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PETALING JAYA: Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Bhd's (KPS) wholly owned subsidiary, Bold Approach Sdn Bhd, has entered into a conditional share sale agreement (SSA) with AI Dream (HK) Ltd to divest 50% equity interest in Kaiserkorp Corporation Sdn Bhd. KPS is expected to realise about RM265.48 million from the divestment. KPS acquired 60% interest in Kaiserkorp for RM116.66 million in 2016. Kaiserkorp's subsidiary owns the "King Koil" mattress brand and related intellectual properties (Kaiserkorp Group). The acquisition marked KPS's first foray into the global business sphere with opportunities to penetrate high-growth international markets. KPS managing director/group CEO Ahmad Fariz Hassan said KPS has built a healthy relationship with Kaiserkorp Group in setting the business strategy to push for growth, encouraging collaboration between both leaderships in capitalising business opportunities such as market and customer base expansion. Over the years, Kaiserkorp Group has strengthened its foothold in the bedding industry, with presence in almost 80 countries through 24 international licensees, and achieved impressive revenue and profit compound annual growth rates of 30% and 19%, respectively, between 2018 and 2022. "The decision to monetise our investment in Kaiserkorp follows a comprehensive review of the group's business, demonstrating its active approach to investment management. It is a strategic move with a few aims in mind, which are streamlining our core business and serving as a catalyst for debt reduction, with the generated proceeds directed towards optimising our balance sheet. This financial manoeuvre is designed to enhance the group's fiscal stability and resilience," he added Ahmad Fariz said with the new ownership having vast business exposure and deep sector experience, there would be bigger growth plans for Kaiserkorp Group, helping it thrive stronger for the long term on a higher growth trajectory, while creating lasting value for its stakeholders. "Retaining a 10% stake would provide KPS Bhd with potential financial upside to its investment whilst maintaining a connection to future growth, potentially yielding additional returns over time," he added. KPS's board has allocated RM24.2 million of the proceeds for the issuance of special dividends. The entitlement and payment dates of the dividends will be announced later, following the conclusion of the proposed divestment, which is conditional upon approval of KPS's shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting. Subject to the completion of the proposed divestment, its shareholders will be entitled to receive 4.5 sen per ordinary share as appreciation for their steadfast support of KPS's strategic initiatives.

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06.01.25 12:15

by thesun.my

EXAL Group to redraw Malaysian real estate landscape with green housing and smar...

PETALING JAYA: EXAL Group is spearheading a transformative shift in Malaysia’s real estate landscape with its commitment to sustainable housing and smart city integration. Managing director Albert Ko said the group is actively contributing to the Kuching Smart City Master Plan through its flagship project, SOL Estate.“EXAL’s mission is to create living spaces that are not only environmentally responsible but also people-focused. “With SOL Estate, we’re taking a major step forward in shaping the future of housing in Malaysia, blending sustainability with innovation to support smarter urban living,” he told SunBiz.He said SOL Estate embodies EXAL’s commitment to sustainability through low-carbon construction methods, modular designs, and eco-friendly building materials. “These features reduce waste and energy consumption during construction while allowing for customisable living spaces that meet diverse family needs. Our modular housing approach not only minimises environmental impact but also allows us to deliver homes faster and more efficiently. This is particularly appealing to environmentally-conscious homeowners and investors.”Aligned with the Kuching Smart City Master Plan, Ko said, SOL Estate integrates sustainable urban planning with technology-driven solutions. “The project focuses on creating community-centric neighbourhoods with features like shared green spaces, renewable energy solutions and smart infrastructure for energy and water management.“Smart cities are about improving quality of life through sustainable practices and advanced technologies. With SOL Estate, we are not just building homes, we are creating intelligent ecosystems where people and nature coexist harmoniously,” he said.Ko added that EXAL leverages cutting-edge green technologies to enhance sustainability and efficiency in its developments. The SOL Estate features integrated renewable energy systems such as solar panels and energy-efficient building materials that reduce reliance on non-renewable resources. “Smart water management systems and rainwater harvesting technology are utilised to conserve water, while passive cooling designs reduce energy needs for air conditioning. Our use of green technology ensures that SOL Estate is not only eco-friendly but also offers long-term cost savings for residents. It is a practical demonstration of how modern technology can support sustainable urban living,” he said.On attracting sustainable investments, Ko said EXAL is tapping into the growing demand for environmental, social and governance-compliant and syariah-compliant investments in real estate. “Our innovative housing projects offer attractive opportunities for investors seeking both financial returns and long-term environmental impact. Investors today are increasingly focused on sustainability. Our developments align perfectly with these priorities, making EXAL an ideal partner for green investment opportunities,” he added.Looking ahead, Ko said EXAL plans to expand its green housing concept to other regions...