KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 27): Sime Darby Bhd rose 4.88% in early trade this morning after the group said it is planning to create three pure play standalone businesses, namely for plantation, property and trading & logistics sectors, with the conglomerate eyeing listings for its Sime Darby Plantation Bhd and Sime Darby Property Bhd.
At 9.08am, Sime Darby rose 43 sen to R<9.25 with 790,300 shares traded.
The group said the plan would enable each business segment to pursue their objectives with greater focus and agility to maximise value for all shareholders.
It said it will be evaluating the implementation measures and indicative timelines, adding that the company will make the appropriate disclosures upon receiving the final approval of the board.
“Today, nine years after the merger and several strategic corporate exercises to position our businesses, we are ready to execute the original intention of our shareholders. Each Division is now stronger, strategically structured and better equipped to stand alone and be listed as pure plays,” said Sime Darby president & group chief executive Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh yesterday.