Abraaj Stake in Nigeria’s C&I Leasing to Drop After Share Sale
Abraaj Stake in Nigeria’s C&I Leasing to Drop After Share Sale
Abraaj Group, the private-equity firm forced into liquidation last year after being accused mismanaging investor funds, will reduce its stake in C&I Leasing Plc by not subscribing to a share sale to existing investors.
“They have made it known to us they are not willing to take up their rights,” C&I Chief Executive Officer Andrew Otike-Odibi said by phone. Abraaj obtained the approval of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission to convert a $10 million loan to C&I into equity, which when executed will give liquidators of Abraaj 70% of the Lagos-based company.
C&I started the process this week to raise 3 billion naira ($8.3 million) through a rights offering to fund the acquisition of offshore vessels for marine and oil business expansion. Abraaj’s shareholding in the company could drop to 49% and 51% after the issuance, Otike-Odibi said. Abraaj’s office in Lagos didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.
Abraaj, once one of the most high-profile private-equity companies in the Middle East, managed about $14 billion, until its downfall last year, saddling investors with losses of $1 billion. Backers had included the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
To contact the reporter on this story: Emele Onu in Lagos at eonu1@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Stefania Bianchi at sbianchi10@bloomberg.net, Vernon Wessels
©2019 Bloomberg L.P.