Saudi Arabia’s TAQA Expands Oilfield Chemicals Capabilities

Saudi Arabia’s TAQA Expands Oilfield Chemicals Capabilities
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Saudi Arabia’s TAQA Expands Oilfield Chemicals Capabilities

Saudi Arabia’s TAQA Expands Oilfield Chemicals Capabilities

Saudi Industrialization and Energy Services Company (TAQA) announced that it has agreed to acquire a stake in OPT Petroleum Technologies Company which is headquartered in US's Houston.

TAQA’s strategic partnership with OPT secures access to world-class specialty chemicals and products, which comprise a key component of the success and differentiation of TAQA’s services.

In an investment of more than SAR10 million, OPT will build local chemical research, engineering, and manufacturing facility in Dhahran.

This aims to introduce new engineering solutions, create more jobs and promote local content of products and chemicals research and development (R&D) in Saudi Arabia.

For his part, Khalid Nouh, TAQA Chief Executive said: “Our Operations Chemicals Laboratories in Dammam 2nd Industrial City is a testament to TAQA’s growth strategy in chemical operations, and partnering with OPT will further cement our capabilities into oilfield chemicals research, engineering, and manufacturing, supporting TAQA’s technology development ambitions.”

Meanwhile, Zhijun Xiao, CEO of OPT, said: “We are pleased with the partnership with TAQA, which will facilitate OPT to come in full force in the Kingdom to support our clients with chemical products, technologies, and services."

The combination of TAQA and OPT resources will facilitate an increased service offering for customers and bring international technology developers to establish a presence in the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.



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
TT

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.