Deal expected to be concluded in coming months
The UAE-based Arabtec Holding is in negotiations to buy Kuwaits Kharafi National. Sources close to the transaction say an initial agreement has been made and the acquisition is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Arabtec is already the UAEs most active construction company, with a backlog of close to AED60bn ($16bn). Acquiring Kharafi National would make it one of the regions largest construction firms.
Kharafi National is a specialist mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractor. It was set up by Nasser al-Kharafi and Ghalib Younis in 1976 as a local contracting company serving Kuwaits construction industry. At the time, it was the regions first MEP contractor. It has since expanded across the region and also holds concessions in wastewater treatment plants and other utilities.
Arabtec has been strengthening its own MEP capabilities. In October last year, it completed the acquisition of a 45 per cent share in the local Emirates Falcon Electromechanical Company (Efeco), taking its ownership of Efeco to 100 per cent. In December, Arabtec announced plans to raise the share capital of Efeco by AED500m.
In 2013, there was widespread market speculation that Arabtec was in discussions to buy another specialist MEP contractor: Dubai-based Drake & Scull International. These rumours were dismissed by the company at the time.
In an interview with MEED in late January, Arabtec Holdings managing director and CEO, Hasan Ismaik said the company planned to acquire or merge with other regional players and list subsidiary companies on stock markets across the region.
You might also like...
Rainmaking in the world economy
19 April 2024
Oman receives Madha industrial city tender prices
19 April 2024
Neom seeks to raise funds in $1.3bn sukuk sale
19 April 2024
Saudi firm advances Neutral Zone real estate plans
19 April 2024
A MEED Subscription...
Subscribe or upgrade your current MEED.com package to support your strategic planning with the MENA region’s best source of business information. Proceed to our online shop below to find out more about the features in each package.