24 Sep 2013
GULF OPPORTUNITY FUND’S 10TH INVESTMENT IN THE REGION
Investcorp, a global provider and manager of alternative investment products, today announced, that its Gulf Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) has acquired a 30% stake in Theeb Rent a Car Co, (“Theeb”), one of Saudi Arabia’s leading car rental companies. As part of the agreement, the Fund will be represented on Theeb’s Board and will play an active role in key decisions which will include both governance as well as future exit strategies.
Theeb was established in 1991 by Homod Al Theeb and Mohammed Al Theeb and today employs 900 people and operates a fleet in excess of 10,000 cars. It is the second largest car rental company in Saudi Arabia and operates in various locations across the Kingdom including at all major airports. Over the last three years, Theeb has delivered more than 17% growth in both revenues and net income.
Mohammed Al Shroogi, Investcorp’s President, Gulf Business, said: “Theeb is a well-respected family business and a leading player in the Kingdom’s vibrant car rental industry. It is well positioned to grow driven by Saudi Arabia’s accelerating economy. We will work closely with the Theeb management team to help grow the business. This is the Fund’s 10th investment within the region and its fourth in Saudi Arabia.”
Walid Majdalani, Managing Director, Investcorp Corporate Investments-MENA said: “We are enthusiastic about this partnership and about the Company’s growth prospects given its leading position in a sector estimated at circa $1 billion and which has witnessed double digit growth over the last five years.”
Homod Al Theeb, Co-Founder and Chairman of Theeb, said: “Today, Theeb, is one of the largest car rental businesses in the Kingdom underpinned by a strong business model and a growing market. As a rapidly growing family business, processes and proper governance are key requirements and we believe Investcorp will be able to assist us on these matters in addition to providing expertise within our sector. This is central to the next phase of our growth strategy.”
Mohammed Al Theeb, Co-Founder and CEO of Theeb, said: “We hope to achieve double digit growth over the next five years. With Investcorp’s reputation and active support, we believe we are well positioned to consolidate our leading market position and acquire further market share.”
Investcorp’s circa US$ 1 billion Gulf Opportunity Fund invests in companies in the GCC and Turkey as well as the wider MENA region. Its most recent investments in Saudi Arabia include Leejam Sports Company, the leading health and fitness club operator trading under the “Fitness Time” brand and Al Yusr Industrial Contracting Company WLL (“AYTB”), a leading provider of technical industrial support services mainly to the petrochemical, oil & gas sectors. Other investments include L’azurde, Hydrasun, Automak, Orka, Gulf Cryo and Turkish Tiryaki Agro. Last year, the Gulf Opportunity Fund successfully exited from its first investment in UAE-based Redington Gulf.