Latest news with #MohamedAmer
Business Insider
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
'Highly Misleading': Alimentation Couche-Tard Stock (TSE:ATD) Notches up as Seven & i Pushes Back
It would be easy to think that the recent failed deal between Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSE:ATD) and Japanese convenience store giant Seven & i would be the end of the story. That is not the case, however, as Seven & i is fighting back against remarks Couche-Tard made in the aftermath of the failed deal. Seven & i fighting back is good news for Couche-Tard, though, as investors gave it a fractional boost in Wednesday morning's trading. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. When the deal ultimately fell through, Couche-Tard declared that Seven & i had pretty much scuttled the whole thing by refusing to play along for the year that Couche-Tard tried, ultimately in vain, to get something going. But Seven & i is fighting back, calling Couche-Tard's remarks 'highly misleading,' and noting that Seven & i acted in good faith that whole time. In fact, for all of Couche-Tard's allegations that Seven & i was a dead fish, Seven & i's response was that, essentially, Couche-Tard was the exact opposite: a loose cannon in a china shop that absolutely did not care about consequences. Seven & i's concerns about antitrust issues and the broader market were largely dismissed, and Couche-Tard had no real plan to address those concerns at all. Missed Opportunity or Dodged Bullet? Meanwhile, outside observers are surveying the wreckage of the deal, and wondering if this was a missed opportunity. Indeed, some outsiders think exactly that. But a substantial amount of outsiders are also thinking that this was less a missed opportunity and more a missed disaster in the making. Mohamed Amer, PhD, who also serves as a 'CEO & strategic board advisor' as well as a 'strategy doctor,' noted that Couche-Tard here '…avoided a likely disaster in terms of value destruction, and 7-Eleven gets to continue controlling its strategic direction and cultural coherence.' Headcount Corporation founder and CEO Mark Ryski noted that '…it's not unusual for one or both parties to get cold feet. I suspect that's what happened here.' While there certainly would have been advantages in some senses—Couche-Tard's footprint would have gone way up while Seven & i could have focused on its Japanese business—it may well have been for the best to shutter the deal altogether. Is Alimentation Couche-Tard Stock a Good Stock to Buy? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on TSE:ATD stock based on 12 Buys assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 7.29% loss in its share price over the past year, the average TSE:ATD price target of C$82.67 per share implies 7.38% upside potential.
Gulf Insider
09-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Why Invest in Property in El Gouna, Egypt?
Nestled along Egypt's Red Sea coast, El Gouna is a luxurious, fully integrated town that has emerged as a premier destination for property investment. Often dubbed the 'Venice of Egypt' due to its intricate network of lagoons, El Gouna offers a unique blend of serene coastal living, world-class amenities, and strong investment potential. The community is home to a variety of sought-after amenities, including hotels, restaurants, marinas, golf courses, banks, health and wellness facilities, international education institutions, co-working spaces and more. Here's why investing in El Gouna is a smart choice, along with key details about its distinct features, property types, future plans, property management services, green initiatives, and travel options from Bahrain and other Gulf countries. Unlike many other developments, El Gouna is a fully integrated, privately managed town developed by Orascom Development since 1989. Located just 20 kilometres north of Hurghada International Airport, it combines award-winning architecture with a vibrant, international community of residents representing over 50 nationalities, families, entrepreneurs, affluent Egyptians, expatriates, and retirees. Its unique lagoon system builds proximity of some premium neighbourhoods to the open sea, offering waterfront views for most properties, while its year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and proximity to Hurghada set it apart. El Gouna's gated, curated environment ensures a safe, clean, and relaxed lifestyle, distinct from the busier, more tourist-heavy Hurghada. With top-tier infrastructure—high-speed internet, reliable utilities, and eco-friendly transport like tuk-tuks—El Gouna feels like a luxurious haven brimming with coastal serenity. Gulf Insider sat down with Mr. Mohamed Amer, CEO at El Gouna, who shared with us the unique allure of El Gouna and why it's capturing the attention of global real estate investors. Mr. Amer told us that El Gouna has emerged as a world-class destination due to its natural beauty, diverse entertainment (such as the El Gouna International Film Festival), and sustainable development has fostered a vibrant, multicultural community. Mr. Mohamed Amer, CEO at El Gouna highlighted why the community is capturing the attention of global real estate investors. Mr. Amer highlighted the strong demand from international buyers, which drives high returns on investment (ROI) for homeowners. He explained that El Gouna stands out as the only Egyptian real estate project pricing its residential offerings in U.S. dollars, a strategy that shields investors from currency fluctuations. Villas: Spacious standalone or twin villas, often with private pools, gardens, and sea or lagoon views, are popular among affluent buyers. Spacious standalone or twin villas, often with private pools, gardens, and sea or lagoon views, are popular among affluent buyers. Townhouses: Ideal for families, these offer privacy and communal amenities. Ideal for families, these offer privacy and communal amenities. Apartments and Penthouses: Modern, fully furnished units with lagoon or golf course views range from 47 to 200 square meters. Modern, fully furnished units with lagoon or golf course views range from 47 to 200 square meters. Chalets and Duplexes: These provide cosy, stylish options, often in vibrant neighbourhoods. El Gouna is only about 50% developed, leaving significant room for growth and value appreciation. Orascom Development, which owns one of Egypt's largest land banks, continues to expand the town with projects like Ancient Sands Resort, featuring villas and apartments with golf course views, and Kamaran El Gouna, a family-friendly neighbourhood with modern homes and serene sand pools. Recently, Orascom Development introduced two of El Gouna's newest waterfront real estate projects in a special showcase held in the UAE. Fanadir Shores and North Bay are designed to offer premium coastal living. Fanadir Shores features 57 residential units along a private lagoon with direct access to the Red Sea, while North Bay offers larger standalone and twin villas with direct sea access and open lagoons with private boat docks. Both projects are scheduled for delivery within two years. Behind these community-focused developments is a research-led initiative, 'Keys of Life', revealing insights into the evolving needs and aspirations of people around the world. Findings from the initiative help inform the town's evolving design and offerings with an aim to elevate customer experiences. El Gouna Plus, one of the town's community offerings, provides comprehensive property management services, making ownership hassle-free. This includes maintenance, landscaping, security, and rental management for investors seeking short-term rental income (2-8% ROI). The service ensures properties are well-maintained and marketed effectively, maximising returns for absentee owners. Owners also receive an 'Owners Card,' granting discounts at restaurants, access to hotel pools and beaches, and other perks, enhancing the lifestyle and investment value. El Gouna is a pioneer in sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into its development. Initiatives include solar energy projects, water recycling systems, and eco-conscious transportation like electric tuk-tuks. The town's 'Green Gouna' program promotes waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable building materials, ensuring a low environmental footprint while maintaining luxury. These efforts appeal to environmentally conscious investors and enhance the town's long-term appeal. Travelling to El Gouna from Bahrain and other Gulf countries is straightforward, with Hurghada International Airport serving as the gateway, and airlines like Emirates, Flydubai, and EgyptAir offering regular services. With tickets for a round-trip costing $400-$600 (depending on the departure port), El Gouna is a 30-minute transfer by taxi or shuttle from Hurghada Airport. A tourist visa is required if you're not a citizen of the US or the UK. Check your visa-on-arrival eligibility before travelling to El Gouna. El Gouna offers a luxurious lifestyle. It also offers strong rental yields and capital appreciation for property owners due to ongoing development and high demand from international visitors. Its unique blend of modern amenities, natural beauty, and eco-conscious growth makes it a standout choice for investors from the Gulf and beyond. With straightforward purchasing processes for foreigners and robust property management, El Gouna could be both a dream home and/or a savvy investment. For more information, visit
Daily News Egypt
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches trial operations of Cheng He Institute for smart railway signal control
In a significant step toward upgrading Egypt's railway infrastructure, trial operations have officially begun at the Cheng He – Egypt Institute for Smart Railway Signal Control. This milestone aligns with the directives of Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, who has tasked Mohamed Amer, Chairperson of the Egyptian National Railways, with implementing comprehensive reforms to enhance education, training, and technological know-how in the sector. The Cheng He Institute is the product of a strategic partnership between Egypt's Higher Institute of Transport Technology, China's AVIC International Project Engineering Company, and the Nanjing Institute of Railway Science. It is envisioned as a regional centre of excellence for advanced training in smart railway signaling, supporting Egypt's broader vision to modernise its rail network and build local technical capacity. The trial launch was attended by senior representatives from the National Railways Authority, the Higher Institute of Transport Technology, Wardan Railway Institute, the Chinese Embassy in Cairo, the Jiangsu Provincial Education Department, AVIC International, the Nanjing Railway Technology Institute, CASCO Signal Ltd., and the Central Administration for Talent Development at Egyptian National Railways. The initiative complements the Ministry of Transport's wider efforts to overhaul technical education and foster knowledge exchange with international partners, particularly China, which is also deeply involved in developing Egypt's electric traction systems. A key goal is to prepare highly skilled graduates capable of keeping pace with the fast-evolving transport technologies being deployed across the country. Since 2020, the Higher Institute of Transport Technology has held a series of meetings in Egypt and China with its Chinese counterparts—including AVIC International, which is overseeing Egypt's light rail transit (LRT) project, as well as the Nanjing and Guangzhou Institutes of Railway Science—to design a joint academic programme tailored to the needs of Egypt's modern rail network. Under the programme, students complete three academic semesters in Egypt, followed by three semesters at the Nanjing Institute in China, before returning to Egypt to complete a final year of study. Graduates receive a Bachelor's degree in Technology from Egypt and a Technological Diploma accredited by the Chinese government. Alongside academic cooperation, the Cheng He Institute is upgrading its training laboratories and simulation systems and developing a new generation of Egyptian academic and technical staff to lead the transformation of railway education and support future transport infrastructure projects. This cross-border collaboration marks another milestone in Egypt's ongoing efforts to create a modern, smart, and sustainable transport system supported by world-class technical education.
Zawya
11-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ICC-ES evaluates SmartCare CureAssure for compliance with Dubai Building Code and green construction standards
Dubai, UAE: The International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) has issued Evaluation Service Report ESR-5402 for SmartCare CureAssure, a next-generation internal curing admixture developed by Asian Paints. This innovative, chloride-free liquid admixture, classified as a Type S admixture, is designed to enhance concrete performance by promoting internal moisture retention and reducing the need for conventional external curing methods. This achievement marks a significant milestone in sustainable construction for the region, as SmartCare CureAssure becomes the first product of its kind to be evaluated in compliance with the Dubai Building Code (DBC), resulting in its official approval by Dubai Municipality in accordance with ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria AC564 for internal curing concrete admixtures. In a region where concrete construction dominates - and where embodied carbon and resource consumption remain critical challenges - SmartCare CureAssure provides a tangible solution. The system not only enhances strength and durability, but also significantly reduces water usage, supporting the region's broader environmental and sustainability goals. Mohamed Amer, Managing Director of ICC MENA, stated: " We are proud to support the advancement of sustainable and resilient construction practices through the issuance of this ESR. By validating innovative systems such as SmartCare CureAssure against rigorous code requirements, ICC-ES is helping pave the way for a safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible construction future - one that aligns with the GCC's long-term development goals." This milestone sets a strong foundation for the future adoption of sustainable and innovative building systems across the region. By demonstrating a clear, credible pathway for emerging technologies to meet rigorous code compliance through third-party technical validation, ICC-ES helps unlock new opportunities for greener construction methods. Such initiatives empower manufacturers, developers, and regulators alike to embrace out of the box solutions that enhance building resilience, environmental performance, and resource efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable built environment in the GCC and beyond. Commenting on this success, Joseph Eapen, CEO of Asian Paints International Private Ltd, stated: "This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering high-performance, sustainable solutions for the construction sector. Having ICC-ES independently verify the performance of our system for compliance with the DBC reinforces our dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship." This milestone highlights ICC-ES's continued support in evaluating innovative systems that meet the evolving demands of building safety, sustainability, and performance in the MENA region and beyond. ESRs provide technical validation for innovative materials and systems while unlocking market access for global manufacturers. Through ICC-ES, we've supported companies in navigating this process efficiently, reducing risk while staying aligned with local code requirements. For more information about Asian Paints and their portfolio of offerings, please visit: or view the comprehensive compliance details in the report ESR-5402 via: About the International Code Council The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. The I-Codes, standards and solutions are trusted worldwide to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings. More information about ICC MENA: Middle East Media Enquiries should be directed to AllDetails: Diane D'costa, Senior PR Account Manager Email: Chamodi Gunawardane, Junior PR Account Manager, Email:
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Orascom Development Egypt announces changes in its executive board members
Cairo – Orascom Development Egypt (ODE) announces that Mohamed Amer, the current CEO of El Gouna, has joined ODE's board of directors as an executive board member. Additionally, the Board appointed Ashraf Nessim as Managing Director for Finance and Operations and Mohamed Amer as Managing Director for Commercial Activities. The board has also accepted the resignation of Omar El Hamamsy from his position as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Omar El Hamamsy will transition to serve as the Advisor to the Chairman of Orascom Development Holding AG (ODH) in Switzerland, leading strategic projects alongside the Chairman through March 2026. The Board of Directors of ODE, in conjunction with Naguib S. Sawiris, the Chairman of Orascom Development Holding AG (ODH), the major shareholder of ODE, would like to take this opportunity to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Omar for his unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership over the past five years. During his tenure, the company has undergone remarkable growth and institutionalization, successfully navigating the complex landscape of the real estate and hospitality sectors. Ashraf Nessim has served as the Group Chief Financial Officer of Orascom Development Holding (ODH) since 2017 and as the Chief Financial Officer of its largest Egyptian subsidiary, Orascom Development Egypt (ODE), since 2012. He oversees financial strategies and is part of the Executive Management team. With over 25 years of experience in finance, infrastructure, and hospitality, Nessim previously served as Chief Financial Officer at Beltone Private Equity and Mobiserve. He also established operations for Raya Distribution in Algeria and managed Nokia and Samsung stores in Egypt from 2004 to 2006. Nessim holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and earned his CFA designation in 2004. Mohamed Amer joined Orascom Development as the CEO of El Gouna in May 2022. Prior to this role, he spent 22 years at Xerox, most recently serving as VP and Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, based in the UK. Before that, he was responsible for managing the region's operations, business growth, and profitability, as well as overall strategy development and execution across all 85 countries. Prior to the aforementioned roles, Amer was Regional General Manager for Xerox Distributor Group in Miami, Florida, United States, and was responsible for 34 countries in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Amer holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Alexandria University in Egypt. About Orascom Development Egypt (ODE): Orascom Development Egypt is the largest subsidiary under Orascom Development Holding (ODH), a leading international developer specializing in vibrant, integrated communities in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. For more than 30 years, Orascom Development Holding has been a pioneer in creating destinations where people are inspired to live, work, and play with passion and purpose. From El Gouna's stunning Egyptian coastal town by the Red Sea to O West's modern and integrated town living in the heart of West Cairo's Sixth of October, each master-planned community is a testament to ODE's commitment to placemaking at its finest. Other integrated towns in Egypt include Makadi Heights near the Red Sea, Taba Heights on the Sinai Peninsula, and Byoum in Fayoum. ODE owns a land bank of more than 50 million square meters, with nearly 28% developed or under development. ODE's hospitality portfolio includes 24 premium and luxury hotels with more than 4,900 rooms in Egypt. ODE shares are listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX).
