The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has acquired a 54 per cent stake in Saudi stock exchange (Tadawul)-listed MBC Group, a leading media and entertainment conglomerate in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, through a private transaction with Istedamah Holding Company.
Istedamah Holding Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Finance Ministry, previously held the substantial stake in MBC Group, which has now been acquired by Saudi Arabia’s PIF.
According to a public filing on the Saudi bourse, PIF acquired Istedamah Holding Company’s 54 per cent stake in MBC Group for an aggregate price of SAR 7.469bn, at a price of SAR 41.60 per share. This translates to approximately $1.99bn.
The announcement follows robust net profits reported in the first half (H1) of 2025, with the Tadawul-listed company recording 41.07 per cent higher net profits year-on-year at SAR 335.43m ($89.43m).
MBC Group reaches approximately 150 million viewers weekly across the globe, offering a range of content including entertainment, drama and sports.
In the filing, MBC Group reiterated that it remains dedicated to producing and investing in high-quality, premium Arabic content that is regionally relevant and resonates with the Arabic diaspora globally.
With content at its core, MBC Group is committed to enhancing production capabilities, with an increasing focus on local production in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Group will continue to focuse on growing its presence and reach through its primary verticals:
- Broadcasting and other commercial activities,
- SHAHID, MBC’s video streaming platform, and
- Media and entertainment initiatives.
The Group’s TV operations continue to provide a solid foundation for growth, while SHAHID, the leading Arabic streaming platform in MENA, will drive expansion by prioritising investments to enhance user experience and engagement.
Additionally, MBC is actively exploring new opportunities in emerging verticals such as music, gaming and events.
Looking ahead, the Group intends to build on its mission to innovate, adapt and lead in the media and entertainment industry, delivering sustained growth and value to its audiences and shareholders.
