The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has fully exited its remaining 8.8% stake in Ibnsina Pharma through the Egyptian Exchange (EGX). This marks the conclusion of the bank’s involvement with one of Egypt’s leading pharmaceutical distributors.
The EBRD initially acquired a 20% stake in Ibnsina Pharma in 2015, playing a critical role in supporting the company’s growth by financing its warehouses, distribution centers, and overall supply chain. Over the years, Ibnsina Pharma has significantly expanded its operations, establishing itself as Egypt’s dominant pharmaceutical distributor and venturing into non-pharmaceutical sectors.
Omar Abdel Gawad, CEO of Ibnsina Pharma, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with the EBRD has been pivotal in our growth and expansion, playing a key role in our journey to becoming the top player in the Egyptian market.”
Meanwhile, Hassan Massoud, who oversees the EBRD’s private equity business in the southern Mediterranean, acknowledged the success of the investment despite Egypt’s challenging macroeconomic environment. He highlighted that the EGX had proven to be a reliable venue for private equity exits, further cementing its role in facilitating capital market transactions.
Founded in 2000, Ibnsina Pharma has become a leading distributor of pharmaceutical products in Egypt, with an extensive network of distribution outlets and warehouses across the country.
This exit follows the EBRD’s broader strategy to support Egypt’s private sector. The Bank has made several equity investments in Egypt, including in companies such as Infinity (Africa’s largest renewable energy developer), Hassan Allam Renewable Energy, Global Corp (a prominent leasing and factoring company), and Tamweely (a microfinance firm). Furthermore, the EBRD has made investments in Egyptian healthcare providers like Cleopatra Hospitals and Adwia/KELIX Bio, with successful exits in these sectors as well.
As a founding member of the EBRD, Egypt remains a key focus for the Bank, which began its operations in the country in 2012. To date, the EBRD has invested over €13.8 billion in 196 projects across various sectors, including finance, agribusiness, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The Bank has made significant contributions to the development of Egypt’s power, water, wastewater, and transport sectors.
