One of the biggest business conglomerates in Oman has formalised a split, with the two Bahwan brothers - Suhail and Saud - deciding to reorganise their interests so that each will head a more focused group of interests.

Thus, the famous Suhail Saud Bahwan (SSB) name in Oman will cease to exist. While Saud Bahwan will head one group of interests, including the automotive industry, the other brother - Suhail Bahwan - will head the group's companies such as electronics and IT.

A statement from the Bahwan Automotive Centre (BAC) stated that the split would allow all Bahwan businesses to become more coordinated and aggressive in their marketing strategies, raising their profiles and, hopefully, creating more jobs as well.

The Bahwan brothers are regarded as the pillars of Oman's economic growth and the largest employment provider to Omanis after the government sector.

The new Saud Bahwan Group has as its new logo an Omani dhow.

The statement said: "Bahwan Automotive Centre is a name synonymous with excellence in customer care and diversified business activities. Now it begins an even more exciting chapter with a new name - Saud Bahwan Group - and with a dynamic new symbol."

With the two brothers deciding to amicably settle their partnership and emerge as two separate entities, the Omani corporate sector would now have two business houses focused on clearly defined business models and well-diversified activities.

With the friendly settlement, Bahwan Business Centre (BBC) will focus on diversified activities such as trading, manufacturing, power generation, fertiliser, among others.

The 25 companies coming under the wings of BBC group, managed by Suhail Bahwan, include trading, electronics, pharmacy, shipping, building material, furnishing, travels, food products, contracting and information technology.

There will be nine companies under the newly formed Saud Bahwan group. Bahwan Engineering Co (construction and equipment division) will be known as Saud Bahwan Projects & Equipment LLC, the statement added.