- Akram Ojjeh
Akram Ojjeh (1923-1991) was a
Syria n born Saudi businessman. Ojjeh foundedTechniques d'Avant Garde , an investment company focused on advanced technologies. [cite web| url = http://www.mclaren.com/partners/group.php| title = The McLaren Group| accessdate = 2007-04-17| year = 2007| work = www.mclaren.com| publisher = McLaren Group] Ojjeh was an intermediary in deals between Saudi Arabia andFrance , particularly arms sales. [cite news| title = Death of wealthy Saudi businessman| work =| publisher = Agence France Presse| date = 1991-10-28| accessdate = 2007-04-17] Ojjeh brokered the sale of tanks, aircraft, Thomson electronic equipment to Saudi Arabia and large French purchases of oil. The Economist said "Mr Ojjeh [became] , in effect, the representative of the Saudi defence ministry in the French-speaking world." [cite news| title = French shipyard; Le de'fi Saudien| work = The Economist| publisher = The Economist Newspaper| page = 95| date = 1978-05-20| accessdate = 2007-04-17]Ojjeh was involved in the marketing of the French Mirage 2000 fighter jet to Saudi Arabia in competition with the British Tornado.
Adnan Khashoggi said in 1994 that Ojjeh was persuaded by the British sales team to "drop his role as 'fixer' for the French." [cite news| first = Marie| last = Colvin|title= Chasing the truth with AK the arms dealer| work = Sunday Times| publisher = Times Newspapers| date = 1994-10-16| accessdate = 2007-04-17]British Aerospace went on to win what became theAl Yamamah arms deals.References
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