SHUAA Capital psc (SHUAA), the UAE-based financial services group which has recently completed a transformational merger with Abu Dhabi Financial Group L.L.C. (ADFG), is pleased to announce the issuance and placement of a USD135 million dollar-denominated five-year Sukuk for The First Group (TFG), one of the UAE’s most respected property and hospitality specialists. SHUAA acted as the sole arranger and underwriter for the Sukuk which is also listed on the London Stock Exchange. Simmons & Simmons acted as legal counsel to the issuer while Herbert Smith Freehills acted for the arranger.
Structured as a senior-secured asset-backed (Ijarah) Sukuk, the issuance incorporates a robust security package and employs an amortizing structure from the third year. The funding provides growth capital to TFG to execute its pipeline of developments and continue expanding its business in the UAE and beyond.
With a fast-growing and dynamic portfolio including landmark properties, exciting F&B brands and management services, TFG is one of the UAE’s most-respected property and hospitality specialists offering unrivalled property investment opportunities in high-growth markets to clients from more than 70 countries worldwide.
Rashad Barajakly, Managing Partner and Chief Financial Officer of TFG, said, “Having successfully delivered eleven developments over the last decade, TFG has been transitioning from a pure real estate developer to an asset manager as well as an operator of international and home grown F&B brands. The Sukuk provides financing that will allow us to deliver on our pipeline and grow the business.”
Fawad Tariq-Khan, Chief Executive Officer of SHUAA, said, “At SHUAA, our continuing success in placing bonds and sukuks reaffirms that they represent an ideal financing mechanism for the long-term funding requirements of real estate companies, as reflected in the ability to match up cash flows and tap into a more diversified investor base. We are delighted to continue partnering with great companies such as TFG in providing financing solutions and expanding access to both providers and seekers of capital in the region.”
The issuance reflects a growing trend in the debt capital markets, with the S&P estimating global Sukuk issuances could potentially reach USD 115billion in 2019. TFG also elected to have its Sukuk listed on the London Stock Exchange providing more transparency to investors as it expands its hospitality and F&B asset management business. The Sukuk clears via Euroclear under the ISIN XS1995651418.
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About The First Group: Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, The First Group (TFG) is a dynamic, integrated global property developer with a fast-growing portfolio of upscale hotels, residential properties, F&B brands and real estate asset management services. Since their launch, TFG have carved a highly successful niche offering unrivalled property investment opportunities to clients from more than 70 countries worldwide.
About SHUAA Capital psc: Established in 1979, and often considered to be the most recognized financial advisory and investment firm in the Middle East, SHUAA Capital psc (SHUAA) is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. Having recently completed a transformational merger with Abu Dhabi Financial Group L.L.C., today SHUAA represents the leading Asset Management and Investment Banking platform in the region.
SHUAA is a public shareholding company with its shares listed on the Dubai Financial Market. The firm is regulated as a financial investment company by the UAE Central Bank and the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority.
For more information, please contact the The First Group Communications Department on:
Caroline.rowe@thefirstgroup.com +971 56 177 1186
Or contact SHUAA Capital’s Corporate Communications department.
