Multi Purpose Holdings（MPHB）, Battle for Malaysia’s Gambling Empire
Timeline Description 1989 The collapse of Koperasi Serbaguna Malaysia triggered a market crisis, releasing a 28.9% stake in Multi Purpose Holdings Berhad into the market. This stake became the gateway to control Malaysia’s most lucrative gaming cash flow. 1989 Khoo Kay Peng secured the chairman position of MPHB, aiming to integrate it into Malayan United […]
U Mobile, A Second Attempt at Building a Telecom Challenger
Timeline Description 1995 to 1997 Mutiara Telecommunications received investment from Vincent Tan, with Swisscom as a strategic partner. The business focused on prepaid services but was later sold to Telenor following the Asian Financial Crisis. 2003 Vincent Tan invested in MiTV to explore convergence between media and telecommunications. The venture struggled against dominant incumbent players. […]
Empire Subang Remix, From Abandoned to Revived
Timeline Description 2011 to 2012 True Renaissance Development Sdn Bhd secured development rights via joint venture with PMSB and launched Empire Remix. The project relied on pre sales and high density SOHO units to drive cash flow. 2019 Construction halted after funding collapsed and the joint venture was terminated. Remix 1 stopped at under 30% […]
Malayan United Industries(MUI), Building a Near Perfect Capital Empire
Timeline Description 1960 Malayan United Industries(MUI) was founded as a toothbrush and plastics manufacturer with limited market presence. It remained a low margin, single segment business prior to transformation. 1971 The company listed on the stock exchange but continued to lack scale and investor attention due to its narrow earnings base. 1976 Khoo Kay Peng […]
Lion Group, the steel tycoon once controlled 13 listed companies
Timeline Description 1972 Lion Group expanded into steel manufacturing in Indonesia while building a regional trading network, positioning itself to benefit from industrial policy shifts. 1980s The group became one of Malaysia largest steel producers with dominant market share, establishing steel as its core cash-generating business. 1987 Entry into retail through Parkson Holdings, marking the […]
From Borders to Wendy’s , The Rise and Silent Exit
Timeline Description 2005 Borders opened a flagship store at Berjaya Times Square, spanning about 60,000 square feet. It became one of the largest Borders outlets globally and served as a cultural hub beyond retail. 2008 Wendy’s re-entered Malaysia under Berjaya Corporation. New outlets were launched in Kuala Lumpur and Penang to rebuild market presence. 2011 […]
Prudential Assurance Malaysia, A Four Decade Partnership
Timeline Description 1985 Prudential Assurance Malaysia was established as a joint venture between Prudential plc and Berjaya Corporation Berhad. 1990 to 1999 Expanded rapidly alongside Malaysia’s economic growth, building a nationwide agency network. 2000 to 2010 Shareholding gradually consolidated under Detik Ria, reflecting evolving ownership dynamics. 2019 Legal dispute emerged between Prudential plc and Detik […]
Sunway–IJM Acquisition，A High-Stakes Takeover Battle
Timeline Description 2026 The board of IJM Corporation Berhad rejected a RM11 billion takeover offer from Sunway Berhad at RM3.15 per share, structured as 90% shares and 10% cash. The offer would give IJM shareholders a 20.6% stake in the enlarged Sunway group. 2026 Independent adviser M&A Securities assessed IJM’s fair value significantly above the […]
Berjaya Founder Vincent Tan and the DiGi Exit That Still Resonates
Timeline Description Early 1990s Malaysia opened its mobile telecommunications sector, shifting from analog to GSM networks. Vincent Tan Chee Yioun entered the industry early using personal capital. Mid 1990s Swisscom partnered with Mutiara Telecommunications, combining technical expertise with local market execution. Network services launched in 1995. 1997 DiGi.Com Berhad was listed on the KLSE, marking […]
Khee San, The Rise, Crisis and Turnaround of Fruits Plus
Timeline Description 1950 Khee San Berhad was founded, producing sweets and snacks including the Fruit Plus brand. 1996 Khee San was listed on Bursa Malaysia, marking its transition into a public company. 2007 Liew Yew Chung, via London Biscuits Berhad, acquired control of Khee San, integrating it into a broader food group. 2009 Capital expenditure […]