Kuwait’s Boubyan Bank net profits grow by 37%, plans ESG framework

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Updated 20 October 2021
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Kuwait’s Boubyan Bank net profits grow by 37%, plans ESG framework

RIYADH: Kuwait’s Boubyan Bank net profits rose by 37 percent during the first nine months of 2021 while operating profits recorded a growth of 18 percent to reach 140 million dinars ($145.8 million).

Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri, CEO of personal and digital banking services at the bank, said that fees and commissions were the biggest support for the bank’s performance in the last quarter, as the growth rate exceeded 25 percent, in addition to the financing portfolio, which rose by 18 percent.

In an interview to CNBC Arabia, he said the bank’s current assets have exceeded 7 billion dinars and its market share in individual services sector stands at about 15 percent.

He said the bank plans to expand its digital services with a focus on fintech and also aims to work on developing a framework for environmental, social and governance standards.

He said: “We are still conservative and believe that the economic and operational matters in Kuwait are better, as we noticed during the third quarter business growth, but we still have a conservative view and we are waiting until the end of the year to see the general indicators.”


SAL agrees $30m Aviapartner Liege acquisition to expand into Europe

Updated 58 min 54 sec ago
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SAL agrees $30m Aviapartner Liege acquisition to expand into Europe

RIYADH: SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co. has agreed to acquire Belgium-based Aviapartner Liege SA for €28 million ($30.3 million), giving the Saudi logistics firm a foothold at one of Europe’s major air cargo hubs. 

Under a sale and purchase agreement signed with Aviapartner Belgium NV and Aviapartner Holding NV, SAL will acquire 100 percent of the company’s share capital on a cash-free, debt-free basis, according to a filing on Saudi Exchange. 

The acquisition gives SAL a full operational presence at Liege Airport in Belgium, a key European cargo hub, and is expected to support the company’s long-term growth strategy. 

SAL, which provides cargo handling and logistics services across Saudi airports, has been expanding its service portfolio as the Kingdom invests heavily in aviation and supply-chain infrastructure under Vision 2030. 

In the Tadawul filing, the company stated: “This acquisition supports SAL’s international expansion strategy by establishing an operational footprint at a key European cargo hub, expanding its cargo ground handling and logistics service offerings at international airports, geographically diversifying its revenue streams, and leveraging operational synergies through access to established infrastructure, airline relationships, and a mature operating environment.” 

The deal is strategically significant because Liege Airport has emerged as one of Europe’s most important air cargo hubs and a rapidly expanding gateway for global freight flows. 

The Belgian airport is the fifth-largest cargo airport in Europe and has recorded strong growth in recent years, handling more than 1.3 million tonnes of cargo in 2025 as volumes rose about 14 percent year on year. 

The transaction will be financed through the company’s available cash resources and remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. 

Aviapartner Liege, based in Liege, Belgium, primarily provides ground handling and cargo services. 

Financial disclosures show Aviapartner Liege generated revenues of €24.7 million in 2023, rising to €28.6 million in 2024 before declining to €24.3 million in 2025. 

SAL said it expects the transaction to have a positive long-term impact on its financial performance following completion and consolidation of the acquired company’s financial results.  

The company added that no related parties were involved in the transaction, which was signed on March 4.