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.



Gold Prices Climb on Safe-Haven Demand; US Payrolls Data in Focus

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
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Gold Prices Climb on Safe-Haven Demand; US Payrolls Data in Focus

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)

Gold prices climbed on Friday, supported by safe-haven demand arising from the Middle East conflict, while spotlight shifted towards US payrolls report to gauge the trajectory of the Federal Reserve's policy path.
Spot gold was up 0.3% at $2,662.50 per ounce, as of 0325 GMT, after climbing to an all-time high of $2,685.42 on Sept. 26. Bullion has gained 0.2 for the week.
US gold futures edged 0.1% higher to $2,682.10.
The dollar eased 0.1%, pulling back from over a one-month high, making greenback-priced bullion less expensive for other currency holders, reported Reuters.
Geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Israel and Iran, are supporting gold prices and unless these risks subside, prices are likely to remain near record levels, said Ajay Kedia, director at Kedia Commodities, Mumbai.
The US is discussing strikes on Iran's oil facilities as retaliation for Tehran's missile attack on Israel, President Joe Biden said, while Israel's military hit Beirut with new air strikes in its battle against Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
Bullion is considered a safe investment during times of political and financial uncertainty, and thrives in a low-rate environment.
The US nonfarm payroll data is due at 1230 GMT. New York Fed President John Williams and Chicago Fed President Austan are also scheduled to speak later in the day.
If the NFP report comes in strong, it will be positive for the dollar and then gold prices will see some profit-booking, Kedia added.
Traders see a 69% chance of a 25-basis-point Fed rate cut in November, according to CME FedWatch Tool.
BMI said in a note it expects gold prices to trade within the range of $2,500 to $2,800 in the coming months.
Spot silver rose 0.4% to $32.17 per ounce and has gained about 1.8% so far this week.
Platinum climbed 1.1% to $1,001.79 and palladium advanced 1.4% to $1,013.46.