Amazon clinches deal to buy Middle East online retailer Souq.com

Amazon.com has agreed to acquire Middle East online retailer Souq.com,, the two companies said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

The value and terms of the agreement, which deal adviser Goldman Sachs called "the biggest-ever technology M&A transaction in the Arab world", were not disclosed.

"By becoming part of the Amazon family, we'll be able to vastly expand our delivery capabilities and customer selection much faster, as well as continue Amazon's great track record of empowering sellers," said Souq.com's co-founder, Syrian-born entrepreneur Ronaldo Mouchawar.

Reuters reported last week that Amazon had agreed in principle to buy Souq.com, the Dubai-based company which was started 12 years ago by Mouchawar.

At least some of the proceeds from the sale of Souq.com to Amazon.com will be invested back in the business, the co-founder of the Middle East online retailer said.

"Today is a great day for the company. We are a company of builders. We've been on this journey for the last ten years and today (the) partnership with Amazon is an incredible and a great success story for the region," Souq.com Co-Founder Ronaldo Mouchawar told Reuters.

Mouchawar, who will continue with the company, also said Souq.com would expand its more than 3,000-strong workforce following the deal.

Mouchawar declined to comment on the valuation.