KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 2): Here is a brief recap of some corporate announcements that made the news on Wednesday:
AirAsia Group Bhd (KL:AAGB) has confirmed plans to raise up to US$1 billion (RM4.05 billion) from the international debt market and RM700 million in local credit facilities for the primary use of refinancing existing borrowings and strengthening its balance sheet. The group said the move will replace higher-cost pandemic-era debt with longer-term financing at better terms, reducing interest expenses and improving flexibility. Deputy CEO Farouk Kamal noted the fundraising aims to optimise capital structure and support sustainable growth. AirAsia is targeting the fourth quarter this year to complete the fundraising. — AirAsia confirms US$1bil fundraising, mainly for refinancing
Sersol Bhd (KL:SERSOL) announced that Peh Lon Pah @ Pei Tze Chiang has emerged as a substantial shareholder after acquiring 100 million shares, representing a 12.429% direct stake, via an off-market transaction on Sept 1. The purchase, based on the closing price of three sen, was valued at about RM3 million. Separately, executive director Datuk Mohamed Suffian Awang resigned on Sept 2, citing personal commitments. — Sersol sees new largest shareholder, ED Mohamed Suffian resigns
MyMBN Bhd (KL:MBN) reported that non-independent and non-executive chairman Liw Chong Liong is no longer a substantial shareholder after selling his entire stake. Liw disposed of 43.2 million shares, equal to an 11.19% stake, through MLCL Construction Sdn Bhd in a direct business transaction on Sept 1. The buyer and transaction value were not disclosed, though Bloomberg data indicated the shares were sold at 14 sen each, which is about 17.6% below the closing price of 17 sen. The disposal was estimated at RM6.05 million. — Chairman Liw Chong Liong disposes of entire 11.2% stake in MyMBN
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has become the third-largest shareholder in Eco-Shop Marketing Bhd (KL:ECOSHOP) after buying 8.68 million shares, raising its holding to 5.14%, or 296.16 million shares. This places EPF behind founder Datuk Seri Lee Kar Whatt, who holds 73.81%, and Agathis Montana Sdn Bhd, linked to Creador IV, with 7.48%. — EPF becomes Eco-Shop's third-largest shareholder with 5.14% stake
Mulpha International Bhd (KL:MULPHA) has invested US$7 million (RM28.28 million) in the SHK Latitude Alpha Fund, a multi-manager hedge fund portfolio, to improve risk-adjusted returns. The Cayman Islands-based fund, established in April 2021 and owned by Hong Kong-listed Sun Hung Kai & Co Ltd, forms part of Mulpha’s broader portfolio using surplus funds. SHK Latitude is a diversified global fund of hedge funds that seeks to generate risk-adjusted returns across market cycles. — Mulpha invests in Sun Hung Kai-linked investment fund
Central Global Bhd (KL:CGB) plans to raise up to RM83.31 million via private placement to fund construction projects in Sabah. The group will issue up to 106.62 million new shares, equal to 10% of its enlarged capital, to third-party investors at a price to be set later. Assuming 78.14 sen per share, about RM67 million (80.4%) will go to a Lahad Datu water supply system and Pan Borneo Highway works, RM15.67 million (18.8%) for working capital and 0.8% for expenses. — Central Global plans to raise up to RM83 mil via private placement for Sabah construction projects
KJTS Group Bhd (KL:KJTS) said its Thai unit, KJTN Engineering Co Ltd, has secured four 20‑year service agreements with subsidiaries of Central Plaza Hotel PCL (Centel). The contracts cover retrofit, operations and maintenance, chilled water supply and design‑build‑operate services. The ROMT contract applies to Centara Reserve Samui, while three DBO contracts cover Centara Hotel Hat Yai, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and Centara Karon Resort Phuket. KJTN previously completed three cooling projects for Centel, part of the Central Group. — KJTS Group bags four 20-year contracts from Thai hotel operator Centel
A unit trust fund managed by Kenanga Investors Bhd has become a substantial shareholder in Sern Kou Resources Bhd (KL:SERNKOU). RHB Trustees Bhd, on behalf of the Kenanga Islamic Absolute Return Fund, acquired 120.38 million shares, representing an 11.17% stake, on Aug 28. The filing noted the purchase was part of portfolio investment. Transaction value and seller details were not disclosed, but based on Sern Kou’s closing price of 79 sen, the stake is estimated at RM95.1 million. — Kenanga's Islamic fund emerges as substantial shareholder in Sern Kou with 11.7% stake