Thursday, October 8, 2020

Softlogic to inject Rs. 1.9 billion through Rights Issue

 


Softlogic Finance PLC, a Softlogic Capital PLC affiliate, has reported a capital injection of Rs. 1.9 billion through a Rights Issue. For every five shares owned by ordinary shareholders, the Company will issue eight new shares, and the shares will be allocated provisionally to each shareholder at Rs 11.50 per share.

The Rights Issue will allow Softlogic Finance to follow its creative business strategy focusing on a secure mix of goods. The Company has recently undergone a comprehensive restructuring of its top management, taking over from Priyantha Wijesekera as Chief Executive Officer in March this year, and making new hires for many leading management roles. The current management team has an outstanding track record and was hand-picked to design and execute the Company's unique journey.

Softlogic is re-evaluating its product mix and services portfolio, and work is underway to streamline structures and processes in a digital context to prepare the Company for an evolving environment so that the business can provide its consumers with a distinctive and easily accessible value proposition.

The Softlogic Group's capital investment underlines its dedication to the Softlogic brand, with which consumers across Sri Lanka are implicitly familiar and trusting. Softlogic Finance enjoys this successful franchise with Rs. 17.1 billion of consumer deposits and Rs. 18.2 billion of client advances. The Company's overall assets as of March 31 were Rs 21.7 billion.

The Softlogic Holdings PLC considered to be one of the most competitive and progressive conglomerates in Sri Lanka, with industry leaders across crucial market verticals; ICT, Healthcare, Banking, Financial Services, Automobiles and Leisure.

Today the Company boasts more than 15,000 square feet spread over five branches. Cotton Collection's 200-strong workforce includes a home-bred design team that curates bohemian, free-spirited collections that over the years have carved out a niche market share.

OSL Take - The decision to infuse Rs. 1.9 b capital through Rights Issue by Softlogic is an indication of the strength of Sri Lankan business entities and the possibility for growth in other Sri Lankan companies. Foreign businesses/shareholders could look at investing in Sri Lankan companies or form joint ventures to expand the businesses. Sri Lanka has made trade contracts and trade allowances to its benefit. Hence, investments in a Sri Lankan company and supporting expansion into the global market would ensure definite returns.

The accolade won by Sri Lanka's Softlogic Restaurants is a sign of the high standards maintained by the country's hospitality sector. Also, several Sri Lankan diners have ventured into international markets as well. Therefore, foreign businesses could discover opportunities for forming partnerships and joint enterprises with local companies to venture into the South Asian region.

The continually improving ease of doing business atmosphere in the country and the success of many local companies are positive signs for foreign businesses to explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka or to look at creating business alliances/joint ventures with local firms.

 VBS/AT/08/10/2020/Z_TB4

No comments:

Post a Comment