“Farsons Projects 6.5% Revenue Growth, Reaching €141.5 Million in FY2025…”

Farsons Group, a leading player in the beverage and food retail sectors, is projecting a record revenue of €141.5 million for the financial year ending 2025 — a 6.5% increase over the €132.9 million reported in FY2024.

The beverages segment continues to be the principal driver of growth, contributing an anticipated €99.2 million in revenue. This performance underscores the Group’s strategic focus and sustained momentum, as outlined in its latest Financial Analysis Summary.

Gross profit is forecast to reach €53.5 million, representing an 8.1% rise from €49.5 million in the previous year. Profit before tax is projected at €17.5 million, up from €16.1 million in FY2024 — an increase of €1.4 million.

The report attributes the Group’s strong performance to continued business momentum and the effective execution of prior investments aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and cost control.

EBITDA is expected to grow to €30.3 million, up from €27.9 million in 2024. This increase comes alongside higher depreciation charges, reflecting ongoing capital investment in property, plant, and equipment. Cost of sales is also anticipated to rise by 5.5% to €88 million, in line with revenue growth.

In line with its long-term strategic objectives, Farsons’ Board last year approved the development of a new logistics centre and office complex in Handaq (Qormi), dedicated to its food business. The Group is also evaluating a potential spin-off of the food segment into a separately listed entity, with updates to shareholders expected as early as 2025.

Construction of the state-of-the-art Handaq warehouse and logistics hub is already underway, with completion targeted for mid-2026. The facility will feature a digital inventory management system and is expected to more than triple current storage capacity, significantly enhancing operational capability in the food division.

In its franchised food operations, the Group closed two Pizza Hut outlets in St Julian’s and Sliema, while opening two new locations in Bay Street. Additionally, the company expanded its brand portfolio with the launch of a Boost outlet at Shoreline. Further expansion is planned, particularly in the southern region of Malta, accompanied by ongoing upgrades across the existing outlet network.

Ardshinbank Confirms Bid for Majority Stake in HSBC Malta

Armenia’s Ardshinbank has officially confirmed the submission of a bid to acquire a majority stake in HSBC Malta, marking its first effort to establish a presence within the European Union’s banking sector.

The bank’s Deputy Chair, David Sargsyan, told Times of Malta that Ardshinbank is “quite confident” about its chances of being selected as the preferred bidder.

“We are currently one of the bidders for the 70 per cent stake in HSBC Malta,” Mr Sargsyan said. “We have submitted our offer to them.”

This development follows Ardshinbank’s successful acquisition of HSBC Armenia, which was finalised in November 2024. A successful bid in Malta would represent the bank’s first expansion beyond Armenia and a significant milestone in its EU growth strategy.

The decision now rests with HSBC Continental Europe, the primary shareholder in HSBC Malta, which is tasked with reviewing the bids and selecting a buyer.

Market Context and Bidder Landscape

HSBC announced in September 2024 that it was considering divesting its Maltese operations. APS Bank quickly emerged as the leading candidate and confirmed on 26 March 2025 that it had entered the due diligence phase—an essential part of the acquisition process.

However, on 17 April 2025, APS unexpectedly announced that it was “regrettably withdrawing” from the bidding process. No official explanation was provided, although the move has sparked considerable market speculation.

Following APS’s withdrawal, interest shifted to other prospective buyers. Hungarian banking group OTP Bank was identified as a strong contender, though concerns were raised due to its continued operations in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Separately, a consortium of prominent Maltese business leaders is reported to have submitted a joint bid, potentially involving international investors as part of the proposal.

The final outcome will play a key role in shaping Malta’s financial sector. With the Finance Minister calling for a reasonable yet timely resolution, focus now turns to HSBC as it evaluates its strategic options going forward.

db Group Enters UAE Market with Strategic International Joint Venture

db Group, a leading name in Malta’s hospitality industry, is taking a significant step in its international growth journey through a newly established joint venture in the United Arab Emirates.

The group’s subsidiary, SD Hotel Investments Holdings Limited, has signed a 50:50 joint venture agreement with RAK Hospitality Holding LLC (RAKHH) — a key entity under the Investment and Development Office of Ras Al Khaimah. This partnership has led to the formation of HR Hotel FZ LLC, which has entered into a long-term collaboration with Hard Rock International to bring the first-ever Hard Rock Hotel & Residences to the UAE.

Targeting a 2028 opening, the premium beachfront resort will rise in Ras Al Khaimah’s Beach District. The development will include around 300 hotel rooms and 400 branded residences, complemented by a variety of luxury amenities such as signature restaurants, a rooftop bar, wellness and spa facilities, conference and event spaces, a beach club, swimming pools, and a state-of-the-art gym.

Beyond tourism and leisure, the group has strategic stakes in affiliated businesses offering catering and healthcare services to hospitals, care homes, and airlines, further demonstrating its diversified operational base.

This bold new venture in Ras Al Khaimah is not only a milestone for db Group but also a clear signal of its ambitions to scale internationally and participate in high-growth global markets.

Malta Company Announcements:

Mizzi Organisation Finance plc

The Board of Directors of Mizzi Organisation Finance plc is scheduled to meet on 28 July 2025 to consider and, if thought fit, approve, the interim financial statements of the Company for the half-year ended 30 June, 2025.

Plaza Centres plc

The Board of Directors of Plaza Centres plc is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 30 July 2025, to consider and if thought fit approve, the Group’s Interim Financial Statements for the half-year ended 30 June 2025.

Bank of Valletta plc

The Board of Directors of Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is scheduled to meet on Thursday 31 July 2025 to:

1. To consider and approve the Group’s and the Bank’s interim financial statements for the six months financial period 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025.

2. To consider, and if thought fit, declare an interim dividend.

Malta Properties Company plc

The Board of Directors of the Company is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 6 August 2025 to discuss the Group Interim Unaudited Financial Statements for the six-month period ended 30 June 2025.

Lombard Bank Malta plc

The Board of Directors of Lombard Bank Malta p.l.c. will be meeting on Wednesday, 27 August 2025 to consider and approve the Group’s and the Bank’s interim financial statements for the half year ended 30 June 2025.

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