Saudi Arabia’s SALIC Gains Sole Control of Olam Agri
ISLAMABAD, October 6 – The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has officially approved the acquisition of a controlling stake in Olam Agri Holdings Limited by the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC). SALIC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, tasked with supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term food security strategy.
This acquisition involves the transfer of shares from two Singapore-based entities—Olam Agri Pte. Limited and Olam Holdings Pte. Limited—to SALIC. The move signals a major step toward Saudi Arabia’s efforts to secure global food supply chains and enhance investment in agri-business across key regions, including Pakistan.
Olam Agri currently operates in Pakistan in the procurement, trading, and processing of essential agricultural commodities such as rice, edible oils, cotton, timber, and rubber.
No Dominance or Competition Concerns in Local Markets
Following a comprehensive Phase I review of the deal, the CCP confirmed that the transaction does not pose any threat to market competition in Pakistan. While Olam Agri maintains a notable presence in certain commodity segments, the Commission concluded that the acquisition would neither create nor enhance a dominant position in the country.
Importantly, SALIC currently has no direct business presence in Pakistan. The acquisition simply shifts shareholder control from joint to sole ownership without affecting market dynamics or operational practices.
The CCP further highlighted that Pakistan’s agricultural market remains diverse and competitive, supported by several local and international traders. Based on the Commission’s findings, the deal complies with both the Competition Act, 2010, and the Competition (Merger Control) Regulations, 2016.
