By : Bakinam Khaled 

CI Capital (CICH.CA), the leading diversified financial services group, announced today that its investment banking division completed the advisory to Raya Holding in the successful sale of a significant minority stake with an investment worth $15 million in its subsidiary, Raya Data Centers, to Africa50, a pan-African infrastructure investment platform established by the African Development Bank. CIIB acted as the exclusive sell-side financial advisor to Raya Holding. 

The transaction was structured as a primary offering, involving a capital increase, with the proceeds earmarked for fueling Raya Data Centers’ ambitious expansion plans. These plans include the introduction of a state-of-the-art data center facility in Egypt, reinforcing its position as a market leader in cloud computing, co-location, data center security, and electromechanical services.

“We are honored to have advised on Raya’s landmark transaction, which underscores our commitment to delivering strategic financial advisory services to leading companies such as Raya Data Centers, a market leader in the data center services space, specializing in cloud computing, co-location, data center security, and advanced electromechanical solutions. This partnership with Africa50 will further strengthen Raya Data Centers’ position as a leading provider of innovative and reliable data solutions, supporting their vision for regional expansion and technological advancement”, Commented Amr Helal, Chief Executive Officer (Sell-Side) of the Investment Bank at CI Capital.

Hossam Hussein, CFO of Raya Holding, commented: "This investment reflects the continued confidence of international investors in Raya Holding's diverse investment portfolio and ambitious vision. It marks another significant milestone following the $40 million deal led by Helios Investment Partners in Raya Foods, reaffirming the strength of our strategy in attracting major investments across vital and diverse sectors. We remain committed to driving sustainable growth and enhancing value for our shareholders across all the sectors in which we operate."

“Raya’s transaction serves as a gateway to future opportunities for collaboration, as CI Capital continues to build strong partnerships and act as a trusted advisor in facilitating successful and strategic market moves. I would like to extend my gratitude to our investment banking team and all parties who contributed to the success of this partnership,” Commented Omar Gaafar, Director- Investment Banking at CI Capital.

Raya Holding, a diversified investment company operating across several sectors such as information technology and infrastructure, fintech, retail, and distribution, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), hospitality, manufacturing, and, logistics, views this transaction as a pivotal step in maintaining its market-leading position in the IT and system integration space both locally and regionally.

Africa50’s acquisition signals a robust endorsement of Raya Data Centers’ capabilities and growth potential, underscoring the increasing demand for reliable and scalable data center services in Egypt and across the region.

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About CIIB

CIIB is a leading financial advisory firm specializing in providing strategic and financial solutions to clients across various industries. With a proven track record of successful transactions, CIIB remains a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate complex financial landscapes.

About CI Capital Holding for Financial Investments

CI Capital Holding for Financial Investments is a diversified financial services group and Egypt’s leading leasing, microfinance, mortgage finance, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services provider. Through its headquarters in Cairo and presence in New York and Dubai, CI Capital Holding for Financial Investments offers a wide range of financial solutions to a diversified client base that includes global and regional institutions and family offices, large corporates, SMEs, and high-net-worth and individual investors. CI Capital Holding for Financial Investments leverages its full-fledged investment banking platform to provide market-leading capital raising and M&A advisory, asset management, securities brokerage, custody, and research. Through its subsidiary Corplease, CI Capital offers comprehensive leasing solutions, including finance, operating leases, and sale and leaseback, serving various corporate clients and SMEs. In addition, CI Capital Holding for Financial Investments offers microfinance lending through Egypt’s first licensed MFI, Reefy. The group has over 3500 employees and is led by a team of professionals who are among the most experienced in the industry, with complementary backgrounds and skill sets and a deep understanding of local market dynamics.