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Execution Team

Anas Memon
Associate
Anas manages the origination, structuring, and execution of transactions across the deal lifecycle. He acquired foundational investment banking experience during his tenures at Alpen Capital and Alantra. Anas holds a BSc and an M1 degree from ESSEC Business School.
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Sanad Afieh
Senior Analyst
Sanad supports diligence, financial modeling, and execution of advisory engagements as well as investments. He gained investment banking, debt advisory, and RE private equity experience during his tenures at Alpen Capital and Innovo. Sanad holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UC San Diego.
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Ibrahim Abdel Razek
Analyst
Ibrahim supports the structuring, diligence, and execution of advisory engagements as well as investments. He gained IB and principal investment experience during his tenure at QInvest. Ibrahim holds a BSc in Banking & Finance from LSE.
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Gloria Cacayurin
Office Manager
Gloria ensures operational efficiency by overseeing executive support, client relations, and administrative controls. She built a strong foundation in previous roles at the Saudi Arabian Insurance Company BSC and Comet Global.
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