Dubai port operator DP World said on Wednesday that the proceeds of its initial public offering (IPO) totaled $4.96 billion, making it the largest ever in the Mideast. The world's fourth largest container port operator said the IPO priced its shares at $1.30 - the top of an indicative price range of $1 to $1.30 per share given at the launch on November 4. DP World had offered 17 percent of its 16.6 billion shares, with the possibility of expanding the offer to 20 percent. But this amount was increased due to strong demand to up to 23 percent, or 3,818 million shares, including an additional over-allotment option of 572.7 million shares. With the over-allotment option, the proceeds of the IPO amount to $4.96 billion, surpassing a 2003 IPO by Saudi Telecom which raised over $4 billion. --MORE
