Saudi sectors offer ample M&A opportunities: CEO of EFG Hermes KSA

Saud Altassan, CEO of EFG Hermes KSA, said various sectors in Saudi Arabia provide ample opportunities for mergers and acquisitions (M&As) amid the current massive market growth.

M&As are the fastest way to deliver the Kingdom’s aspirations in all sectors, Altassan told Argaam in an interview on the sidelines of the EFG Hermes Saudi Forum in London, expecting these deals to see rapid growth.

Operating in the Saudi market for more than 17 years, the company concluded more M&As and IPOs through its relations with major financial institutions in the Kingdom.

EFG Hermes KSA has ambitious plans in the Kingdom to double and transfer some top positions to Riyadh, Altassan said, noting that the company's operations in the Saudi market are strong, but it aspires to boost them.

The firm strongly believes in the development witnessed by the Saudi market and seeks to have a decisive role in enabling this, especially as the Kingdom is the best market covered by the company.

Holding this event in London is driven by the Kingdom's capabilities as well as the company's potential, a strong belief in the Saudi market, and the need to lure more investments and cashflows from emerging markets and international funds.

Thus, the company decided to gather potential and international investors from emerging markets to consider the opportunities available in the Saudi market and achieve Vision 2030 goals.

The ambitious goals and increased subscriptions in the Saudi exchange contribute to achieving the market targets that include boosting the free float of shares to foreign investors, Altassan said, noting that IPOs witness strong demand from foreign investors.

EFG Hermes KSA seeks to leverage its regional and international presence, given the increased turnout from foreign investors for IPOs in the Kingdom.

Foreign investors participate in subscriptions through brokerages such as EFG Hermes, the CEO said, adding that several subscribers are daily traders.

Commenting on Tadawul’s performance, Altassan said it is witnessing rapid growth, and the IPO coverage indicates that the market is healthy and has a strong investor base.

He noted that the market was showing rapid growth despite the slowdown in IPOs globally.