OCI secured 1.3 billion in cash and 9.9 million Methanex shares, becoming the companys second-largest shareholder with a 12.9 stake after the deal closed.
The sale included OCIs 50 interest in Natgasoline, supporting plans to repay 600 million in bonds and return 1 billion to shareholders in 2025 and 2026.
With methanol divested, OCI will focus on nitrogen fertilizers, renewable fuels, and industrial chemicals while pursuing further portfolio optimization and strategic growth.
OCI Global, a leading producer and distributor of nitrogen and methanol products helmed by Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, has finalized the sale of its global methanol business, OCI Methanol, to Methanex Corporation for 1.6 billion. The deal marks one of the sectors largest recent transactions, further transforming OCIs portfolio and balance sheet.
Ownership shifts, strategic reset underwayThe transaction officially closed on June 27, 2025 , after receiving all required regulatory and shareholder approvals. Methanex, listed in Toronto and New York, now holds full ownership of OCI Methanol, including the companys interests in major US and European production assets. The sale was structured on a cash-free, debt-free basis and included OCIs 50 percent interest in the Natgasoline joint venture in Texas.
Under the agreement , OCI received approximately 1.3 billion in cash and 9.9 million Methanex shares valued at 346 million, making OCI the second-largest Methanex shareholder with a 12.9 percent stake. The proceeds provide OCI with substantial flexibility to accelerate deleveraging, fund shareholder returns, and pursue new strategic investments.
Executive Chairman Nassef Sawiris emphasized the broader strategic significance of the divestment, saying, The successful closing of this transaction, alongside the repayment of debt and our planned return of capital, reflects our commitment to delivering shareholder value. Including the upcoming 1 billion distribution, OCI will have returned over 7.4 billion to shareholders since 2021.
OCI Methanols footprint and market positionBefore the sale, OCI Methanol operated plants in Beaumont, Texas, and Delfzijl, Netherlands, with a combined capacity exceeding 3 million tonnes annually.