“CrediaBank Set to Finalise HSBC Malta Deal…”

CrediaBank is expected to conclude its acquisition of HSBC Malta by Friday, 5 September, following the successful agreement of key terms with HSBC Holdings last month. The bank entered exclusive negotiations in mid-August after emerging as the preferred bidder.

According to majority shareholder Alexandro Exarchou, the final stage of due diligence is underway and should be completed this week. He credited CEO Eleni Vrettou and her team for driving the talks, noting that CrediaBank pushed for a swift resolution.

If confirmed, the transaction will mark a major step in CrediaBank’s international growth strategy, securing a significant foothold in Malta’s banking sector.

Premier Capital plc Reports Revenue Growth in H1 2025 Despite Profit Pressures

Premier Capital plc, the developmental licensee for McDonald’s in six European markets, announced an 8.6% increase in revenue for the first half of 2025, with turnover rising to €369 million from €340 million in the same period last year. The Group, which operates 195 restaurants across Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, and Romania, welcomed nearly 46 million customers, three million more than in H1 2024.

Despite stronger sales, profitability was impacted by higher costs and currency headwinds. Pre-tax profit fell to €19.2 million from €27 million a year earlier, reflecting inflationary pressures across all markets and a €1.6 million foreign exchange loss from the Romanian Leu. Nonetheless, net assets rose to €108.7 million as at 30 June 2025, compared with €98 million at the end of 2024.

Romania remained the Group’s largest market, contributing 59% of revenue, followed by Greece (14%), Lithuania (9%), Latvia (7%), and both Estonia and Malta (6% each). During the period, over €12 million was invested in new restaurant openings and refurbishments, while more than €18 million was directed to marketing initiatives.

Looking ahead, the Board reaffirmed its full-year projections and confirmed that the Group continues to monitor inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and other operational challenges. Premier Capital plc is wholly owned by Malta-based Hili Ventures, a diversified group with interests in food, technology, real estate, and logistics.

Browns Pharma Holdings plc Reports Strong Interim Results with 72% Profit Growth

Browns Pharma Holdings plc has reported a profit before tax of €3.27 million for the first half of 2025, a 72% increase compared with €1.89 million in the same period last year. Revenue rose 40% to €37 million, driven by the continued organic growth of its Maltese operations and strong performance at its UK subsidiary, Mediva Pharma Ltd.

Operating profit reached €3.94 million, up from €2.55 million in H1 2024. The Group, which operates 29 pharmacies across Malta, also saw total assets increase to €107.4 million as at 30 June 2025.

During the period, Browns Pharma invested over €534,000 in property, plant, and equipment, and acquired €56,000 in intangible assets. The Group also continues to support its financing strategy through a €13 million unsecured bond issue, carrying a 3.9% annual coupon and redeemable between 2027 and 2031.

Stivala Group Delivers Solid Interim Results with 5% Profit Growth

Stivala Group, a prominent name in Malta’s real estate and hospitality industries, has reported a profit before tax of €4.19 million for the first half of 2025. This represents a 5% improvement compared to the €3.99 million achieved in the same period of the prior year.

The performance was detailed in the Group’s unaudited interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2025. Management attributed the results to both the resilience of Malta’s economy and the steady advancement of its large-scale investment projects.

The interim report pointed to Malta’s favourable economic climate, marked by strong external demand, solid household spending, and a sharp rebound in tourism—now exceeding pre-pandemic benchmarks. Continued growth in the labour force has also fuelled domestic consumption, in line with the country’s GDP growth forecast of 4.1% for 2025.

The Group’s financial position also strengthened during the period, with total assets rising to €515 million as at 30 June 2025, up from €510 million at year-end 2024. Shareholders’ equity increased to €95.98 million from €93.60 million.

 

Malta Company Announcements:

AX Real Estate plc

On 25 August 2025, AX Real Estate plc announced that its Board of Directors has approved a gross interim dividend of €0.017882 per share (net: €0.0152). The dividend will be payable on Monday, 15 September 2025, to all shareholders on the register as at the close of trading on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

Malta International Airport plc

The Board of Directors has declared a net interim dividend of €0.06 per share, in line with the distribution made in the previous year. The dividend will be payable by Friday, 12 September 2025, to all shareholders on the register as at the close of trading on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.

APS Bank plc

The Board of Directors has declared a net interim dividend of €1.8 million, equivalent to €0.00472 per share. The dividend will be payable to all shareholders on the register as at the close of trading on 28 August 2025 and, subject to regulatory approval, will be distributed on 19 September 2025.

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