SICO Acts as Mandate Lead Manager for AlAbraaj Restaurants Group’s IPO
SICO played a central role in Al Abraaj Restaurants Group’s BHD 9 million Initial Public Offering (IPO) as the mandated lead manager, underwriter, listing agent, price stabilizer, and liquidity provider. SICO was responsible for overseeing the entire IPO process, and listing on the Bahrain Bourse, stabilizing the share price post-listing, and providing liquidity in the secondary market. SICO managed the distribution of the IPO, allocating 38 million shares, representing 35% of the company’s total issued share capital after the IPO, to both professional and retail investors. The IPO was structured with 70% of the shares on offer allocated to professional investors (i.e. those applying for over 1.5 million shares), while 30% of the shares were allocated to retail investors (i.e. those applying for less than 1.5 million shares). The IPO was significantly oversubscribed by 2.6 times and generated total demand of over 99 million shares or over BD 23 million between both the professional and retail tranches.
SICO Serves as the Co-Lead Bank for Lulu Retail's IPO and Listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
On 30 October 2024, SICO was appointed as a co-lead bank for Lulu Retail's ongoing IPO and proposed listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). The IPO, offering 2.5 billion shares (25% of total shares), had a set price between AED 1.94 and AED 2.04 per share. SICO's role highlights its market expertise and commitment to supporting landmark transactions, strengthening Lulu Retail's growth and visibility in the capital markets.
Truffle Hospitality and BLFC Sign Merger Agreement
Truffle Hospitality and Bahrain Family Leisure Company (BFLC) have signed a binding agreement for a strategic merger, marking a transformative step toward creating one of Bahrain’s largest and most influential F&B companies. With SICO as the lead advisor, this groundbreaking collaboration is set to enhance market presence, elevate dining experiences, and reinforce Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in hospitality and innovation.
SICO Publishes its Fourth Annual Investor Return Requirements in the GCC Report, Highlighting Regional Insights and Investor Expectations
SICO published its fourth annual investor return assessment survey, offering an inside look into the economic and return requirements of investors across the GCC. This year’s survey, conducted in September, gathered insights from a diverse group of 209 respondents across the GCC investment ecosystem, including C-suite executives, fund managers, business owners, and institutional investors. Respondents provided feedback on their expected returns across asset classes, including listed equities, government bonds, real estate, private equity, and cash deposits, while also sharing their economic outlook and views on which asset class offers the best risk-adjusted returns over the next 12 months.
