#HoneyWorldSingapore

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Comvita Limited Expands Market Share with Acquisition of HoneyWorld Singapore

  Acquisition Enhances Comvita's Market Dominance in Singapore

Comvita Limited, a leading provider of natural health and wellness products, has announced its acquisition of HoneyWorld Singapore, the largest Mānuka honey retailer in the country, along with its esteemed consumer brands. This strategic move solidifies Comvita's position as the market leader in core categories and expands its reach into one of Asia's thriving growth markets.   Strengthening Market Presence By merging with HoneyWorld, Comvita will establish an impressive 50% market share in the highly sought-after Mānuka honey category in Singapore. The collaboration between the two companies aims to unlock further opportunities for household penetration and increased market share in this significant market over time.   Positive Financial Prospects The acquisition is expected to deliver immediate benefits to Comvita, with HoneyWorld forecasting a 24% increase in return on capital employed (ROCE) once integrated. Moreover, the Comvita group anticipates a substantial 22% improvement in earnings per share (EPS) as a result of this strategic move. HoneyWorld's projected revenue for the fiscal year 2024 exceeds SG$13M (NZ$15.85M). To finance the acquisition, Comvita plans to utilize debt funding.   CEO's Strategic Outlook David Banfield, CEO of Comvita, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "This agreement represents a highly strategic opportunity for Comvita to acquire a high-quality business that is the market leader in Singapore. With our strong performance in retail stores across various Asian markets, we are delighted to incorporate HoneyWorld's esteemed capability and influence into the Comvita family." "The addition of Pearline Goh, HoneyWorld's founder, to our team further enhances our talent pool. With this acquisition, we are well-positioned to meet the strong demand in Asian markets and accelerate the delivery of our FY25 target of $50M EBITDA."   Founding Director's Vision Pearline Goh, Founder and Director of HoneyWorld, expressed her excitement about joining forces with Comvita, emphasizing their shared vision of being a premium wellness and lifestyle brand. Goh believes that Comvita's scale and expertise in introducing high-quality natural products, backed by world-class scientific know-how, will be instrumental in sustaining their growth and meeting the discerning needs of customers.  

HoneyWorld's Market Presence

Established in 1997, HoneyWorld currently operates 18 outlets in the Singapore market and enjoys a loyal consumer following. With Comvita's support, HoneyWorld's own brands will continue to be supplied in-store, while the Comvita Mānuka brand and range will experience further growth. Customers can expect to see familiar faces during their daily honey shopping experience, as the HoneyWorld team remains intact.  

Comvita Recently Faced Scrutiny for Lack of Transparency in Holiday Trading

  Regulators Request Clarity and Trading Halt Comvita, the honey company, faced scrutiny during holiday trading due to a lack of transparency in its recent announcement, resulting in a trading halt. The company's shares rose after revealing a significant partnership with Ole Supermarkets, a major retail chain in China. However, regulators requested an amendment to provide more specific details.   Amended Statement and Assurances The amended statement clarified that Comvita was finalizing a supply agreement and implementation plan, assuring investors that it would not impact its 2023 financial year guidance. Despite the scrutiny, Comvita's share price responded positively.   Ebos Group's Recovery and Opportunity for Investors Ebos Group, another company in the market, saw a 2% increase in its share price after experiencing a decline due to a contract non-renewal. Investors viewed this as an opportunity to acquire a discounted blue-chip stock.   Overall Market Performance and Regulators' Intervention In the broader market, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 Index made a modest gain. Regulators sought clarity as investors were left uncertain about the value and timing of the partnership. The market's sensitivity to pricing and earnings impact prompted the regulators' intervention.   Importance of Transparency and Lessons Learned Comvita's case highlights the significance of transparency and clarity in market announcements. While the company's share price remained resilient, regulators likely reprimanded Comvita for its lack of clarity. These developments demonstrate the importance of transparency and clarity in market announcements. As the holiday trading period unfolded, investors closely monitored companies' actions and statements, recognizing their impact on market performance.   Sources: THX News, Stuff & Comvita. Read the full article