Abbas Osman

Abbas Osman is currently a Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Newlook Capital, a Burlington, Ontario-based private equity firm. He brings over 15 years of investment experience across multiple asset classes and geographies, having managed teams covering private equity funds, direct investments, public equities, M&A, and real estate.

Prior to joining Newlook Capital, Abbas headed the investment department of the Abudawood Group, a diversified international conglomerate based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and well known in the Middle East as the partner of Procter & Gamble. In this senior role, he was responsible for the group's global investment portfolio spanning across different asset classes and industries, including industrial services, FMCG, aviation, hospitality, real estate, and financial services. Abbas continues to serve as an advisor to the Abudawood Group on their global investment portfolio.

Before joining Newlook Capital as CIO, Abbas worked with the firm as a Senior Advisor and Co-leader, successfully closing several deals including Direct Elevator, True Canadian, and New Taste Partners. This advisory relationship eventually evolved into his current partnership and leadership position at the firm.

Abbas holds a BA in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut and a Masters in Finance & Investments from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. He has also attended several specialized training sessions with Procter & Gamble, Citibank, and London Business School, enhancing his expertise in investment management and corporate finance.

In addition to his role at Newlook Capital, Abbas serves as an Independent Trustee at Padlock Partners UK Fund I, II, III, and IV, demonstrating his broader involvement in the private equity ecosystem. He is also a frequent speaker at private equity conferences alongside international and regional industry veterans, sharing his insights on investment strategies and market trends.

Abbas Osman and Newlook Capital specialize in industry-focused private equity investments, with a particular emphasis on essential services businesses with recurring revenue models. The firm's investment strategy centers on companies that provide code-mandated technical services and healthcare services, targeting businesses with solid tangible asset bases and predictable cash flows.

The firm currently manages two specialized funds: the Industrial and Infrastructure Services Fund and the Dental Fund. The Industrial and Infrastructure Services Fund partners with management teams providing essential, code-mandated technical services of a recurring nature, including businesses in fire protection, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services. The Dental Fund, launched in 2019, delivers investment opportunities in the historically difficult-to-access dental practice sector.

Newlook Capital invests throughout Canada and the United States, with a preference for lower middle-market companies that exhibit strong fundamentals and growth potential. The firm's value-add approach includes operational improvements, strategic acquisitions to build platforms, and leveraging industry expertise to drive organic and inorganic growth. Abbas's international experience and cross-border investment background position him well to identify opportunities across North American markets and apply best practices from global investment strategies.

• Independent Trustee, Padlock Partners UK Fund IV
• Independent Trustee, Padlock Partners UK Fund III
• Independent Trustee, Padlock Partners UK Fund II
• Independent Trustee, Padlock Partners UK Fund I
• Advisor to Abudawood Group (global investment portfolio)