Western private equity firms, which have struggled to stamp their authority on the Middle Eastern region, need to adapt their strategies if they are to succeed there, according to a new academic and industry report.

The study, by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Middle-Eastern private equity firm Amwal AlKhaleej, identified six areas that are particularly important in creating value in private equity deals in the Middle East and north Africa (Mena) region.