Dubai-based Islamic insurance company Takaful Emarat is on the brink of dissolution after accumulating significant financial losses. The company's future hinges on a shareholder vote scheduled for June 14th, 2024. Shareholders will decide between two options:either injecting additional capital into the company or dissolving it altogether.
Takaful Emarat's precarious situation stems from mounting losses. The company's first-quarter 2024 results revealed a staggering AED 190 million (USD 51. 7 million) deficit. This loss streak has caused accumulated losses to surpass 120% of the company's share capital, triggering a regulatory requirement in the United Arab Emirates that mandates corrective action.
The company initially proposed a capital increase of AED 125 million in February 2024. However, in a recent filing to the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Takaful Emarat acknowledged the need to potentially raise the capital injection amount. Shareholders will now consider a revised plan to increase capital to AED 210. 6 million through a rights issuance.
A rights issuance allows existing shareholders to purchase additional shares at a discounted price. This approach aims to raise fresh capital while potentially diluting existing holdings. The viability of this plan hinges on shareholder approval and their willingness to invest further in the company.
Dissolution of Takaful Emarat would mark a significant development in the UAE's Islamic finance sector. The company, established in 200 takaful (Islamic insurance) operator focused on Shariah-compliant insurance products. Its potential closure would leave a void in the market, potentially impacting policyholders and Takaful Emarat's employees.
The upcoming shareholder vote will be crucial for Takaful Emarat's future. The company's fate rests on its ability to convince shareholders of its turnaround potential. If the capital increase proposal fails, Takaful Emarat would be forced to initiate a dissolution process, which would involve settling its financial obligations and exiting the market.
The coming weeks will likely see intense discussions among Takaful Emarat's stakeholders. The company's management will need to present a compelling case for continued operations and convince shareholders that a capital increase is the best path forward. The outcome of the shareholder vote will be closely watched by the insurance industry and the wider Islamic finance sector.