Agthia Group Acquires Majority Stake in Egypt’s Atyab

Agthia Group Acquires Majority Stake in Egypt’s Atyab
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Agthia Group Acquires Majority Stake in Egypt’s Atyab

Agthia Group Acquires Majority Stake in Egypt’s Atyab

Agthia Group, the UAE’s leading food and beverages company, has announced that it has completed the strategic acquisition of a majority stake in Ismailia Investments, Atyab, the Egyptian producer of frozen processed chicken and beef products.

Agthia has acquired a majority stake of 75.02% in Ismailia Investments. Atyab’s founder and leader, industry veteran Attito Raslan, will retain a stake in the company and build on his successful track record of growing the business with the backing of Agthia’s financial strength, wide regional reach and industry expertise.

Atyab has a processing capacity of around 70,000 tons per year through its facilities and production lines, including a 60,000 sqm manufacturing facility.

Building on its recent complementary acquisition of Nabil Foods in Jordan, Agthia will leverage Atyab to strengthen its position at the forefront of the MENA region’s growing processed protein sector, it said in a statement.

The acquisition will enable Agthia to quickly benefit from new revenue streams, cost and revenue synergy opportunities, wider regional and channel expertise, expanded product offerings, and enhanced financial performance and profitability, it said.

“We are delighted to complete this acquisition that further strengthens our position in the processed protein sector and provides access to millions of new consumers in one of the MENA region’s fastest-growing economies,” the statement quoted Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, as saying.

Raslan said: “The conclusion of this transaction is a key milestone in Atyab’s growth story. The potential of being part of Agthia’s portfolio is very significant and I look forward to working with the group to take Atyab to its next phase of success.”



Saudi Bonds: A Safe Haven in Emerging Markets

Riyadh (SPA)
Riyadh (SPA)
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Saudi Bonds: A Safe Haven in Emerging Markets

Riyadh (SPA)
Riyadh (SPA)

As global investors remain cautious about debt in emerging economies, Saudi Arabia is increasingly seen as a stable and attractive investment destination. This confidence stems from its strong financial foundation and ambitious economic transformation plans.

Karine Kheirallah, Head of Investment Strategy and Research for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at State Street Global Advisors, one of the world’s largest asset managers, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s compelling macroeconomic story. She noted that while many countries struggle with high debt and rising servicing costs, Saudi Arabia maintains a relatively low debt-to-GDP ratio of 29.9% as of December 2024. Even with planned increases to support Vision 2030 investments, it is expected to remain well below global averages.

This fiscal discipline positions Saudi Arabia as a reliable sovereign bond issuer within emerging markets. Kheirallah expects the Kingdom to see steady economic growth in the coming years, led by structural reforms and non-oil sector investments. Though growth may not match the pace of some emerging markets, it is likely to outperform many advanced economies, making Saudi bonds appealing for investors seeking long-term value and stability.

In the first quarter of 2025, Saudi Arabia’s economy grew by 3.4% year-on-year, driven primarily by a 4.9% expansion in non-oil sectors, which contributed significantly to real GDP growth.

Vision 2030 plays a vital role in developing Saudi Arabia’s fixed-income market. Kheirallah explained that to finance major projects such as NEOM, both the government and the Public Investment Fund have expanded bond and sukuk issuances, including green financing. This has led to a more mature yield curve and improved price discovery across maturities.

The inclusion of Saudi dollar-denominated bonds in J.P. Morgan’s Emerging Markets Index in 2019 was a turning point, signaling global investor confidence. This move helped lay the groundwork for a more robust and sustainable debt market.

Saudi bonds also benefit from strong credit ratings. Moody’s upgraded Saudi Arabia to A1 in November 2024, and S&P raised its rating to A+ in March 2025. These reflect the country’s financial strength and effective reforms.

While public debt is rising, Kheirallah emphasized it remains manageable. However, sustaining fiscal health will depend on continued diversification and growing non-oil revenues. Maintaining high credit ratings, she stressed, will require ongoing financial discipline and successful reform implementation.