EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and one of the leading investment banks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announced the successful completion of its advisory role for Saudi Omani Investment Company (SOIC) as Sole Global Coordinator on the first-ever Accelerated Bookbuild (ABB) transaction executed in Oman’s capital markets.
The landmark transaction involved the sale of SOIC’s stake in OQ Base Industries (OQBI), Oman’s only integrated producer of methanol, ammonia, and LPG. The offering included the placement of 127,136,289 shares with a total transaction value of approximately USD 92.5 million.
First ABB Transaction in Oman’s Capital Markets
The transaction marks a major milestone for Oman’s financial markets, representing the country’s first Accelerated Bookbuild offering and the first ABB launched in the region following recent geopolitical tensions.
Structured as a cross-border sale involving a Saudi client, the offering generated exceptionally strong interest from both regional and international investors. According to the company, the order book was fully covered within one hour of launch, while the entire transaction was completed within four hours.
The offering was priced at an estimated 52% premium to OQBI’s share price as of 31 December 2025, reflecting continued investor confidence in regional capital markets and the strong appeal of Omani assets.
Strong International Investor Participation
In addition to substantial demand from domestic investors, the transaction attracted strong participation from global institutional investors across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Market observers view the successful execution of the transaction as a signal of increasing sophistication and liquidity within Oman’s capital markets, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical volatility across the broader region.
EFG Hermes Highlights Regional Capital Markets Expertise
Commenting on the transaction, Christopher Laing, Head of ECM at EFG Hermes’ Investment Banking division, said the successful completion of Oman’s first ABB demonstrates the firm’s commitment to deepening regional liquidity and connecting international capital with strategic opportunities across GCC markets.
He added that the transaction reinforces EFG Hermes’ position as a leading advisor for complex equity capital market mandates in the region, especially in challenging market environments.
Laing also noted that delivering the transaction amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty reflects the strength of EFG Hermes’ integrated platform and long-standing institutional relationships across regional and international markets.
Expanding Presence Across Regional Markets
During 2025, EFG Hermes advised on:
- 18 equity capital market (ECM) transactions
- 16 debt capital market (DCM) transactions
- 8 mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals
The firm’s activities spanned several regional markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Egypt.
These transactions further underscore EFG Hermes’ growing role in facilitating capital flows and connecting regional and global investors with strategic investment opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa.
