Hong Kong-Based Encor Acquires UAE-Based Creative Zone

UAE-based corporate services provider Creative Zone Group (Creative Zone) has been acquired by Encor Group (Encor), a Hong Kong-headquartered regional corporate, trust, and fund services platform.

This transaction by Encor (which is majority-owned by Nexus Point Capital, a leading Asian private equity firm) marks its second acquisition in three months, with it having recently purchased Shanghai-based corporate services provider OCS Group. 

Creative Zone, which was founded in the UAE in 2010, has since expanded its services to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with the company proudly declaring that it has supported over 75,000 entrepreneurs with a comprehensive range of corporate services and business solutions. Encor's investment in Creative Zone is thus set to accelerate its growth in the GCC, while also enabling it to take advantage of the connectivity provided by the former's services and clients in key Asian markets.

In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Lorenzo Jooris, Group CEO of Creative Zone, who is now set to join Encor’s executive leadership team, said that the acquisition is a natural evolution of the journey his company has been on. "From day one, the vision was to build more than just a business setup company—we wanted to create a platform that truly empowers entrepreneurs from the moment they decide to start something, all the way through scaling it globally," Jooris said. "Functionally, joining forces with Encor gives us the backing, reach, and structure to move faster and think bigger. We’re not going anywhere—the entire leadership team is staying on, fully committed to this next chapter. If anything, we’re doubling down."

In a statement, Encor CEO Joe Wan highlighted how his company's acquisition of Creative Zone is set to propel its international growth. “We are delighted with the acquisition of Creative Zone,“ Wan said. “This transaction marks a significant step in expanding Encor’s geographical reach to the strategically important GCC, and unlocking cross-border business opportunities that will enable us to propel long-term growth across borders.”

With Creative Zone thus entering a next chapter in its business trajectory, Jooris shared with Inc. Arabia the key focus areas that will shape the company’s future direction. "The first priority is to align internally—making sure our systems, people, and processes are integrated in a way that allows us to move as one, without losing our agility," Jooris explained. "At the same time, we’re expanding—Saudi Arabia is a major focus, and we’re also looking closely at markets like Southeast Asia. The goal is to bring the same Creative Zone experience to entrepreneurs in more regions, but with local relevance. And tech will play a big part—we’re investing heavily in smarter, digital tools to make business ownership even easier."

Reflecting on Creative Zone's acquisition by Encor, Jooris highlighted their alignment in values and vision as being critical to making the deal happen. “There was mutual respect from the very beginning," he said. "Encor saw in us not just a solid business, but a team with purpose and potential. We shared a long-term view—not just to grow the company, but to shape ecosystems that support entrepreneurs worldwide. The deal worked, because it was never just transactional. It was strategic—and most importantly, it felt right. That instinct matters more than people think." 

For other MENA-based business leaders exploring acquisitions as a path to growth, Jooris offered some pointed advice. “Be clear on what you want," Jooris said. "Not just in numbers, but in values and direction. The right partner is the one that sees your vision and brings fuel to the fire—not someone who wants to change your DNA. Also, be prepared. Have your house in order, your people aligned, and your processes sharp. That’s what makes a business attractive—it’s not just about top-line growth, it’s about being built to last.” 

Pictured in the lead image is Creative Zone Group CEO Lorenzo Jooris with Encor Group CEO Joe Wan. Image courtesy of Creative Zone.