NI Capital in talks with Bank Audi for acquisition of Arabeya Online brokerage
M&A WATCH- NI Capital eyes Arabeya Online acquisition: State-owned investment bank NI Capital is in talks with Bank Audi to acquire its online brokerage arm, Arabeya Online, and is currently doing due diligence, Al Mal reports, citing unnamed sources. NI Capital is in negotiations over a potential purchase agreement with the Lebanese bank after three brokerages expressed interest in purchasing a majority stake earlier this year, according to the sources.
Advisors: NI Capital has tapped Zulficar & Partners as legal advisor, while Bank Audi has appointed Matouk Bassiouny and Hennawy as counsel.
Background: Bank Audi said earlier this year it was looking to offload its 100% stake in Arabeya Online shortly after announcing it was looking to sell its Egypt unit to First Abu Dhabi Bank. Sources familiar with the matter said in February that HC Securities & Investment, Cairo Capital Securities and a third unidentified company submitted bids for the brokerage. FAB put its acquisition of Bank Audi’s Egypt operations on hold in May, citing fallout from the coronavirus.