Kreston expands MENA presence with new firms in Bahrain and Kuwait
Global professional services network Kreston has expanded its footprint in the Middle East with the addition of two new member firms: Johar and Partners in Kuwait, and Awael Public Accountants and Management Consultants in Bahrain.
Founded in 2011 by managing partner Abdullatif Johar, who works alongside senior partner Mohammed Ali, Johar and Partners specialises in providing audit and assurance, financial advisory, accounting, risk, tax and zakat and bookkeeping services to businesses in Kuwait.
In addition to the two partners, the firm – which now operates as Kreston Kuwait – comprises 17 other fee-earners and three administrative staff.
Commenting on the affiliation with Kreston, Abdullatif Johar said: “Kreston stood out amongst potential partners as we move towards this new, exciting phase in our development. We were struck by the advanced technological platforms and resources underpinning Kreston’s global community, but also by the culture of empowering member firms to determine their own path.”
Meanwhile, in Bahrain, the addition of Awael Public Accountants and Management Consultants boosts Kreston headcount in the region with 15. The firm was founded in 2014 by Abbas Radhi, a former partner and deputy chairman of BDO (Bahrain, Qatar and Oman) and PwC (Bahrain and Qatar).
Today the firm is co-led by Derrick D’Costa, who previously also held senior management positions in the fields of auditing, advisory, corporate finance and management consultancy with large accounting firms, in India and in Bahrain.
The Manama-based professional services firm (which now operates as Kreston Bahrain) works for clients ranging from large international entities to owner-managed businesses, with a particular expertise in sectors including construction, retail and hospitality.
Managing partner Abbas Radhi said: “Having worked alongside Kreston firms for many years they were a natural partner for us as we look to develop our offering. We found them to be passionate and sincere. There were a number of natural synergies but we were particularly drawn to the depth and breadth of expertise across the network, their commitment to integrity and the emphasis on collaboration underpinned by technology.”
Liza Robbins, the Chief Executive of Kreston, said: “Johar and Partners has an excellent reputation in the Kuwaiti audit and advisory landscape, and similarly, Awael Public Accountants has established an excellent reputation since its foundation. We look forward to working with them to forge links throughout the network and beyond.”
Headquartered in the UK, Kreston is a network of 22,000 people working at 170 independent accounting and consulting firms across more than 120 countries. The group was founded 50 years ago.
In the Middle East, Kreston has offices in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, the Palestinian Territory, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.