I thought it would be a good idea to keep track of foreign investments the State of Qatar is making so that we are less dependable on our natural resources.
Also please put a number before the investment so we can keep track of the numbers of investments made. Here we go:

1- Qatar National Hotels owns Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh resort
2- QTEL owns 51% of Kuwait's Wataniyah Telecom

3. Al-Nawras Telecom in Oman
4. Qatar Diar investment in Egypt, Morroco (Tangiers), and Tunis
5. Possible EADS investment
6. Possible Sainsbury's aquirement

- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (largest Chinese bank) - Qatar Investment Authority
- Qatari Diar investment in Oman (Ras Al Hadd resort), in Syria (Ibn Hani resort), in Sudan (Khartoum residential and tourist complex), in Seychelles
- Barwa investments in Egypt and Croatia (resorts)
- Qatar Investment Authority owns 5% of Lagardere (French conglomerate that owns 15% of EADS)
- Barwa owns some commercial buildings in Paris
- Qatar Investment Authority owns the Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan

I think Qatar can emerge as the next Dubai through diversified investments in the MENA region and strategic investments in large/important firms.

Is Qatari economy also very state controlled? Meaning, are the largest firms and groups exclusively state owned. If not, could you name a firm that invests internationally...
I think the advantage/disadvantage of state controlled firms is that it has a larger reserve of money (due to large FOREX reserves), but then political reasons could hinder the search for greater profitability.
In the case of Qatar given that money is not an issue, I would say that it is good to have large state firms as long as they remain modern and efficient.

What was that deal about buying the biggest water refinery in the UK or something?

In AlQabas newspaper business section : -->> The Qataris are Coming, they bought UPAC after Wataniya, and the rest are coming ! lol

After owning 51% of wataniya telecom. a Qatari company bought 35 million shares of UPAC ( united projects company for aviation services ) costing about 33.5 million dollars. UPAC is the owner and operator of the prestigious Kuwait International Airport Mall and car park, which is a part of KAMCO company.

QIB, $1bn real estate funds

Qatar: Sunday, March 11 - 2007 at 14:45
The Qatar Islamic Bank plans to launch real estate funds worth more than $1bn this year to invest in Britain and Qatar, according to the Middle East Economic Digest. CEO Salah Mohammed Jaidah said three shariah compliant funds worth $824m will invest in Qatar's retail sector and real estate developments, such as The Pearl-Qatar. The bank is also establishing a $192m fund to invest in commercial property in London.

I found some more:

- Qatar owns BLC Bank of Lebanon - $236 million deal
- Qatar Investment Authority owns Four Seasons Healthcare (UK care homes provider) - $1.4 billion deal
- in talks for the 'Chelsea barracks', lands situated in one of London's most expensive residential area

I also hear that QIA will bel buying a 9.9% stake in Arsenal Footbal Club!

Bring on that Qatar Airways sponsorship! I can see all of the footy shirts for sale in the Souqs now!!

The Qatar Investment Authority is rumoured to be interested in acquiring a 9.9% stake in English Premier League team Arsenal FC, according to ArabianBusiness.com. UK broadcaster ITV is trying to offload the $96m stake and the QIA is thought to be one of three interested parties. The team's main sponsor is Dubai's Emirates Airline which holds the naming rights for its new stadium for the next 16 years.

woow...i luv arsenal!!!!!

frm ameinfo.com

Qatar has confirmed it is interested in buying a stake in EADS, the parent company of European plane maker Airbus, Reuters reported. Qatar's foreign minister told the news agency that talks are taking place but 'we need to see the right conditions at the right price.' Earlier media reports had suggested Qatar was looking at buying a 10% stake in the company.

Karachi: Qatar to build $2b City Center
Friday, March 16, 2007

KARACHI: The Government of Qatar will construct City Centre, a grand commercial centre including a seven star hotel, shopping mall and offices in Karachi, with an estimated investment of two billion dollars, said ambassador of Qatar, Hamad bin Ali Al-Hinzab, who called on City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal Thursday.

Hinzab also invited the city nazim to Qatar on behalf of the Ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani when they could finalise projects that the Qatar government would invest in Karachi.

The ambassador told the press that trade and investment cooperation between the two countries was increasing. He mentioned that the Amir of Qatar is expected to visit Pakistan soon, on the invitation of the president, to inaugurate the projects. He will also lay the foundation stone for the city centre in Karachi.

Hinzab said that this project would be a major investment into Karachi, following the present government's policies on public/private partnership. He also mentioned that the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) will grant the land for the construction of the centre and he expected that the joint venture would increase revenue for the city government. He said that work on this project would start within weeks.

The city nazim also inaugurated the water and sewerage projects in Shah Faisal Town which cost an estimated Rs 50 million, including a 3,883-feet sewerage line and 11,150-feet water pipelines besides installing five pumps in different stations to regulate the supply of water. These projects would be completed in six Shah Faisal Town union councils where there is no existing infrastructure for water and sewerage.

Additional vice-chairman of the Water Board Imamuddin Shahzad, MPA Saif Abbas, Water Board officers, Town Nazim Shah Faisal Town Muhammad Imran, elected representatives and a large number of area residents, also attended the ceremony.

Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C03%5C16%5Cstory_16-3-2007_pg12_4

Karachi: Qatar to build $2b City Center
Friday, March 16, 2007

KARACHI: The Government of Qatar will construct City Centre, a grand commercial centre including a seven star hotel, shopping mall and offices in Karachi, with an estimated investment of two billion dollars , said ambassador of Qatar, Hamad bin Ali Al-Hinzab, who called on City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal Thursday.

Hinzab also invited the city nazim to Qatar on behalf of the Ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani when they could finalise projects that the Qatar government would invest in Karachi.

The ambassador told the press that trade and investment cooperation between the two countries was increasing. He mentioned that the Amir of Qatar is expected to visit Pakistan soon, on the invitation of the president, to inaugurate the projects. He will also lay the foundation stone for the city centre in Karachi.

Hinzab said that this project would be a major investment into Karachi, following the present government's policies on public/private partnership. He also mentioned that the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) will grant the land for the construction of the centre and he expected that the joint venture would increase revenue for the city government. He said that work on this project would start within weeks.

The city nazim also inaugurated the water and sewerage projects in Shah Faisal Town which cost an estimated Rs 50 million, including a 3,883-feet sewerage line and 11,150-feet water pipelines besides installing five pumps in different stations to regulate the supply of water. These projects would be completed in six Shah Faisal Town union councils where there is no existing infrastructure for water and sewerage.

Additional vice-chairman of the Water Board Imamuddin Shahzad, MPA Saif Abbas, Water Board officers, Town Nazim Shah Faisal Town Muhammad Imran, elected representatives and a large number of area residents, also attended the ceremony.

Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C03%5C16%5Cstory_16-3-2007_pg12_4


wat the heck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the only seven star is burj al arab.right??

why cant they make one in doha first>?>?>

Agreement ‘close’ in Eads talks
Published: Tuesday, 3 April, 2007, 08:45 AM Doha Time

QATAR is close to buying into the European Aeronautics Defence and Space Company (Eads) which makes Airbus planes, HE the First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani said yesterday.
“There are serious talks to reach a general agreement,” HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim said at the opening of Project Qatar exhibition.
“We have almost reached an understanding regarding the purchase... There are a few points that need to be agreed upon before the deal is signed.”
Qatar officials have reportedly said they are considering acquiring 10% of Eads. – AFP

I am not sure of this, but I heard Qatar Airways is going to buy Pakistan Int'l Airlines (PIA) to get it revivied?

i dont undrstand what you said how can an airline buy an airline ???:nuts:

qatar son, it's the same, when a company buy an other company.... Is Qatar Airways, by the way "state-owned" or is it a private company?...

Wait wat wil happen to the other airline or company ?

btw alexander The airline is owned by the government of Qatar (50%) and private investors (50%).

i dont undrstand what you said how can an airline buy an airline ???:nuts:

Emirates owns around 40% of Sri Lankan

qatar son, some companys change name, others dont (just one of the things), when a company buys an other company. I don't think that PIA will change name to Qatar Airways, but Qatar Airways will have the "full" control over PIA, investments, personal, airplanes etc., if Qatar Airways owns PIA. A company doesn't have to own an other company 100%. If they own over 51% of the company, they will have "full" control over it (nearly, there are also the other 49%...).

:) cool

Qatari Diar wins Chelsea Barracks deal!

05 Apr 2007
Qatari Diar wins prime 13 acre property in Chelsea, London bid

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Challenging world's top 10 real estate developers

Today, Thursday 5th, April 2007, Qatari Diar became the successful purchaser of Chelsea Barracks, a 13 acre site in Chelsea, London, securing one of the largest and most prestigious development ever to come on the market in Europe.

Chelsea Barracks was formerly the home of the Queen's Guard, providing administrative offices and armories as well as residential quarters for approximately 1,300 people. The site forms a triangle located between Chelsea Bridge Road, Pimlico Road and Ebury Bridge Road, lying within the City of Westminster, abutting the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and offering the potential to create approximately 1.5 million sq ft of net floor area.

Award winning architectural practice Rogers, Stirk, Harbour (formerly Richard Rogers Partnership) has been commissioned to create a landmark, mixed-use developement which harmonizes with its setting, overlooking the grounds of the Royal Hospital and Rarelagh Gardens.

Qatari Diar proposed scheme will transform the current concrete parade ground and army buildings into a sustainable mix of luxury apartments and affordable units in a verdant setting close to the Thames, surrounded by new semi-private woodland and parkland areas. The new development will have a low carbon footprint and an environmental impact significantly lower than the Chelsea Barracks it is replacing.

Qatari Diar has a reputation for creating some of the most desirable commercial & residential development projects in Qatar and the world over. Chief Executive of Qatari Diar, Nasser Al-Ansari says: 'We are delighted to lead the consortium which has purchased this site. This project is very important to us as it represents our first major investment in Europe. We look forward to working with Rogers, Stirk, Harbour to create a landmark building of international repute. In line with our commitment to ethical development, the development will create a living, working and social environment that enhances the health and wellbeing of all'.

The proposed development seeks to be an exemplar of sustainable development and aims to include a number of community facilities. The developments long-term climate change impact will be limited through the use of a combined cooling, head and power system and the energy efficiency of the development will be optimal.

^^ Wow!!!

Kuwait’s CBK shares surge on takeover talk
5/7/2007
Source ::: REUTERS

Kuwait • Shares of Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) surged for a fourth trading day on Sunday to a record close on talk two Qatari banks were interested in buying the country's third-largest lender by market value.

The stock rose 6.4 per cent, or the maximum 100 fils allowed, to an all-time high of 1.66 dinars ($5.74), extending its four-day rally to almost 24 per cent.

Almost 14 million shares were traded, more than eight times the 90-day average of 1.63 million shares and almost double the 5-day average of 7.2 million shares.

"The buyer is valuing the stock at far more than it was trading in the past year," said Jassem Al Zeraei, a trader at the National Bank of Kuwait.

Kuwait daily Al Qabas, citing unidentified sources, said yesterday Qatar National Bank (QNB) officials were in Kuwait for talks on buying a stake in the Kuwaiti bank.

Commercial Bank of Qatar had also expressed an interest in buying a stake, the newspaper said. The shares could cost about two dinars each, Al Qabas said.

CBK Chairman Abdul-Majeed Al Shatti declined to comment late yesterday.

He said last month the bank was considering approaches from foreign and local investors.

Qatar government-controlled QNB said on Thursday it was seeking investment opportunities outside its home nation but declined to comment about CBK.

QNB acting Chief Executive Officer Ali Shareef Al Emadi could not be reached on his mobile phone and Marwan Mahmoud, the bank's general manager for financial control and administration, declined to comment.

Andrew Stevens, chief executive officer of Commercial Bank of Qatar, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Al Qabas said yesterday investment firm Securities Group might book a 40 million dinar profit through a portfolio it runs for small stakeholders in CBK if 55 per cent of the lender was sold. Its stock jumped 7.3 per cent.

The firm's chairman, Ali Al Mousa, confirmed Securities was a shareholder in CBK but declined to give details. "I cannot comment on speculation," he told Reuters, adding that the company was an advisor to the lender.

Kuwaiti newspapers have also identified local investment bank Global Investment House as a possible suitor for CBK. Global has declined to comment on the reports.

A deal with a Qatari bank would be another foray for a Qatari firm into Kuwait after Qatar Telecommunications Co bought mobile phone operator National Mobile Telecommunications Co (Wataniya) for $3.72bn in March.

Analysts, including Mustafa Behbehani, director of Kuwait Gulf Consulting Co., have said a tie-up with a Qatari bank could help CBK become a regional player.

Barwa building up a sizeable portfolio

Late last month the Barwa Real Estate Company signed a $530 million Mudharaba contract with the Al Rayan Bank - the second such Islamic finance facility agreed between the two firms so far this year, with Al Rayan having drawn up a $200 million arrangement in January. It is little wonder that Barwa is looking to financial institutions for significant support as it has an impressive array of projects both at home and abroad which it needs to fund.

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Ghanim bin Saad Al Saad, left, the Chairman of the Barwa Real Estate Company, agrees an Islamic financing deal with Adel Mustafawi, the CEO of the Al Rayan Bank

The Barwa Real Estate Company was formed in late 2005 and a stake of 55 per cent, worth more than $300 million, was offered shortly afterwards in an IPO which generated more than 200,000 shareholders. Fellow Qatari real estate developer, the state-owned Qatari Diar, holds the remaining 45 per cent. Since its launch, the firm has been very quick to reveal a smattering of developments and real estate acquisitions.

Several mega deals
Within Qatar itself, Barwa has laid the groundwork for a number of sizeable projects. Its most ambitious domestic project to date was unveiled just over a year ago and involves the construction of a residential and tourism community in Al Khor. Indeed, Barwa bought the land for the venture from major shareholder Qatari Diar and the development was originally expected to cost just under $1.4 billion, although it is now believed this has subsequently risen. The project will cover well over 55 million square feet and it is hoped that, on completion, it will house around 60,000 people.

Less than six weeks ago, Barwa tied up a deal with German contracting outfit Bilfinger Berger for a new $1.3 billion residential venture called Barwa City which will occupy 27 million square feet in Doha. This project is largely geared at the top-end of the market and will be built in two phases. The first phase will see the construction of 6,000 residential units, while the second phase will comprise around 2,000 more units plus essential amenities such as a hospital, banks and retail outlets. When this development is ready, around three years from now, it should be able to accommodate 35,000 people.

But, as if these projects were not enough for a firm barely 18 months old, Barwa also has several other irons in the fire in Qatar including the $962 million Commercial Street which will be a mixed use venture of commercial offices, retail outlets, apartments and exhibition space.

Ambitions abroad
Barwa has also approached its overseas investment policy at a similar breakneck speed. In the same week that it unveiled details of its Barwa City scheme, the firm announced a tie-up with Luxembourg's Rosbud Hotels Holding and the Banque de Patrimoines Prives Geneva. The three firms will work together to develop seven hotels in Switzerland and Belgium over a period of three years and at a cost of around $125 million. Once the project is complete, Barwa may well look for an exit strategy.

But, almost inevitably, this is not all. The firm has made it through to the final round of bidding for a major coastal urbanisation project in Monaco which will cost up to $13.5 billion and Barwa is expected to submit its plans for the project in the autumn. Only a few days ago, the company paid $327 million for seven residential towers currently under construction in Ajman in the UAE, while it has also recently acquired a convention centre in Paris for more than $500 million, which it intends to convert into retail outlets and apartments. Last year Barwa also committed to developing a resort in Croatia.

The firm is focusing a significant proportion of its overseas investment on Egypt and last August it revealed a plan to build a city in the Qatamiyah area costing around $1.4 billion. Just last month, Barwa revealed it had bought 80 million square feet of land in New Cairo for more than $1 billion and it will build malls and residential units on part of the plot and sell the rest for a profit.

More altruistic aims
With multi billion dollar schemes sprouting up at a phenomenal rate, it might seem surprising that one of Barwa's most important projects has rather more humble ambitions. The firm is currently in the process of building 2,000 low-cost homes on the outskirts of Doha. Barwa has fixed the maximum rent on a three bedroom unit at the development at QR3,500 a month, which is half the going rate at the present time, according to The Peninsula. Both nationals and expatriates can apply to take possession of the two and three bedroom apartments, which should be ready in about 12 months.

As inflation, now touching 15 per cent according to the latest estimates, and rents both continue to spiral out of control in the tiny Gulf state, Barwa's significant concession to supporting lower income groups in Qatar shows that the firm's gaze is not solely fixed on drawing up a collection of large-scale ventures across the Middle East and Europe.

Qtel buys Singapore firm stake

Qtel affiliate Asia Mobile Holdings has paid $200m for 49% of Singapore's Shenington Investments, which operates in Cambodia and Laos, Reuters reported, citing a Qtel statement. Shenington's parent company, Thailand's Shin Satellite, was the seller. Qtel has a 25% interest in Asia Mobile

Qatar, Pakistan sign agreement for $2 billion worth investment

2 June 2007

ISLAMABAD — Qatar here yesterday signed several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the government for $2 billion worth new investment in Pakistan, the prime minister's adviser on finance, economic affairs and revenue division Dr Salman Shah said.

He told Khaleej Times that Qatar has decided to invest in various sectors particularly power, tourism, hotel and infrastructure projects.

Finance Minister of Qatar Yousef Hasan Salman, he said, has held wide ranging discussions with senior Pakistani officials and found Pakistan an important place for investment.

Dr Salman Shah said that Qatar was further exploring new avenues for investment in Pakistan. "I have had a very fruitful meeting with the Qatari finance minister and this will be very good for both the countries," he said.

"For us it is very encouraging that foreign direct investment (FDI) is coming here in a big way especially from Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia". However, he said the government needs to further improve the overall security environment to boost investment in the country.

Giving the details, Mr Talat Miyan, Executive Director of Board of Investment (BoI) told this correspondent that Qatar has identified five major areas to make new investment that also includes an industrial zone and an important power project in Pakistan.

He said Qatar has proposed to set up a $500 million power project at Checho-ki-malian, near Sheikupura, Punjab. Similarly, he said in Khaniwal, a livestock farm on five thousand of acres has been planned to be established by Qatar at a cost of around $100 million.

"The Qatar government has informed us that it is interested to build two five star hotels each in Karachi and Lahore at a cost of $150 million," the executive director of BoI said.

He said Qatar is also interested to make roughly $1 billion investment at Lahore-Sialkot industrial zone. Also, Qatar government, he said, was negotiating with National Logistics Cell (NLC) to enter into a joint venture with it for constructing a multi-stored building in Islamabad for offices and other business activities. The project, he said, would cost about $100 million.

Qatar, he said, has shown keen interest to set up a cement plant near Thatta, Sindh at a cost of $100 million. "The issue of launching a new a airline has also been discussed for which Qatar has shown a lot of interest," Talat Miyan added.

Responding to a question, he said all these new projects by Qatar will be set up during the next two to three year period. The power project, he said, could be set up within this year as certain homework has already done by the Qatar government.

He said Qatar is also interested in establishing 'Qatar Islamic Bank' for which initial negotiations have been held with the central bank and the ministry of finance.
To a question, he said Qatar will be required to arrange 49 per cent equity for establishing an airline while 51 per cent equity is needed to be arranged locally. "This issue may take time but other five projects are expected to be finalised soon between the two governments".

Barwa on business trip to Montenegro

Published: Monday, 11 June, 2007, 01:56 AM Doha Time

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Barwa officials with their hosts in Montenegro

Staff Reporter
A DELEGATION from Qatar's Barwa Real Estate Company has visited Montenegro to explore investment opportunities in the newly independent country, in south-eastern Europe.
The delegation was headed by Barwa chairman and managing director Ghanim bin Saad al-Saad and the CEO of Barwa International, Ghassan bin Abdullah al-Binali.
The delegation met with Montenegro Prime Minister Vujica Lazovic.
They explored the available investment opportunities in various fields in Montenegro.
The prime minister highlighted the facilities offered by his country to foreign investors in different sectors. He said the government was keen to provide all support to facilitate investments in his country.
The meeting also reviewed means of providing special support to Barwa for boosting bilateral relations and investment co-operation between Montenegro and Qatar.
The delegation also visited several potential investment locations in Montenegro and identified areas for conducting feasibility studies on establishing projects.
Ghanim bin Saad al-Saad expressed his satisfaction at the results of the visit.
Montenegro, he said, was full of natural wealth like beaches, lakes, rivers and mountains.
Stressing that it was an excellent investment destination, he said, “Besides, tourist features, we are convinced that there are so many investment potentials in this little country in the Balkans that should be
examined”

StratREAL and Qatar National Bank announce Prime 1 International Real Estate Portfolio

Strategic Real Estate Advisors (StratREAL), the independent real estate wealth manager and asset manager has today announced that the Prime 1 International Real Estate Portfolio has been fully invested ahead of schedule with a target gross value of USD 200 million.

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Lindbergh Development, Atlanta, Georgia.

Prime 1 International Real Estate Portfolio (Prime 1) was launched as a private joint venture between Qatar National Bank (QNB) and its subsidiary Ansbacher Private Banking Group and StratREAL. The structure of the Prime 1 was designed for those Gulf investors that are looking for diversification outside their home markets.

The Prime 1 objective is to invest in real estate in the primary global markets directly and via co-investing through StratREAL and its real estate relationships with a focus on UK, Europe and US. It offers investors the opportunity to diversify their assets and obtain access to international real estate markets.

The Prime 1 has been constructed to produce income in addition to development profit. The portfolio consists of 5.3 million square feet and has a diversified portfolio across investment and development assets and real estate sectors.

Due to the success of Prime I International Real Estate Fund, the launch of Prime II International Real Estate Fund is underway. These real estate portfolios are just the first stage in a programme of portfolios that StratREAL plan to launch with QNB and Ansbacher.

Pierre Rolin, Chairman of StratREAL added:

'StratREAL has been involved with Qatar National Bank and its subsidiary Ansbacher for a number of years. The relationship has come in direct response to the willingness of Qatari private institutions and individuals to invest in international real estate. We will be looking to launch Prime II International Real Estate Portfolio in the coming months and will be talking to potential investors and developers in due course.'

Jeremy Gates, Managing Director of StratREAL said:

'We are delighted to announce the full investment of the Prime I International Real Estate Portfolio, this is on a Global basis with a diversified portfolio construction. The investments were made ahead of our original investment programme due to the opportunities we are able to access off market through our long term relationships.'

The Prime 1 International Real Estate Portfolio has invested in the following 5 properties:

• Regents Park
Joint venture to acquire land and the potential future development of a 43 unit residential condominium in the upmarket Buckhead neighbourhood of Atlanta, Georgia.

• Lindberg office and retail co-investment
Lindbergh City Center, an outstanding mixed-use, transit-oriented complex, located in Atlanta, Georgia. The complex has been under development for nine years, and will ultimately contain over 4.5 million square feet of office, residential and retail space.

• Piedmont medical office
Joint venture to develop the Piedmont West One Medical Office Building, a 250,000 square foot, nine-storey medical office building, located in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the first phase of a mixed-use development which will ultimately contain two medical office buildings, a hotel, support retail, and parking.

• Duncan
Duncan Distribution Center is a 350,000 square foot warehouse building located in Duncan, South Carolina. Sitting approximately half way between Greenville and Spartanburg, the property is located in one of the Southeast's fastest developing industrial corridors, Upstate South Carolina.

• Luxembourg Portfolio
Acquisition of a portfolio consisting of three freehold properties, two logistics properties in Grevenmacher and an office building in Mamer.

ok i think barwa is pushing it a littel bit too far here dont you think !!!

Whatever makes them happyyy....................

why not... Montenegro introduced a flat tax of 9%, which for Europe is very, very competitive. Maybe the most attractive taxation system there! There will be some good opportunities there :)

Qatar and Dubai unite to buy shares

Economy
By Agencies

Qatar was interested in buying up to 10 per cent of EADS, the parent company of Airbus [AFP]
Dubai and Qatar, the governments’ of which have bought into large European companies, have agreed to set up a joint firm worth $1.1bn to buy shares in global markets and build a long-term investment portfolio.


Qatar's official news agency reported on Tuesday that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) signed the deal on behalf of the government.

Qatar's foreign minister had said in March that QIA was interested in buying up to 10 per cent of EADS, the parent company of European aeroplane manufacturer Airbus.

Meanwhile, Dubai International Capital - a state-controlled company - confirmed last month it was in talks with the management of EADS about buying a stake for a fund it manages.





"There are many strong common human and economic factors between the UAE and Qatar that enable them to establish a giant investment portfolio in long-term investment projects and acquisition of the shares of major companies listed on global stock markets," Mohammed Abdullah al-Gergawi, the UAE minister for cabinet affairs, said.

Government-controlled companies in Dubai have been searching worldwide for assets for years. Their acquisitions this year include stakes in HSBC Holdings Plc and Deutsche Bank.

Investments this year by Qatar, which has the world's third largest natural gas reserves, include a stake in J. Sainsbury Plc, the British retailer.

Didnt they cancell this stuff

Qatar raises stake in supermarket chain Sainsbury

LONDON • Delta Two, an investment fund backed by Qatar, yesterday tightened its grip on J Sainsbury, Britain’s third biggest supermarket chain, by raising its stake to 25 per cent, sparking speculation it may launch a takeover.

Delta Two said in a statement that it had bought an extra 123 million shares in J Sainsbury, or 7 per cent of the group, at a price of 595 pence per share.

Analysts speculated that Delta wanted the group to unlock the value of the chain’s property portfolio.

“We do not know Delta’s intentions but this could be a precursor to a full bid,” broker Citigroup said in a research note.

Citigroup believes that with Delta apparently focusing on property and Sainsbury’s management and the founding family opposed to stripping property out, there “could be a conflict between shareholders and management.”

Sainsbury, which issues a trading update next week, has ruled out disposal of its property estate.

News of Qatar’s fresh investment yesterday sent Sainsbury shares surging to a record 599 pence on London’s rising FTSE 100 index.

The stock later stood at 594 pence, an increase of 5.13 per cent from Thursday’s closing level, giving the group a market capitalisation of some £10.4bn (15.4bn euros, $20.5bn). Qatar became the leading shareholder in J Sainsbury last April when Delta Two snapped up an initial 17.4-per cent stake.

The Sainsbury family, which founded the group in 1869, has a declared stake of about 14.0 per cent.

Earlier this year, J Sainsbury snubbed a consortium takeover bid, which was said to be worth about £10.1bn, from private equity groups Blackstone, CVC and Texas Pacific Group.

Sainsbury employs 155,000 staff and has 769 supermarket branches across Britain.

The supermarket chain is the third largest in the country after sector leader Tesco and number two Asda, which is owned by US giant Wal-Mart. Last month, Sainsbury posted a five-fold increase in net profits during its fiscal year.

The retailer also unveiled a new three-year recovery plan, during which time it intends to grow sales by £3.5bn.

J Sainsbury saw net profits rocket to 324 million pounds during the 12 months to March 24, 2007, compared with £58m during the same period a year earlier. Revenue rose 6.8 per cent to £17.15bn.

why not... Montenegro introduced a flat tax of 9%, which for Europe is very, very competitive. Maybe the most attractive taxation system there! There will be some good opportunities there :)

Yes, thats why I think its a smart move!

Anyone hared anything about Q-Tel and MCT Wataneyah merging into one company.........????????????

we know about QTEL owns 51% of Kuwait's Wataniyah Telecom

but i have no ida about them merging into one

yeah....don’t tell anyone guys.....loool its on the net anyways. but the company i am working in right now, where i am using its computer to type this in the first place. Anyways, its designing its new website...........i have some concepts and designs of their new logo............they are 4 proposed and we are waiting for an approval so we can send it to London and start working on the website................its going to be something hugeeeeeeee........

i am really sorry i can not post any pics or logos till Q-tel approves a new logo or else i'll lose my job...............looool. give me like 2 weeks inshallla

ok did you see the logo if you did tell us if it looks good ?!

well..........i liked two concepts out of all 4....the other two are superrrr ugly and tacky.........ewwwww. they better not approve any of those ugly once. but i have a big feeling that they are choosing the 1st concept as its the most modern one and its so attractive.

you mean for the (X) company logo ??? (x) as in new unknown company

will it be for q-tel or what ?

okay i have no idea about this X thingy.....never heard of it...............i just went back to my inbox and i saved the slide show presntation on my hard drive.........i will share it later

you mean in a week ???

btw company (X) , means that i dont know the name of the company :lol: lets stop this or get BANNED eeek

yeah i got that......but what do you mean aboutt he X company....the new telecommuncation company in Doha other than Q-tel, or the new Q-tel merging with MTC ???

PS: what BANNED eeeek

i sent you a private messege disscussion ended i dont want to be in the risk to be banned

alrighty............i got some information........no pics till later though looool

update about Q-tel

1- Qtel has just bought Wataniya (Kuwait Telecom) for $3.8bn, a deal they did in 6 days

2- They are going to merge to become the biggest telecoms provider in MENA. Wataniya has 5,000 staff in Kuwait, Saudi, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia and the Maldives, Q-tel has 2,000 in Qatar

3-Qtel are embarking on an extensive acquisition program and have state they intend to be in the top three global telecom providers by 2020.

i didnt know you work at q-tel ???

thats great news for q-tel i wish they fix the net at qatar first

Qatar fund supports plans: Sainsbury

LONDON • Britain’s J Sainsbury, the subject of bid speculation, has no reason to doubt Qatari fund Delta (Two) is a supporter of the company’s plans, Chief Executive Justin King said yesterday.

Qatar’s Delta (Two) triggered speculation it could be about to make a bid for Britain’s third largest retailer when it raised its stake to 25 per cent last Friday.

“We never comment on individual shareholder conversations, but the Qataris some months ago said they were great admirers of Sainsbury and supporters of our plans for the future. There is no reason to doubt that point of view,” King said in a conference call with reporters following first-quarter trading.

Sainsbury reported slightly slower than expected first-quarter growth yesterday, becoming the second major British retailer in two days to warn of slowing consumer spending.

Britain’s third largest grocery retailer posted a 5.1 per cent rise in UK like-for-like sales excluding fuel for the 12 weeks to June 16, slightly below the average analyst forecast.

Analysts expected a rise of around 5.4 per cent, a survey showed. Forecasts ranged from 4.8 per cent to 5.7 per cent.

It was its toughest quarterly comparative since King began his turnaround of the company three years ago with unusually warm weather and the World Cup last June having helped it to a 5.7 per cent rise in underlying sales.

Analysts were divided about the outlook. “It does look like things are starting to slow down,”

Seymour Pierce analyst Andrew Wade told Reuters. Sainsbury’s trading update was a “touch below” his expectations, he said.

Qatar files OMX document, raises chance of bid war
Tuesday October 2, 8:27 am ET


STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The Qatar Investment Authority filed for regulatory approval to take a bigger stake in OMX (Stockholm:OMX.ST - News) on Tuesday, raising the prospect of a bidding war for the Nordic firm with rival Dubai and its ally Nasdaq (NasdaqGS:NDAQ - News).

The authority, which made the request through its Qatar Holding subsidiary, has previously said it controlled 9.98 percent of OMX shares, which is just below the 10 percent threshold at which the regulator must approve ownership.

Qatar started acquiring stock in the Nordic and Baltic exchange owner just after Borse Dubai and U.S. exchange Nasdaq announced they were teaming up to buy OMX.

"The examination is an assessment of whether the new owner is suitable to have a significant influence in the company," Sweden's Financial Services Authority said in a statement.

The FSA requires firms to request approval for owning more than 10 percent in companies deemed strategically important. If a firm gets approval, it can own any amount of stock.

"If you are fit and proper to own 10 percent, obviously you can't not be fit and proper to own 50 percent or 70 percent or 100 percent," said Helena Ostman, spokesman for the FSA.

OMX, as the owner of Sweden's stock exchange, is considered vital to the functioning of the local financial system.

BIDDING WAR

State-run Borse Dubai last week said it owned 47.6 percent of OMX after it increased its cash offer to 265 Swedish crowns per share from 230 crowns, valuing the bid at about $4.9 billion, up from just under $4 billion.

Borse Dubai's chief executive Per Larsson later told Reuters he expected to cross the 50 percent barrier "fairly soon."

Shares in OMX were up 2.4 percent at 282.50 crowns at 1115 GMT, indicating the market believes a counterbid by Qatar is possible.

OMX spokesman Jonas Rodny said the company had no information about the matter and was not aware of Qatar's intentions.

Both Qatar and Dubai want to create a financial hub in the Middle East. Nasdaq's goal is to gain a significant foothold in Europe to capitalize on upcoming regulatory changes which are likely to transform the exchange landscape in the region.

If it acquires OMX, Borse Dubai will transfer the firm to Nasdaq in exchange for 20 percent of the combined group as part of a complex tie-up. OMX's board has recommended the Borse Dubai offer.

The Swedish government owns 6.6 percent of OMX, but it has not said how it views the Borse Dubai/Nasdaq offer other than that it is an "interesting" proposal.

Financial Markets Minister Mats Odell has said the government will take a view in good time before the Borse Dubai bid concludes, which he expects could be around January.

I thought this might be worth mentioning

PSG: Une offre de rachat du Qatar

26/11/2007 - Les actionnaires du Paris Saint-Germain, Colony Capital, Butler Capital Partners et Morgan Stanley, ont reçu le mois dernier une offre de rachat d'une partie du capital du club, de la part de la famille royale du Qatar, selon Le Parisien. Une offre qui pourrait signifier le désengagement des investisseurs américains, peu satisfaits de la 18e place actuelle du club.



It means that Paris Saint Germain football club shareholders have received an offer from the Qatari royal family to buy part of the club. This is no fresh news as it's been 2 years Qatar is trying more or less openly to buy this club ; )

good more more more :D:D:D

Qinvest buys into Shard

Qatar: Sunday, December 23 - 2007 at 10:07
Qinvest, a Qatari Islamic investment bank, is set to acquire a majority shareholding in London's Shard of Glass skyscraper development, according to Property Week. The bank will buy the 33% stakes of CLS Holdings and Simon Halabi as well as part of the stake of Sellar Property. No value was given for the deal; last month it was reported here that Qatar's government might buy an 80% stake in the venture.

http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/images/030412_lbt_stthomas.jpg

these envestments thould go round and round and end up in Qatar like what UAE is doing to itself :D

Doha Bank acquires sake in Yemen bank

Qatar: Thursday, January 03 - 2008 at 09:45
Doha Bank, Qatar's third largest lender, is acquiring a 'strategic' stake in Yemen's Credit Cooperative & Agricultural Bank, reported Gulf Times. The bank's board also agreed to pick up 'strategic' stake in the proposed new Islamic Bank to be incorporated by Doha Bank and the Credit Cooperative & Agricultural Bank. However, the news item did not specify to what extent Doha Bank would buy stake in both the entities and at what price.

Qatar telecom in $1.8bn deal

Qatar: Sunday, June 08 - 2008 at 08:34
Qatar Telecom has announced that it will buy a 40.8% stake in Indonesian mobile phone company PT Indosat. The $1.8bn deal will see the emirate's phone operator buy the stake from Asia Mobile Holdings, its joint venture with Singapore Technologies Telemedia, Bloomberg has reported.

Qatari Diar enters exclusivity agreement with Cegelec Group

Qatari Diar Real Estate and Investment Company confirmed that it has entered an exclusivity agreement to acquire the Cegelec Group.


Cegelec is a technological solutions and services integrator and designs, installs and maintains systems and sub-systems for the industrial, infrastructure and tertiary sectors.

Cegelec has 25,000 employees in approximately 30 countries worldwide.

Qatari Diar will provide the Cegelec Group the benefit of a stable shareholder combining financial strength and a strong experience in successful partnerships with major international groups.

Qatari Diar will further reinforce Cegelec's position in its' key markets, particularly in France and to support its' international development, especially in the Middle East.

Qatari Diar Chief Executive, Ghanem Saad al Saad said 'this acquisition is an extraordinary opportunity for Qatari Diar.

We are very proud to leverage on an experienced management and dedicated teams.

Cegelec, in partnership with Qatari Diar, will enjoy exciting development prospects.

Qatar benefits from a significant economic and urban growth. Cegelec fits perfectly with our expansion strategy'.

Qatari Diar was advised by UBS, Merrill Lynch and The First Investor as M&A advisors, Baker & Mckenzie and Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier as legal counsels and Accuracy for the financial due diligences.

^^ Striking news, as this fast-growing company was reportedly eyed by one of the two giant French construction companies (Vinci or Eiffage). Finally, it's Qatari Diar!

Qatari Diar invest $70m in Cuba

Qatar: Monday, April 28 - 2008
Qatari Diar have signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Republic of Cuba for a $70m investment to develop an exclusive 5 star resort in Cuba.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/7/56447-qd.jpg
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Ahmed Al-Mazroei, Deputy Chief Executive of Qatari Diar and Marta Lomas, Minister for International Investment, Republic of Cuba at Qatari Diar's Lusail headquarters.

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Ahmed Al-Mazroei, Deputy Chief Executive of Qatari Diar and Marta Lomas, Minister for International Investment, Republic of Cuba at Qatari Diar's Lusail headquarters.

The investment at Cayo Largo will develop an exclusive 5-star resort, consisting of a 200 bedroom hotel and 60 deluxe villas. Cayo Largo Resort is located on an island, twenty five minutes by aircraft off the Cuban mainland. The hotel will also have world class facilities including a spa and fitness centre and conference facilities.

The $70m investment is a joint venture with Gran Caribe, a Cuban company 100% owned by the Cuban Ministry of Tourism. Three further sites have been identified in Cuba for future developments.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ahmed Al-Mazroei, Deputy Chief Executive of Qatari Diar said, 'Qatari Diar are delighted to have signed this Memorandum of Agreement. We believe that this project highlights the strong relationship between our two countries and we look forward to working with Gran Caribe on the development. This is another example of Qatari Diar's focus of creating long term sustainable projects.'

In keeping with Qatari Diar's tradition of creating sustainable, community-enhancing projects, the building of the resort will generate hundreds of jobs during the construction phase while enhancing Cuba's tourism infrastructure and desirability as a tourist destination. The resort will boast the highest standards of quality of luxury and will reflect the traditions and customs of the local culture. The resort will also help cater to the needs of the Cuban business and tourism sectors, and will serve as an attractive venue for the growing number of people expected to travel to the country in the near future.

Marta Lomas, Minister for International Investment, Republic of Cuba added, 'This is the beginning of a partnership that will continue to strengthen the relationship between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Cuba and our two leaders.'

Marcelo V. Montenegro, Qatari Diar's Country Manager for Cuba added that 'Cuba is a fantastic country to visit. These investments will continue to develop Cuba's tourism infrastructure. We look forward to completing the development and working on the three additional sites.'

wow qatari diar is really good but its about time they start investing in Qatar... maybe alrayan and alwakra as a start 2 projects (lusail, doha tower) are not enough.....

btw as you might know i am in cairo so i was wondering what kind of things would i encounter..... and i found a qatari diar investment.... its a 3 tower project at the nile corniesh in cairo..... near conad hotel, the bill board was HUGE !!! i will post pictures as soon as possible.

Qatari Diar signs MoU with Cypriot government

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, an international leader in sustainable real-estate development, and the Cypriot government signed yesterday a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct feasibility studies and land evaluation for a new project in Nicosia, Cyprus.

This new project will be located on 25,000m2 of a prime site in Nicosia and will be a mixed use development.

Upon completion, the project will include a 5-Star hotel, luxury residential villas and apartments, retail space and office buildings. It is destined to become a major tourist destination, aimed at sophisticated investors and tourists from around the globe.

Speaking at the signing, Ahmed Al-Mazrouei, DCEO of Qatari Diar said:
'Qatari Diar are delighted to have signed this Memorandum of Agreement. We believe that this project highlights the strong relationship between our two countries and we look forward to working in Cyprus on the development. This is another example of Qatari Diar's focus of creating long term sustainable projects.'

American Embassy sold to Qatari Diar

The American Embassy in Grosvenor Square has been sold to Qatari Diar Real Estate.

No details have been released about the price, or any other conditions of the sale although it is likely to be turned into a hotel.

Last week, architecture minister Margaret Hodge decided to list the embassy, but indicated that whilst the facade and certain public rooms should be retained , reconfiguring the rest of the building would be acceptable.

In a statement, the U.S State Department said: "With the signing of this contract the United States takes another step towards relocating to a new state-of-the-art embassy which will enhance the urban fabric of London and demonstrate exceptional American architecture.

"The construction of the new U.S. Embassy in the Nine Elms area of Wandsworth will provide a modern, open and secure American diplomatic facility in London."

The winner of the design competition for the new U.S Embassy is expected to be announced early next year, with the Americans aiming for a 2016 or 2017 completion date.

The United States will continue to occupy the Grosvenor Square building until the relocation is complete.

Qatari Diar are currently involved in a number of prime London development sites, including Chelsea Barracks.

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/04_02/USembassyES_468x317.jpg

http://www.jerrypippin.com/AMERICAN%20EMBASSY%20IN%20LONDON.jpg

The PT Indonesian Satellite Corporation Tbk (Indosat), in which Qatar Telecom (Qtel) has purchased a majority stake of $1.8bn, announced the successful completion of its two major telecommunications infrastructure projects will deliver major enhancements to the quality and reliability of communications in Indonesia and the region. Indosat has successfully launched operations for its Submarine Cable Jakabare and the Satellite Palapa D, dual communication systems that will provide the network backbone to full coverage for Indonesia and ensure better interconnection with other ASEAN countries, the Asia Pacific region and Australia, as well as with the Middle East.

The launches have been fully supported by the Qtel Group, which holds an effective 65 percent stake in Indosat, as a part of the important strategic goal of enhancing network infrastructure for Indonesia. Dignitaries at the launch include the Minister of Communications and Informatics of the Republic of Indonesia, Tifatul Sembiring, and Indosat President Director and CEO, Harry Sasongko.

"The improved communication environment delivered by these twin infrastructure investments will make an important contribution to the lives of the people of Indonesia, enhancing quality and reliability at a local, regional and even global level. We share in the pride of our colleagues in Indosat at these twin technological breakthroughs, and offer our thanks to everyone who has participated in these momentous and challenging achievements," said H E Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Qtel Chairman and Indosat President Commissioner.

Submarine Cable Jakabare is a submarine cable system stretching more than 1,300kilometres that connects Jakarta (Java island), Pontianak (Kalimantan Island), Batam and Singapore. By deploying this submarine cable system, Indosat adds an additional bandwidth capacity of 80 Gbps to its network, providing the foundations to offer advanced IP and non-IP technology services.

QATAR SIGNS PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH FRENCH FIRM TO LAUNCH SATELLITE
DOHA, May 11 (NNN-KUNA) -- Qatar aims to launch and operate a new satellite after it signed a partnership agreement with French telecommunications firm, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris).

The agreement, signed with Qatari Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology, will put into effect the new Qatari Satellite, Eshail.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim Al-Thani told reporters after signing the deal here Monday that the project's total cost exceeds USD 300 million, noting that Qatar's share in Eshail exceeds 50 per cent.

The satellite is expected to be launched within two years via Ariane Eutelsat, which is the partner as agreed, the prime minister said, expressing hope the project would be the start of Qatar's venture in this domain.

Sheikh Hamad furthermore said that Eshail is unique, because it adopts three-dimensional technology on its stations and will also include radio, heard by people worldwide who can pick up the satellite's coverage, as well as the on the internet.

On the financial benefit of the move, Sheikh Hamad described it as of "high economic feasibility," one that has been under intense research and one that will be supported by European partners.

He also described the project as complementary to Qatar's media policy and one of an investment dimension.

Eshail will serve viewers in the Middle East and most of North Africa. http://namnewsnetwork.org/v2/read.php?id=119897

I'm just worndering, are they serious about giving this Satellite a slang name "Eshail" . They must be out of their minds!!!.. It isn't even pronounced correctly by any English reader!! :? .. It should be named "Suhail" instead.
Well, in two different articles at QNA which were posted in the same day, one mentions the stupid name "eshail" while the other says "suhail" & I don't know what to follow. :bash:
http://www.qnaol.net/QNAEn/News_bulletin/News/Pages/10-05-10-1813_400_0067.aspx

http://www.qnaol.net/QNAEn/News_bulletin/News/Pages/10-05-10-1419_352_0049.aspx

Lets hope suhail !!

the original way of saying it is Suhail, however, the Satellite was called Eshail since it is written in Arabic this way "أسهيل" this is the way its pronounced in the Qatari accent.

How about naming it Es-hail then ???

Qatari investor buys Spanish club Malaga

http://www.qatarolympics.org/mritems/images/2010/6/26/1_102825_1_14.jpg

MADRID, 26 June 2010 - A Qatari national, HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani was presented as the new owner of struggling Spanish league club Malaga on Friday.

HE Sheikh Abdullah bought the team for 36 million Euros ($44 million), Malaga spokesman Victor Varela said.

Malaga escaped relegation on the final day of last season, and fans hope the takeover will bring an injection of cash for new players.

Speaking through an interpreter, Abdullah did not rule out buying major stars but said he hoped the club would be able to groom them from its youth team.

The sheikh is chairman of Nasser Bin Abdullah and Sons Group and is a horse racing enthusiast.

A new coach is expected to be presented Monday. Reports have said former Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira has been named to replace Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz but Varela said this was not official.

The deal gives Abdullah ownership of the club but not the Rosaleda stadium, which is owned by Malaga town hall.

Now we have another Mushaireb, this time all the way in Khartoum, Sudan !! A project by Qatari Diar. ;)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9266/mushairab.jpg


And if thats not enough, we have Al-Rayyan Hills in Yemen !! :nuts:

http://www.qpm.com.qa/English/ourProjects/PublishingImages/al-rayyan.jpg

Al Rayyan Hills in Yemen is a $600 million mixed use development, located on 440,000m2 of the highest prime sites in Sana’a. When the project is fully developed, it will include a superior 5-star hotel connected with a conference and banqueting facility. Furthermore the project includes luxury residential villas and apartments in addition to retail and office space that will impress shoppers and businessmen alike. Al Rayyan Hills will be a top tourist destination drawing upmarket investors and tourists from around the globe.

Qatari investor buys Spanish club Malaga

http://www.qatarolympics.org/mritems/images/2010/6/26/1_102825_1_14.jpg

MADRID, 26 June 2010 - A Qatari national, HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani was presented as the new owner of struggling Spanish league club Malaga on Friday.

HE Sheikh Abdullah bought the team for 36 million Euros ($44 million), Malaga spokesman Victor Varela said.

Malaga escaped relegation on the final day of last season, and fans hope the takeover will bring an injection of cash for new players.

Speaking through an interpreter, Abdullah did not rule out buying major stars but said he hoped the club would be able to groom them from its youth team.

The sheikh is chairman of Nasser Bin Abdullah and Sons Group and is a horse racing enthusiast.

A new coach is expected to be presented Monday. Reports have said former Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira has been named to replace Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz but Varela said this was not official.

The deal gives Abdullah ownership of the club but not the Rosaleda stadium, which is owned by Malaga town hall.

Hi!, I'm from Malaga, and the news about Abdullah ben Nasser Al-Thani are becoming quite popular in the press, and it is also today in the news: http://www.diariosur.es/v/20100628/marbella/jeque-nasser-anuncia-invertira-20100628.html
here you can read that he had a meeting with the mayor of Marbella about some big project he has for the city of Marbella, and the purchase of the football team is only a small part of his entire plan of inversions in the region, but they keep in secret the details, I wonder if there are possibilities of some high-rise projects, any forumer from Qatar knows about previous projects made by Abdullah ben Nasser Al-Thani?

^^very interesting. Please share if more news are coming up in the local press :)

Qatar, World's largest foreign investor, or so it will be soon.

the Sudan project looks HUGE

A Qatari group is being linked with a possible takeover of Manchester United, the Gulf Times has learnt.
Football circles in the UK are agog with talk of a bid for the top English Premier League club by a Qatar consortium.
Strong rumours of a Qatari takeover first surfaced in January this year when Manchester United flew into Doha for a brief, unexpected training camp because of inclement weather in Britain and much of Europe.
After that there have been several contacts between Qatar and Manchester United, most notably when Sir Alex Ferguson visited Doha in November to take part in the Aspire4Sport conference at which he strongly endorsed the country’s bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
And with Qatar winning the rights to host the prestigious event in 12 years’ time, speculation has reached a fever pitch again.
A source in Qatar said: “Qatar looks like trying for United, although no one is saying anything officially.”
Manchester United are owned by the Glazer family of the US, and have debts in the range of £1.2bn according to latest estimates.
Manchester United currently top the English Premier League with 34 points from 16 matches after defeating Arsenal on Monday.
They will take on Chelsea in their crucial next match on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, the outcome of which could have a strong bearing in the race to the 2010-11 title.
Manchester United, who have worldwide fan support, have won the league title 18 times.

First it was Malaga FC, then The Qatar foundation sponsorship t-shirt deal, then the Qatar stadium in Spain and now this Man United !

Qatar wealth fund to raise capital stake in Porsche

Qatar is to increase its capital in Porsche and has given its seal of approval to the luxury carmaker’s merger with fellow German manufacturer Volkswagen.

“The head of Qatar Holding has said he will take part,” a Qatar Holding spokesperson told newsier AFP, confirming the Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund’s plans to participate in the capital increase in Porsche.

The spokesperson declined to specify the value of the investment in the luxury carmaker.

Qatar Holding owns a ten percent stake in Porsche and a 17 percent stake in Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest carmaker. The German manufacturers plan to merge by the end of the year.

"Qatar Holding considers the merger between Volkswagen and Porsche to be beneficial to all stakeholders and continues to support this initiative," a Qatar Holding source told DowJones.

Gas-rich Qatar has used its wealth fund to purchase a string of trophy assets around the world. The emirate’s portfolio includes luxury department store Harrods, purchased in 2010 for $2bn, a five percent stake in Banco Santander’s Brazilian unit and a stake in the London Stock Exchange.

^^ We need a Porche World here in Qatar like Ferrari World!

Al Jazeera bids $21m to acquire Turkish channel



DOHA: Al Jazeera has offered $21m to acquire the Turkish state-owned television channel Cine5, in a bid to launch a Turkish-language news channel in Turkey soon, said the website News.Az.

The bid by the Qatar-based news network was the only bid for Cine5, which is being auctioned for the fifth time.

However, the figure is just above half of the appraisal price of $40m, set by the Savings Deposit and Insurance Fund, or SDIF.

According to a statement from the fund, the auction was held at 2pm on Monday at the fund’s Istanbul headquarters.

In the first phase of the auction, Al Jazeera bid $20m. It raised its offer by $1m in the second phase, according to the statement.

The offer is expected to be submitted to the SDIF board. If the board decides to continue the process, it will hold an open bidding session tomorrow at 11am. Such a development would signal that the SDIF is ready to sell the assets at a much lower price than the appraised. Alternatively, the SDIF may find Al Jazeera bid too low and cancel the process, preparing for a sixth auction sometime in the future.

In advertisements published in various newspapers on Sunday, former Cine5 boss Erol Aksoy said he would file a lawsuit if the channel were sold. Aksoy said the lawsuits he has launched against the seizure of the TV channel have not been completed yet.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/141327-al-jazeera-bids-21m-to-acquire-turkish-channel.html

Sheik Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani's company say they will be investing 400 million Euro.

The Qatari Sheik, owner of Málaga Football Club, Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani, has announced he is to invest 400 million € in the new port at La Bajadilla in Marbella.

He has been named winner of the tender to redevelop and extend the port with plans which include a circular wall and exterior dyke and a 200 metre quay for cruise liners.

The idea of attracting cruise ships to Marbella has been around in the town ever since the late Mayor, Jesús Gil y Gil, promised to build islands offshore.

The new port will have 1,220 berths. The current fishing port will be displaced and a new underground car park will give space for 450 vehicles in addition to the 683 places there are currently on the surface.

The Junta puts the cost of the project at 84 million, but the Sheik’s company has spoken of more than 400 million. The works project will be presented in six months

More info in spanish:
http://www.diariosur.es/v/20110522/marbella/sera-nuevo-puerto-marbella-20110522.html

http://www.diariosur.es/prensa/noticias/201105/22/fotos/8540994.jpg

http://www.diariosur.es/prensa/noticias/201105/22/fotos/8540985.jpg

http://www.diariosur.es/prensa/noticias/201105/22/fotos/8540986.jpg

http://www.diariosur.es/prensa/noticias/201105/22/fotos/8540993.jpg


Al Thani is becoming quite popular in this province of Spain (Málaga), the football team has finished in the 11th position (out of 20, it's a very good result) in the spanish league and there's a very good feeling for the next season to try to reach Europa League positions.

^^ Great news, He is also going to build a new stadium for Malaga to be named "Qatar Stadium" at 60-65K capacity.

Qatar Luxury Group buys French fashion group stake

Qatar Luxury Group (QLG) has announced the acquisition of all the capital shares of Le Tanneur & Cie, the Peninsula has reported. The designer and manufacturer of leather goods operates two production units in France which manufacture bags, briefcases, light luggage, and small items. The brand sells through independent retailers and department stores, and operates its own network of outlets.

http://www.ameinfo.com/265705.html

^^ Great news, He is also going to build a new stadium for Malaga to be named "Qatar Stadium" at 60-65K capacity.
Yes, I'm supporting Malaga football team for that, I hope they have good results so that stadium (and the big project the stadium is just a part of it) will become reality, with an unemployment rate of almost 30% the region needs this kind of investments.

Qatar signs deal for two major ports in Egypt

Arabian Business reported that Qatar had signed an agreement with Egypt to establish two new ports with the potential to create more than a million jobs.

Mr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation said that the ports will be built in Port Said and Alexandria.

After leading a delegation to Egypt, he said that there will also be bilateral cooperation in establishing two investment companies in Africa with one focused on Sudan. 1 million job opportunities would be created by the Port Said port project with another 200,000 jobs as a result of the Alexandria proposal.

The Minister said that the two sides would draw up a plan to carry out their agreements and set a time frame for the establishments of the ports. A delegation of Qatari businessmen would visit Egypt next month to look for investment opportunities.

Last week, Qatar said that it was drawing up potential projects worth at least USD 10 billion to help Egypt's economy after the popular uprising that ousted president Mr Hosni Mubarak in February.

Egypt has been asking donors and the International Monetary Fund to help to bridge an estimated USD 10 billion to USD 12 billion balance of payments gap for the fiscal year that begins on July 1st 2011.

http://www.steelguru.com/middle_east_news/Qatar_signs_deal_for_two_major_ports_in_Egypt/207634.html

Qatari group takes control of PSG

http://www.oleole.com/media/main/images/wallpapers/113487/parissaintgermainunc_249430.png

Paris Saint-Germain have announced that Qatari investors have bought a controlling 70% stake in the club, ending months of speculation about who the Ligue 1 outfit's new owners would be.

PSG's former owners, the American group Colony Capital, revealed back in December 2010 that they were looking for new investors and that search has reportedly led them to Qatar Investment Authority, an investment arm of the Qatari government.

Colony Capital have had a controlling stake in PSG since 2006, but will now pass on overall ownership to the Qatari group, though they will remain 30% shareholders.

A statement on PSG's official website read: "Colony Capital and a Qatari investment company have signed a letter of intent whereby this company shall, if the agreement is signed as contemplated, become the majority shareholder of Paris St Germain, with 70% of the football club. Colony would retain a 30% interest.

"With this new partner, Colony Capital would fulfil its objective of ensuring PSG's growth and long-term prospects. The partners will work together to build on Colony Capital's achievements over the last five years of their ownership of the club, to enhance its visibility and pre-eminence.''

Sebastien Bazin, chair of the club's supervisory board and head of Colony Capital in Europe, said: "Since the beginning of its investment in the PSG, Colony has recognised that it would always be but a steward of this great club. Over the last five years, Colony has worked diligently to improve the management of this Parisian institution.

"It has laid the groundwork, including a new successful training centre and reinvigorated the youth academy, from which to launch the club in its rightful place among Europe's leading clubs. And in parallel, has tackled spectator experience in the stadium to give the stadium back to a broad family-based audience.

"As part of its stewardship, Colony sought out the ideal partner who would contribute to its ambitions for PSG and assure its place in history. Our new associate is such a partner, fully motivated to ensure the club fulfils its full potential. It appreciates the important accomplishments of the current management and will continue to work with them to take the club to the next level.''

The takeover comes after PSG finished fourth in Ligue 1 - their highest placing since 2004 - and reached the Coupe de France final before losing to league champions Lille, though the capital club have struggled with hooligan problems off the pitch in recent years.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/924844/qatari-group-takes-control-of-psg?cc=4716

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Saint_Germain

This place has lots to be updated.. this thread should be very lively as Qatar is very active on foreign investments these days.. I'll try to get some myself..

QIA buys Credit Suisse London HQ

http://www.swfinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/cabotsquare_cwharf.jpg

The 546,114sq ft building at One Cabot Square in Canary Wharf was leased to the bank under a long-term agreement that runs until 2034, Qatar Holding, the foreign investment arm of QIA, said in a statement yesterday. The value of the deal was not disclosed. QIA holds a 6% stake in Credit Suisse and owns shares in Songbird, the majority owner of Canary Wharf Group. Qatari Diar, a property arm of the fund, along with Canary Wharf, won a £300mn deal to redevelop the Shell Centre in London that houses the Royal Dutch Shell’s London headquarters in July.

ROME, 16 April 2012 - Qatar Holding announces it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Smeralda Holding, owner of luxury hotel resorts on Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, from Colony Capital, the US-based real estate investment firm.

Under the terms of the agreement, Qatar Holding will acquire a portfolio consisting of four luxury hotels (Cala di Volpe, Pitrizza, Romazzino and Cervo) with a total of 372 rooms, the Porto Cervo Marina (host to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda), the Porto Cervo Shipyard, the Pevero Golf Club (designed by Robert Trent Jones), a 51 percent interest in 2,290 hectares of adjacent undeveloped land and various other real estate assets in Costa Smeralda.

The existing management team of Smeralda Holding will remain in place following completion of the transaction and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. will continue to manage the hotels.

Closing of the transaction is conditional on the receipt of antitrust approval from Italian competition authorities.

Commenting on the transaction, Ahmad Mohamed Al-Sayed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Holding, said:

"We are happy to have agreed terms for the acquisition of this established portfolio of luxury assets in Sardinia. We intend to continue supporting the on-going development programme which will see Costa Smeralda strengthen its position as a top luxury resort destination."

Tom Barrack, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Colony Capital, added:

"I have said before that Costa Smeralda is for no one to own...it owns you. Our job was to leave it better than when we found it. We are now fortunate enough to transition this stewardship to the best, most respected, qualified and nurturing caretaker on the globe today in our partners at Qatar Holding. Their increased investment is a huge vote of confidence for Italy, Sardinia, Costa Smeralda and all of its peoples."

Evercore Partners acted as financial adviser to Qatar Holding. Deutsche Bank AG acted as adviser to Colony.

The Radisson blu hotel in Chicago acquired by a Qatari company, in addition to the W hotel in London.

Xtrata stakes up to 8.6%

* Qatar's Aspire Zone Foundation buys KAS Eupen for "modest" amount
* Purchase made to further "Football Dreams" programme
* Programme graduates will be placed on Eupen roster
Qatar's Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) has purchased KAS Eupen, a second division soccer club based in Belgium's Liège province, for an undisclosed amount, officials said on Wednesday.
The acquisition was made to further Aspire Zone's "Football Dreams" programme, which scouts potential talent among adolescents in developing African nations as well as Vietnam, Thailand, Guatemala and Paraguay.
"We travel through these countries all year round with coaches and volunteers, organise matches, and provide the players with apparel. We then stage a final match in each country, with an international final held in Qatar," Ivan Bravo, director general of Qatar's Aspire Academy, told Reuters in an interview.
The winners selected at the international match are sent to a four-year training course in Senegal. Graduates from the Football Dreams programme will now be placed in the Eupen club, Bravo said.
"They will have a guaranteed place on the (Eupen) roster, and they will be playing," he said.
"Qatar has the means and the resources to contribute to development in other countries that don't have these resources. The leadership in Qatar is very committed to that," Bravo said.
"Graduates will come to Doha and work with Qatari players. We wanted to do something that could help develop Qatari athletes. The idea is to find talented football players around the world that would help Qatari players become better players."
AZF will oversee the management of the football-related activities of KAS Eupen, but will let existing management continue to oversee the club's other sports, Bravo said.
While declining to disclose the purchase's value, Bravo said "it was a modest amount."
State-run Qatar Sports Investments - established in 2005 by son of the Emir and heir to the Qatari throne Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani - last year bought a 70 percent stake in French football club Paris St Germain.
The Gulf state will host the World Cup in 2022.
*
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06062012/2/qatar-buys-belgium-eupen-club-modest-amount.html

NEW QATAR INVESTMENT: The Qatar Investment Authority has bought a flagship retail complex on the Champs-Elysées from French insurance firm Groupama for more than 500 million euros, or $622 million at current exchange, the French daily Le Figaro reported on Tuesday.

A spokesman for Groupama declined to comment on the report, as did a spokeswoman for real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle, which handled the sale. Officials at Qatar Investment Authority did not respond to requests for confirmation.

The building at number 52 dates back to the Thirties and is now home to a Virgin Megastore, a branch of French retail chain Monoprix, a shopping arcade and offices.

Through its Qatar Holding LLC arm, Qatar Investment Authority has racked up luxe and retail properties in recent years. The investment house acquired Harrods for a reported $2.22 billion in 2010 and has since snapped up a 1.03 percent stake in LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and a 5.2 percent share in Tiffany & Co.

http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/new-qatar-investment-5945340

QSI buys Paris Handball

DOHA: Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), owners of Paris Saint Germain (PSG) football club, has reportedly finalised the deal to buy Paris Handball (PH), according to reports in the French media.

French handball site www.handnews.fr reported that QSI head Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi (pictured), who is president of Doha-based Al Jazeera Sport Channel and also heads the Qatar Tennis Federation, met with PH President John Paul Onillon, General Manager Bruno Martini, and lawyers, to formalise the deal.

“QSI wishes to engage in the long run with the Paris Handball and build over time, a team which are leaders at national and European level,” a report on Radio France International website www.rfi.fr has quoted Al Kholaifi as saying.

Another, French newspaper Le Parisien said no official communication was forthcoming from the two sides. QSI and Paris Handball are expected to make a formal announcement.

The Division One club, set up in 1941 lost to Chambery 25-38 in their last League game. The team clinched the 12th spot, in the14 teams Division One. QSI had demanded that the club remain in top flight when it approached the French club in late April to buy major stake in the club. Montpellier, French champions for 13 of the last 15 editions, will be PH’s major opponents.

With substantial funds sure to arrive to improve the club, similarly to PSG’s spending in football, the club could easily become one of the best in Europe. The new acquisition will come at a crucial time for Al Jazeera, as it is set to launch beIN Sport, a French premium network of sports channels, on June 1 and August 10. Last year, Qatar had defeated France to win hosting rights for the 2015 IHF Men’s World Championship.

Meanwhile PSG’s move for Napoli’s Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi is “very much on track”, PSG sporting director Leonardo said yesterday.

The 27-year-old international, who joined Napoli from Argentine club San Lorenzo in 2007, has been tracked for several weeks by PSG, as well as Inter Milan. According to sources at the French club, he could complete his move soon after the European transfer window opens on June 13 and is likely to sign a contract with a duration of either four or five years.

Lavezzi is expected to cost an initial $32.5m, plus 5m euros in bonus payments. He is reportedly in line to receive a salary worth 400,000 euros per month.

Meanwhile, sources say PSG have held talks with the agent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic over a possible swoop for the Swedish international, who finished as the top scorer in Serie A with AC Milan last season. Sources close to PSG say the club have made an offer to Milan worth 34m euros for Ibrahimovic, who is currently preparing for Euro 2012 with the Swedish national team.

Qtel advances as telco giant takes majority stake in Iraq's Asiacell

The Qatar Exchange's market measure QE 20 gained a quarter percentage point, closing at 8,342.51 Wednesday. The gauge ended a week-long losing streak thanks to gains of market bellwether Industries Qatar (up 0.76% at QR133.40) and of Qatar Telecom, known as Qtel (advancing half a percentage point at QR112.50). Earlier in the day Qtel announced it has increased its stake in Iraqi telco operator Asiacell to 60%. In a statement to the Qatar Bourse, Qtel said it "has agreed to increase its shareholding to 60% for a total consideration of $1.47bn. Qtel will initially increase its ownership in Asiacell to only 53.9%, the further increase in shareholding is subject to Iraqi Government and Regulatory Authority approval." The transaction will be financed from existing funds, the firm said. The statement added that "Asiacell has already delivered significant value to its shareholders and is expected to continue to do so. (...) we continue to work hard on preparing for Asiacell's landmark IPO planned for later this year. Asiacell is a very important company for the Qtel Group. We continue to expand our regional footprint and diversification of our revenue sources. More than 80% of Qtel Group's revenues are now generated outside Qatar."

Qatar wealth fund No 1 property investor in Europe

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund has been confirmed as the largest public spender on European property, according to Reuters.

Investments totalled over $4.33 billion in just eight deals in the last twelve months, which is equivocal to just six weeks' revenue from the LNG producing giant. Qatar was recently recognised as the wealthiest country in the world per capita.

Joseph Kelly, director of market analysis at Real Capital Analytics, said: "For sovereign wealth funds like the Qatar Investment Authority, property deals are about wealth preservation not returns. They have a lot of money to spend, so deals tend to be big and in the cities they know well.”


http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-18131-qatar-wealth-fund-no-1-property-investor-in-europe/

Qatar to invest $4bn in Vietnam projects


Qatar is planning to invest up to US$4bn in projects in Vietnam, including setting up of a labour centre to train workers before they travel to new jobs in the Gulf,


http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-invest-4bn-in-vietnam-projects-470906.html

How Qatar is spending its billions


http://www.arabianbusiness.com/how-qatar-is-spending-its-billions-470413.html?tab=Article

right you are :)

This place has lots to be updated.. this thread should be very lively as Qatar is very active on foreign investments these days.. I'll try to get some myself..

Qatar fund targets strategic minority in Xstrata



Dubai/London: Qatar Holding is targeting a “strategic minority” stake in Xstrata even if a merger with Glencore does not go through and the fund is a buyer of the mining giant at current prices, sources familiar with the matter said.


The investment arm of the tiny Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund has proved to be a stumbling block for commodities trader Glencore’s proposed $30 billion (Dh110.19 billion) takeover of Xstrata, demanding improved terms and threatening to vote against the tie-up.


The deal is on the brink of collapse after Glencore refused to raise its offer and missed an informal deadline last week.


The Qatari fund has emerged as the second-largest shareholder in Xstrata with a 12 per cent stake and is keen on building its stake further should the deal collapse, the sources aware of the fund’s plan said.





“Qatar’s objective is to be a strategic minority investor in Xstrata even if the deal with Glencore does not go through. They want to build a position which gives them the right to veto any future mergers,” one of the sources said.


“At current prices, they are clearly a buyer,” the source added.


The sovereign fund may approach other large Xstrata shareholders if it wants to improve the stake further but is not currently considering a tender offer for Xstrata, the source said.


The Sunday Telegraph reported that the Qatari fund was poised to raise its stake in Xstrata to 25 per cent if the planned tie-up with Glencore collapsed, citing sources it said were close to the matter.


Reuters sources, however, dismissed talks of a specific ownership target by the Qatari fund.

http://gulfnews.com/business/general/qatar-fund-targets-strategic-minority-in-xstrata-1.1066294

Qatar fund targets strategic minority in Xstrata

Dubai/London: Qatar Holding is targeting a “strategic minority” stake in Xstrata even if a merger with Glencore does not go through and the fund is a buyer of the mining giant at current prices, sources familiar with the matter said.

The investment arm of the tiny Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund has proved to be a stumbling block for commodities trader Glencore’s proposed $30 billion (Dh110.19 billion) takeover of Xstrata, demanding improved terms and threatening to vote against the tie-up.
The deal is on the brink of collapse after Glencore refused to raise its offer and missed an informal deadline last week.
The Qatari fund has emerged as the second-largest shareholder in Xstrata with a 12 per cent stake and is keen on building its stake further should the deal collapse, the sources aware of the fund’s plan said.
“Qatar’s objective is to be a strategic minority investor in Xstrata even if the deal with Glencore does not go through. They want to build a position which gives them the right to veto any future mergers,” one of the sources said.
“At current prices, they are clearly a buyer,” the source added.The sovereign fund may approach other large Xstrata shareholders if it wants to improve the stake further but is not currently considering a tender offer for Xstrata, the source said.

Reuters sources, however, dismissed talks of a specific ownership target by the Qatari fund.

http://gulfnews.com/business/general/qatar-fund-targets-strategic-minority-in-xstrata-1.1066294

Qatar pays Egypt first instalment of $2b grant



http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/qatar-pays-egypt-first-instalment-of-2b-grant-1.1065909

Qatar Holding digs in over Xstrata-Glencore deal

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-holding-digs-in-over-xstrata-glencore-deal-471455.html