Saudi PIF Snaps up Selfridges

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has bought a 40 per cent stake in retail giant Selfridges.

Following PIF’s acquisition of a 40 per cent interest in Selfridges, it announced that it will form a strategic partnership with Central Group, a leading retail, real estate and hospitality conglomerate.

This transaction follows a binding agreement for the total buyout of Signa Group’s interest in Selfridges Group by PIF and is subject to customary and applicable regulatory approvals.

Through this partnership, PIF will hold 40 per cent of both Selfridges Group’s operating and property companies, while Central Group will own the remaining 60 per cent.

The deal includes new investments by both PIF and Central to strengthen the group’s position and support future development.

This partnership aligns with PIF’s strategy of investing in key strategic sectors globally and is underpinned by a shared vision to unlock further value in the retail group.

By combining PIF’s investment capabilities with Central Group’s industry leadership, this collaboration will accelerate the growth of the retail group, cementing its position as a leading force in European luxury retail.

Turqi Al Nowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of the International Investments Division at PIF, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Central Group in Selfridges Group, one of Europe’s most iconic luxury department stores. This transaction allows Selfridges Group to build on its position as a premier retail destination.”

The group owns and operates 18 premier luxury department stores across three countries, including Selfridges in the U.K., De Bijenkorf in the Netherlands, and Brown Thomas and Arnotts in Ireland.

Its flagship locations on London’s Oxford Street and Manchester’s Exchange Square are renowned as cultural and retail landmarks.