Aramco Share Sale In a significant move set to reverberate through the stock market, Saudi Arabia is reportedly in discussions with central Wall Street banks regarding a substantial share sale of Aramco, the Kingdom’s oil giant. This development underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to leverage its assets and diversify its economic portfolio beyond oil.
Key Players in the Deal
Reports from Bloomberg indicate that major financial institutions, including Citigroup Inc., Goldman Sachs Group Inc., and HSBC Holdings Plc, have already expressed interest in participating in the offering. Additionally, boutique bank Moelis & Co. is reportedly providing financial advisory services to assist in the selection of underwriters for the deal.
Aramco Share Sale-Expansion of Bank Engagement
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is slated to be engaged as a primary underwriter for the offering, while Bank of America Corp. and Morgan Stanley are also competing for prominent roles in the deal. The potential proceeds from the offering could reach up to $20 billion, according to sources familiar with the agreement.
Evolution of Advisory Lineup
While the lineup of advisors may evolve as discussions progress, it is anticipated that more banks will join before the deal commences. Final decisions regarding the timing of the sale and the government’s share volume are still pending, indicating ongoing negotiations and strategic considerations.
Structuring the Offering
The offering is expected to follow a structured approach, similar to the one utilized by the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund for its $3.2 billion stake sale in Saudi Telecom Co. in 2022. Sources suggest that the offering will be marketed and open for a few days, allowing investors to submit their orders and participate in the sale process.
Implications for Aramco and the Economy
Despite fluctuations in energy prices and reduced production, Aramco, with a market value of $2 trillion, recently raised its dividend payout to $31 billion. This move coincided with the Saudi government’s transfer of an additional $164 billion stake in the oil giant to its Public Investment Fund. The impending share sale is expected to support initiatives led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil.
Building on Past Successes
The proposed share sale comes four years after Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking $30 billion initial public offering for Aramco. Several Wall Street banks involved in the previous IPO are poised to play key roles in the upcoming offering, signaling continuity and building on past successes.
Conclusion
As Saudi Arabia navigates its economic transformation journey, the potential Aramco share sale represents a significant milestone. By engaging with Wall Street banks and leveraging its assets, the Kingdom aims to further diversify its economy, strengthen its financial position, and advance its long-term development goals. As negotiations progress and details emerge, the global investment community eagerly awaits further developments in this groundbreaking deal.
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