Apple, Citigroup, Twitter: Inside Saudi Prince's US investments
Lt. Col Ralph Peters discusses how the Saudi anti-corruption crackdown could impact the U.S.
The arrest of Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal on allegations of corruption has sent shock waves throughout the investing community as the billionaire is considered one of the richest and most influential investors in the world, doing business with the likes of Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg.
The prince controls the investment firm, Kingdom Holding, which owns or owned, stakes in several big U.S. companies including Citigroup (NYSE:C), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Twitter (NYSE:TWTR), according to the company's website.
Here’s a look at five well-known U.S. businesses that bin Talal’s company has invested in.
1. Apple
Since 1997, KHC says it has maintained a significant investment in Apple. Still, current SEC filings tracked by Thomson Reuters do not list the firm among the top ten shareholders.
2. Twitter
In 2011, KHC acquired a substantial position in Twitter. According to the company website, KHC believes that social media “will fundamentally change the media industry landscape in the coming years and Twitter will capture and monetize this positive trend.” According to SEC filings, his firm holds a 4.71% stake in the company.
3. Citigroup
Citigroup has been a core investment for KHC since 1991. The company states on its website that, “following KHC’s successes in the Saudi Arabian banking sector, the company identified Citicorp as an undervalued company with strong brand assets and significant potential for growth.” Still, current SEC filings tracked by Thomson Reuters do not list the firm among the top ten shareholders.
4. 21st Century FOX
KHC has been a past investor in 21st Century Fox, the parent company of the FOX Business and FOX News. According to SEC filings tracked by Thomson Reuters KHC is no longer a shareholder.
5. The Plaza
KHC began investing in The Plaza in 1995 and holds a controlling interest in the hotel. Previous owners include Conrad Hilton and President Donald Trump.
Emails from FOX Business to Kingdom Holdings were not returned at the time of publication.