ADNOC Distribution to Acquire 50% Stake in 'TotalEnergies Egypt'

The signing ceremony between ADNOC Distribution and TotalEnergies Egypt (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The signing ceremony between ADNOC Distribution and TotalEnergies Egypt (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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ADNOC Distribution to Acquire 50% Stake in 'TotalEnergies Egypt'

The signing ceremony between ADNOC Distribution and TotalEnergies Egypt (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The signing ceremony between ADNOC Distribution and TotalEnergies Egypt (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Distribution agreed with "TotalEnergies Marketing Afrique SAS" to acquire a 50 percent stake in TotalEnergies Egypt for about $186 million, with an additional earn-out of up to $17.3 million.

TotalEnergies Egypt was established in 1998 and is a leading global multi-energy company with a strong brand and successful track record.

The partnership with TotalEnergies includes a diversified portfolio comprising 240 retail fuel stations, over 100 convenience stores, more than 250 lube changing stations, car washes, wholesale fuel, aviation fuel, and lubricant operations.

Through this deal, ADNOC Distribution and TotalEnergies will develop future growth opportunities for TotalEnergies Egypt through unlocking value potential and exploring beneficial synergies in fuel distribution, lubricants, and aviation businesses driven by economic growth and post COVID recovery.

The acquisition will also see the refurbishment of several service stations to complete ADNOC branding, with specific future sites being constructed under the ADNOC brand, offering a robust foothold in Egypt's fast-growing fuel retail market.

The deal is expected to be completed in Q1 2023, pending satisfaction with certain conditions, including customary regulatory approvals.

Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director Sultan bin Ahmed al-Jaber described the acquisition as a "significant milestone in ADNOC Distribution's international growth story."

Jaber noted, "Egypt is the Arab world's most populous country, and we look forward to entering such a dynamic market."

The acquisition is also well aligned with the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Growth between the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and Jordan and will leverage the strengths of both the UAE and Egypt to boost growth in the related markets, he noted.

CEO of ADNOC Distribution, Bader al-Lamki, noted, "Egypt's fuel retail market is desirable with exciting potential for future growth. Due to its young and expanding population, alongside a series of progressive economic reforms, Egypt has recorded positive GDP growth with a strong outlook.

The acquisition is another milestone in delivering ADNOC Distribution's international growth strategy after it opened its first stations outside the UAE in Saudi Arabia in 2018, with 55 stations operational across the Kingdom at the end of March 2022.

The company's ADNOC Voyager lubricants continue to expand the company's overall international footprint, exporting to 20 countries globally.



South Korea’s Food Exports Rose to $6.2 Billion in 6 Months

A worker at a supermarket in South Korea puts bags of instant noodles on the shelves (Yonhap news agency)
A worker at a supermarket in South Korea puts bags of instant noodles on the shelves (Yonhap news agency)
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South Korea’s Food Exports Rose to $6.2 Billion in 6 Months

A worker at a supermarket in South Korea puts bags of instant noodles on the shelves (Yonhap news agency)
A worker at a supermarket in South Korea puts bags of instant noodles on the shelves (Yonhap news agency)

South Korea's exports of food and related goods rose 5.2% on-year in the first half of 2024, government data showed, led by the popularity of instant noodles and processed rice products.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said that outbound shipments of the food segment known as “K-Food Plus” reached $6.21 billion, compared with $5.9 billion posted a year earlier, the country’s Yonhap new agency reported on Saturday.
K-Food Plus encompasses a diverse range of food products and related items, from fresh and processed goods to agricultural equipment and solutions.
By product, exports of instant noodles jumped 32.3% to hit $590.2 million, with those of processed rice products gaining 41.4 percent to $136.9 million, the data showed.
The ministry attributed the growth in instant noodle exports to the popularity of social media content featuring spicy product challenges, as well as the release of customized products by exporters.
South Korean rice products also gained popularity, as frozen gimbap, or seaweed rice rolls, attracted significant attention in the US market as a gluten-free and healthy eating option, the ministry said.
By destination, exports to the US surged 17%, reaching $736 million, driven by increased demand due to revitalized consumer spending, a stabilizing labor market and eased inflation.
Exports to China also edged up 3.1% to $702 million, as exporters utilized online platforms and influencers to promote South Korean foodstuffs.
Shipments to Japan, on the other hand, declined by 7% during the period to $671.3 million, due to the reduced spending power of Japanese consumers, the ministry added.