Investcorp is a global manager of alternative investment products, for private and institutional clients. Founded in Bahrain in 1982, the firm has offices in United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, India, China, and Singapore. Its principal client base is in the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, but it also has institutional clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company's main activities involve private equity, real estate, and credit management. It typically places the private equity of companies and real estate properties it acquires directly with investors on a deal-by-deal basis and through a fund structure. In addition, the firm operates the Gulf Opportunity Fund investing in the MENA region, and a number of technology funds. Investcorp currently has approximately $22.2 billion in invested assets under management across its four asset classes. In 2011, it ranked 67th in the PEI300 (Private Equity Index 300) ranking of private equity firms by assets deployed, with $4.68bn invested in private equity over the previous five years. The company is regulated in Bahrain as a wholesale bank, and has traditionally utilised long-term and medium-term bank financing, including private placements and syndicated loans, in order to ensure a longer maturity profile. The company's capital adequacy ratio (Basel III) at 2017 December 30 was 29.8%. History The company was co-founded in 1982 by Nemir Kirdar, Elias Hallak, Mike Merritt, and Cem Cesmig and acquired Tiffany & Co in 1984, floating in 1987. In 1988, Maurizio Gucci sold almost 47.8% of Gucci to Investcorp, and withheld the other 50% until 1993. The company diversified in 1997 into hedge funds. Kirdar stepped down as CEO and executive chairman in 2015. With Kirdar resigning, Mohammad Alardhi became the executive chairmen of Investcorp. In the same year, the company's business model became more focused on raising funds, raising institutional capital, and diversifying strategies further. Investcorp made several acquisitions between 2016 and 2019, pushing into China with investments into tech and the food sector. In 2019, the company also pushed into the US market with the acquisition of Mercury Capital. Investcorp's portfolio company, Moneybookers, ended its relationship with WikiLeaks in August 2010. Investment areas Corporate investment Corporate investment is Investcorp's traditional activity. This includes mid-size companies in North America, Western Europe and MENA including Turkey, as well as technology lower mid-cap investment, through Investcorp Technology Partners. The past and present portfolio includes over 175 investments.