The Business Times

Egypt government to start IPO programme with oil companies

Published Mon, Sep 19, 2016 · 07:07 AM

[CAIRO] Egypt is set to launch its initial public offerings in government-owned companies with oil sector businesses, aiming to collect up to US$10 billion dollars within three to five years, the minister of investment said.

The government is studying which companies will participate in the programme, Minister of Investment Dalia Khorshid said in an e-mailed response to questions. The government will pick local and international investment banks to advise on the offerings.

"Many companies will be restructured in the coming period, beginning with electricity companies, to prepare them for share sales on the bourse," Ms Khorshid said.

Proceeds will be used, in part, to narrow the budget deficit, she said.

The share sales are part of a broader government plan to help fund one of the Middle East's widest budget gaps deficits and encourage foreign investment in an economy battered by almost six years of unrest.

The most populous Arab country has also reached an initial agreement for a US$12 billion loan with the International Monetary Fund.

The ministry is surveying investors on whether to issue a new investment law or modify the current one, Ms Khorshid said.

It also plans to present a new bankruptcy law to the cabinet within weeks, she said. The law is meant to help investors exit failed projects and restructure debts.

BLOOMBERG

KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE

BT is now on Telegram!

For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to  t.me/BizTimes

Capital Markets & Currencies

SUPPORT SOUTH-EAST ASIA'S LEADING FINANCIAL DAILY

Get the latest coverage and full access to all BT premium content.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Browse corporate subscription here