Mergers, acquisitions reshaping GCC’s overall business landscape

Mergers, acquisitions reshaping GCC’s overall business landscape
Setting appropriate key performance indicators to achieve synergies and targets, integrating teams, and developing a clear longer-term plan are all critical in setting up a deal for success in the region. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 13 January 2024
Follow

Mergers, acquisitions reshaping GCC’s overall business landscape

Mergers, acquisitions reshaping GCC’s overall business landscape
  • Rise in activity comes as region shifts focus on implementation of comprehensive renewable energy programs

RIYADH: Of late, businesses in the Gulf Cooperation Council region have become more inclined toward pooling their resources to achieve operational efficiency and maximize profits.

The trend of mergers and acquisitions in the GCC is expected to rise, said Moody’s in March 2023. Nearly one year on, the global rating agency’s prediction seems to be spot-on.

M&As are business transactions in which the ownership of firms, business organizations, or their operating units are transferred to or consolidated with another firm or business organization.

Several factors can make such transactions successful in today’s world such as synergies, trust, and integration, according to Andrew Nichol, partner at Lumina Capital Advisers.

“Synergies are unlikely to deliver the desired outcomes of selling and buying shareholders without a clear plan on how a merged entity creates more significant value than their individual parts,” Nichol told Arab News.

He added: “Trust because ultimately, deals are done between people. Be they the shareholders, management teams, or employees, it is critical that communication throughout the process remains open, transparent, and oriented toward achieving the objectives set out in the original deal thesis.”

Finally, about the integration aspect, Nichol noted: “Integration, because M&A does not stop once the legal agreements are signed.”

Additionally, setting appropriate key performance indicators to achieve synergies and targets, integrating teams, and developing a clear longer-term plan are all critical in setting up a deal for success, he reiterated.

The year 2023 saw a real shift in terms of “who” has been transacting into and out of the region, Nichol said. 

“In H1, we saw larger deals, typically led by SWFs (sovereign wealth funds) — SAVVY Gaming/PIF/Scopely, KSA; Blackstone/ADIA/Cvent Holding, UAE,” Nichol underlined.

“As the year progressed, we also saw an increase in private sector-led deals, as well as a resurgence in private equity activity,” he added.

Nichol continued: “In November, STS, a leading digital transformation solutions provider across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the wider GCC announced its acquisition by ZainTECH.”

ZainTECH is a UAE-based top-tier managed security services provider that aims to help enterprises protect against, detect expediently, and respond effectively to cybersecurity threats.

According to Nichol, this specific M&A stood out in 2023 amid all other similar transactions in the region.

“The STS/ZainTECH transaction, which we advised on, stood out due to its highly strategic nature for both companies,” he disclosed.

“A buyer, seeking to extend and amplify its services offering, access top talent, and expand the geographies it serves, with a vendor recognizing the opportunity of partnering with a pioneering regional digital solutions provider,” Nichol explained.

Moving on, he also shed light on projections on the nature of M&As to expect in the region in 2024.

“In 2023, the region cemented its position as a net exporter of innovation due to the regional giga-projects, digital transformation efforts, and the implementation of artificial intelligence. This will continue into 2024,” Nichol said. This comes as the region has shifted from talking about energy transition to becoming a global leader in implementing some of the world’s most comprehensive and diverse renewable energy programs, according to him.

“In 2024, we will see more deals in the region as global firms continue to grow/seek access to regional projects,” Nichol projected.

He added: “We expect growth across energy transition, healthcare, travel and tourism as well as gaming, engineering and project management and digital transformation sectors.”

Highlighting the same subject, Ali Anwar, managing director of Alvarez & Marsal Global Transaction Advisory Group in the Middle East, said in a recent report: “Investors have experienced a challenging year in 2023 when M&A activity was hit by concerns about the macroeconomic environment and the impact of higher interest rates.”

He added: “While those challenges haven’t fully abated, 2024 holds the potential for dealmaking to show some improvement.” 

In 2024, we will see more deals in the region as global firms continue to grow/seek access to regional projects.

Andrew Nichol, Partner at Lumina Capital Advisers

One major positive for the M&A market heading into 2024 is receding uncertainty about the trajectory of interest rates, the top executive underlined.

Anwar went on to shed light on the fact that market participants are seen being more confident than they have been in several months and that there seems to be a promising inversion of the curve since the end of summer.

He stated: “We are seeing more sell-side activity and, therefore, expect deal opportunities to launch in early 2024.”

Rise in cross-border activities

In 2023, cross-border deals formed the majority of closed deals, Nichol revealed.

Cross-border activities refer to any transfer of property, goods, or services between individuals or business entities who reside in different jurisdictions.

“In our September 2023 cross-border deals survey, 70 percent of respondents had recently or planned to close a cross-border deal within the next 18 months. This was double the levels of our previous survey,” Nichol highlighted.

He added: “Deals in the region are today driven by the desire to create regional champions through consolidation in key sectors such as construction, health care, and infrastructure services, in conjunction with transactions centered around international interest in joint ventures and partnering to deliver skills and technologies for complex megaprojects in AI, digital transformation and advanced manufacturing.”

Talking about expectations in 2024, Nichol clarified that it is projected to be another bumper year for cross-border Middle East transactions.

This comes as private equity — both direct and secondary — has become the fastest-growing asset class in the region, and this trend will continue into 2024, Nichol said.

“With regional funds being raised from domestic, international, and SWF participants, we predict the volume of PE deals will rise,” he explained.

Likely spike in FDIs

The year 2022 was a record year for foreign direct investments in the GCC region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, exceeding previous 2012 highs, Nichol said.

“While we are still awaiting full-year 2023 FDI numbers, we predict that Saudi Arabia’s FDI will have exceeded the UAE’s, and both countries will see double-digit year-on-year FDI growth,” Nichol underscored.

 FDI is a category of cross-border investment in which an investor resident in one economy establishes a lasting interest in and a significant degree of influence over an enterprise resident in another economy.

As for 2024’s pipeline in terms of FDIs, it is projected to be somewhat robust.

“FDI flow growth rate has been diminishing in 2023; however, long-awaited public-private partnership projects are in the pipeline, especially in healthcare, transportation, logistics, and sports,” Razeen Capital CEO Mohammed Al-Suwayed told Arab News.

Razeen Capital is a financial securities consultancy firm that Al-Suwayed founded in January 2021.

“So we’re most likely to see a spike in the FDI growth rate this year and the years after,” Al-Suwayed projected.

That being said, it is clear that the GCC region is on track to experience a bright future ahead in terms of M&As as well as cross-border activities and FDIs.

Consequently, this will most likely help offset the rising operating expenses and boost cost-efficiency further in the region.


UNCCD COP16: Saudi Arabia announces Green Zone to combat land degradation

UNCCD COP16: Saudi Arabia announces Green Zone to combat land degradation
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

UNCCD COP16: Saudi Arabia announces Green Zone to combat land degradation

UNCCD COP16: Saudi Arabia announces Green Zone to combat land degradation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host a special UN forum to combat desertification with the introduction of a dedicated Green Zone and thematic days for the first time in the event’s history. 

As part of its presidency of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP16, the Kingdom has announced a dedicated area focused on raising global awareness about land degradation, while enabling key decision-makers from scientific, non-governmental, political, business, and at-risk communities to find and fund lasting solutions. 

The Green Zone will host thematic days designed to rally action on critical issues, including agri-food systems and finance, during the conference set to take place from Dec. 2-13 at Boulevard Riyadh City. 

This initiative aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative target to turn 30 percent of the Kingdom’s land into nature reserves, plant 10 billion trees, and restore 40 million hectares of degraded land. 

“Land degradation, desertification and drought impact almost every corner of the planet, and every living being on it, from the species at risk of extinction to the lives and livelihoods impacted by severe drought,” said Osama Faqeeha, deputy minister for environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and adviser to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency. 

“Saudi Arabia will host the first-ever UNCCD COP16 Green Zone to mobilize the international community and maximize the opportunity during December’s conference of delivering lasting global change,” he added. 

There will also be a Blue Zone, which along with its green counterpart will feature seven thematic days designed to foster action and dialogue among key stakeholders. 

Land Day will focus on land restoration initiatives and nature-based solutions, while the Business for Land Forum will bring together international leaders to discuss the economic importance of sustainable land practices. 

Finance Day will address ways to close the financing gap in land degradation, along with a special ministerial dialogue and innovations in Sustainable Land Management financing. Governance Day will focus on improving women’s land rights and address policy issues surrounding land tenure and resource governance. 

Agri-Food Systems Day will spotlight food security, crop resilience, and sustainable farming. Resilience Day will explore water scarcity, drought resilience, and early warning systems for sand and dust storms. 

People’s Day will feature a youth caucus to engage young people, as 1 billion people under 25 in regions dependent on land and natural resources for jobs and livelihoods face significant challenges. 

 


Alfanar Projects, SEC sign $5.33bn deals to support Saudi energy modernization 

Alfanar Projects, SEC sign $5.33bn deals to support Saudi energy modernization 
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Alfanar Projects, SEC sign $5.33bn deals to support Saudi energy modernization 

Alfanar Projects, SEC sign $5.33bn deals to support Saudi energy modernization 

RIYADH: Energy deals worth SR20 billion ($5.33 billion) have been signed between Alfanar Projects and Saudi Electricity Co. to advance the Kingdom’s power modernization and sustainability efforts. 

The agreements, announced during the Energy Localization Forum hosted by the Ministry of Energy, include the construction of the Middle East’s largest High-Voltage Direct Current Converter Station, according to a press release.  

This facility, developed in partnership with China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co., will deliver 7 gigawatts of power between the Central, Western, and Southern regions. 

The deals also include projects for battery storage systems, smart distribution centers, and renewable energy integration, aimed at improving grid reliability and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of energy self-sufficiency and sustainability. 

Saudi Arabia aims to get 50 percent of its power from renewable energy by 2030, with a total capacity of 130 GW. This includes 58.7 GW from solar and 40 GW from wind, making it the most ambitious renewable energy target in the Gulf Cooperation Council. 

Amer Al-Ajmi, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Alfanar Projects, said: “The confidence placed in us by the Ministry of Energy, through its representative, Saudi Electricity Co., affirms our commitment to deliver and execute transformative projects of this scale.”  

He added: “At Alfanar Projects, we combine our robust resources, technical expertise, and a highly skilled national workforce to create a sustainable energy infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency goals and strengthens its role as a leader in renewable energy.” 

The signing ceremony was attended by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of State Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh, and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef. 

Other key representatives included Khaled Al-Ghamdi, CEO of Saudi Electricity Co., and Sabah Al-Mutlaq, vice chairman of Alfanar Co. and managing director of Alfanar Projects, who represented both organizations. 

Alfanar Projects is a Saudi-based company developing sustainable energy projects that support economic growth and environmental goals in the Kingdom and beyond. 

Earlier this month, Saudi Electricity Co. reported a net profit of SR5.6 billion for the first nine months of 2024, up from SR 4.6 billion last year. The company’s power generation capacity grew by 1.4 percent, with its directly owned capacity rising to 56.9 GW. 


Closing Bell: Saudi benchmark index edges up to close at 11,830

Closing Bell: Saudi benchmark index edges up to close at 11,830
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Closing Bell: Saudi benchmark index edges up to close at 11,830

Closing Bell: Saudi benchmark index edges up to close at 11,830

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose by 0.16 percent or 18.40 points to reach 11,830.38 points on Monday.   

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.4 billion ($1.46 billion), as 78 of the listed stocks advanced, while 151 retreated.   

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 1.22 points, or 0.08 percent, to close at 1,487.07.    

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also increased, gaining 119 points, or 0.40 percent, to close at 29,596.35 points. This comes as 44 of the listed stocks advanced while as many as 34 retreated.   

The index’s top performer, the National Co. for Glass Industries, saw a 9.11 percent increase in its share price to close at SR53.90.   

Other top performers included Arriyadh Development Co., which saw a 5.76 percent increase to reach SR27.55, while Almasane Alkobra Mining Co.’s share price rose by 4.41 percent to SR68.70.  

The Power and Water Utility Co. for Jubail and Yanbu also recorded a positive trajectory, with share prices rising 3.26 percent to reach SR57. CATRION Catering Holding Co. also witnessed positive gains, with 3.20 percent reaching SR129.

East Pipes Integrated Co. for Industry was TASI’s worst performer, with the company’s share price dropping by 3.78 percent to SR137.40. 

Arabian Pipes Co. followed with a 3.68 percent drop to SR109.80. Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. also saw a notable drop of 3.31 percent to settle at SR140. 

Elm Co. and MBC Group Co. were among the top five poorest performers, with Elm Co.’s share declining by 3.24 percent to settle at SR1.127.60 and MBC Group’s falling by 3.18 percent to sit at SR44.15.

On Nomu, Shalfa Facilities Management Co. was the best performer, with its share price rising by 14.03 percent to reach SR95.90. 

Sure Global Tech Co. and Mohammed Hasan AlNaqool Sons Co. also delivered strong performances. Sure Global Tech Co. saw its share price rise by 13.24 percent, reaching SR83.80, while Mohammed Hasan AlNaqool Sons Co. recorded a 12.20 percent increase, standing at SR43.70.

Osool and Bakheet Investment Co. also fared well with 9.81, and Banan Real Estate Co. increased 7.73 percent.

Alqemam for Computer Systems Co. shed the most in Nomu, with its share price dropping by 12 percent to reach SR88. 

Natural Gas Distribution Co. experienced a 5.87 percent decline in share prices, closing at SR54.50, while Horizon Educational Co. dropped 5.66 percent to settle at SR75.

Raoom Trading Co. and Lana Medical Co. were also among the top decliners, with Raoom Trading Co. falling 5.26 and Lana Medical Co. declining 4.89 percent.


Pakistan Stock Exchange may gain at least 27% by end of 2025 — Bloomberg

Pakistan Stock Exchange may gain at least 27% by end of 2025 — Bloomberg
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Pakistan Stock Exchange may gain at least 27% by end of 2025 — Bloomberg

Pakistan Stock Exchange may gain at least 27% by end of 2025 — Bloomberg
  • Benchmark KSE-100 Index forecast to increase to 127,000 points by Dec. 2025, a 34% rise, from 94,704 points it closed on Friday
  • Key index advanced as much as 0.6% on Monday, taking gains to more than 50% this year, the second best performer globally

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s stocks are expected to advance by more than a quarter by the end of next year as the nation’s economy shows improvement under a loan program with the International Monetary Fund and the currency stabilizes, Bloomberg reported on Monday, quoting two brokerage houses. 

The benchmark KSE-100 Index is forecast to increase to 127,000 points by December 2025, or a 34% rise, from the 94,704 points it closed last Friday, according to Topline Securities Ltd. in a report announced on Nov. 16. Arif Habib Ltd. targets the index to reach 120,000 points, a gain of 27%.

“The stage is set for a potential market re-rating with declining interest rates, a stable rupee, and improving macroeconomic indicators,” Karachi-based brokerage Arif Habib commented in a report.

Pakistan’s economy has stabilized with inflation easing from record levels that has allowed the central bank to cut the interest rate for four straight meetings to 15 percent, the lowest in two years. 

The key index advanced as much as 0.6% on Monday, taking its gains to more than 50% this year, the second best performer globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The equity market will be offering a 37% return including 10% dividend yield by the end of 2025 because of economic stability and falling bond yields, Karachi-based Topline said in a separate report.

Pakistan is also increasingly attracting the attention of foreign investors, particularly in its debt and equity markets, said Arif Habib.


Saudi commercial records surge 68% in 20 months

Saudi commercial records surge 68% in 20 months
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Saudi commercial records surge 68% in 20 months

Saudi commercial records surge 68% in 20 months

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has seen a remarkable 68 percent growth in commercial records over the 20 months since the implementation of its New Companies Law, according to a recent government report.

The law, which took effect on Jan. 19, 2023, introduced significant reforms aimed at simplifying business processes and fostering a more dynamic corporate environment. By the end of the third quarter of 2024, the number of commercial records had risen to 389,413, up from 230,762 before the law’s introduction, the Ministry of Commerce reported.

Among the law’s key innovations are streamlined processes for setting up joint-stock companies, the ability for shareholders to participate remotely, and improved financing options, including allowing limited liability companies to issue debt instruments. These changes have reshaped the corporate landscape by simplifying company formation and offering flexible financing avenues.

The law also encourages broader ownership by easing the purchase of shares and equity stakes. Notably, it introduces a simplified joint-stock company model and includes provisions for non-profit organizations. Other reforms include allowing sole proprietorships to transition into any company type, modernizing rules for corporate mergers and transformations, and permitting company splits.

Small and micro enterprises are exempt from the requirement of an external auditor, reducing their compliance burdens. Additionally, the law enhances digital services, enabling remote shareholder meetings and decision-making, and removes restrictions across all stages of company formation, operation, and exit.

The reforms also introduce a family charter to govern family-owned businesses and simplify the process for foreign companies to operate in the Kingdom, creating a more flexible and investor-friendly environment.

In its September report, the International Monetary Fund praised the reforms for improving access to financing, reducing fees, and strengthening governance, which has helped attract record levels of foreign investment. The IMF also noted that the reforms have contributed to the growth of non-oil sectors and increased employment.

The IMF further highlighted that the rise in non-oil revenues underscores the effectiveness of these reforms, which have also led to better compliance and alignment of customs procedures with international best practices.

In addition, in September, Saudi Arabia approved new laws related to commercial registration and trade names, further streamlining business operations and improving the overall business environment.

These changes were approved at a Cabinet session in Riyadh on Sept. 17, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.