Drake & Scull International (DSI), a regional market leader in engineering and construction services, has announced that the foreign ownership limit (FOL) used to calculate its free float weight on the FTSE Russell Index has been increased to 39 per cent following a positive December 2017 review.

The upgrade comes following DSI’s official inclusion in the MSCI GCC Index last month and reflects growing market confidence after the successful completion of the company’s major recapitalisation programme, said a statement from the Dubai contractor.

DSI’s stock is currently assigned a 39 per cent FOL free float on the FTSE Russel Index but is expected to gain a 5 per cent headway in March after the group’s efficient execution of a turnaround plan geared towards revitalizing financial and operational performance.

The Emirati company’s entry into the MSCI GCC Index last November was welcomed by regional and international investors and analysts as a strong vote of confidence in the group’s market competitiveness.

The move by FTSE Russell adds further credence to DSI’s strong market positioning and complements strategic initiatives currently being undertaken by the group to regain business momentum, the company statement said.

Rabih Abou Diwan, the investor relations director for Drake & Scull International, said: "The upgrade by FTSE Russell marks a very positive step for DSI as we reorient the organization towards recovery and growth."

"It comes just a month after our inclusion in the MSCI GCC Index, affirming the resounding success of the turnaround plan we initiated last year. We are firmly committed to continue our comprehensive recovery and undertake more proactive measures to enhance our transparency, governance and efficiency," he added.-TradeArabia News Service