Register | Forgot password?
Switch to Arabic
Thursday, November 26 - 2009

Emaar acquires full ownership of Egyptian operations

Emaar Properties has acquired full ownership of its Egyptian subsidiary, Emaar Misr, following tripartite discussions with Egyptian Government representatives and the company's Egyptian partners - Artoc Group for Investment and Development.

Article continues below
 
Emaar Misr has a share base of 37,730,000 of which 60 per cent - 22,638,000 - were held by Artoc. This has now been transferred to Emaar in a final committed deal valued at EGP808.9 million (AED 521.4 million; US$141.99 million), providing Emaar UAE with 100 per cent ownership of its operations in Egypt.

"The Egyptian Government has asserted its commitment to developmental initiatives by facilitating the smooth negotiations that led to the acquisition of Emaar Misr. We fully respect the decision of the Egyptian Government, represented by the Cairo Stock Exchange listing authority, not to list the shares of Emaar Misr as per their regulations," said Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties.

He added: "We have received full assurances from the Government of Egypt that the Marassi project will be reinstated upon the successful completion of the deal. Both parties have worked out all issues to reach an agreement and Emaar Properties is in the process of taking control of the company today."

"Egypt is a key market for Emaar, and we will continue ahead with our current projects - Uptown Cairo and Marassi. These projects can energise the local economy and create more job opportunities for Egyptians,"


said Mr Alabbar.

Emaar is currently the largest private Foreign Direct Investor in Egypt with an investment portfolio of EGP33 billion (AED 21 billion; US$5.74 billion). Emaar is evaluating two future projects in Egypt - one, on the Cairo- Alexandria Highway and the other on Fifth Avenue in Cairo.

He added: "The acquisition of Emaar Misr will enable us to develop our current and future projects in Egypt according to the highest international standards in quality and customer service."

Emaar's ongoing projects in Egypt - Uptown Cairo and Marassi - will be completed on-schedule. "We have already honoured all our financial commitments towards Emaar Misr and will continue full-steam ahead with our development plans for the country," said Mr Alabbar.

Uptown Cairo is an EGP22.81 billion (AED 14.7 billion, US$4 billion) mixed-use development spread over 4 million sq metres in downtown Cairo. The mixed-use project will include a central town centre, private clubs, hotels, golf course, restaurants, cafes, schools, swimming pools, healthcare facilities, offices, shopping centres and places of worship.

Marassi is a 1,544-acre tourist resort project of development value EGP9.92 billion (AED 6.39 billion, US$1.74 billion) located on Sidi Abdel Rahman and Alamein - the land won by Emaar in a keenly contested bid for EGP998 million (AED 642.6 million, US$175 million). Emaar will develop a resort with up to 3,000 hotel rooms, a marina, golf course, hospital, healthcare facilities and total township development.
Also consider reading:
Log in to request more information from Emaar Properties

Notes and media contacts

About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC is one of the world's largest real estate companies and is rapidly evolving to become a global provider of premier lifestyles. Powered by its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world, Emaar is charting a new course of growth with a two-pronged strategy of geographical expansion and business segmentation.

Replicating its successful business model in Dubai, Emaar is extending its expertise in creating master-planned communities to international markets. Emaar is also developing new competencies in retail, hospitality and leisure, education, healthcare, finance and industry, which have evolved from its integrated approach to customer service and property development.

Listed on the Dubai Financial Market, part of the Dow Jones Arabia Titans Index and certified to ISO9001:2000 for quality standards, Emaar is developing Burj Dubai, on its way to become the world's tallest tower, and The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations. In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing King Abdullah Economic City, the Kingdom's largest private sector project. Emaar's portfolio currently covers the following countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Libya, India, Pakistan, the US and the UK.

A multiple-award winning developer, Emaar has strengthened its product sale competencies, market reach and best practices through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures. Emaar acquired John Laing Homes, America's second largest privately held home builder; Hamptons International, UK's premier real estate company; and formed a joint venture with Turner International to strengthen execution capabilities.

Emaar has joined hands with Giorgio Armani and Accor Hotels to strengthen its presence in hospitality, and will launch ten luxury resorts and hotels world-wide and 100 budget hotels in India. The company is opening educational institutions and healthcare centres in South Asia, Middle East and North Africa and the Subcontinent. Emaar acquired Singapore-based leading education provider, Raffles Campus, to extend expertise to its educational institutions.

Emaar holds 30 per cent equity in Dubai Bank, focused on retail and commercial banking. Emaar is also the largest shareholder in Amlak Finance, UAE's leading Islamic home financing company.

For further information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Nedal Alasaad
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East & North Africa
Tel: (+971 4) 335 5969
Fax: (+971 4) 335 6080

Disclaimer:

Articles in this section are primarily provided directly by the companies appearing or PR agencies which are solely responsible for the content. The companies concerned may use the above content on their respective web sites provided they link back to http://www.ameinfo.com

Any opinions, advice, statements, offers or other information expressed in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited. AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited is not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or reliability of any material, advice, opinion or statement in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site.

For details about submitting your stories, please read the guide - all content published is subject to our terms and conditions