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Corporate News QuamNews: Growth in PRC Mining Industry Sets Opportunities for Quam In the article "Mutual Benefits: Quam Strikes Gold in China" published in the latest issue of the China & Canada Exchange Hong Kong magazine, it was revealed that the growth of the mining industry in China would provide opportunities for Quam Limited's soon to be launch private equity business. Throughout a conversation, Garry Stein, managing director of Quam Private Equity, told the magazine his latest plan, "Initially, we're going to focus on potential transactions in the mining, natural resources and energy sectors. As well as deals within China, we think that we have the ability to help Chinese firms look for outside investments ˇV for example, mining deals in Canada and elsewhere." Stein added that he accepted that Quam Limited was a relatively small firm, but this allowed the group to look for the more interesting, niche-market deals that do not attract larger firms. QuamNews: Quam Limited's Deputy Chairman Winter Attends HKSI Event Richard Winter, deputy chairman of Quam Limited and chairman of Hong Kong Securities Institute Research Committee (the "HKSI Research Committee"), attended the media event which released the findings of "HKSI Research: Grooming of Talents in the Financial Industry". During the event, Winter commented on the survey result that, "The young people of Hong Kong, especially budding professionals, should pay attention to these findings. Technical and hard skills are important. However, having a broad perspective, being aware of what is happening in the financial industry and other parts of the world, and strengthening their communication skills would add considerably to their portfolio and employment prospects." HKSI commissioned the Centre for Public Policy Studies of Lingnan University in September 2007 to conduct a study on the manpower gap in the financial industry. The survey showed that employers in the financial industry encountered difficulties in hiring suitable professionals, and highlighted a shortage of talent especially in compliance, product development and marketing, as well as operations and support functions. Winter added, "Going forward, the HKSI will reflect the findings to relevant government bureaus and institutions. At regional and global levels, the institute will capitalise on its established network and communicate with our counterparts such as Securities Association of China, Malaysia's Securities Industry Development Center & UK's Securities & Investment Institute for joint programmes." QuamNews: Quam Ltd Inaugurated Shenyang Representative Office Quam Ltd (952) inaugurated its representative office in Shenyang on 1 March. The Shenyang representative office was set up by Quam Securities, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the group, which was the first foreign brokerage firm to open a representative office in the north-eastern China. Quam Limited, HKex (388) and Nasdaq are the three foreign financial companies authorized by the Shenyang government to set up a representative office last year and the group is the first foreign brokerage firm to open a representative office in Shenyang. The representative office is located at the central business district of Shenyang and is principally engaged in non-direct business activities such as securities and futures advisory services, liaison, market research and publicity. QuamNews: Quam Ltd Disposes Non-core Biz for HK$31.2 Mln Quam Limited (952) has disposed the whole of its 25% stake in Verify Limited for a consideration of HK$31.2 million. The disposal generated a capital gain of about HK$28.9 million. In addition to the favourable valuation and strong cash inflow, the transaction enables Quam to consolidate and focus on its core financial business. Verify Limited is the second largest background screening firm in Asia and based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and with offices in India, Hong Kong, Japan and China. QuamNews: Quam Ltd Increases Stakes in Two Affiliates, Expands Presence in Global Markets Quam Limited (952) said it would increase its shareholding in two of the group's affiliates, namely 5,600 shares in Capital Partners Securities ("CPS") and 2.905 million shares in McMillen Advantage Capital Limited ("MAC"). The considerations were HK$12.17 million and HK$29.18 million respectively, which would be satisfied partly by the issue of new shares and partly by cash. The group convened a SGM on 31 January 2008 and the acquisitions were approved. Upon completion, the group's shareholding in CPS, a Japanese securities company, would increase from 0.77% to 5.45%, while that in MAC, an investment management company with interests in securities broking and investment banking in the United Arab Emirates, would increase from 6.81% to 22.93%. Bernard Pouliot, chairman of the group, said the acquisitions would further expand the group's market presence in the global financial markets, and facilitate its strategic development and overseas cooperation. Apart from that, the group would also be enabled to expand its business outside Hong Kong, minimize the risk of reliance on a single market and broaden its revenue stream. QuamNews: Quam Ltd 1H Net Profit Rose 3.3 Times at HK$55.2 Mln Quam Ltd (952) said its 1H net profit rose 3.3 times year-on-year to HK$55.2 million for the six months ended 30 September 2007. Turnover rose 1.6 times to HK$217 million. Basic earnings per share were 9.26 HK cents versus 2.46 HK cents last year. The board recommends an interim dividend of 1.5 HK cents per share, unchanged from last year. The jump in revenue during the period was mainly attributable to the growth in the securities booking and placement sector and the asset management sector. Revenue in the securities booking and placement sector rose 1.7 times to HK$112 million, while that of the asset management sector rose 17.6 times to HK$66.3 million. The asset management sector became the largest profit contributor of the group and contributed a profit of HK$32.1 million, up 50 times as compared to the same period of last year. As for the wealth management website, monthly ARPU rose 20% to HK$251, and the number of subscribers rose by 30% to about 6,500. The sector recorded a profit of HK$2.57 million, turning around from a loss of HK$3.72 million last year. The group's corporate finance team closed 15 transactions and embarked upon several new significant projects during the period. The financial advisory side of the business also continued to grow in terms of both business volumes and headcount. The continuing strengthening of the group's track record in the mid-market has resulted in an upturn in dealflow referred from the international investment banks in this sector. QuamNews: Quam Ltd Increases Shareholding in Seamico to 4.02% Quam Limited (952) said it acquired a further of 524,200 shares of Seamico on 6 November 2007 through its subsidiary Quam Securities. Together with prior acquisitions, Quam Securities acquired a total of 33.5 million shares of Seamico for a total consideration of THB131.3 million (about HK$30 million), representing 4.02% of its issued share capital. Enlisted in Thailand, Seamico is principally engaged in securities business, which includes brokering, trading, investment advisory, underwriting, on-line securities trading and derivatives trading. It recorded a net profit of about HK$35.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2006, and a net profit of about HK$8.9 million for the nine months ended 30 September 2007. QuamNews: Total AUM of Quam Asset Management Hits US$113 Mln by End Aug Quam Asset Management, a subsidiary of Quam Limited, has US$112.99 million in assets under management as of 31 August 2007, compared to US$33.43 million as of 31 December 2006. Its Quam Greater China Segregated Portfolio generated net return of 56.63% year-to-date. QuamNews: Quam Limited's Affiliate Licensed to Trade on the Abu Dhabi Market MAC Sharaf Securities (U.A.E.), a stock broker and an affiliate of Quam Limited, was fully licensed to trade on the Abu Dhabi Market. Currently, they have been licensed to trade on the Dubai Financial Market since February 2007 and to sponsor IPO's on the Dubai International Financial Exchange since December 2006. Quam Securities, a subsidiary of Quam Limited, is an international shareholder of Mc Millen Advantage Capital, a 49% shareholder of MAC Sharaf Securities (U.A.E.). QuamNews: Total AUM of Quam Asset Management Over US$100 Mln by End July Quam Asset Management, a subsidiary of Quam Limited, has US$100.28 million in assets under management as of 31 July 2007, compared to US$33.43 million as of 31 December 2006. Its Quam Greater China Segregated Portfolio generated net return of 52.41% year-to-date. QuamNews: Quam Limited Optimistic in Growth Earnings In review of expansions in the previous year, Quam Limited said they were eyeing for a greater contribution from recurrent incomes that might take up 50% of the overall revenue. One of the strategies included the revamp of their wealth management website "Quamnet.com", and the management expected advertising income to increase when the revamped website launches in October. Besides, the group saw a 'significant growth' in its securities business as the stock market extended its winning streak. As a measure to lower investment risks in a single market, the group spread their business around numerous countries around Asia including Japan, Thailand, Singapore and Dubai. QuamNews: Quam Ltd's Subsidiaries Set Up New Office in Central District Quam Group is pleased to announce the opening of an additional office at 6/F Fung House, 19-20 Connaught Road Central, Central District which will house the Quam Wealth Management operations and part of the Quam Securities operations. Kenneth Lam, deputy chairman of Quam Limited, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the group's company secretary and CFO Kevin Sew Hoy. QuamNews: Quam Group's Thai Affiliate Seamico Has Been Named "Best Equity House" in Thailand by FinanceAsia magazine FinanceAsia, the world famous financial monthly magazine that focuses on Asia and its capital markets, named Quam group's affiliate Seamico as the "Best Equity House" in Thailand in her July publication. The magazine pointed out that Seamico managed to complete the US$15 million IPO of Jasmine Telecom Systems, which was one of the top 10 deals in Thailand during the period under consideration. Besides, Seamico brought a total of 4 companies to the market within this quiet period, when no other houses, including the international banks, managed more than 2 deals. QuamNews: Quam Limited's Affiliate Acquires "Key" from Dubai Biz Arm In the July issue of FinanceAsia, MAC Sharaf Securities (U.A.E.), a stock broker and an affiliate of Quam Limited, was said to be a crucial partnership for Mc Millen Advantage Capital Limited (MAC) as the joint venture would bring in local business relationships, network and trust. Quam Group holds a small interest in Mc Millen Advantage Capital Limited (MAC), a 49% shareholder of MAC Sharaf Securities (U.A.E.). QuamNews: QuamFunds' Manager Expresses Strategies in Institutional Investor magazine Vincent Lam, manager of Hong Kong-based QuamFunds, expressed his strategies in fund management in the July/ August 2007 issue of Institutional Investor magazine. Commenting on Shenzhen Investment (604), Vincent mentioned that he increased his stake to 11.5% of the fund's holdings in March 2006 when Joe Zhang was appointed as the chief operating officer, which Vincent viewed as a catalyst for the stock. However, a certain amount of stake was pared this year to take profit, since he saw greater risk in the company's new strategy of using debt to expand in the PRC property market. QuamNews: Quam Limited Donates HK$250,000 to World Widelife Fund (WWF) and becomes a Double Diamond Member Quam Limited joined the Corporate Membership Programme 2007 of WWF and donated HK$250,000 in July 2007, hence becoming the Double Diamond Member of the programme. The donation reflects the high attention that Quam Limited pays towards the natural environment and further confirms its intention to be an active participant in that field. QuamNews: Total AUM of Quam Asset Management Over US$86 Mln by End June Quam Asset Management, a subsidiary of Quam Limited, has US$86.47 million in assets under management as of 30 June 2007, compared to US$33.43 million as of 31 December 2006. Its Quam Greater China Segregated Portfolio generated net return of 40.33% year-to-date. QuamNews: Quam Limited FY07 Net Profit Up 272% at HK$33 Mln Quam Limited's annual net profit rose 272% year-on-year to HK$33 million for the year ended 31 March 2007. Turnover rose 84% to HK$192.1 million. Basic earnings per share were 11.31 HK cents versus 3.28 HK cents. The board recommended a final dividend of 2 HK cents per share, no final dividend was declared last year. During the year, securities and futures dealing commissions rose 95% to HK$85.9 million, while income from corporate financial advisory services rose 107% to HK$26.1 million. Asset management revenues recorded a 300% growth to HK$18.8 million. In addition, revenue from the Quamnet website business rose 13.6% to HK$20.1 million. With over 6,000 paying subscribers, average monthly ARPU for the business was HK$242. The group is optimistic of its continued growth along with the continued strength of the Asian financial markets. The group has also set aside considerable capital expenditure for a revamp of the Quamnet website which includes an upgrade of both the systems, hardware and content. The group expects the first phase of the revamped website to be launched in October 2007. QuamNews: Quam Limited's Japanese Affiliate Completes a US$84 Mln Placement in Japan Quam Group affiliate, Capital Partners Securities Company Limited (CPS), Japan completed a US$84 million placement of the Kazakhstan Fund in the Japanese market. CPS is making use of its strong distribution capability in Japan through offices in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Sapporo. QuamNews: Quam Limited's Deputy Chairman, Richard Winter, Was Invited Speaker at the Forum on China Private Equity Richard Winter, deputy chairman of Quam Limited, was invited at the first China International Private Equity Forum held in Tianjin, PRC. During the event, he spoke about valuations, investments and acquisitions for small and medium sized Chinese enterprises. Approved by the State Council and hosted by the Tianjin Municipal People's Government, the All China Federation of Industry & Commerce and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), the forum was held from 6 to 8 in June 2007 at the Tianjin Binhai International Convention Center. Attendees were provided with the opportunity to meet with pre-screened private Chinese companies that were seeking for foreign investments, as well as deal makers successful experience in China. QuamNews: Quam Limited's Japanese Affiliate Turns Around in FY07 Results Quam Group affiliate, Capital Partners Securities Company, Limited, Japan reported an annual net profit of close to US$10 million for the year ended 31 March 2007, reversing from a net loss in the same period last year. Capital Partners Securities Company Limited is comprised of an investment banking section, a portfolio sales section and a product division. Shareholders are Quam Limited, Mitsubishi Corp. Capital Limited, and NIS Group Co. Limited as well as the management. QuamNews: Quam Securities Facilitates US$50 Mln CBs Issue of AIM-Listed Green Dragon Gas Quam Securities, a subsidiary of Quam Limited, acted as co-facilitator with UBS in the issue of convertible bonds by AIM-listed Green Dragon Gas. The zero-coupon bonds due 2009 have a conversion price of US$5.56 per share, which represented the placing price of Green Dragon Gas's ordinary shares when it was listed on AIM of London in August 2006, and a 9% discount to the closing bid on 31 May 2007. The US$50 million CBs were issued to an institutional investor and the transaction was completed on 1 June 2007. QuamNews: Quam Limited's Deputy Chairman Richard Winter Appointed to the Listing Committee of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and the Takeovers Panel of the Securities and Futures Commission Richard Winter, deputy chairman of Quam Limited, was appointed as a Listing Committee Member of the Main Board and Growth Enterprise Market of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (388). The appointment commenced on 18 May 2007. In June 2007, Richard Winter was also appointed as a member of the Takeovers and Mergers Panel and Takeovers Appeal Committee of the Securities and Futures Commission. QuamNews: Quam Limited's Executive Directors Reconfirmed on Thai Brokerage Firm's Board Bernard Pouliot and Kenneth Lam Kin Hing, chairman and deputy chairman of Quam Limited respectively, were reconfirmed on the board of Thai-brokerage firm Seamico Securities Public Company Limited ("Seamico") at its latest AGM in May 2007, and Bernard Pouliot was nominated as Chairman of the firm. Established in 1974, Seamico is one of the top local brokerage firms in Thailand in terms of market turnover. Over the years, Seamico has evolved from a brokerage firm into a diversified financial services company offering securities trading, investment banking and investment advisory services. QuamNews: Quam (H.K.) Limited Appoints New Managing Director Quam (H.K.) Limited, a subsidiary of Quam Limited and owner of the website www.quamnet.com, appointed Christopher Justice as its new Managing Director with effect from 10 April 2007. Christopher takes over responsibility for Quamnet, Hong Kong's leading finance portal, and QuamIR, which provides traditional and online IR services to listed companies in Hong Kong and China. Christopher has a wealth of experience in finance and venture capital as well as strategy and business development, Christopher is also experienced in Internet media in Asia. In 1996, he started scmp.com, an award-winning Internet site of the South China Morning Post Publishers Group, and subsequently co-founded Asiacontent.com, an Internet media and advertising company which was successfully listed on Nasdaq in early 2000. QuamNews: Quam Securities Facilitates HK$200 Mln Share Placement and Quam Capital Completes M&A transaction for Matrix Holdings Limited Quam Securities, a subsidiary of Quam Limited, entered into a placement and subscription agreement with Matrix (1005) and its major shareholder to place 108 million shares on a best effort basis for a 2.5% commission on the gross proceeds. Placing price of the shares was HK$1.81 per share, a 9.5% discount to the closing price of HK$2.00 on the last trading day. Part of the HK$195 million gross proceeds would be used for funding the acquisition of the Funrise Group, which was arranged by fellow subsidiary Quam Capital. The Funrise Group is principally engaged in the design, sales and distribution of toys under proprietary and licensed brands in the United States. QuamNews: Quam Limited Places 30 Mln New Shares for HK$24 Mln Quam Limited placed 30 million new shares at a price of HK$0.80 per share. The placing price represented the closing price on the last trading day, 2 March 2007. The new shares represent about 9.28% of the enlarged share capital. The net proceeds of about HK$23.5 million were utilized for general working capital purposes of the group. QuamNews: Quam Limited's Affiliate Licensed to Trade on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) MAC Sharaf Securities (U.A.E.), a stock broker and an affiliate of Quam Limited, was fully licensed by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority to trade on the Dubai Financial Market. Quam Group holds a small interest in Mc Millen Advantage Capital Limited (MAC), a 49% shareholder of MAC Sharaf Securities (U.A.E.). QuamNews: Quam Ltd Celebrates its 5th Anniversary of Becoming an Integrated Financial Services Provider Quam Limited (952), an integrated financial services provider since 2001, celebrated its 5th anniversary on 18 December at the Hong Kong Club, Central District. The group's chairman Bernard Pouliot, deputy chairmen Kenneth Lam and Richard Winter were present in the cocktail session. Over 150 professionals in financial industry joined the cocktail. Guests include senior officials from investment banks, securities firms and many other business affiliates. Media representatives also participated in the event. A series of strategic acquisitions was done in 2001 and the group is now comprised of several renowned Hong Kong businesses, including Quamnet.com, Quam Capital, Quam Securities, Quam Investor Relations and Quam Asset Management. QuamNews: Quam Capital Acts as Financial Advisor of SEL in Disposal of Equity In the disposal of entire equity by Sinochina Enterprises Limited (SEL) (owner of Igorˇ¦s Group) to Chevalier Pacific (508), Quam Limited's subsidiary Quam Capital acted as the group's financial advisor. Consideration for the disposal was not more than HK$200 million. SEL, known under the trade name as "Igor's", has 20 restaurant outlets in operation including "Wildfire", ˇ§Stormy Weatherˇ¨ and "The Boathouse" in prime dining destinations in Hong Kong such as Lan Kwai Fong and Soho. QuamNews: Quam Joins Hands with Equity Group Quam Ltd (952)'s business unit QuamIR joins hands with Equity Group to enhance business in online investor relations. QuamIR is engaged in providing online platform to display information of clients and provides instant upload of listed company information. Equity Group is a renowned financial printer which provides professional translation and printing services. A cocktail for celebrating the launch of the co-operation as well as the 20th anniversary of Equity Group was held this Wednesday (29 November 2006) at Exchange Square in Central district, Hong Kong. Bernard Pouliot and Dr. Lau Wah Sum, chairman of Quam and Equity Group respectively, both showed optimism towards the co-operation. QuamNews: Quam Group Commences Wealth Management Business Quam Group has set up a new business unit, Quam Wealth Management for the new business of wealth management. Operations commenced in November 2006. The new division provides services ranging from insurance broking and financial planning to wealth and investment management and risk protection through a unique one-stop platform, helping clients to achieve their personal and family financial objectives. Quam Wealth Management also offers MPF and employee benefits services to corporate clients. QuamNews: Quam Data Services Merges with Verify of Hill & Associates Quam Group agreed with Hill & Associates, a risk management & business intelligence consultancy firm, to merge their respective pre-employment screening operations. The merged entity would trade as "Verify Screening Solutions" and would offer a 'one-stop-shop' screening and credit data verification service to multinational clients across Asia. In addition to providing customers with more resources and expertise, the merger would allow the entity to be complemented geographically. The Verify Group has operations in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and India. QuamNews: Quam Capital (Holdings) Limited Sets up Representative Office in Shanghai Quam Capital (Holdings) Ltd, the intermediary holding entity for major financial services of Quam Limited, sets up a representative office in Shanghai on 11 April 2006. The office, Quam Capital (Holdings) Limited Shanghai Representative Office, would provide business contacts for investment advisory business and promote the services of the Quam Group. QuamNews: Quam Limited Sets Up WOFE in Shanghai Quam Limited sets up a wholly-owned foreign enterprise (WOFE) "Lik Ka Investment Advisory Services (Shanghai) Co. Limited" on 23 March 2006. The WOFE would provide advisory service on investment, business, corporate management and marketing strategy. QuamNews: Quam, HK Hotels Sponsor Harbour Day This Sunday Quam Limited (952) said it is sponsoring the Hong Kong Harbour Day to be held this Sunday (Nov. 13). The Peninsula Hong Kong, an arm of the Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels (45), Sino Group, Swire (19, 87) and the Wharf (4) are some of the other sponsors. The event is the first ever land-sea-air programme to offer the general public a 360-degree panoramic view of the Victoria Harbour. Among the programs is "Quam Limited Harbour Day Runs" which begins at the old Kai Tak Airport at 9:00 local time. The 5-km race is flat and fast on sealed roads around the Oriental Golf City course and driving range, overlooking the harbour. With Secretary for Home Affairs Dr. Patrick Ho as Patron, the event is supported by the Home Affairs Bureau, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Marine Department, Hong Kong Police Force, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Harbour Business Forum and Harbour-front Enhancement Committee. -Quamnet/pl- QuamNews: Yusei Ends 15.8% Higher on 2nd Day; Quam as Joint Sponsor Yusei Holdings (8319) rose a further 15.8% to close at HK$1.54 today on its second day of listing. Established in 1992, Yusei is a designer and maker of plastic injection moulds and a manufacturer of plastic components. Its clients include Fuji Xerox Co. and Matsushita Electronic Industrial Co. Quam Capital, a subsidiary of Quam (952), is one of the joint sponsors for the listing. Richard Winter, head of Corporate Finance at Quam Capital, said the listing marked the growing link between two of the biggest economies in Asia. According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan in July 2004, sales of Japanese companies' overseas affiliates hit a record high of 145 trillion yen, up by 4.8% from 2003, with China recording a high sustained growth of 11.5%. Furthermore, Japan's investment amount in China rose by a remarkable 23.3% from 2003. Yusei's IPO was priced at HK$1.25 per share. QuamNews: Quamnet's Analysts to Meet Visitors at Financial Expo Quam (952) said it participates in the Financial World Expo 2005, a three-day event between 7th and 9th October 2005 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Analysts from QuamResearch and Traders Corner including Henry Chan, Victor Tsang and Rico Lam will be sharing their market insights with visitors at 12:00 - 16:00 on 8th and 9th October at Hall 2B, Booth C08. Quamnet, a subsidiary of Quam, is a financial website providing financial advisory services, real-time stock monitoring and wealth management content to users. Quamnet Hosts Wealth Summit to Share Views on Gold, Stocks, Forex & Ppt Impact from the Hong Kong Disneyland development has already been reflected in the residential market in Tung Chung district, the neighborhood of the theme park, and transactions in the district may slow a bit in the future, said Victor Cheung, deputy chairman of Midland Realty. Cheung was speaking to about 500 audience at the "DIY Wealth Summit" organized by Quamnet, a subsidiary of Quam Limited (952), yesterday. Cheung said residential property in the district has already risen about 16.9% so far since the end of 2004. In the meantime, the retail, tourism and hotel industries all have benefited from the Hong Kong Disneyland's scheduled grand opening this September. In the first half of 2005, there were over 3,300 registered commercial transactions in Hong Kong, exceeding the number in the first half in 1997 when the property was in a boom. Other guest speakers of the event included FXCM Asia research head James Cheung, Goldman Sachs executive director Cheril Lee, Midland Wealth Management chief executive officer Sidney Sze and Quam Asset Management director Vincent Lam. |
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