CVC 'mulls over first Mid-East deal' in hunt for new markets

Dubai

CVC Capital Partners is considering its first investment in the Middle East as Europe's largest private-equity company works to expand its business into new geographies, according to people familiar with the matter.

The London-based buyout firm has considered potential targets including United Arab Emirates-based shisha maker Al Fakher Tobacco Trading as well as education companies, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is not public.

CVC was also one of the companies considering a bid for a stake in property developer Emaar Properties' entertainment division, people familiar …