Dutch electrical goods giant Philips on Monday announced a major acquisition in Saudi Arabia as it seeks to bolster its position in one of the major economies of the region.
Philips said it had bought a 51-percent stake in the General Lighting Company, one of the Kingdom's top lighting firms, for $235 million (169 million euros).
The new firm, which will employ some 1,300 people, is to be called Philips Lighting Saudi Arabia, the Dutch company said in a statement.
Philips said it was hoping to benefit from double-digit growth by 2018 in Saudi Arabia, where it has had a presence for nearly 80 years.
AFP