Emperador gets listed at SG Stock Exchange

LEADING global spirits company Emperador Inc. successfully listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. (SGX-ST) under the stock code “EMI,” making it the first company listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to be listed at the SGX-ST.

Loh Boon Chye, SGX-ST chief executive officer, welcomed the listing of the Megaworld-owned business.

Loh said Emperador’s listing is likely to open more doors for the company when it comes to investors as SGX-ST serves as a “platform for access to Asian markets,” which underscores its reputation as a trusted institution.

The ceremony was followed by a lion dance, which is customary among Chinese-owned businesses with the hope it will bring good fortune. This was culminated with the striking of the gong, which symbolized the acceptance of Emperador as a listed entity in the SGX.

This secondary listing marks the latest step in the Megaworld-affiliated company’s ambitious plans for future international growth.

Bryan Donaghey, head of Whisky Business of Emperador and chief executive officer of Whyte & Mackay, said, “The secondary listing of Emperador on the SGX-ST today (Thursday) marks the start of the next chapter in our growth.”

“We are proud to have built a leading global spirits company, and we are committed to be a driving force in brandy and whisky,” said Donaghey.

Dr. Andrew Tan, director and chairman of the board of Emperador, said, “It is truly a milestone for Emperador… It reinforced the globalization of Emperador.”

Kevin Andrew Tan, director of Emperador, said he did not expect this day to come. He said at the onset of globalization, the company was challenged to take its products to the global arena.

“We saw the opportunity and grabbed it right away and this started the momentum for us. This [listing] is just a start for us. This platform [SGX] allows us to be known globally, and allows us to continue our growth globally as well,” he said.

Emperador will continue to maintain its primary listing on the PSE, also under the stock code EMI.

Pol de Win, senior managing director and head of Global Sales and Origination, SGX Group said, “We are excited to welcome Emperador Inc. — our first secondary listing from the Philippines — to the main board. The company’s strategic investments in building a global portfolio further its growth strategy in both mature and emerging markets. SGX Group’s international platform provides an excellent springboard for Emperador to further raise its profile and capture new growth opportunities.”

Also on hand to grace the occasion was Gerard Ho, Singapore ambassador to the Philippines.