Netherlands: Arab investors take 50% stake in Food Investments Group BV

A group of wealthy investors from the Middle East have, through a capital increase, taken a 50% stake in Ridderkerk based, Food Investments Group BV. The Food Investments Group (FIG), previously wholly owned by the Bouman family, owns a modern distribution center in Ridderkerk. In addition, FIG recently founded Fruitmarket International BV. FMI is a new trading company focused on importing and marketing a wide range of both European and overseas fruit and vegetables.

The group of Egyptians, operating under the name GTH International Investment Group Ltd, plans to work with the family Bouman to build FIG into a powerful international trading company. Tarek Khalifa, Director of GTH: "This joint venture will enable us to expand our agricultural interests on a professional and large scale."

The Egyptians have, next to their investments in Egypt, which include a large acreage of citrus and grapes, also various construction companies and a large portfolio of real estate investments in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Qatar.

Besides the activities in the Netherlands FIG meanwhile has also started up a business in Egypt: Egypt FMI. FMI Egypt is a trading company that will deal with the direct export to Western and Eastern Europe and the import and distribution of overseas vegetables in the Middle East.

The new board will consist of FIG Henk Bouman and Tarek Khalifa, supported by Rene and Peter Bouman. The commercial team FMI also includes Wim Bezemer, Medhat Samir and Mirza Huzic. Wim Bezemer, head of sales, on the joint venture: "I am excited about this new partnership, it will enable us to provide our customers a strong and wide assortment".