Global Opportunistic Fund invests in a leading Saudi packaging & specialty chemicals manufacturer

Sheikh Hussein Ali Al-Banawi, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BIG, indicated that in addition to organic growth, BIG also plans to grow inorganically and believed that Global, with its relationships and experience in the region, is an ideal partner to facilitate BIG's growth.

Mrs. Maha Khalid Al-Ghunaim, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Global, stated that the investment in BIG is one of the Fund's first investments in one of the leading family groups in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is institutionalizing its ownership structure and implementing best practices to capitalize on emerging opportunities across the region.

Mr. Omar M. El-Quqa, Executive Vice President at Global, indicated that the Fund undertook the investment in BIG because of its intention to diversify into new business segments and to expand geographically, in addition to its excellent credentials as an operating company and an ideal private equity opportunity.

Mr. Radi Haddad, Group General Manager, Saudi Investment Bank, will become a member of BIG's board on behalf of the fund.

It is worth noting that GOF emphasizes on partnering with established companies and market leaders in the GCC region. GOF particularly focuses on providing capital to companies that are slated to expand their business and geographic reach to assist them in their future growth plans.

BIG's history and track record of over five decades is ideally suited for GOF's ambitious strategy that aims at achieving superior returns by investing in companies with an exceptionally strong promotion and management team with significant growth potential.

BIG, with manufacturing facilities in Jeddah, Riyadh and Cairo, has a customer base which is truly regional.

BIG's future expansion is focused on complementary products in the specialty chemicals segment and value-added consumer packaging segment, as well as new business segments. In all cases, BIG will expand geographically to markets with high barriers to entry and in need of technological know-how.

The Fund has invested in companies such as Al Shafar Industries (Alumco) - a growing aluminum and building material company, Gulf Navigation - a regional maritime leader, Elaj Medical - a leading healthcare company, and various other businesses across the GCC.