Published: February 05, 2011

MerchantBridge Mourns Tragic Death of Two Senior Executives

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BEIRUT, Lebanon , February 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chairman, Board members and staff of MerchantBridge, a leading international private equity group with extensive investments around the world and backed by investors across the Middle East , met today in Beirut to mourn the tragic deaths of two of their esteemed colleagues, Basil Al-Rahim and Abdallah Lahoud.

Mr Al Rahim, the founder and Chief Executive of MerchantBridge, and Mr Lahoud, Partner of MerchantBridge, were en route fromSulaimaniyah toBeirut when their plane crashed in unknown circumstances overIraq.

Speaking fromBeirut today, MerchantBridge Chairman, Abdulaziz Al Abdulkader said:

"Our thoughts are with the families of our much loved brothers, friends and colleagues Basil and Abdallah. We will pray for them and may God have mercy on their souls. We give thanks for all they have achieved in their lives. Speaking as Chairman of MerchantBridge, I would also like to ask that they be remembered for everything they have contributed to the commercial regeneration of theMiddle East and in particular toIraq.

"The partners and employees of MerchantBridge intend to continue the valued work of our colleagues Basil and Abdallah. We ask for a period of calm reflection whilst we decide how we best continue to advise our investors and partners."

Note to Editors

1) For all media enquiries please contact Eric Le Blan on Eric.leBlan@mbih.com

2) Detailed biographies of Mr Al Rahim and Mr Lahoud can be found at http://www.merchant-bridge.com

3)Mary Khamasmieh, M: Communications, Mobile: +971-50-2731753

SOURCE MerchantBridge