Introduction
The Internet and wireless industries worldwide have
experienced unprecedented growth in recent years,
setting the stage for the emergence of new services that
combine the best qualities of each. As a result of the
proposed deregulation of the telecommunications sector
in Lebanon, the local industry is also expected to
experience similar growth. Today’s wireless services
generally cannot deliver an Internet experience
comparable to that of wired broadband, but the advent of
new technology and advanced data services is expected to
spur the growth of the wireless Internet market by
allowing users to enhance their high-speed service with
wireless broadband services.
Cedarcom SAL
Cedarcom SAL was established in 1997 with the objective
of providing state-of – the-art interconnectivity
solutions to the corporate industry in Lebanon. Even
though Cedarcom SAL obtained its license in 1997, it was
not until May 2004 that it started its operations in
beta phase (after its acquisition by the Group) and
launched commercial services in September 2004. Since
then, Cedarcom SAL has reached an estimated market share
in the FBWA sector of 26%. Lebanon
currently has four licensed operational Wireless
Data Operators (“WDOs”).
It appears that the formula that Cedarcom SAL followed
in its value proposition “8 times the capacity for 80%
of the price” – has played a role in allowing the
company to gain market share quickly. Cedarcom SAL’s
national coverage was completed in August of 2005 and it
is now in a better position to service larger
institutions and continue to increase its market share.
Company Overview
Cedarcom is the alternative Broadband Wireless Data
Provider in Lebanon, providing a breadth of data
communication and access solutions to the local
industry.
Cedarcom holds a wireless data networking license under
decree number 10172, allowing the deployment and
operation of a country-wide wireless data network with
the advanced Broadband technology.
Cedarcom provides secure wireless access, data
networking and last-mile solutions to Banks, ISPs, ASPs,
Insurance companies, Universities, Multi-branch offices,
etc.
Mission
Meeting our clients communication needs through cutting
edge service, support and technology.
Objective
Company communication systems is an investment - time is
money - and worldwide organizations invest millions of
dollars to secure their communications and wide area
networks.
Cedarcom's objective is simple - help organizations
enhance their communications.
We do that through cutting edge secure data
communications based on the most advanced MPLS
infrastructure in the country. We focus on establishing
long-term solid relationship with the customer through
building the right tailor-made solutions to fit their
organizations communication plans.
Broadband, security, outstanding quality, excellence in
service and support, competitive pricing plans, are the
forefront of our character!
Shareholders
Abdulaziz A. Al OMRAN
Mr. Al Omran is a second-generation member of the Al
Omran family of business and entrepreneurs. He is an
active investor in the GCC financial markets with
particular emphasis on the Saudi Stock Market. Mr. Al
Omran commands profound Investment Banking background,
with over 4 years of experience at Samba Financial
Group. During his work with Samba, Abdulaziz was
involved in numerous landmark transactions in the areas
of M&A, private placements, project finance and IPO’s.
Through his partnership in Khalid & Abdulaziz Al Omran
Company, he got involved in establishing startup
businesses in the areas of real-estate, digital
printing, entertainment and manufacturing. He represents
Khalid & Abdulaziz Al Omran Company as director to the
board in two of its portfolio investments Arabian
Industries Company and Al Rashid & Al Omran Company.
Abdulaziz holds a Bachelors degree in Finance (with
Honors) from King Fahad University of Petroleum &
Minerals, Dhahran (2001).
Alex S. Demirdjian
Mr. Demirdjian is the General Manager of Demco Steel. He
is a founder and shareholder of several businesses
involved in steel trading, shipping and banking.
Mr. Demirdjian holds a BS Economics from the University
of Southern California
Bashir Bassatne
Mr. Bassatne is a savy investor in startups ranging from
ICT, Fuel products to F&B. Recently Mr. Bassatne
participated in founding Luna Solutions. Luna Solutions
represents SimDex , a pioneer in electronic distribution
solutions, based out of Iceland. Luna Solutions holds
SimDex representation in 27 countries in the MENA
region.
Mr. Bassatne is an active member in Hypco Group which is
the leading importers and distributor of fuel products
in Lebanon since 1965, and is responsible for fuel
import and distribution activities since 2001. He also
owns interest in several successful F&B businesses
including landmark venues like Mandaloun, Madaloun
Grill, Rai, and Asia.
Mr. Bassatne holds an MBA degree from Lebanese American
University
Gamma Group
Gamma 2000 Limited is a world leader in international
marketing and trading, specializing in defense,
paramilitary and security markets in mainland Europe,
the Middle East and the Far East. Training Services form
an important and often integral part of implementing
successful security operations.
Georges H. CHALHOUB
Mr. Chalhoub, born 1960, represents
UNION FRANCO ARABE’s (UFA) investment branch.
UFA is an Insurance Company based in Lebanon with
various representation offices in Europe and Middle East
countries.
Mr.
Chalhoub has carried out other operational insurance
activities involving insurance and reinsurance solutions
on the international market.
He is a
shareholder in various local and International
Companies.
Imad M. Tarabay
Mr. Tarabay has considerable experience in the
information and communication technology sector. Mr.
Tarabay is the founder, share holder and CEO of several
successful companies including Cedarcom which operates
the second largest wireless data services company, and Fiberlink Networks which is the second largest ISP in
Corporate and the 4th in dial up or residential ISPs.
Mr. Tarabay was a founding member and treasurer of ITIA
and currently a member of the ICT Committee at the
American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Tarabay was a
former member of the Board of the telecom committee at
PCA.
Mr. Tarabay graduated from the University of the
Americas in Mexico with Honorable Mention, holding a
Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a
concentration in management, finance and marketing.
Joseph ABI JAOUDE
After concluding his successful career as an Officer in
the Lebanese Army in the early 80’s, Mr. Abi Jaoude
concentrated his efforts to the ICT sector where he
became an active member since then.
Mr. Abi Jaoude is
the General Manager of SPM Security Printing Machines (Giesecke
and Devrient Agent), Director at CBM (IBM Premier
Business Partner) and shareholder in various Local and
International Companies.
Mr. Abi Jaoude is an active member in the society and is
the President of Deir-El-Harf Municipality. He holds a
Bachelor degree in Sociology and holds numerous
international certificates awards and distinction.
Karim Hamade
Mr. Hamade is an active member in the Lebanese business
community. He has participated in several successful
business including GFM Insurance from 1992 to 1999 were
he held Board seat and occupied the function of
Marketing and PR manager.
Mr. Hamade later divested his
interest in GFM and acquired a stake in United
Commercial Assurance were he is an active member of the
Board.
Mr. Hamade is the co-founder and shareholder of
Near East Automative Distribution which was the first
vending machine operator in Lebanon since 1996 till
2002.
Mr. Hamade is a shareholder and board member of Cedarcom
since 2003 and a Board member of Shouf National
Touristic Company since 2003. He is a member in YAL
(Young Arab Leaders since 2006.
Mr. Hamade holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science
and Public Administration - AUB- 1988.
Pierre ABI JAOUDE
Mr. Abi Jaoude has always worked in the Computer and
Communication Technology / IBM Industry products and
solutions since the 70’s.He is Chairman and General
Manager CBM (IBM Premier Business Partner), and
Shareholder in various Local and International
Companies.
Mr. Abi Jaoude was previously the President of the Union
des Eleves - ECP Paris, Manager of IBM in Jeddah - Saudi
Arabia, and Regional Manager IBM in the Middle East. He
has continuously invested in ITC based businesses.
Mr. Abi Jaoude holds an Engineer degree (Ecole Centrale
de Paris), BS
Economics (Paris), and BA Industrial Psychology, USJ
Beirut.
Park Holding SAL
Park Holding S.A.L. is a holding company that is part of
the Zoghzoghi group of companies The group
includes the following companies:
Société Libanaise d'Amélioration Foncière S.A.L. (SLAF),
founded in 1952, SLAF was the first company in our group
and is very active in the land development business.
DIMA S.A.L. Marketing and Distribution (DIMA),
established in 1978. DIMA is a market leader in
marketing and distribution of fast moving consumer goods
in Lebanon. Dima is the exclusive agent of a number of
international manufacturers.
DIMA Healthcare S.A.R.L., distributes medical equipment
and hospital supplies in Lebanon.
Middle East Telecommunications S.A.L. (Meatel),
established in 1978. Meatel distributes in Lebanon a large
number of products including Cellular phones, accessories
and Consumer Electronics (Nokia), and Equipments (GSM
infrastructure, Postal & document handling, Audio/Video conferencing).
Meatel also do Installation & commissioning of LGP Allgon infra with GSM operators, Marconi GPT
exclusive agent for MOT’s on-going payphone project.
Eagle Telecom SAL (Offshore) established in 2000.
handles the distribution of Nokia cellular phones in 14
West and Central African countries.
Richard A. Haykel
As an active member of the business community Mr. Haykel
is the Vice President of the American Lebanese Chamber
of Commerce (AmCham Lebanon), Board Member of the
Lebanese Numismatic Society, Board Member of the Horsh
Tannourine nature reserve and Life Member of the ANS,
SCI, GSCO, Boone and Crockett, and the RNS.
Mr. Richard Haykel manages a multidisciplinary hospital
located on the periphery of Tripoli. The hospital
specializes in state-of-the-art medical technology.
Mr. Haykel, has graduated from the Tufts University in
Medford, Massachusetts, and received a degree in
economy.
Salim Zeenni
Mr. Salim Zeenni is an economist by education and an
industrialist by profession. Being the former of
President of the Federation of Businessmen’s
Associations of Lebanon, of the Economic Assembly, and
the Lebanese American Businessmen’s Association (LABA).
Mr. Zeenni has marked himself out in the fields of
economy and business. Currently he is an active member
of the business community, being Vice President of the
Chemical Industries Syndicate, Chairman of the
Children’s Cancer Center in Lebanon, Affiliated with St.
Jude Hospital – Memphis, Tennessee) and the President of
the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce (AmCham
Lebanon)
Mr. Zeenni is an active investor in the ICT sector,
including call centers and support centers in Lebanon.
Talal El-Khalil
Mr. El-Khalil has a considerable experience in marketing
and management built over the years at multinational
companies. During his career, Mr. El-Khalil has led
several companies including PEPSICO, in the marketing
planning, strategy and execution in the Arab and Gulf
Markets.
Mr. El-Khalil currently holds the position of Vice
President & GM for PEPSICO INTERNATIONAL Levant Market
Unit since 2004 and is responsible of the development of
its strategic plans.
Mr. El-Khalil has received his MBA from Columbia
University School of Business and has attended several
trainings and courses addressing strategic management,
marketing and sales in USA and UK.
Ziad T. Monla
Mr. Monla is an active entrepreneur in the Lebanese and
Middle East arena. His endeavors started in early 1993
where he formed Monla Trading Inc. which represented
International companies aiming to participate in the
reconstruction of Lebanon. In 1994 he joined the family
business, Monla Hospital in Tripoli as active board
Member, participated opening the First open Heart
Surgery center in the North of Lebanon, Full Fledged
Diagnostic Center. Mr. Monla is an active Board of the
Syndicate of Private Hospitals in Lebanon.
In 1999 Mr. Monla formed Lunasat and targeted the
telecom business in Iraq. Later In 2003 he formed
LunaSat Holding and is present today in Lebanon, Syria,
and Iraq. LunaSat Holding owns interest in several
companies including InsurePC, and Lunasat LLC (VOIP
wholesale and retail in the US).
In 2005 Mr. Monla partnered with the Basatne family and
formed Luna Solutions which is mandated to implement
e-solutions in the Middle East and Africa.
Mr. Monla Holds a BA degree in International Business
from Chapman University in California.
