Japan's SoftBank to open Saudi Arabian office: sources

By Marwa Rashad and Tom Arnold

RIYADH/DUBAI (Reuters) - SoftBank <9984.T> is planning to open a Saudi Arabian office, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday, further strengthening its ties with the kingdom.

The Japanese technology investor already has close links with Riyadh after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund contributed to SoftBank's $93 billion Vision Fund, the world's largest private equity fund.

SoftBank and PIF, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, are also in early talks with banks about potential funding for the world's biggest solar power project, which is being built in the kingdom, Reuters reported on Monday, citing sources.

Tokyo-based SoftBank, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, already has a presence in the United States and London, while Saudi Arabia is vying to entice major financial and technology players as it looks to accelerate its bid to diversify its economy away from a dependence on oil.

Already in the technology sector, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) are in licensing discussions with Riyadh on investing in Saudi Arabia, Reuters reported in December.

And among financial services groups, Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) plans to expand its business in Saudi Arabia after being cleared to trade equities, while Citigroup (NYSE: C) is considering seeking a full banking license in the kingdom.

(Reporting by Marwa Rashad and Tom Arnold; Editing by Alexander Smith)

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