Briefs

MK plans raising fund on the SET

MK Restaurants plans to raise funds on the Stock Exchange of Thailand to finance its Bt850-million central kitchen on Bang Na-Trat Road, expand its outlets this year and refinance debt.

In a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday, the company said it would issue 200 million shares, with 185.85 million for the public and the rest for executives and employees. Asia Plus Securities is the financial adviser.

MK netted Bt1.6 billion profit on Bt8.4 billion revenue from the suki hotpot business in the first nine months of last year.

Fees approved

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission yesterday approved an interim network interconnection fee of 45 satang per call minute.

The rate will be imposed on the three holders of 3G-2.1GHz licences - Advanced Wireless Network, DTAC Network and Real Future. The regulator is expected to fix the permanent rate next year, which is what telecom firms charge one another for calls to and from different networks.

Licensing hearing

The draft regulation the auction of 24 licences to operate commercial digital terrestrial TV channels will go to a public hearing next month.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission yesterday ordered its broadcasting committee to revise the draft in line with the NBTC panel's advice. Secretary-general Thakorn Tanthasit said the revised draft should be resubmitted to the NBTC by the end of next month.

Metso centre

Metso, a global supplier of technology and services to various industries, has opened an automation service centre in Ratchaburi.

Metso has a large installed base for automation products and valves especially for the Thai pulp and paper industry, with customers such as Siam Cement Group, which has a pulp mill and several paper mills in the area.

'Best Deal'

The initial public offering on Tesco Lotus Retail Growth Freehold and Leasehold Property Fund (TLGF) was named "Best Thailand Deal" in 2012 by regional finance publications Asiamoney and Finance Asia.

The TLGF deal, a real-estate fund comprising Tesco Lotus-anchored retail properties, was widely praised for stimulating the Thai capital market with the sale of shares in the biggest property fund ever to be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Prayudh named honorary

chairman of TTA

Thoresen Thai Agencies has welcomed Prayudh Mahagitsiri as honorary chairman, after naming his son, Chalermchai, as executive vice chairman.

The appointment took effect on Tuesday.

Prayudh has established various companies under the umbrella of PM Group. He serves as chairman and CEO of several major companies including Quality Coffee Products, Thai Film Industries, Posco-Thainox, Thai Copper Industries and Lakewood Country Club.

He has also held several positions in the government including senator, MP and adviser to the prime minister.

Glowfish opens in Bangkok

Glowfish, an innovative serviced-office and co-working concept, has opened in Bangkok.

From its location in Asoke Tower, Glowfish offers a variety of choices catering to everyone from small business operators and entrepreneurs to multinational and regional companies seeking a cost-effective base in Bangkok.

Wim Somers, group director of marketing of Heritage Estates, the owner and operator of Glowfish, said the difference between Glowfish and other serviced offices was not just a more contemporary and stylish approach, but state-of-the-art communication technology, business support services, a ready-made business network, and a full programme of seminars and social events.

With the Asean Economic Community approaching in 2015, Bangkok is expected to assume a new regional role as the AEC's key gateway city, especially with its proximity to developing neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, he said.

Trade debut on SET

Premier Products will start trading its shares in the Stock Exchange of Thailand today under the ticker symbol "PPP", after recently raising Bt412.5 million via an initial public offering.

PPP, which manufactures and distributes products for environment protection and construction materials, has expanded into environment-friendly businesses by distributing energy-saving electric appliances and operating solar power plants.

PPP has a paid-up registered capital of Bt300 million, consisting of 217.5 million existing shares and 82.5 million newly issued ones, with a par value of Bt1 each. PPP offered 82.5 million shares via the IPO on February 4-6 at Bt5 per share, for a total of Bt412.5 million.

KGI Securities (Thailand) is its financial adviser and lead underwriter.