Dubai-based GFH Capital, an investment bank and fund manager, has agreed to acquire a market leading industrial scale producer of bread and sweets in Saudi Arabia for a transaction value of $50 million.

The Company, established in 1984, employs 300 staff and supplying to over 3,000 clients across Saudi Arabia through its extensive distribution network. Some of the Company’s flagship customers include leading fast food chains and five-star hotels.

The Company has reported strong, consistent growth year after year with revenues increasing at a CAGR of 11 per cent between 2010 and 2014. The company is expected to maintain this level of growth over the investment period, a statement said.

Hisham Alrayes, managing director of GFH Capital, a subsidiary of GFH Financial Group, said: "We’re pleased to announce this new acquisition in Saudi Arabia’s consumer goods market, one of the fastest growing and best performing sectors in the Kingdom.”

“The acquisition is well in line with our objectives and ambitions to enhance our position and investment portfolio in the Saudi market where we see significant opportunity particularly in sectors such as this where growth is driven by strong consumer demand. This is a high quality manufacturer that we believe has a solid platform, track record and brand that can be further grown,” he added.

Saudi Arabia is home to the largest population in the GCC at 29.8 million, and growing at a healthy CAGR between 2010 and 2014 of 2.4 per cent, as well as a rising disposable income per capita.

The food & beverage sector will be a key beneficiary of Saudi Arabia’s attractive fundamentals, with food consumption forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.5 per cent between 2014 and 2018 as per the BMI Index.

GFH’s strategy is focused on investing in cash yielding opportunities in defensive sectors that have sound growth potential, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service