CURRENT

AVERDA

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION:

Averda is the largest environmental solutions provider in the Middle East and Africa region, specializing in integrated resources management. Headquartered in Dubai for its GCC markets, and in London for its other international markets, Averda is at the forefront of innovation, providing sustainable solutions and more than 35 years of experience in the effective management of waste for both private and public sector clients across pedestrian, residential, commercial and industrial areas.

Averda’s extensive portfolio of services range from street cleaning to waste collection, treatment, disposal and recycling. The company’s capabilities also include the development of solutions for water, wastewater and solid waste for public, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, all within a sustainable framework that respects the natural environment. Averda also designs and implements full-scale solutions to recover valuable and recyclable resources like paper, metals and water.

Serving in excess of 9 million people every day, Averda currently operates in full compliance with international standards for quality control throughout Congo, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates.

GROUP ENTITIES:

With more than 15,000+ employees serving millions of people every day, Averda operates in full compliance with international standards for quality control throughout South Africa, Morocco, Republic of Congo, Saudi, U.A.E., Oman and Qatar.

KEY OFFICERS:

Mr. Steve Lucas, Chairman
Mr. Malek Sukkar, CEO
Mr. Samir Sharma, CFO
Mr. Mazen Chebaklo, CCO

CONTACT DETAILS:

Averda Dubai Regional Office
Level 2, averda building,
Knowledge Village – Dubai.
T: 00971-4-4497500
E-mail: info@averda.com
www.averda.com

INTERNATIONAL FOOD SERVICES

IRISGUARD INC

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION:

Irisguard was founded in 2001 and is a UK-based iris-recognition solutions company and the leading supplier of iris biometric technology platforms for large-scale humanitarian deployments, focused on managing trusted human authentication requirements for large populations.

Irisguard’s patented EyePay® technology is an innovative, secure financial delivery platform that replaces the use of traditional cards, PINs, usernames and passwords with the simple blink of an eye to authenticate and authorise a fault-free transaction in less than three seconds.

Irisguard manufactures its hardware in the UK and is uniquely positioned in providing a true end-to-end iris recognition solution that delivers cost-effective financial inclusion to the world’s 1.7 billion plus unbanked.

GROUP ENTITIES:

IrisGuard is incorporated in the UK and has operational units in the Middle East.

KEY OFFICERS:

Mr. Imad Malhas, CEO
Mr. Tony Knight, CFO
Mr. Andy Holland, CTO

CONTACT DETAILS:

Suite 43, Shenley Pavilions,
MILTON KEYNES
Buckinghamshire MK5 6LB,
United Kingdom
Work:    +44 1908 991 683
Fax:       +44 1296 339 878
E-mail: info1@irisguard.com
www.irisguard.com

RETAIL HOLDING S.A.

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION:

Retail Holding S.A. (“Retail Holding”), is a privately held company based in Morocco, and the majority owner and operator of Label’Vie, Morocco’s leading hyper and supermarket chain operating the Franchise Carrefour. Retail Holding is also the owner and operator of international franchises specialized in fast food, leisure and entertainment products, and casual wear, as well as a stakeholder in Compagnie de Distribution de Côte d’Ivoire (CDCI) – the second largest modern food retailer in Ivory Coast. Since its inception in 2005, Retail Holding evolved from a midsized player in the food distribution sector in Morocco, to a powerhouse in retailing for consumables and other fast moving goods in North Africa and beyond.

GROUP ENTITIES:

Retail Holding’s largest subsidiary is Label’Vie SA, the second largest food retailer in Morocco with a market share of circa 30%, operating 109 stores in 26 cities and key urban centers of Morocco and the exclusive franchisee of Carrefour. Label’Vie is listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange (LABEL VIE) since 2007. It operates a gross leasable area of 212,614sqmsqm in 26 cities, under three distinct brands (Carrefour Market supermarkets, Carrefour hypermarkets, and Atacadao hypercash stores), in major cities in Morocco including Rabat, Meknes, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakesh and Tangier. Label’Vie also owns Aradei, the group’s real estate platform designed to develop the company’s stores and associated retail outlets. Aradei listed on the Casablance Stock Exchange in December 2020. In addition, Retail Holding owns and operates a string of international franchises including Burger King, Virgin, and Kiabi, with stores in the key cities of Morocco. In 2014, Retail Holding expanded into West Africa by acquiring a sizeable minority stake in CDCI, the number two food distribution company in Ivory Coast. CDCI operates under four brands: CDCI Gros, CDCI Demi-gros, King Cash and the Leader Price franchise. CDCI has significantly expanded its network from 12 shops in 2002 to 147 in 2020, with a presence in Abidjan and further inland. In 2019, Retail Holding became the sole owner of CDCI after the acquisition of the local partner’s stake in CDCI.

KEY OFFICERS:

Mr. Zouhair Bennani, Chairman
Mr. Riad Laissaoui, CEO

CONTACT DETAILS:

Retail Holding S.A
Angle Avenue Annakhil et Avenue Mehdi Ben Barka
Espaces les lauriers Hay Riad
Rabat – Morocco
Fax: +212 537563879
http://labelvie.ma

ROOTS GROUP UK

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION:

Founded in Saudi Arabia in 1981 and headquartered in the UK, Roots Group UK (RGUK) is an integrated supplier and service provider to the construction industry in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). RGUK engages in three major activities: distribution of construction and building materials and equipment, manufacturing of construction related products, and high-end interior design services and fit out execution, covering private and public-sector projects. With a presence in 23 cities in EMEA, RGUK has access to all growth markets in the region and strong relationships with developers, contractors, and consultants. RGUK’s distribution division is a powerful platform for the distribution of all construction related products in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) through highly trained staff, state of the art warehouses and showrooms, and chosen partner to leading international brands.

Its product range extends to over 60,000 items ranging from nails, rails, doors, paints, woodwork, sanitaryware, ceramics, adhesives, generators, power tools, medium and heavy equipment, material handling machinery, scaffolding, and cranes. RGUK has excellent capabilities in manufacturing sanitary ware and construction materials – both stand alone and as a partner for leading international brands. The manufacturing division produces approximately 3,000 items for trade through RGUK’s channels and other distributors including manufacturing of their own brands such as A-Metal and Ideal Standard MENA. Areen Design, RGUK’s UK-based design practices, are globally recognized market leaders in interior design and procurement for hospitality and other high-end projects, as well as for architectural services for airport terminals and transportation.

GROUP ENTITIES:

Distribution 

Roots Group UK
Roots Jordan
Roots Group Nigeria
Unimar egypt
Unimar Trading UAE
Someco international
Gulf Depot
Mimar Lebonon

Manufacturing

A-Metal
Ideal Standard MENA
MASCO
Top Factory
Hawk

Design & Build

Areen
Richmond Hospitality
MIMAR International KSA
MIMAR Projects Qatar
MIMAR Projects UAE
Saudi United Waterproofing

KEY OFFICERS:

Mr. Basim Ziadeh, Chairman
Mr. Ousama Fansa, CEO
Mr. James Wickes, Director
Mr. Karim A. Souaid, Director
Mr. Nabeih Aljehani, General Manager (Saudi)

CONTACT DETAILS:

Roots Group UK
23 Eyot Gardens,
London W6 9TR
T: +44 2 8748 3475
E-mail: info@rootsgroupuk.com
www.rootsgroupuk.com