BrazilMathew Benson takes over as EY Transactions leader for MENA
Professional services firm EY has welcomed company veteran Mathew Benson as its new Transaction Advisory Services leader for the Middle East and North Africa.
Company veteran Mathew Benson has taken up his new post as the leader of Ernst & Young’s Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) practice across the Middle East and North Africa – covering 21 offices in 16 countries. Benson first joined EY’s London office in 1994, and has during his career with the professional services firm amassed over 17 years of experiences in the transaction advisory space.
“Matthew’s experience across key markets and enthusiasm to lead a team that embraces a digital transaction mindset reiterates our commitment to helping clients work more efficiently and effectively,” said EY MENA Chairman Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim. “The MENA region is home to some of the fastest-growing economies and businesses in the world today, which require disruptive and innovative solutions that will support them in reshaping their strategies for a better future.”
After joining the firm in London following the completion of a B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Bristol (since complemented with an MBA attained with Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business), Benson in 1999 joined EY in Frankfurt, spending altogether 14 years in Germany before relocating to Dubai in 2013 where he has served as EY’s EMEIA Transaction Diligence Leader.
In addition to expertise in due diligence, Benson’s transaction advisory experience includes acquisition and vendor transaction support services to international strategic and financial investors, as well as independent business review work. The new TAS leader recently drew attention for his two-year study on the economic impact of Expo 2020 Dubai, concluding a $33.4 billion boon to the UAE economy and the creation of over 900,000 job years.
“I am very excited to be leading the transactions team in the MENA region during this increasingly digital and disrupted business environment,” Benson said of his appointment. “I strongly believe that our team can be a meaningful force for positive change in the region, helping drive long-term economic and social prosperity by helping public and private clients manage their capital agendas.”
“We are very proud of being recognised at both the International Finance and Mergermarket awards for our innovative services and commitment to delivering the best possible outcome for our stakeholders,” added Matthews, referring to the firm’s recent International Finance Awards’ Best Corporate Advisory Firm – UAE 2019 nod and Best Technology M&A Financial Advisor award for MENA from Mergermarket.
According to the firm, EY’s regional TAS team works closely with strategy consulting arm EY-Parthenon, with the practice serving clients in the energy, financial services, government, real estate,, TMT, healthcare, and education sectors among others with provisions including core transaction services due diligence, valuations, and M&A advisory, along with a portfolio management, capital allocation solutions, and growth and transformation strategies.
