First Perpetual Sukuk for Saudi

Saudi dairy firm Almarai is said to be looking to sell Perpetual Sukuk, the first from an issuer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This will be senior Sukuk that does not mature which means that from a credit point of view it is treated as equity rather than debt. BNP Paribas, HSBC Saudi Arabia, Saudi Fransi Capital and Standard Chartered are said to the joint lead managers for the Perpetual Sukuk. Almarai already sold SAR1.3bn of five- and seven- year Sukuk in March of this year.