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The Sawiris family, Egypt’s most prominent business dynasty and controlling shareholders of Orascom, is pursuing a high-stakes merger of OCI Global and Orascom Construction that could reshape the global infrastructure landscape.
The companies announced they are exploring a strategic combination to create a scalable infrastructure and investment platform based in Abu Dhabi with reach across five continents. The merger would marry Orascom Construction’s USD 14 billion project backlog and deep engineering expertise with OCI’s capital strength and investment acumen — a pairing the Sawirises believe can unlock a new era of growth.
Founded in 1950 by patriarch Onsi Sawiris, Orascom Construction has grown from a local contractor into a top-30 global engineering and construction firm, delivering complex projects in the United States, the Gulf, Egypt, Europe and emerging markets. OCI, established in 1999, has built leading businesses in cement, nitrogen, and methanol, and pioneered the world’s first large-scale blue ammonia plant in the United States.
Historically, the Sawirises have generated their biggest returns when the two businesses were combined — first in cement, later in natural gas-based industries. Together, OCI and Orascom have returned roughly USD 22 billion in dividends to shareholders and delivered an internal rate of return of about 39%.
The proposed combination would strengthen balance sheets, pool capital for large-scale infrastructure investments, and leverage Orascom’s track record in digital, aviation, transportation, power and water.
Under the potential structure being discussed, Orascom Construction — incorporated in Abu Dhabi Global Market and listed on the ADX — would be the acquiring entity. OCI shareholders would receive new Orascom shares at a ratio to be set after reciprocal due diligence and valuations. OCI would then be liquidated and delisted from Euronext Amsterdam, pending board, shareholder, and regulatory approvals.
