The Financial Times has said that Qatar badly damaged its reputation as a credible financial investor by taking more than three months to bid for J Sainsbury, the UK supermarket group. "The idea that Qatar is concerned about paying an extra £500 mn of equity on top of the £4.8 bn already committed, is absurd," according to the influential newspaper, before comparing QIA unfavorably to Dubai's investment vehicle. "Dubai Holding does not disrupt public businesses because of its own internal politics. Imagine what shareholders would think of buy-out firms such as Blackstone or CVC if they pulled deals at the last minute because of partner politics? Western governments and the International Monetary Fund continuously express their concerns about the opacity of sovereign wealth funds and their acquisition of international assets. But a much more pressing issue is allowing funds such as Qatar’s investment authority to treat blue-chip companies, their shareholders and their employees as amusing playthings for their entertainment."
This is on QJ ("Sainsbury bid has hurt Qatar's reputation")
The Financial Times has said that Qatar badly damaged its reputation as a credible financial investor by taking more than three months to bid for J Sainsbury, the UK supermarket group. "The idea that Qatar is concerned about paying an extra £500 mn of equity on top of the £4.8 bn already committed, is absurd," according to the influential newspaper, before comparing QIA unfavorably to Dubai's investment vehicle. "Dubai Holding does not disrupt public businesses because of its own internal politics. Imagine what shareholders would think of buy-out firms such as Blackstone or CVC if they pulled deals at the last minute because of partner politics? Western governments and the International Monetary Fund continuously express their concerns about the opacity of sovereign wealth funds and their acquisition of international assets. But a much more pressing issue is allowing funds such as Qatar’s investment authority to treat blue-chip companies, their shareholders and their employees as amusing playthings for their entertainment."