ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Investcorp, a global alternative investment manager, has announced the acquisition of a strategic stake in Metra, a UAE-headquartered value-added IT distributor.
The transaction marks Investcorp’s expansion into the GCC’s IT distribution market and represents a significant milestone for Metra, a third-generation family business that is looking to continue its expansion across the GCC region, a joint statement said.
The joint statement did not disclose the size of the stake or the value of the transaction.
Founded in 1982 and wholly family-owned since inception, Metra is rooted in the GCC region, which accounts for approximately 70% of the company’s revenues.
The company has a strong presence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, complemented by operations across the wider MENA region, including Egypt, where it has a leading position.
In 2025, Metra crossed $1 billion in sales. The company serves a large and diverse base of channel partners, including system integrators, resellers, retailers and wholesalers.
It also maintains value-added distributor partnerships with approximately 40 global IT brands, including Cisco, Dell, HP and Lenovo.
Metra’s portfolio spans high-growth technology segments, including AI solutions, cybersecurity, data centres, computing devices and a B2B online marketplace.
Walid Majdalani, Head of Investcorp Private Equity Emerging Markets, said, “Investcorp's investment in Metra reflects the firm's commitment to high-value industries across the GCC, a region where accelerating national visions centered on digital transformation, AI adoption, and cybersecurity infrastructure are creating significant growth opportunities. Metra is a strategic player in this ecosystem, ideally positioned to capture growth and market share across the market.”
Tarek Eissa, Chairman of Metra, said, “Welcoming Investcorp as Metra’s first institutional shareholder marks a defining moment in our Company’s history. Over four decades, we have built Metra into one of the region’s most respected technology distribution businesses, and this partnership with a firm of Investcorp’s calibre is a testament to the strength of what our family and team have created.”
He said Investcorp’s expertise in scaling regional businesses and navigating capital markets would be invaluable as Metra enters its next phase of growth and moves towards its IPO.
Robin Mansour, Principal at Investcorp’s Private Equity MENA team, said, “Metra's growth trajectory has been truly impressive. The Company has established itself as a driving force in value-added IT solutions, with an increasingly strong presence in advanced technology segments such as data centers and artificial intelligence.”
He said Metra has a highly capable management team and a clear strategy for organic and inorganic growth.
Mohammed Eissa, CEO of Metra, said: “Partnering with Investcorp marks an exciting new chapter for Metra. Over three generations, we have built this business on a foundation of strong partnerships, deep regional expertise, and a relentless focus on delivering value to our clients and channel partners.”
He said Investcorp’s investment is a strong endorsement of Metra’s business and the opportunity ahead, adding that the company is well placed to meet rising demand for AI solutions, cybersecurity and data centre infrastructure across the GCC and beyond.
“With Investcorp's support, we are better positioned than ever to pursue our ambitions, both organically and through strategic acquisitions, as we look towards our IPO journey,” Mohammed Eissa said.
The transaction represents the fourth investment made by Investcorp Saudi Pre-IPO Growth Fund LP. The fund is designed to identify and support companies such as Metra, which are regionally rooted, globally connected and ready for their next stage of growth.
Prior to its investment in Metra, the fund invested in NourNet, TruKKer and Salla.
Investcorp manages approximately $62 billion in assets, including assets managed by third-party managers.
The company has 14 offices in the US, Europe, GCC and Asia, including India, China, Japan and Singapore, and employs approximately 500 people from 50 nationalities globally.
Founded in 1982, Metra Group is one of the region’s leading value-added IT distributors, with a network spanning more than 40 vendors, 500 employees and 6,500 partners and resellers across the GCC and beyond.