Nassef Sawiris, Egypt’s richest man and one of Africa’s most prosperous billionaires, has constructed a diversified investment portfolio. This portfolio includes significant stakes in valuable companies and sports franchises, all complemented by his substantial war chest of $2.18 billion, which accounts for over a quarter of his total wealth.
Sawiris derives his wealth primarily from his holdings in Adidas, the renowned sportswear giant, and OCI N.V., a Netherlands-based fertilizer producer. He also ranks among Europe’s most affluent football club owners, with interests in England’s Aston Villa and Portugal’s Vitoria Sport Clube, both of which have played a pivotal role in augmenting his fortune.
Since the start of this year, Sawiris’ net worth has increased by $389 million, surging from $7.03 billion to $7.67 billion. His investment portfolio also includes investments in Arkema S.A, a publicly traded multinational specializing in specialty materials, and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp, the New York-based professional sports enterprise.
With a current net worth of $7.67 billion, Sawiris has firmly established himself as Egypt’s wealthiest individual and the richest man in the Arab world.
Billionaires.Africa has identified and cataloged various companies and holdings linked to Sawiris.
Here are seven companies where he holds substantial or minority stakes:
OCI N.V. stands as a global powerhouse in the production of natural gas-based chemicals, catering to vital sectors including agriculture, transportation, and industry. Operating across the Netherlands, the United States, UAE, Egypt, and Algeria, OCI N.V. boasts a remarkable production capacity of 16.2 million metric tonnes, firmly positioning it among the world’s foremost nitrogen fertilizer producers. Sawiris’ staggering wealth primarily emanates from his commanding 38.8-percent ownership stake in OCI N.V., presently valued at an impressive $2.27 billion.
Since publicly disclosing his acquisition of a six-percent stake in Adidas AG in 2015, Sawiris has held a key position as the largest individual shareholder in this global sportswear giant. This investment had long been his most valuable asset, until April 2022 when his OCI N.V. investment yielded remarkable returns, surpassing the market value of his Adidas holdings. Today, his six-percent stake in Adidas is valued at an impressive $2.3 billion.
Sawiris proudly co-owns the esteemed English football club, Aston Villa. Together with American businessman Wes Edens, they jointly control a commanding 55-percent stake in the club through their entity, NNS. NNS is an integral part of Bruins Sports Capital, a distinguished U.S. private equity firm with a strong focus on the sports industry.
Established in 1950 by the late Egyptian tycoon Onsi Sawiris, Orascom Construction is a distinguished engineering and construction contractor. It specializes in critical projects spanning infrastructure, industrial, and upscale commercial developments across the Middle East, Africa, and the United States. Sawiris owns a significant 28.97-percent stake in this Cairo-based construction powerhouse.
Sawiris and American billionaire businessman Wes Edens jointly possess a significant stake in Vitoria Sport Clube, a Portuguese professional football club, via their joint venture, V Sports. This strategic investment, valued at €5.5 million ($5.85 million) for a 46 percent stake, was completed earlier this year.
In 2020, Sawiris made a shrewd investment in Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., a prominent U.S. sports holding company headquartered in New York City. The company is renowned for operating the iconic Madison Square Garden arena. Through his holding company, NS Holdco, Sawiris secured a five-percent stake in this publicly traded entity, presently valued at $214 million.
Sawiris maintains a significant stake in Arkema S.A., a publicly traded multinational manufacturer that supplies various industries including construction, automotive, and electronics. His current stake, valued at $379 million, adds to his substantial net worth of $7.67 billion.
