Saudi-based Almarai expects a SAR2 billion (US$533.3 million) investment plan in poultry business to start paying off in 2012.

"These investments will be self-financed," Almarai said in a statement posted on the bourse's website.

Last year, Almarai paid US$253.2 million in cash and stock to complete its takeover of Hail Agricultural Development Co and enter the lucrative poultry business. Prior to this deal, the firm was focusing on dairy and fruit juices manufacturing.