Lulu to raise $2.7bn ahead of possible IPO

Image credit: Lulu International

Lulu Group International, which operates one of the Middle East’s largest hypermarket chains, is raising Dhs10bn($2.72bn) to refinance debt ahead of a potential initial public offering, people familiar with the matter said.

The conglomerate is borrowing the funds from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Bank, and Mashreq Bank, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. The loans have an average maturity of 10 years, they said.

Lulu Group’s listing plans

Abu Dhabi-based Lulu is realigning its capital structure before a possible listing in 2024 after delaying those plans this year, the people said. It is working with Moelis & Co on the plans, the people said.

A representative for Lulu said the funds will allow the company “to pay off existing debts, further extend our footprint with 80 new hypermarkets across the GCC, Egypt and beyond, enhance supply chain networks and e-commerce capabilities.”

Lulu “is poised to capitalise on emerging opportunities and elevate its global presence to new heights with our IPO plans,” they said.

Representatives for ADCB, ENBD, and Mashreq declined to comment. DIB didn’t respond to requests for comments.

Lulu was valued at more than $5bn in 2020 when an investment firm backed by a member of Abu Dhabi’s royal family bought a 20 per cent stake worth just over $1bn in the group.

The company operates shopping malls and other businesses including hospitality, shipping, and real estate.

The firm was founded by Indian entrepreneur Yusuff Ali in the early 1990s during a years-long oil boom in the Gulf region. It had an annual revenue of about $8bn and employs more than 65,000 people in 23 countries across the Middle East, Asia, the US, and Europe, according to its website.

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