Investment in the Wine Connection Group

RNS Number : 4056G

Symphony International Holdings Ltd

07 May 2014

 

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

7 May 2014

Symphony International Holdings Limited ("Symphony" or the "Company")

Investment in the Wine Connection Group

Symphony International Holdings Limited (LSE: SIHL), a leading investor in consumer-related businesses, primarily in the healthcare, hospitality, lifestyle, and real estate sectors in the Asia-Pacific region, is pleased to announce today that it has invested in the Wine Connection Group ("Wine Connection"), Southeast Asia's leading wine themed food and beverage ("F&B") chain.

Founded in 1998, Wine Connection has developed an expertise in offering affordable, high quality and exclusive wines from around the world through owned F&B outlets. Since inception, it has grown into the largest owner and operator of wine themed F&B concepts in Southeast Asia, with over 50 outlets in Singapore and Thailand. Wine Connection targets the region's growing middle class through a differentiated offering focusing on affordable and quality western food and beverages.

The F&B sector is a direct beneficiary of the domestic, consumption-led growth evident across Southeast Asia. Rapid population growth, urbanisation and the rise of the middle class across the region are the primary drivers for the sector's growth and Wine Connection is well positioned with its focused offering to leverage the opportunities that come with these fundamental market dynamics.

Wine Connection is a strong fit within Symphony's investment focus. Symphony has strong expertise in the F&B sector and the objective is to drive growth by increasing Wine Connection's footprint in existing markets and replicating its successful business model across new territories, both regionally in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Sunil Chandiramani, Director of Symphony, said: 

 "We are excited about the Wine Connection Group and its growth prospects in the region. This investment is a strong addition to our portfolio and fits well with our strategy of investing in high-growth sectors that benefit from rising incomes and changing demographics across Asia"

For further information, please contact:

Symphony Asia Limited

Sunil Chandiramani                               [phone]

FTI Consulting

Neil Doyle/ Tom Willetts 
                    [phone]/ 7175

About Symphony International Holdings

Symphony International Holdings (LSE:SIHL) is a London listed strategic investment company that invests in consumer businesses and develops luxury branded real estate, hospitality and healthcare ventures which are principally in Asia. It offers a way for investors to gain exposure to the rising disposable incomes and wealth in fast growing economies. Symphony's objective is to provide superior capital growth by investing in high quality companies and forming long-term business partnerships with talented entrepreneurs. Symphony is managed by Symphony Investment Managers Limited, which has a team of investment professionals with a broad range of expertise - many of them have been working in Asia for more than 25 years. For more information please visit our website at www.symphonyasia.com.

No representation or warranty is made by the Company as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this announcement and no liability will be accepted for any loss arising from its use.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction. All investments are subject to risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decisions.

This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The Company's securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States.

The Company and the Investment Manager are not associated or affiliated with any other fund managers whose names include "Symphony", including, without limitation, Symphony Financial Partners Co., Ltd.

End of Announcement

 

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