Business
John Keells Holdings to raise the equivalent of USD 75 million via unlisted convertible debentures to Fairfax Financial
John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) announced it will raise the equivalent of USD 75 million of foreign direct investment by way of a private placement of Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) denominated unlisted convertible debentures (“debentures”) to certain controlled affiliates of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, headquartered in Canada (collectively, “Fairfax”).
The transaction amounts to a value of LKR 27.06 billion. The debentures will be issued at a price of Rs.130 each, resulting in the issue of 208,125,000 debentures to Fairfax with a maturity period of three years. The debentures will accrue interest at a nominal interest rate of 3% per annum. Fairfax can convert each debenture to one new ordinary share of JKH after 18 months from the date of issue until maturity.
The maximum post-conversion dilution as a result of the issue amounts to 13.06% if all debentures are converted into new ordinary shares of JKH.
The proceeds from the issue will be used to support the Company’s investment and financing obligations, particularly in terms of managing the foreign currency linked funding requirements in investments such the West Container Terminal in the Port of Colombo and will significantly strengthen the financial position of the Group during these volatile times.
The recent steep depreciation of the LKR together with the significant increase in LKR interest rates has resulted in an increase of the funding commitments of the Group. The transaction will enable the Group to support this investment pipeline and match its foreign currency linked project costs whilst reducing the need to fund some of its requirements through the local banking sector given the stresses on capital and interest rates. Furthermore, the inflow of foreign exchange through this transaction will augment Sri Lanka’s foreign currency liquidity position and boost investor confidence in the country, particularly given the profile of the investor.
“By making this investment, Fairfax reaffirms its confidence in the prospects of the John Keells Group and Sri Lanka. We have made substantial investments over the years in a number of businesses in Sri Lanka. Our largest investment is in JKH where we have the highest confidence in the management, the transparent governance practices of the Group and the growth prospects of the businesses,” said Prem Watsa, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. “I believe that Sri Lanka will continue to be resilient and overcome the current challenges, as it has done on numerous occasions, and the country will soon regain its tremendous potential. I am encouraged by the preliminary steps being taken to stabilise the economy towards a more sustainable path of growth. Fairfax will look for more opportunities to invest in Sri Lanka and play a part in its economic transformation.”
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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