STC Solutions Announces Binding Offer to Acquire Giza Systems Co.

STC announced a binding offer to acquire 89.49% of Giza Systems Co. from Inergia Technologies for Information Systems. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
STC announced a binding offer to acquire 89.49% of Giza Systems Co. from Inergia Technologies for Information Systems. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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STC Solutions Announces Binding Offer to Acquire Giza Systems Co.

STC announced a binding offer to acquire 89.49% of Giza Systems Co. from Inergia Technologies for Information Systems. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
STC announced a binding offer to acquire 89.49% of Giza Systems Co. from Inergia Technologies for Information Systems. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabian Internet and Communications Services Co. (solutions by STC) announced a binding offer to acquire 89.49% of Giza Systems Co. from Inergia Technologies for Information Systems, in addition to 34% of Giza Arabia, a subsidiary of Giza Systems.

In a statement to Tadawul, solutions said the transaction will be based on an enterprise value of $158 million, to be paid in cash.

Solutions said the acquisition is part of STC’s expansion plans and solutions’ strategic plans to lead digital transformation in Saudi Arabia.

It represents a strategic step in line with solutions’ international expansion strategy and an opportunity to enhance the Kingdom’s position and its information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

Digital transformation in the Kingdom has been witnessing a strong qualitative leaps, in light of Vision 2030, which places digitalization as one of its key pillars.

Solutions plays a leading role in enabling digital transformation and contributing to the Kingdom’s digital future by providing innovative and integrated digital solutions, being STC’s technology arm.

It is a leading IT service provider in the Kingdom’s business sector. It started operations over two decades ago and provided digital solutions for the public and private sectors. It has a strong experience through partnerships with more than 150 global and local partners.

The statement said Giza Systems is an information technology leading systems integrator that provides many technical solutions.

It has a track record of more than 40 years and has developed to become a regional power, digital transformation enabler and a leader in systems integration in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Giza Systems has offices in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the United States, which allows it to provide its services to an ever-increasing client base in over 25 countries.

CEO of solutions Omar al-Noamani said the acquisition reflects the company’s intention to enhance its position in global markets, such as the UAE, Egypt and Qatar, and to enter new markets and expand business lines to meet the evolving needs of its customers and investor expectations.



Gold Headed for Weekly Gain as Sept US Rate Cut Views Firm

An employee at a gold shop in Khan El Khalili, Cairo (Reuters)
An employee at a gold shop in Khan El Khalili, Cairo (Reuters)
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Gold Headed for Weekly Gain as Sept US Rate Cut Views Firm

An employee at a gold shop in Khan El Khalili, Cairo (Reuters)
An employee at a gold shop in Khan El Khalili, Cairo (Reuters)

Gold prices edged up on Friday and were set for a weekly gain on growing optimism about a September US rate cut, although expectations the Federal Reserve will ease aggressively have been tempered ahead of Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming speech.

Spot gold was up 0.3% at 2,462.82 per ounce, as of 1002 GMT and has gained more than 1% so far this week. US gold futures rose 0.3% to $2,500.50.

"Gold traders are proceeding with caution this week because US data has greatly lowered the chances of a 50 bps interest rate cut in September," said Zain Vawda, market analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA, Reuters reported.

US. inflation data indicates that gold may need additional catalysts to surpass $2,500, while this level could eventually be reached, it's unlikely in the near term, with gold expected to remain within the $2,360 to $2,480 range, Vawda added.

Recent data restored confidence that had been shaken by a surprisingly weak employment report earlier this month. It also bolstered optimism regarding improving inflation, as evidenced by the July releases of the producer price index and consumer price index this week.

Traders are convinced the Fed will slash rates on Sept. 18, but had debated the size of the reduction. Odds currently stand at 25% for a 50 basis-point cut, down from 36% a day earlier, according to the CME Group's FedWatch Tool.

A low interest rate environment tends to boost non-yielding bullion's appeal.

Minutes of the Fed's July policy meeting are due on Wednesday and Powell will speak on the US economic outlook next Friday at the Jackson Hole symposium.

Elsewhere, spot silver fell 0.6% to $28.22 per ounce, and platinum dipped 0.2% to $951.05 after gaining as much as 4% to hit a two-week high on Thursday. Palladium shed 0.6% to $941.19.

All metals were on track for weekly gains.