Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris has strengthened his control of OCI Global after increasing his family’s ownership to more than 55%, marking a significant milestone in his effort to consolidate the Dutch-listed chemicals and fertilisers company. According to PR Newswire and Financial Times, Sawiris’ investment vehicle acquired additional shares through its voluntary cash offer, making the Sawiris family the majority shareholder in the company. The transaction forms part of a broader restructuring strategy following OCI’s multibillion-dollar asset divestments over the past three years.
The acquisition follows NNS Holding’s offer to purchase all outstanding OCI shares at €4.10 per share, a proposal that received the recommendation of OCI’s board, excluding members of the Sawiris family. The company’s court-appointed independent directors also approved the convening of an extraordinary general meeting to vote on the proposed combination of OCI Global with Orascom Construction, another Sawiris-controlled business. The transaction is expected to simplify the group’s corporate structure while creating a larger infrastructure and industrial platform with a stronger presence in the Middle East and international markets.
The move comes after OCI completed more than $11 billion in strategic asset sales, including disposals of its fertiliser, methanol, and clean ammonia businesses. The proceeds have enabled the company to return substantial capital to shareholders while repositioning its portfolio for long-term growth. With majority ownership now secured, Sawiris is expected to play a more decisive role in executing the proposed merger and guiding the company’s next phase of expansion.
For OCI Global, the increase in Sawiris’ ownership represents another step in the transformation of one of the world’s leading fertiliser and chemicals companies into a diversified infrastructure-focused enterprise. Euronext says the consolidation could enhance strategic decision-making, streamline operations, and strengthen the group’s ability to pursue large-scale investments across infrastructure, construction, and industrial sectors in key international markets.
