The Media Line Staff
United Arab Emirates (TML) – Emaar Properties PJSC, the sprawling Dubai real estate developer, had a near-death experience this past week when its chairman made remarks hinting that it might increase its stake in its troubled Amlak Finance unit, a move that would saddle Emaar’s balance sheet with huge debt.
Emaar quickly denied any move was afoot to boost its holding in Amlak, telling the Dubai Finance Market that it had considered converting part of the debt to equity but was now weighing “other better and viable options.” Emaar’s shares ended a decline of nearly two weeks on Sunday to close 0.6% higher at 3.57 dirhams ($0.97)
Emaar, whose projects include the El-Burj tower, the world’s tallest skyscraper, isn’t yet out of the hole. The debt at Amlak, in which it has a 48% interest, remains unresolved, and its MFG joint venture in India continues to weigh on Emaar’s cashflow. Emaar itself fa Full Article…