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M&A Advisory · Qatar · QFC · UAE-Qatar Corridor · CFA-Led

M&A Advisory Services Qatar

Full-service M&A advisory for businesses buying or selling in Qatar, and for UAE and GCC investors targeting Qatari acquisitions. Sell-side mandates, buy-side acquisitions, financial due diligence, and fundraising for Doha-based and QFC-incorporated businesses. Every mandate led by our senior CFA, CA and ACCA qualified team with 15+ years of Big 4 M&A experience.

Last updated: July 2026

Direct Answer

M&A advisory in Qatar covers the full range of services for buying or selling a business, independent business valuation, sell-side mandate management, buy-side advisory, financial due diligence, fundraising from QFC-regulated and GCC investors, and cross-border transaction advisory. CFA-led M&A advisory for Qatari mid-market transactions from QAR 5M, with QFC regulatory knowledge. Fixed fee. Fees agreed upfront.

M&A Advisory Qatar Sell My Business Qatar Buy a Business Qatar UAE-Qatar Cross-Border M&A Financial Due Diligence Qatar QFC Advisory Qatar Vision 2030 M&A QIA Investment Activity Qatar Stock Exchange M&A Exit Planning Qatar Fundraising Qatar
CFA Charterholder & Chartered Accountant
Big 4-Trained · 15+ Years Experience
Fees Agreed Upfront
QFC & UAE-Qatar Corridor Specialist
QAR 5M+
Minimum Deal Size
4–8 Months
Typical Sale Timeline
2%–5%
Fees Agreed Upfront
CFA-Led
CFA, CA & ACCA Every Engagement
Why Doha Clients Choose Us QFC & Onshore MOCI Structuring CFA-Led, Not Junior-Delegated Fees Agreed Upfront
Our Services

Full-Service M&A Advisory
Across Qatar

Whether selling a Qatari business, acquiring a target in Doha or via the QFC, or a GCC investor deploying capital into Qatar's Vision 2030 economy, we manage the complete process, senior-led, from start to close.

Exit Advisory

Sell a Business Qatar

We manage the complete sale process for Qatari business owners, onshore MOCI-registered companies and QFC-incorporated entities. Vision 2030 diversification is accelerating consolidation in healthcare, education, and technology.

Pre-sale financial review and independent valuation
CIM and management presentation preparation
Data room structuring and management
Buyer identification, GCC strategic, UAE family offices, QFC-licensed PE
Negotiation of heads of terms and deal structure
QCB, QFCRA, and MOCI regulatory coordination
Acquisition Advisory

Buy a Business Qatar

We represent buyers acquiring Qatari businesses, UAE corporate groups, GCC sovereign vehicles, and international acquirers. Requires understanding the distinction between onshore MOCI-registered and QFC-incorporated entities.

Target identification, QFC and onshore Qatar
QCB and QFCRA regulatory timetable planning
Financial due diligence and quality of earnings
Independent valuation and price benchmarking
LOI and heads of terms support
UAE-Qatar cross-border deal structuring
Transaction Support

Financial Due Diligence Qatar

Independent FDD for buyers acquiring Qatari businesses. Our QoE report identifies sustainable EBITDA, adjusts for QFC vs onshore tax treatment, government contract revenue dependency, and related-party transactions. Delivered in 3–4 weeks.

Quality of earnings (QoE) and normalised EBITDA
Working capital analysis and peg setting
Net debt and debt-like items
Government contract revenue sustainability analysis
QFC vs onshore tax position review
Related-party and family group transaction identification
Exit Strategy

Exit Strategy & Deal Structuring Qatar

Pre-transaction exit strategy for Qatari owners, onshore or QFC-incorporated. Optimal deal structure determined before buyers are approached: ownership transfer mechanics, QFCRA/QCB requirements, earn-out conditions, and buyer preference alignment.

Exit route analysis, full sale, partial sale, MBO, or IPO
QFC vs onshore deal structure optimisation
QFCRA and QCB regulatory timetable planning
Earn-out and deferred consideration structuring
Management retention and incentive structure design
GCC and international buyer deal preference alignment
Capital Advisory

Capital Raising Advisory Qatar

Fundraising advisory for Qatari businesses seeking growth capital from QIA-linked vehicles, QFC-regulated funds, GCC family offices, and international investors. We prepare investor materials and manage the process to term sheet.

Investor-ready financial model and business plan
Pre-raise independent valuation (IVS-compliant)
Investor deck and CIM preparation
QFC fund and QIA-linked investor outreach support
Term sheet review and deal structure advisory
Series A through pre-IPO growth capital
Cross-Border

UAE-Qatar Transaction Advisory

Specialist advisory for the UAE-Qatar corridor. We understand both jurisdictions: UAE CT (9%), ADGM/DIFC structures, Qatar 10% CIT for non-GCC entities, QFC tax rules, and the GCC economic agreement.

UAE-Qatar holding structure planning
QFC vs onshore ownership structure guidance
GCC unified economic agreement application
ADGM and DIFC holdco structures for Qatar acquisitions
Cross-border profit repatriation structuring
QCB and QFCRA change of control planning
Why Corvian Advisory

What Sets Us Apart
for Qatar M&A

Qatar's M&A market operates across two distinct legal environments, the QFC perimeter and the onshore MOCI-registered market, each with its own regulatory, ownership, and tax framework. Advisors unfamiliar with this structure misread ownership rights and regulatory requirements, creating avoidable transaction risk.

Qatar's economy is undergoing genuine diversification under Vision 2030. Government-linked entities, QIA-connected vehicles, and international investors are all acquiring Qatari businesses at scale.

"Qatar's Vision 2030 is creating the most sustained wave of institutional M&A activity in the country's history. We help Qatari business owners and GCC investors navigate it with precision."

01
QFC & Onshore Qatar Knowledge

Deep understanding of both QFC-incorporated and onshore MOCI-registered entity structures, ownership rules, and the legal/tax differences between them.

02
UAE & GCC Buyer Network

Established relationships with UAE corporate groups, GCC family offices, and international PE funds with active Qatar acquisition mandates.

03
Vision 2030 Sector Intelligence

Current knowledge of Qatar Vision 2030 privatisation programs, QIA investment mandates, and consolidation sectors, healthcare, education, logistics, fintech.

04
Fixed Fees, Agreed Upfront.

M&A mandate fees are agreed upfront. Standalone valuation and due diligence services fixed-fee, agreed upfront.

05
Government Contract Analysis

Specialist analysis of government contract dependency, assessing contract renewal risk, QNV 2030 alignment, and post-acquisition revenue sustainability.

06
CFA-Led Throughout

Our senior team works directly on every mandate from day one to close, with no delegation to juniors.

Qatar M&A Market

The Qatar M&A Landscape
in 2025 & 2026

Qatar's post-World Cup economy is executing Vision 2030's diversification agenda at scale, creating sustained M&A activity across non-hydrocarbon sectors with deep sovereign and institutional capital availability.

Qatar M&A Market Drivers in 2025–2026

Vision 2030 privatisation is the primary structural driver: the government is actively reducing direct ownership in healthcare, education, logistics, and utilities. QNV-aligned buyers include QIA-connected vehicles, government-linked entities, and international PE funds with QFC-registered operations.

The second driver is the post-2022 World Cup infrastructure dividend, quality operating businesses in hospitality, transport, and technology are now seeking strategic partners or acquirers.

Third, QFC's continued expansion is deepening the pool of QFC-incorporated buyers, hosting over 1,400 firms, with the QFC Innovation Hub driving fintech M&A activity.

Most Active Qatar M&A Sectors

SectorEV/EBITDAActivity
Healthcare & Medical9–15xVery Active
Financial Services (QFC)8–14xVery Active
Technology & Fintech10–20xActive
Education & Training7–13xGrowing
Hospitality & Tourism7–12xGrowing
Logistics & Supply Chain6–10xStrategic
Retail & Consumer5–9xGrowing
Energy Services & LNG5–10xStrategic

Indicative EV/EBITDA multiples from GCC and Qatar mid-market M&A comparables.

Key Structural Considerations for Qatar M&A

Qatar M&A involves two distinct legal frameworks (QFC and onshore) and a unique tax and regulatory environment.

Qatar levies 10% corporate income tax on non-Qatari-owned onshore entities; GCC-owned entities generally exempt
No VAT in Qatar (not implemented as of 2026), a significant structural difference from UAE and Bahrain
QFC entities: 100% foreign ownership permitted, English law contracts, QFCRA oversight, separate QFC court system
Onshore entities: non-Qatari ownership may be restricted to 49% in certain sectors under Commercial Companies Law
Qatar Foreign Investment Law (2019): expanded 100% foreign ownership to additional sectors outside QFC
QCB approval required for acquisitions of banks, investment firms, and insurance companies licensed in Qatar
QFMA oversight for Qatar Stock Exchange-listed company transactions
GCC nationals enjoy national treatment under the GCC Unified Economic Agreement, including ownership rights
Business Valuation Qatar

Need an Independent
Business Valuation in Qatar?

Pre-sale business valuation is a distinct service from M&A advisory, available as a standalone engagement for QFCRA regulatory purposes, family succession, shareholder disputes, and IFRS financial reporting.

Business Valuation Qatar, Standalone Service

If you need an independent IVS-compliant business valuation for Qatar, for M&A pricing, QFCRA regulatory submission, QFC entity reporting, family succession, or IFRS financial reporting, this is available as a dedicated service.

DCF, EV/EBITDA GCC market multiples, and precedent transaction analysis. Accepted by QFCRA, QSE-listed companies, and institutional investors. Delivered in 5–10 business days. From QAR 7,500.

View Business Valuation Qatar →
Our Process

How We Run a Qatar
M&A Transaction

A structured five-step process that protects confidentiality, creates competitive tension, and maximises value for Qatari business owners.

1

Pre-Sale Readiness

Independent valuation, QFC vs onshore structural assessment, EBITDA adjustments, government contract dependency, and regulatory requirements.

2

CIM & Materials

CIM, management presentation, and data room with normalised EBITDA, contract revenue analysis, and QFC or onshore ownership disclosure.

3

Buyer Outreach

Confidential approach to 15–25 qualified buyers under NDA, GCC groups, UAE family offices, QFC-licensed PE, QIA-connected vehicles.

4

DD & Negotiation

Manage buyer DD; negotiate heads of terms including QCB or QFCRA regulatory approval timeline.

5

Close & Completion

SPA execution, QCB/QFMA/QFCRA regulatory approvals where required, and transaction close.

Transparent Pricing

What M&A Advisory
Costs in Qatar

Corvian structures every mandate with a fixed, agreed fee before work begins, including M&A mandates.

"Qatar's M&A market rewards advisors who understand QFC structures, government contract analysis, and the Vision 2030 buyer mandate. Generic advisory leaves significant value on the table."

M&A Advisory (Sell-Side)
Fees Agreed Upfront

Fees agreed upfront for most mandates. Minimum fee applies.

Pre-sale valuation included
CIM & data room preparation
UAE and GCC buyer outreach
Negotiation through to close
Financial Due Diligence Qatar
QAR 15K–50K

Fixed fee based on target size and scope. Includes QoE, working capital, government contract, and QFC tax analysis.

Quality of earnings report
Working capital analysis
Government contract analysis
QFC vs onshore tax review
Buy a Business Qatar
Fees Agreed Upfront

Target identification, QFC and onshore Qatar
Financial due diligence and QoE analysis
QFCRA and QCB regulatory timetable planning
LOI, heads of terms & SPA negotiation

Intangible asset valuation and IFRS 3 PPA from QAR 10,000. All fees fixed and agreed before engagement starts.

The QFC Question

Most Advisors Guess at QFC vs Onshore. We Don't.

With Corvian
✓ QFC vs onshore MOCI structuring assessed before any buyer is approached
✓ CFA Charterholder personally leads the process, start to close
✓ Fees agreed upfront, regardless of deal size
✓ Direct network of UAE and GCC buyers already active in Qatar
Typical Generalist Advisor
— QFC/onshore distinction addressed only once a buyer raises it mid-process
— A partner opens the relationship, a junior associate runs the file
— Pricing not disclosed until after several meetings
— Buyer outreach limited to whoever responds to a broad mailer
Track Record

Qatar Mandates at a Glance

QFC · Professional Services

Sell-side process for a QFC-licensed professional services firm; structured outreach under NDA closed with a strategic acquirer inside the target window. Client identity withheld per our engagement terms.

Onshore · Trading

Target search and FDD for a UAE group's acquisition of an onshore Qatar trading business. Specific terms confidential.

Logistics · Exit Planning

An 18-month exit readiness programme for a Qatar logistics group ended in a trade sale to a regional strategic buyer. Not disclosed beyond what's shown here.

FAQ

M&A Advisory Qatar
Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from Qatari business owners, QFC-licensed firms, and GCC acquirers considering Qatar transactions.

How do I sell my business in Qatar?
Five stages: independent valuation, CIM and data room preparation, confidential outreach under NDA, negotiating heads of terms, and legal documentation and close. Requires identifying whether QFC-incorporated or onshore MOCI-registered. Typical sale takes 4–8 months.
Does Qatar have corporate income tax?
10% CIT on non-Qatari and non-GCC-owned onshore entities. GCC-owned entities generally exempt. QFC entities: 10% on QFC-sourced income with group relief provisions. No VAT, no personal income tax, no dividend withholding tax.
What is the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and how does it affect M&A?
An onshore financial centre with its own legal, regulatory, and tax framework. QFC entities can be 100% foreign-owned, regulated by QFCRA, with English law contracts and a separate QFC court system, favoured by institutional investors.
Should I get a business valuation before selling in Qatar?
Yes, establishes a defensible asking price, identifies EBITDA normalisation adjustments relevant to QFC vs onshore structures, and ensures government contract revenue sustainability is factored into price expectations.
What sectors are most active for M&A in Qatar?
Healthcare, financial services (QFC-regulated), technology and fintech (QFC Innovation Hub), education, hospitality (post-World Cup assets), and logistics.
Can UAE buyers acquire Qatari businesses?
Under the GCC Unified Economic Agreement, UAE/GCC entities receive national treatment. QFC allows 100% foreign ownership regardless of nationality. Outside QFC, onshore ownership may be restricted to 49% in certain sectors, though the 2019 Foreign Investment Law expanded 100% ownership to more sectors.
How does the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) affect the M&A market?
QIA has over USD 450 billion in AUM. QIA-connected investment vehicles are among the most active buyers of Qatari mid-market businesses in healthcare, technology, and financial services.
How long does financial due diligence take in Qatar?
3–5 weeks from data room access to final report; 3–4 weeks typical for Corvian. Government contract-heavy businesses extend to 4–5 weeks; QFC-incorporated targets accelerate the process due to more organised records.
What M&A advisory services are available for Qatari businesses?
Sell-side advisory, buy-side advisory, financial due diligence, independent business valuation, fundraising from QFC-regulated and GCC investors, and UAE-Qatar cross-border transaction advisory. From QAR 5M deal size.
How much does M&A advisory cost in Qatar?
Sell-side/buy-side mandate fees are agreed upfront. FDD: QAR 10,000–50,000. Business valuation: QAR 7,500–35,000. Intangible valuation: QAR 10,000–45,000.
What are the key regulatory considerations for M&A in Qatar?
QFCRA for QFC-incorporated transactions, QCB approval for financial institutions, QFMA/QSE rules for listed companies, MOCI for commercial registration, and Competition Protection and Anti-Monopoly Law.
Client Feedback

What Our Clients
Say

"We were a QFC-incorporated financial services business seeking a strategic buyer. Corvian understood the QFC framework, prepared an institutional-quality CIM, and ran a process that generated four offers. The valuation they delivered was within 8% of our final agreed price."

CEO, QFC-Incorporated Financial Services Firm
Sell a Business · Qatar

"As a UAE acquirer buying a Qatari healthcare business, we needed advisors who understood both sides of the corridor. Corvian's FDD surfaced government contract renewal risk that other advisors missed, saving us materially on the final price."

CFO, UAE Healthcare Group
Buy a Business & FDD · Qatar

"We needed a QAR-denominated valuation for a Qatari retail chain in under 10 business days for a board presentation. Corvian delivered in 8 days, using appropriate GCC and Qatar market multiples, accepted by our institutional investor without revision."

Managing Director, GCC Investment Company
Business Valuation · Qatar

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Whether selling, acquiring a QFC or onshore target, or need an independent valuation, we respond within 24 hours with a clear, no-obligation scope and fee.

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