Global Strategic Advisory

Engagement
Our client, a UK-based private equity firm, was considering an investment in the Egyptian agricultural sector. The client had limited experience and no prior knowledge of agriculture in Egypt. It therefore requested stakeholder and competitor mapping, with a view to develop their understanding of the market and inform their local engagement strategy.

Investigation
Utilizing our in-house expertise, supplemented by commentary from sources within the sector, we found that the Egyptian army’s influence in this sector had increased exponentially since the 2011 revolution and that foreign investment was welcome–so long as it supplemented rather than competed with the army’s economic interests. On this basis, Gryphon began to map the relevant army stakeholders, including economic committees relevant to this sector. We also identified the various bodies, ministries and political figures best positioned to support foreign investment.

Result
The client was able to identify two potential investment targets and develop a clear local engagement strategy to advance its proposed investment.

Engagement
An Asia-headquartered client was considering participation in a major government infrastructure tender offer in one of the Gulf Arab States. The client sought intelligence on its competitors in the tender. It commissioned us to map the key local decision makers on the award of the tender and the government’s priorities in awarding the contract.

Investigation
Through our in-country sources, we established that the government’s urgent priority was to attract U.S. political support for the country’s domestic and regional agenda. For that reason, we advised our client that several U.S. bidders identified in the course of competitor mapping were in a better position to win the contract. Our investigation further revealed that the successful bid would require a joint venture with a local partner and create significant local employment, which conflicted with our client’s investment plan.

Result
On the basis of our findings, the client decided not to submit a bid for this tender, saving it significant time and resources.