ADQ Secures Majority Stake in Aramex with 58% Ownership
Deal News | Mar 11, 2025 | Zawya
ADQ, a sovereign wealth fund based in Abu Dhabi, has increased its stake in the Dubai-based courier company Aramex to 58%, following a voluntary tender offer through its subsidiary Q Logistics Holding LLC. This development positions ADQ as the majority shareholder, with Aramex becoming a crucial part of its transport and logistics cluster. The strategic acquisition aligns Aramex with significant entities such as Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Rail within ADQ's portfolio. The offer remains open until March 24 for remaining shareholders. Currently, GeoPost SA holds a substantial stake of 28%, while other minority shareholders include prominent asset managers such as Vanguard and BlackRock.
Sectors
- Transport and Logistics
- Investment and Finance
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – The main activities reported take place in the UAE, with ADQ located in Abu Dhabi and Aramex based in Dubai.
- France – GeoPost SA, the company with a significant stake in Aramex, is owned by La Poste, the state-run postal service of France.
Industry
- Transport and Logistics – The article focuses on Aramex, a courier and logistics company now under the majority ownership of ADQ, aligning with the transport and logistics industry.
- Investment and Finance – The acquisition of Aramex by ADQ involves strategic investment decisions typical of the finance sector, as it involves share purchasing and minority shareholders.
Financials
- 58% – The cumulative share ownership reached by ADQ in Aramex after the tender offer.
- AED 3 ($0.82) per share – The offer price provided by ADQ to Aramex shareholders for the tender.
- AED 2.76 – The closing share price of Aramex on a recent trading day prior to the announcement.
- 28% – The percentage of Aramex shares currently held by GeoPost SA.
- AED 1.4 billion – The amount paid by GeoPost for its 20.15% stake in Aramex.
- AED 4.74 per share – The price per share paid by GeoPost for its stake in Aramex.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADQ | Buyer | Company | Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund acquiring the majority share of Aramex. |
| Aramex | Target | Company | Dubai-based courier company that is the subject of ADQ's acquisition. |
| AD Ports Group | Subsidiary | Company | Previously held 22.69% of Aramex shares as a subsidiary of ADQ. |
| Q Logistics Holding LLC | Bidding Company | Company | ADQ's wholly owned indirect subsidiary used for the tender offer to acquire Aramex shares. |
| GeoPost SA | Majority Shareholder | Company | Major stakeholder of Aramex, owned by France's La Poste. |
| La Poste | Parent Company of GeoPost | Company | France's state-owned postal service, parent of GeoPost SA. |
| Dubai Financial Market (DFM) | Financial Market | Company | The stock exchange where Aramex shares are listed. |
| Vanguard Group, Blackrock, HSBC Global Asset Management (UK), Al Mal Capital, ADCB Asset Management | Minority Shareholders | Company | Financial and asset management companies holding minority stakes in Aramex. |