“IZI Group Accelerates Growth with Austrian Expansion…”

IZI Group has advanced its international expansion strategy with the establishment of an Austrian subsidiary, IZI Entertainment GmbH, marking a key milestone in its growth plans.

The move was announced alongside strong interim results, showing EBITDA growth of 35% and a 156% increase in profit before tax. The new subsidiary received a €4 million equity injection, financed through a bridge loan from Bank of Valletta. Separately, the group announced plans for a new bingo and historical horse racing outlet in Gozo, supported by a €1 million loan facility from BOV.

For the six months ended December 2025, IZI reported turnover of €561 million (+25% year-on-year), gaming revenues of €53.9 million (+19%), EBITDA of €18.1 million, and profit before tax of €6.9 million. Operating cash flows amounted to €19.2 million, with total assets of €265.9 million at period end.

National lottery operations accounted for approximately half of EBITDA, with Dragonara Casino contributing around 30%, while interactive operations continued to grow. Looking ahead, IZI plans to issue a second bond of up to €30 million, subject to MFSA approval, to support further international expansion. The group expects to exceed FY2026 targets, with projected turnover above €1 billion and gross gaming revenues surpassing €100 million.

APS Funds Report Solid Performance for 2025

ReAPS Asset Management Limited, the investment manager of the APS Funds range and a subsidiary of APS Bank, reported solid returns across its fund offerings for the year ended 31 December 2025, reflecting disciplined asset allocation and active management.

The APS Ethical Adventurous Fund delivered a return of 16.31%, supported by higher exposure to global equities and growth assets, alongside selective investments aligned with sustainability and governance standards.

The APS Ethical Balanced Fund returned 7.62%, benefiting from diversified equity and fixed income exposure, while the APS Ethical Cautious Fund gained 4.88%, consistent with its capital preservation mandate.

In fixed income, the APS Diversified Bond Fund posted a 0.77% return, reflecting prudent interest rate and credit positioning. The APS Income Fund returned 1.46%, supported by income from Maltese bonds and dividend-paying equities.

Commenting on the results, Josef Portelli, Head of Investment Management at APS Bank and Managing Director of ReAPS Asset Management, highlighted the funds’ resilience across varied market conditions, underpinned by responsible investing and robust risk management.

Corinthia Hotels Expands Italian Footprint with Lake Como Resort

Corinthia Hotels Ltd has signed an agreement to manage a new ultra-luxury resort on Lake Como, marking its second Italian property after Corinthia Rome. The 58-key Corinthia Lake Como will be located in Menaggio, adjacent to Italy’s second-oldest golf course, and will offer panoramic lake views.

Designed as a fully integrated luxury destination, the resort will feature a world-class spa and wellness offering, curated dining concepts, a private lakefront club with direct water access, and three branded residences. Public areas will be spread across three villas housing the lobby, lounge, and golf club, while guest rooms and suites will be embedded into the surrounding pre-Alpine foothills.

The agreement was signed with RoundShield, Harrison Street’s European private credit platform, following its acquisition of the 40-hectare site. The property is owned by the Putter Fund and developed by Kervis SGR S.p.A. Construction is expected to commence following final planning approvals, with opening targeted for late 2028.

Malta Company Announcement

Bank of Valletta plc

During the period of January 19th to January 23rd, Bank of Valletta did not purchase any shares as part of its Share Buyback Programme.

In aggregate, since the commencement of the scheme till the 23rd of January, Bank of Valletta has purchased a total of 564,032 shares, equal to around 0.0878% of its share capital, at an average weighted purchase price of €1.8989 per share, for a total amount of €1,071,057.

Premier Capital plc

Reference is made to the Company Announcement published on December 3, 2025, whereby trading of the Company’s bonds in issue was suspended, due to preference afforded to bondholders for subscription to the €60,000,000 5% unsecured bonds redeemable in 2033, issued by Hili Finance Company plc.

Trading in the Company’s bonds will resume as from January 28, 2026.

Smart Care Finance plc

Further to the company announcement issued by the Company on the 24 December 2025, the Company hereby announces that another step of the reorganisation of the Smartcare Group has been completed on the 26 January 2026.

Pursuant to the incorporation of Bella Sicilia S.r.l into the Smartcare Group, the 3,822,833 ordinary shares of a nominal value of €1 each in Smartcare Group Investments Limited, held by Andrew Debattista Segond (“ADS”), have been transferred to the Company in exchange for the issue and allotment of 3,822,833 ordinary shares of a nominal value of €1 each in the Company to ADS.

Pursuant to the foregoing, the Company owns 100% of the issued share capital of Smartcare Group Investments Limited, which in turn owns 100% of Bella Sicilia S.r.l. A further announcement will be issued upon the completion of the remaining steps pertaining to the reorganisation of the Smartcare Group.

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