Outlook for financial year ending 2025
Manufacturing, Retail and Property Management
The Group will continue prioritizing sales growth, margin improvement, and operational efficiency to enhance profitability within the retail division. In parallel, the manufacturing segment will focus on selective, sustainable expansion, ensuring growth aligns with market demand and operational capacity.
A significant milestone will be the opening of a larger-format Bortex multi-brand store in Valletta, following the acquisition of new freehold premises. This move will free up the existing location, which will be converted into the Group’s second Ralph Lauren store on the island.
Additionally, the Group remains committed to expanding and optimizing its retail portfolio both locally and internationally. This will be achieved through strategic partnerships, new store openings, and data-driven optimization of existing locations to maximize value and performance.
Looking ahead, management is dedicated to strengthening brand positioning, refining product offerings, and driving long-term growth across all divisions. By leveraging its market presence and operational expertise, the Group aims to maintain a competitive edge while adapting to evolving industry trends and consumer preferences.
Hospitality
The upcoming financial year will see the sector adding two new hotels to the 1926 collection. The spring season will welcome 1926 La Galerie, a boutique hotel in Valletta, also featuring an art gallery. This art gallery hotel will offer the same1926 standards of quality and focus on the cultural tourism.
The summer will see the opening of 1926 Les Bains. This luxury 5 star product will offer 32 spa suites each including private in room spas, outdoor private pools or in room saunas. The hotel’s Ancient Bathing spa is a first of its kind in Malta featuring various pools at different temperatures taking customers through an ancient Roman ritual.
Management is confident the addition of the two new properties, together with the recently achieved Michelin Star for its fine dining restaurant, will continue to position the 1926 collection in a unique segment in the market. It will continue to selectively seek opportunities for growth to enrich the portfolio.
Directors
During the year ended 31 October 2024, the Directors were as listed on page 1. In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, the listed Directors shall offer their resignation every year and are eligible for re-election at the Company’s annual general meeting.
Financial risk management
There are a number of financial risks that could potentially impact the activities of the Group and Company and include, but not solely, the following: credit risk, liquidity risk, and currency risk. The Group and the Company’s objective in managing such risks is the creation and protection of shareholder’s value. In order to manage and mitigate such risks, the Group and Company employs a number of risk management tools in its day-to-day operation. Further detail can be found under Note 4 of the financial statements.
Post balance sheet events
There were no events after year-end which would require adjustment or disclosure in the annual financial statements of the Company.