Gourmet Egypt, a prominent food producer and distributor under the control of B Investments Holding, is preparing for a significant listing on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX). This strategic move will take the form of a secondary share sale, with B Investments and other existing shareholders collectively offering up to 190.51 million shares. These shares represent approximately 47.6% of Gourmet Egypt’s total issued share capital, a substantial offering designed to bring new life to Egypt's equity market.

Following the successful completion of the listing, B Investments Holding plans to retain a considerable 40% stake in Gourmet Egypt. This continued significant ownership signals B Investments' ongoing commitment to the company's future performance and long-term growth. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) itself will be structured into two distinct tranches to cater to a broad range of investors. The first is a private placement, specifically targeting qualified investors within Egypt. The second tranche is a public offering, which will be accessible to retail investors, broadening participation. Both tranches are slated to be priced identically, with the final share price to be determined through a comprehensive book-building process.

Gourmet Egypt is currently in the process of securing the necessary approvals from the Financial Regulatory Authority and the Egyptian Exchange. Subject to receiving these regulatory clearances, trading of the company's shares on the EGX is anticipated to commence in February 2026. The company itself operates robustly within Egypt’s branded food segment, focusing on the production and distribution of packaged food products specifically for the local market.

This planned listing arrives at a crucial time, adding to a growing pipeline of consumer-focused IPOs as Egypt actively endeavors to revive and stimulate activity on its stock exchange. A key takeaway from Gourmet Egypt’s planned listing is its reflection of a renewed interest in Egypt’s equity market, particularly after several years characterized by thin IPO activity. The decision to opt for a secondary sale allows existing shareholders to effectively reduce their exposure without necessitating the raising of new capital by the company or diluting its existing share base.

The chosen structure of the IPO also strongly suggests a robust confidence in investor demand, particularly for businesses within the consumer and food sectors. These sectors are often perceived as offering more predictable cash flows compared to more cyclical industries. A significant aspect to monitor will be the level of retail participation, given that domestic investors have demonstrated caution recently amidst prevailing inflation and currency volatility. By retaining a 40% stake, B Investments ensures its continued alignment with Gourmet Egypt’s future trajectory, while simultaneously increasing the free float and enhancing liquidity on the exchange.

For the Egyptian Exchange, this deal represents a significant step forward in its efforts to diversify sector representation and to attract both local and institutional capital. If the IPO is completed as scheduled, it holds the potential to establish a vital benchmark for pricing and execution, which could guide other private companies contemplating listings in 2026. Conversely, a successful outcome would unequivocally signal improving confidence in Egypt’s public markets, whereas weak demand could potentially delay similar transactions currently in the pipeline.