EM private equity pioneers Abraaj and Aureos to merge

In a deal that will provide coverage of most of the world’s emerging economies, Dubai-based Abraaj Capital has agreed to buy UK-headquartered Aureos Capital. Both are private equity firms with well-established businesses: $6.2 billion Abraaj is focused on Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Turkey; while $1.3 billion Aureos invests in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The combined entity will have $7.5 billion in assets under management, …