We had the need for a holding company and I want to establish about four-five holding companies. Valibel One is just the beginning. I have selected the companies that are making more than a billion in profit and created the holding company - Valibel One. There are not many diversified conglomerates in Sri Lanka that is another reason why we wanted to form such holding companies. In another year or two once the other companies also start making more than a billion in profit I will group them together and establish another holding company - Valibel Two. Therefore according to this model there will be four or five holding companies. Acquisitions and investments will be done through these companies.
Valibel One was one of the most successful IPOs and it commenced trading on the Colombo Stock Exchange, what was the thinking behind this and how was the response?
When we went into the stock market and issued the shares at a price of Rs 25 each, we gave the private placement for Rs 25 and the public for Rs 25 as well. There are three types of investors and to all three we gave the same price as such the investors in Sri Lanka are very happy. Some have already received 20% return in about three weeks. I feel that the shareholders will get a 100% return within a year.
http://businesstoday.lk/cover_page.php?issue=240