U Consumer Finance S.A.E., operating under the brand name Valu and a subsidiary of EFG Holding, has announced that U.S. tech giant Amazon has exercised its option to acquire a direct equity stake in the fintech company.
The move comes shortly after Valu’s successful listing on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX).
Solid partnership
In May 2022, Amazon entered into an Option Agreement with EFG Holding, purchasing $10 million worth of EFG Holding Global Depository Receipts (GDRs). The agreement included a clause allowing Amazon to convert those GDRs into a 4.255 percent stake in Valu upon the occurrence of a qualified liquidity event.
Following Valu’s EGX listing on May 21, 2025, Amazon has now executed this option. Based on the terms of the agreement, the tech leader will acquire approximately 3.95 percent of Valu’s share capital.
The transaction will take place during the first trading session of Valu shares on the EGX, scheduled for June 23, 2025. Shares will be traded at a price of EGP 6.041 each through the block trade mechanism, pending regulatory approval.
Leadership insights
Karim Awad, group CEO of EFG Holding, commented: “We are proud to witness Amazon’s decision to acquire a direct stake in Valu, a testament to EFG Holding’s proven ability to build greenfield ventures that evolve into pioneering market leaders. This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to our shareholders, as we continue to create and manage businesses that deliver exceptional value and long-term rewards.
“Valu’s success exemplifies our dedication to driving financial inclusion and digital transformation in Egypt and beyond, while solidifying our position as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the region.”
Walid Hassouna, CEO of Valu, stated: “This milestone stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and adaptability of our business model, a model that is versatile, agile, and perpetually evolving to meet the dynamic needs of our diverse client base and partners.
“At Valu, we remain unwavering in our commitment to redefining the customer experience through cutting-edge financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses alike, driving both convenience and opportunity in every interaction.”
Maged El Ayouti, co-head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes, commented: “We take immense pride in having played a pivotal role in facilitating Valu’s remarkable journey from securing a strategic investment from Amazon to delivering Valu’s anticipated landmark debut on the EGX.
“These milestones stand as a testament to the power of our advisory expertise in helping companies achieve transformative growth and expansion.”
EFG Hermes served as the sole financial advisor to both EFG Holding and Valu on the transaction.
Valu’s shares officially begin trading on the EGX, marking a significant chapter in the company’s growth trajectory and the broader evolution of Egypt’s fintech sector.
BNPL experts
Valu is a leading fintech platform in the region, delivering convenient and comprehensive financial solutions to individuals and businesses alike.
Through its diverse product ecosystem, Valu pioneered Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) services in the MENA region via its flagship offering, U. The platform provides flexible financing plans of up to 60 months, available at over 8,500 retail locations and online merchants.
