GFH Financial Group Expands Healian Healthcare Platform with Strategic Acquisition in Saudi Arabia
GFH Financial Group (“GFH”), a leading financial group, has announced the expansion of its flagship regional healthcare platform, Healian, with the acquisition of a 60% equity stake in one of the largest hospitals in the South of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The acquisition, valued at approximately US$1.3 billion, marks a significant step in GFH’s healthcare investment strategy and was unveiled at the 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.
Healian operates on a buy-and-build strategy, investing in leading healthcare providers in underserved areas and emerging economic hubs. With a network of around 33 hospitals and specialized clinics in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Healian aims to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to all.
The acquired hospital, located in the Southern Region of Asir (Abha), boasts a state-of-the-art facility with approximately 300 beds. It is recognized as a market leader and serves as a referral center for the region, catering to the healthcare needs of surrounding areas. Plans are underway to establish a chain of primary clinics across the Southern regions to complement the hospital’s services.
Mr. Hisham Alrayes, CEO of GFH, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, emphasizing its alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s priority sectors. He stated, “We continue to look for and secure assets in high-growth sectors such as healthcare and life sciences, leveraging our global track record and expertise to create long-term value.”
Mr. Abdulla Thumairi, CEO of the hospital, highlighted the transformative changes underway in the Saudi healthcare sector and the platform’s strategic positioning to meet the evolving demands. He stated, “We are strategically positioned to fulfill the outsized demand driven by various factors, including mandatory insurance and digitization.”
Looking ahead, Healian has a robust pipeline of opportunities for further expansion, particularly in Saudi Arabia. GFH plans to invest up to approximately US$1 billion in Healian over the next several years, with a focus on delivering quality care and improving health outcomes.
Led by a seasoned management team with expertise in healthcare and life sciences, Healian aims to become a leading healthcare provider in the region. The team anticipates a potential listing of the platform on Saudi and regional exchanges in the future, further enhancing its visibility and accessibility to investors.
