Sohar International Halts Acquisition Talks with Bima: What This Means for Investors and Business Growth in Oman
Sohar International has announced that it will no longer proceed with its plan to acquire a stake in the House of Insurance (BIMA).
Following its initial disclosure on August 14, 2025, which outlined Sohar International Bank’s intention to acquire up to 100% of BIMA pending satisfactory due diligence, regulatory approvals, and documentation, the bank has now decided to discontinue the proposed acquisition. This decision took effect from February 1.
Instead of pursuing the outright acquisition, Sohar International will explore alternative forms of strategic collaboration with BIMA.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Sohar International’s decision to discontinue its full acquisition of BIMA but explore strategic collaboration signals a cautious yet opportunistic approach to growth in Oman’s insurance sector. For businesses, this creates an opening for partnerships and joint ventures rather than outright takeovers, emphasizing flexibility and alignment over consolidation. Smart investors should watch for emerging collaborative models that could unlock value without the risks tied to full acquisitions.
