KSA: Group of Investors Briefed on 100 Privatization Opportunities

KSA: Group of Investors Briefed on 100 Privatization Opportunities
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KSA: Group of Investors Briefed on 100 Privatization Opportunities

KSA: Group of Investors Briefed on 100 Privatization Opportunities

Saudi Arabia has hosted a huge banking and investment group in Riyadh, including 67 banks and financial companies that were briefed on up to 100 potential privatization opportunities in the Saudi public sector.

Spokesman of the National Center For Privatization (NCP) Hani al-Sayegh noted that the center is exploring more opportunities that can be privatized in government institutions.

There is a list of 100 current opportunities, he added, saying that the access of giant investment firms to privatization and the public-private partnership has been facilitated.

The gathering encompassed a number of executive managers of local and international banks as well as financial companies operating in the kingdom. Representatives of 67 commercial and investment banks and financial firms also attended.

This meeting showcased current investment opportunities to be issued from sectors targeted with privatization. It also shed light on the features and components of these sectors and presented the NCP’s plans to attract international and local investors to take part in the privatization opportunities.

Sayegh affirmed that convening with banks and financial companies is vital because of their role as partners in boosting privatization and public-private partnership via funding, consultations, and producing innovative financial products.

He stressed that banks play a positive role in stimulating international and local investments, introducing new prospects in the national economy, and upgrading services provided to citizens and residents.

Sayegh said this was the third meeting for NCP with the business sector since the beginning of the year. The first was with businessmen in a number of commercial chambers in the kingdom and then with businessmen in Eastern Province.

The center aims to hold meetings with various business sectors to establish a knowledge base for the private sector and to support public-private partnerships, in addition to supporting privatization opportunities.



Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
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Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo

The Spanish government has given the green light to Saudi Arabia's largest telecoms operator, STC Group, to raise its stake in Telefonica beyond 5% and reach 9.97%, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said on Thursday.

Cuerpo confirmed an earlier report by El Pais newspaper during a news conference following the cabinet's weekly meeting in which the stake increase was approved, Reuters reported.

"Measures and conditions have been set and accepted voluntarily by the Saudi company to ensure that (the operation) takes place," Cuerpo told reporters.

He said the government's decision followed an "exhaustive analysis based not only on compliance with current legislation but also to guarantee the national interest in defense and ensure the strategic element in telecommunications".

Last year, STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder.

The Saudi group said at the time it owned a 4.9% stake in Telefonica and financial instruments giving it another 5% in what it called economic exposure to the company.

The Spanish government had to authorize the deal as Telefonica is considered a defence service provider and therefore a strategic company.

The Saudi company has said it does not intend to gain control of or a majority stake in Telefonica.