Empire Sushi owner ends first day on Main Market with 49% gain

Friday 18 Sep 2026

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KUALA LUMPUR (April 17): Empire Premium Food Bhd (KL:EMPIRE) ended its first day as a public listed company up 49% on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia.

The operator of Empire Sushi takeout chain opened at RM1.10 compared to its initial price offering (IPO) price of 70 sen per share. The stock climbed to as high as RM1.21 before closing at RM1.04 on Friday as more than 266 million shares changed hands, the most active counter for the day.

Friday’s gain added RM374 million to Empire Premium’s market value, the biggest increase for a new Main Market listing since Well Chip Group Bhd’s (KL:WELLCHIP) debut in July 2025. The last price gave Empire a market capitalisation of RM1.14 billion.

Empire Premium’s strong debut comes on the heels of strong demand from investors during its IPO. Applications from retail investors were more than 23 times above the number of shares available while the institutional tranche was also fully taken up.

“Today, this listing marked an important milestone for all of us,” said Empire Premium chief executive officer Nicole Lim. “We will continue to grow by opening new outlets, improving our existing outlets, and strengthening our brand.”

The IPO raised RM254 million, of which RM152.6 million went to the company for expansion and operations. Lim and her husband Jordan Tan together pocketed RM101.5 million from an offer for sale of their existing shares in Empire Premium.

Proceeds from the public issue of new shares will mainly be used to open 56 new outlets over the next three years, refurbish existing outlets and meet working capital requirements. Empire Premium currently owns 143 outlets, out of which 127 are takeaway stores and 16 quick dine-in eateries.

Maybank Investment Bank is the principal adviser, sole placement agent, sole bookrunner and sole underwriter for the IPO.

Edited ByJason Ng

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