Louis Vuitton loses ground as world's most valuable luxury brand

INTERNATIONAL. Louis Vuitton's brand value declined 12% from a year ago to US$22.7 billion as competitors including Gucci and Prada gain, a new research report shows.

• Saudi Arabia leads equity issuances with listings over US$100 million, finds Deloitte
• Middle East sovereign wealth funds increasingly shifting into private equity, finds Invesco study
• Private equity focus shifts to Americas as Europe's austerity and Asia's uncertainty weaken their deal markets, finds Bain & Co

Louis Vuitton loses ground as world's most valuable luxury brand

INTERNATIONAL. Louis Vuitton's brand value declined 12% from a year ago to US$22.7 billion as competitors including Gucci and Prada gain, a new research report shows.

• Australia hits out over lengthy UAE court case
• Kerry heads to Middle East to push peace from Syria to Israel
• Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid after trophy-less season

BlackRock appoints Andrew MacKenzie as Head of iShares Middle East and Africa

UAE. New role will focus on driving sales for iShares across the Middle East and Africa, supporting existing client relationships in the official institutions arena as well as researching and prospecting new clients.

• Arqaam Capital advises Magrabi Retail on its debut investment into Turkey
• Air Arabia signs US$350 million financing deal with QNB Group & CBI
• Nakheel floats tender for ground works at The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah