HSBC Saudi Arabia wins two prestigious Euromoney Awards

HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited has won seven so far this year alone and last year - its first operational year - gained Best Investment Bank in Saudi Arabia. And SABB has claimed 9 major awards since 2005.

Timothy Gray, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited, commented: "This unique award-winning track record is a testimony to the consistently high level of products, service and innovation delivered by HSBC Group not only in Saudi Arabia but across the Middle East. The awards are also an outstanding tribute to the quality of our staff.

He also added:

"The 2007 Euromoney awards demonstrate that we are seen to excel not only in our overall performance but also in important specialist financial services areas. We are delighted and proud that HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited, has been given this high level of recognition in only its second year of operation."

Euromoney Awards for Excellence are amongst the most respected awards for financial services across the world, and are a benchmark within the industry for class-leading products and services.

HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited was recognized as "Best Debt House" for its achievements, which include: -
• The SABIC Sukuk, in which the HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited team acted as the Sole Lead Manager and Bookrunner of the first corporate bond/Sukuk issued in Saudi Arabia.
• Sole Lead Manager and Bookrunner for the very first Euro-denominated Eurobond issued by a Middle Eastern issuer. The SABB Eurobond netted EUR325 million.
• The role of Financial Advisor and Lead Arranger on financing the USD1,388 million Shuqaiq Water and Electricity Company. This project was part of the pioneering national strategy to introduce the private sector to the rapid growth in the nation's power and water requirements.

HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited has been the clear market leader in the emerging and vitally important field of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), breaking new ground within Saudi Arabia. Transactions included the following deals:
• The sole Financial Advisor role to Al-Marai Company for the acquisition of Western Bakeries Company Limited, and International Banking Services Company Limited.
• Acting as the sole Financial Adviser to the National Titanium Dioxide Company Ltd in its acquisition of the Millennium Inorganic Chemicals business of Lyondell.

HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited is the first full-service, independent investment bank established by a global investment bank in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is licensed under the Capital Market Law and was incorporated in 2006.

HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited provides a full range of corporate finance services including investment banking advisory, debt and project finance as well as Islamic finance. It also manufactures and manages a total of 26 equity and money market funds, as well as offering discretionary portfolio management. It serves a wide range of clients including but not limited to corporate, non-bank financial institutions and individuals.

HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited also manages the domestic and international equity brokerage services offered by SABB, as well as SABB's Securities Services Business.