Category: Industry
Looking Healthy
Fitch Ratings Lanka re-confirmed its SLAA+ national rating on John Keells Holdings Ltd. senior debt following the conglomerates recent acquisition spree.SL AA+ rating denotes a very low expectation of credit risk. It indicates very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.rn rnAfter picking up a […]
Road Works
The Road Development Authority has commissioned a Korean Company to carry out a feasibility study to rehabilitate the Puttalam-Trincomalee (A12) Road. The study will be carried out at a cost of US$ 1.2 mn, with the funds coming through a grant from the Korean government. rn rnWork will begin in November this year and go […]
Sixth Sense
Thai resort and spa chain lquote Six Senses is in talks with John Keells Holdings, to develop a luxury tea spa on a 600-acre stretch of Maskeliya Plantations.ldblquote Talks are still in early stages and if its successful, the chain will invest as much as Rs. 2 bn to develop the property into a tea […]
Direct Dialling
It is understood that the Premier had advised senior state officials to consider direct offers, with the option of listing part of the stake in the country of the new investor. rn rnInitial reports indicate that an 8.5 per cent to 10.00 per cent stake could be on offer not this year, but next year.rn […]
Tourist Dollars
Sri Lanka is beginning to put in place its tourism infrastructure, with eight key areas around the island and four zones in the North and East tagged for initial development.A US$ 60 mn JBIC loan is on the cards to develop infrastructure like roads and utilities like electricity, water supply, sewerage systems and waste disposal.rn […]
Boom Times
The Janashakthi Group expanded its property portfolio on Monday by taking full control of Kelsey Holdings (Pvt) Ltd.The deal, which cost just under Rs. 50 mn by way of debt/equity, saw Kelsey Holdings management and Ayojana Fund Management sell out to Janashakthi Securities & Financial Services Ltd.rn rnKelsey Holdings currently controls 87.82 percent of Kelsey […]
Water Birds
SriLankan Airlines will float its amphibious planes in November, whisking visitors off the runway and over ocean to the hills or as far off as Trincomalee in a fraction of the time. ldblquote We will be starting our float plane operations in November this winter season. It will include two amphibious aircraft that can take […]
Out Of CRIB
The local credit information agency is trying to add value to its services with donor help.Credit Information Bureau says that World Bank help is on offer to improve its product offering which is presently limited to basic credit information.rn rnThe bureau will also go on line offering their clients quicker access to information.rn rnldblquote They […]
JKH Big Bang
John Keells Holdings entered the property market with a bang by taking a stake in Asian Hotels for Rs. 4 bn.The acquisition of the 60 percent stake gives JKH control of the Colombo Plaza hotel while Asian Hotels also owns a significant stake in the Trans Asia hotel.rn rnThe hotel acquisitions will show up the […]
Cash Injection
The long established company plans to raise Rs. 300 mn through the Initial Public Offering sometime in November.rn rnShares will be offered at Rs. 20 each, which includes a 10-rupee premium.rn rnThe company says the shares will be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, approval for which will be sought soon.rn rnPrivate healthcare ventures including […]
Here She Comes
George OMarie, the first local designer label will hit shops around the world early next year.Backed by a top garment exporter Readywear Industries, the brand is expected to tap the upper and middle end of the apparel market.rn rnIts promoters however say the brand will be price competitive, compared to some of their more established […]
Malaysians Sail In
A top Malaysian business tycoon, Tan Sri Gnanalingam is keen to invest in and manage BOI free trade zones while also tapping potential of the leisure sector.The chairman of the 11 largest port in the world, Westport in Malaysia says, they could also look at investments in the Colombo port once private sector investors are […]