QINVEST announcedthe successful exit of a real estate mezzanine murabaha transaction in the US.The transaction, backed by a diversified portfolio of 17 assets, generated anIRR of 14.9% (representing a 1.23x multiple) over 20 months.

Tamim HamadAl-Kawari, Chief Executive Officer of QINVEST, said:“While 2017 has beennotable for adverse market conditions in the region, QINVEST has witnessedcontinuing investor appetite for the international real estate sector, withparticular interest in the US market. A return of almost 15% over 20 monthsreflects a strong return for a mezzanine transaction given the conservative levelof risk."

“Across the year, we have seen strong performancewithin our Real Estate division demonstrating the sustainability and resilienceof our business strategy and professionalism of our team. We will continue toinvest in key global markets on an opportunistic basis as we focus ondelivering sustainable value for clients and shareholders.”

Craig Cowie, Headof Real Estate Investments & Advisory at QINVEST, said: “The real estatemarket continues to be a strategic priority for QINVEST. As part of ourstrategy of originating new investment opportunities, across both the debt andequity segment, we have closed several real estate transactions this year. Thelatest is the mezzanine murabaha of a diversified portfolio of 17 US assets."

“Since inception, the Real Estate division hasinvested over US$ 1 billion of QINVEST’s balance sheet and advised ontransactions with an aggregate value of over US$ 4 billion. We are committed toproviding effective financing solutions for real estate transactions in Qatarand in international markets, such as Continental Europe, UK and the US.”

Participating in arecent flagship industry event, “Doing Business and Investing in the UnitedStates & Qatar Forum”, Vaughn Weatherdon, a director in QINVEST’s RealEstate division, shared his insights and experience regarding investmentopportunities in the USA real estate sector, a market in which QINVEST has astrong, long-term track record. In front of an audience of business leaders anddecision makers, Mr Weatherdon described QInvest’s strategy regarding USproperty given investor preferences and where optimum returns can be made