Ezdehar, NBK negotiate to acquire stake in MisrCafé

CAIRO – 15 March 2018: Ezdehar Egypt Mid-Cap Fund and NBK Capital offered two bids to acquire a majority stake in MisrCafé Company, which is specialized in the production of coffee and natural beverages, according to the national newspaper.

Sources told Al-Mal newspaper that the deal is still being negotiated.

Ezdehar Egypt Mid-Cap Fund is a subsidiary of Ezdehar Company for Direct Investment, and NBK Capital is affiliated to the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK).

Arqaam Capital is the financial advisor to Misr Café, and Matok Basyouni Legal Consultancy Office is the legal advisor to the NBK in the transaction.

Managing Director of Ezdehar Company Emad Barsoum said earlier this month that the fund was close to acquire an industrial company worth $50 million, adding that the deal would be financed by the fund, in addition to direct investments from its financial institutions.

Abraaj Capital, the UAE's direct investment company, also entered into serious negotiations with MisrCafé 's main shareholders by the end of 2015 to acquire a controlling stake, but it was suspended during the final stages of the deal.

MisrCafé Company is the first company in Egypt and Middle East specialized in the production of instant and roasted coffee from a blend of Robusta and Arabica Coffee.

It is a private shareholder company, established in 1984, with a capital of LE 50 million. The head office is located in Cairo.

MisrCafé factory is located in the 10th of Ramadan City, with a total capacity of 10,000 tons of instant coffee in powder or agglomerated form and 3,000 tons of roasted coffee.