Prince Alwaleed is already Four Seasons' biggest holder, with 22pc of the company. The Gates Foundation is the fifth-biggest holder with a stake of around 5pc. Mr Gates will purchase his share of the company through his Cascade Investment vehicle. This is not the first time Mr Gates and the Saudi prince have collaborated. Following a dinner at Mr Gates' home in Washington state in early 2004, Prince Alwaleed agreed to explore ways to assist Microsoft's expansion in Saudi Arabia.