Supporting Growth of the Hydrocarbon Sector in the Sultanate
Bank Nizwa signs USD 50 million Shari’a- compliant financing agreement with Hydrocarbon Finder E&P LLC

UAE and Oman, 14th February, 2016

Bank Nizwa SAOG has signed an agreement to provide a structured financing facility of USD 50 million to Hydrocarbon Finder E&P LLC (HCF), an independent Oil & Gas exploration & production company promoted by the Services and Trade Group (S&T Group). The Bank’s Shari’a-compliant package is tailored to meet the requirements of HCF which has been granted concession rights by the Government of Oman for oil & gas exploration, development and production within an onshore geographical area in Oman termed as Block 7.

The Facilities agreement was signed by Dr. Jamil El Jaroudi, CEO of Bank Nizwa and Brig. Gen. (Retd) Sulaiman Al Adawi, Group Chairman of the S & T Group, in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Rawahi, Deputy Chairman of Bank Nizwa on 10th February in Muscat. The signing ceremony was also attended by Mr. Waqas Al Adawi, Vice Chairman of S & T Group, and Mr. Rohit Walia, Executive Chairman of Alpen Capital, along with senior members from their respective teams.

Speaking at the ceremony Dr. Jamil El Jaroudi, Bank Nizwa CEO noted: “Our financing products have backed the growth of the Sultanate’s real estate and mining industries, and today, as a proven and trusted establishment, we are excited to add the Oil & Gas sector to our roaster of corporate clients. Our partnership with Hydrocarbon Finder E&P LLC is a translation of Bank Nizwa’s commitment to diversify its portfolio and play a key role in spurring private sector growth, and contributing to Oman’s economic prosperity”

Hydrocarbon Finder E&P LLC is part of the Services & Trade (S&T Group), a leading Oman based business conglomerate that has significant business interests in diverse sectors such as interior fit-out and contracting, information technology, healthcare, mining, FMCG, trading, and real estate across Oman and with established operating companies in GCC region, United Kingdom, Italy, India & Sri Lanka.

At the signing, S&T Group Chairman, Brig. Gen. (Retd) Suleiman Mohammed Yahya Al Adawi remarked: “Hydrocarbon Finder E&P LLC represents the S&T Group’s entry into upstream oil & gas. This deal is a very important business vertical for us and one which holds strong growth potential for the future. We are delighted with the support and commitment shown by Bank Nizwa towards our new venture and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the bank. We also thank Alpen Capital for partnering with us and advising us on this important concession financing arrangement”.

In turn, Rohit Walia, Executive Chairman of Alpen Capital, LLC, Oman, the Financial Advisor to the S&T Group for this transaction, said: “We are glad to support Hydrocarbon Finder E&P LLC in this new and important business initiative. It is very gratifying to see that our Oman Team has been able to contribute towards development initiatives in the country and work with local businesses to support their needs”.

Since inception, Bank Nizwa has been at the forefront of Islamic Banking and Finance in the Sultanate, providing innovative corporate and retail Shari’a-compliant banking and finance propositions. In 2015, the Bank was the first to offer an Islamic Financing Facility to a key player in the mining sector and continues to expand its products and services to cater to the requirements of other industries within the burgeoning market.

Alpen Capital is a regional boutique investment banking advisory firm which provides advisory solutions in the areas of M & A, Debt, Equity and Capital Markets. It has offices in UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and India. Alpen Capital has executed several complex transactions and worked for some of the largest business conglomerates in the GCC and India. Alpen Capital also provides in-depth research on GCC sectors covering growth trends, challenges and opportunities.