Saudia selects preferred bidder for its medical unit: report

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has chosen Jeddah-based hospital operator Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital as a preferred bidder for Saudi Medical Services, its medical unit, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

"Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital had been selected as a preferred bidder in the deal which is estimated to be worth about SAR 650 million ($173 million)," the news agency reported, citing three sources. 

The two sides are still negotiating the final terms of the deal, the source said, without elaborating.

Saudia Medical Services owns a major hospital in Jeddah. The medical business is a major healthcare provider to Saudia and its group companies, providing outpatient services such as occupational and aviation medicine in Jeddah, the report added.