Having partnered with Gulf investors, the Turkish eye hospital chain, Avrupagöz, is set for strong growth with plans to open new clinics in Turkey and abroad. A 50% stake of the hospital chain, which currently has 14 branches throughout Turkey, has been acquired by Saudi-based Nesma Holding and Reaya Holding for TRY 52 million (approx. €17.3 million).
“Having acquired new partners, Avrupagöz is looking to open new branches both in Turkey and in surrounding countries” Avrupagöz CEO, Ramazan Burak Telli, said at the press event announcing the partnership.
“First branches of Avrupagöz to be opened outside Turkey will be in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The hospital chain is also gearing up for an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange by 2015”, Telli added.
“Investing in Turkey is a hot topic in Saudi Arabia. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for us as we plan to make Avrupagöz a global brand”, Nesma Holding CEO and Reaya Holding Board Member, Saleh Al-Turki, said about their investment in Turkey.
Speaking at the event, Vice President of the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT), Arda Ermut, said that investments from the Gulf countries into Turkey were on the rise. “Seen as the regional medical hub, Turkey has been attracting significant amounts of foreign investments to its hospital chains and healthcare services sector in general”, Ermut noted, adding that the Avrupagöz partnership signified strong investor confidence in Turkey’s economy.
Source: ISPAT
