Zahid Group Leads Consortium in Management Buyout of South Africa’s Barloworld

Zahid Group has led a consortium in the strategic management buyout of Barloworld Limited, taking the 123-year-old South African industrial company private. The transaction strengthens the growing economic ties between Saudi Arabia and South Africa and reflects Zahid Group’s continued confidence in the South African market.

The buyout builds on Zahid Group’s previous minority shareholding and aligns two long-standing Caterpillar dealers—Zahid Group with over 75 years of experience in Saudi Arabia and Barloworld with over 96 years in South Africa. Under the new ownership structure, Barloworld will retain its South African identity and operational independence, with its existing leadership team continuing to run the business.

Zahid Group will join the Barloworld board to support strategic collaboration and future growth, including initiatives for skills development and youth upskilling across both countries in line with Vision 2030.

This transaction marks a significant milestone in Saudi–South African business relations and reinforces Zahid Group’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth, industrial excellence, and international partnership.