Al Ansari Financial Services, one of the leading integrated financial services groups in the UAE, has completed the book building and subscription process of its initial public offering (IPO) raising AED7.73 billion ($2.1 billion). 

 

The issue, which was oversubscribed 22 times, saw a demand of more than AED12.7 billion (including cornerstone investor National Bonds). Al Ansari has set the final offer price for its IPO at AED1.03 per share, at the top of the previously announced price range.

 

The Global Offering attracted considerable demand from both the Qualified Investor Offering and the UAE Retail Offer. Excluding the cornerstone tranche of AED200 million and based on the final price the Global Offering was oversubscribed 22 times. 

 

Qualified Investor Offering

The Qualified Investor Offering drew more than AED10.2 billion in orders, including the AED200 million commitment from National Bonds Corporation Sole Proprietorship. Excluding the cornerstone tranche, qualified investor books were more than 19 times covered. 

 

The Qualified Investor Offering saw strong demand from both international and regional investors, with a good representation from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, highlighting the strong brand recognition of the Group across the GCC region. 

 

The UAE Retail Offer drew significant demand with more than AED2.5 billion in orders, and the total number of applications through the Receiving Banks and DFM’s online platform reaching almost 15,000. In response to the overwhelming demand from retail investors, as previously announced, the Selling Shareholder, Al Ansari Holding, exercised its right to increase the allotment to the UAE Retail Offer to 56.25 million shares, which represents 7.5% of the total number of shares on offer. 

 

Brand reputation

Mohammad Ali Al Ansari, Chairman of Al Ansari Financial Services, said: “The remarkable investor interest we drew from across the UAE, regional and international investors demonstrate the strong brand reputation that Al Ansari Financial Services has built over its long and rich history. It is also a testament to the attractiveness of the UAE and wider GCC economies and the investment community’s confidence in Dubai’s public equity markets and the DFM.” 

 

“I would like to personally welcome all our new shareholders, including our cornerstone investor, National Bonds, and invite them to become strategic partners as we realise our growth ambitions and develop and commit to an actionable ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy as we create greater sustainable long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

 

Rashed Ali Al Ansari, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Ansari Financial Services, said: “Through this IPO and as a publicly listed company, we are offering investors an opportunity to be part of a business that has significant growth opportunities driven by the UAE and other GCC countries’ favourable macroeconomic and industry trends. At the same time, the Group plans to reward its shareholders through generous dividend distributions, as defined in our dividend policy.”

 

Building credibility

“Moreover, as a publicly listed company, we intend to further build credibility and increase transparency with existing stakeholders, as well as attract new partners and enter new markets with greater confidence and ease. It will also give us the acquisition currency we need to realise our regional growth ambitions. Finally, we plan to attract and retain the best talent. We look forward to an exciting new chapter and further building on our legacy together with our new shareholders.”

 

A total of 750 million shares, equivalent to 10% of the group’s issued share capital, will be admitted for trading onto the DFM on April 6, 2023. At the final price, and upon listing, the dividend yield will be a minimum of 7.8% and the market capitalisation of the group will be AED7.73 billion ($2.10 billion).

 

Following the completion of the IPO, Al Ansari Holding will continue to own 90% of the group’s issued share capital. -- TradeArabia News Service