A.S. Bryden & Sons Holdings Limited, a Trinidadian company acquired by Seprod Limited, officially listed its ordinary shares on the Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) and its Class A Preference Shares on the JSE USD Equities Market on November 10, 2023, by Introduction. The Company being the first to list on the Main Market and USD Equities Market of the JSE in 2023. The Company commenced trading of the ordinary shares under the short name ASBH at a price of JA$22.50 on the Main Market and the Preference Shares under the short name ASBH6.00 at a price of US$1.00 on the USD Equities Market.

ASBH is the 52nd company to list on the JSE’s Main Market, 14th company on the USD Equities Market and the 102 company listed overall on the JSE. The listing of A.S. Bryden & Sons Holdings Limited has increased to twelve (12), the new securities that are listed on the JSE since January 2023.

“The total money raised on the market shows that equity capital is the way to finance your business, especially during a high interest rate regime, said the delighted Group Business Development Manager of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, Mr. Andre Gooden, in his welcoming remarks at the Listing Ceremony. He informed the audience that the market capitalization of ASBH at $31.27 billion had increased the market capitalization of the Main Market to over $1.61 trillion and the overall market capitalization of the JSE’s combined markets to $1.8 trillion. Mr. Gooden added that since the start of the year, a total of JA$18.74 billion (approximately US$122.12 million) was raised by way of Initial Public Offers (IPOs), Additional Public Offer (APO) and private offers.

Describing the JSE as the most vibrant stock exchange in the Caribbean in which to participate, Mr. Richard Pandohie, Chief Executive Officer of A.S. Bryden & Sons Holdings Limited, in his remarks to the audience revealed that the Bryden Group which had been in private hands for 99 years, as part of its 100th year Anniversary, was allowing investors to participate in its journey. He also described the Company as being part of the fabric of Trinidad and Tobago and noted with satisfaction that 54% of the employees had chosen to buy shares in the Company.

“Today we are witnessing a major milestone in the evolution of the Seprod Group allowing investors to participate in its journey,” said Mr. Pandohie. He said that ASBH is the biggest acquisition in the history of the Seprod Group and added that the public and investors across the Caribbean can anticipate more big plans from the Company. He disclosed that the Company was in the process of building a US$30m distribution centre in Trinidad and will be expanding its footprints in Guyana and Barbados. Mr. Pandohie further explained that the current listings of shares on the JSE was not about raising funds at this time but to position the Company to efficiently access capital if the need arises. In highlighting the growth of the Company since its acquisition by Seprod Limited, Mr. Pandohie stated that ASBH workforce had expanded from 1,263 to 1,565. He gave huge thanks to the employees, JSE, Financial Services Commission, NCB Capital Markets Limited (broker), the professional service providers, business partners, investors and customers for the unwavering support given to the Company.

In his remarks, Mr. Alex Johnson, Manager – Origination & Structuring at NCB Capital Markets Limited, the broker of the listing, congratulated ASBH for successfully listing on the JSE and for choosing NCB Capital Markets Limited as their broker. He further remarked that it was fitting that the JSE was chosen as the platform to go public as the Company commemorates its 100th year anniversary. He further tipped the audience that Seprod Limited had been consistent in paying dividends and hence he sees current and future new investors also receiving significant benefit from investing in ASBH’s shares, its newest subsidiary.

About A.S. Bryden & Sons Holdings Limited (ASBH)
A.S. Bryden & Sons Holdings Limited was incorporated in Trinidad and Tobago on July 1, 1999. The Company serves as the non-operating parent company of the Bryden’s Group of Companies. A.S. Bryden & Sons Holdings Limited (“A.S. Bryden”) is a consumer products distributor in Trinidad and distributes food, pharmaceuticals, hardware, houseware and industrial equipment. It is a partner of choice for global principals and has its own brands. It has significant market share in Trinidad with smaller presence in Barbados and Guyana. A.S. Bryden operates through three principal operating subsidiaries A.S. Bryden & Sons (Trinidad) Limited (“ASBT”), Bryden pi Limited (“Bryden pi”) and F.T. Farfan Limited (“F.T. Farfan”).
Seprod Limited is the majority shareholder.

GraceKennedy Limited (GK) has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Unibev Limited, a Jamaican manufacturing company specializing in fully integrated beverage solutions. The strategic transaction firmly cements GK’s position as a leader in the Jamaican spring water market.

Unibev is now GK’s sixth manufacturing facility in Jamaica and is involved in the entire beverage production process, spanning from raw material sourcing to packaging.

Commenting on this significant milestone, Group CEO Don Wehby expressed, “The acquisition of Unibev represents a pivotal move in GK’s pursuit of our 2030 vision, especially as it relates to advancing our presence within the growing Jamaican spring water market. We are strategically building upon our previous investments in this sector, such as our acquisition of the 876 Spring Water brand and our increased stake in Catherine’s Peak, to fortify our supply chain and bolster this vital segment of our business.”

Wehby elaborated, “We are excited about the myriad possibilities this new venture opens up for innovation, including new beverage product lines and alternative packaging solutions.”

Frank James, CEO of GK Foods ‐ Domestic, underlined the strategic significance of this expansion, stating, “We are actively capitalizing on opportunities to grow our beverage brands. Beyond the advantages for our spring water business, this acquisition aligns seamlessly with our manufacturing transformation strategic plan, aimed at strengthening our competitive edge and positioning GK as a regional leader in food and beverage manufacturing.”

GraceKennedy Advances Position In Local Spring Water Market With Acquisition Of Beverage Manufacturer Unibev Limited

Credit Suisse and UBS have entered into a merger agreement on Sunday following the intervention of the Swiss Federal Department of Finance, the Swiss National Bank and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA). UBS will be the surviving entity upon closing of the merger transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement all shareholders of Credit Suisse will receive 1 share in UBS for 22.48 shares in Credit Suisse. Until consummation of the merger, Credit Suisse will continue to conduct its business in the ordinary course and implement its restructuring measures in collaboration with UBS. The Swiss National Bank will grant Credit Suisse access to facilities that provide substantial additional liquidity. On March 19, 2023, Swiss Federal Department of Finance, the Swiss National Bank and FINMA have asked Credit Suisse and UBS to enter into the merger agreement. Pursuant to the emergency ordinance which is being issued by the Swiss Federal Council, the merger can be implemented without approval of the shareholders. The consummation of the merger remains subject to customary closing conditions.

Credit Suisse and UBS have entered into a merger agreement on Sunday with UBS being the surviving entity. After negotiations that took place during the weekend leading up to the signing of the merger agreement, UBS and Credit Suisse concluded that it would be in the best interest of their shareholders and their stakeholders to enter into the merger. This move comes after the Swiss Federal Department of Finance, the Swiss National Bank and FINMA asked both companies to conclude the transaction to restore necessary confidence in the stability of the Swiss economy and banking system.

The merger transaction provides for the following key terms:

All shareholders of Credit Suisse will receive 1 share in UBS for 22.48 shares in Credit Suisse as merger consideration. This exchange ratio reflects a merger consideration of CHF 3 billion for all shares in Credit Suisse.

The merger transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions. Both parties are confident that all conditions can be met. The merger is expected to be consummated by end of 2023 if possible.

The Swiss National Bank will grant Credit Suisse access to facilities that provide substantial additional liquidity.

For the purpose of a seamless integration of Credit Suisse into UBS, UBS is expected to appoint key personnel to Credit Suisse as soon as legally possible.
Credit Suisse continues to operate in the ordinary course of business and implement its restructuring measures in collaboration with UBS.
UBS has expressed its confidence that the employment of the staff of Credit Suisse will be continued.

On Sunday, Credit Suisse has been informed by FINMA that FINMA has determined that Credit Suisse’s Additional Tier 1 Capital (deriving from the issuance of Tier 1 Capital Notes) in the aggregate nominal amount of approximately CHF 16 billion will be written off to zero.

In consideration of the unique circumstances affecting the Swiss economy as a whole, the Swiss Federal Council is issuing an emergency ordinance (Notverordnung) tailored to this particular transaction. Most importantly, the merger will be implemented without the otherwise necessary approval of the shareholders of UBS and Credit Suisse to enhance deal certainty.

Axel P. Lehmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Credit Suisse said: “Given recent extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances, the announced merger represents the best available outcome. This has been an extremely challenging time for Credit Suisse and while the team has worked tirelessly to address many significant legacy issues and execute on its new strategy, we are forced to reach a solution today that provides a durable outcome.”

Credit Suisse

Credit Suisse is one of the world’s leading financial services providers. The bank’s strategy is built on its leading Wealth Management and Swiss Bank franchises, with strong Asset Management as well as Markets capabilities. Credit Suisse seeks to follow a balanced approach to wealth management, aiming to capitalize on both the large pool of wealth within mature markets as well as the significant growth in wealth in Asia Pacific and other emerging markets, while also serving key developed markets with an emphasis on Switzerland. The bank employs more than 50,000 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information

This document contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. In addition, in the future we, and others on our behalf, may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the following:

our statements as to the proposed transaction between Credit Suisse and UBS;
our plans, targets or goals;
our future economic performance or prospects;
the potential effect on our future performance of certain contingencies; and
assumptions underlying any such statements.

Words such as “may,” “could,” “achieves,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends” and “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. We do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that predictions, forecasts, projections and other outcomes described or implied in forward-looking statements will not be achieved. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause results to differ materially from the plans, targets, goals, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. Additionally, many of these factors are beyond our control.

These factors include, but are not limited to:

• the consummation of the proposed transaction between Credit Suisse and UBS, and the timing and implementation thereof;
• the ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and access capital markets;
• market volatility, increases in inflation and interest rate fluctuations or developments affecting interest rate levels;
• the ongoing significant negative consequences, including reputational harm, of the Archegos and supply chain finance funds matters, as well as other recent events, and our ability to successfully resolve these matters;
• the impact of media reports and social media speculation about our business and its performance;
• the extent of outflows of deposits and assets or future net new asset generation across our divisions;
• our ability to improve our risk management procedures and policies and hedging strategies;
• the strength of the global economy in general and the strength of the economies of the countries in which we conduct our operations, in particular, but not limited to, the risk of negative impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and financial markets, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the resulting sanctions from the US, EU, UK, Switzerland and other countries and the risk of continued slow economic recovery or downturn in the EU, the US or other developed countries or in emerging markets in 2023 and beyond;
• the emergence of widespread health emergencies, infectious diseases or pandemics, such as COVID-19, and the actions that may be taken by governmental authorities to contain the outbreak or to counter its impact;
• potential risks and uncertainties relating to the severity of impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, including potential material adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations;
• the direct and indirect impacts of deterioration or slow recovery in residential and commercial real estate markets;
• adverse rating actions by credit rating agencies in respect of us, sovereign issuers, structured credit products or other credit-related exposures;
• the ability to achieve our strategic initiatives, including those related to our targets, ambitions and goals, such as our financial ambitions as well as various goals and commitments to incorporate certain environmental, social and governance considerations into our business strategy, products, services and risk management processes;
• our ability to achieve our announced comprehensive new strategic direction for the Group and significant changes to its structure and organization;
• our ability to successfully implement the divestment of any non-core business;
• the future level of any impairments and write-downs resulting from strategy changes and their implementation;
• the ability of counterparties to meet their obligations to us and the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses;
• the effects of, and changes in, fiscal, monetary, exchange rate, trade and tax policies;
• the effects of currency fluctuations, including the related impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations due to moves in foreign exchange rates;
• geopolitical and diplomatic tensions, instabilities and conflicts, including war, civil unrest, terrorist activity, sanctions or other geopolitical events or escalations of hostilities, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine;
• political, social and environmental developments, including climate change and evolving ESG-related disclosure standards;
• the ability to appropriately address social, environmental and sustainability concerns that may arise from our business activities;
• the effects of, and the uncertainty arising from, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU;
• the possibility of foreign exchange controls, expropriation, nationalization or confiscation of assets in countries in which we conduct our operations;
• operational factors such as systems failure, human error, or the failure to implement procedures properly;
• the risk of cyber attacks, information or security breaches or technology failures on our reputation, business or operations, the risk of which is increased while large portions of our employees work remotely;
• the adverse resolution of litigation, regulatory proceedings and other contingencies;
• actions taken by regulators with respect to our business and practices and possible resulting changes to our business organization, practices and policies in countries in which we conduct our operations;
• the effects of changes in laws, regulations or accounting or tax standards, policies or practices in countries in which we conduct our operations;
• the discontinuation of LIBOR and other interbank offered rates and the transition to alternative reference rates;
• the potential effects of changes in our legal entity structure;
• competition or changes in our competitive position in geographic and business areas in which we conduct our operations;
• the ability to retain and recruit qualified personnel;
• the ability to protect our reputation and promote our brand;
• the ability to increase market share and control expenses;
• technological changes instituted by us, our counterparties or competitors;
• the timely development and acceptance of our new products and services and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users;
• acquisitions, including the ability to integrate acquired businesses successfully, and divestitures, including the ability to sell non-core assets; and
• other unforeseen or unexpected events and our success at managing these and the risks involved in the foregoing.
• We caution you that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. When evaluating forward-looking statements, you should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and events, including the information set forth in “Risk factors” in I – Information on the company in our Annual Report 2022.

Important Information

This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, any securities in the United States and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities in any country or in any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of the local securities laws or regulations of such jurisdiction.

Investors and others should note that we announce important company information (including quarterly earnings releases and financial reports as well as our annual sustainability report) to the investing public using press releases, SEC and Swiss ad hoc filings, our website and public conference calls and webcasts. We also routinely use our Twitter account @creditsuisse (https://twitter.com/creditsuisse), our LinkedIn account (https://www.linkedin.com/company/credit-suisse/), our Instagram accounts (https://www.instagram.com/creditsuisse_careers/ and https://www.instagram.com/creditsuisse_ch/), our Facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/creditsuisse/) and other social media channels as additional means to disclose public information, including to excerpt key messages from our public disclosures. We may share or retweet such messages through certain of our regional accounts, including through Twitter at @csschweiz (https://twitter.com/csschweiz) and @csapac (https://twitter.com/csapac). Investors and others should take care to consider such abbreviated messages in the context of the disclosures from which they are excerpted. The information we post on these social media accounts is not a part of this document.

Disclaimer

This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change. It has been prepared solely for information purposes and for the use of the recipient. It does not constitute an offer or an invitation by or on behalf of Credit Suisse to any person to buy or sell any security. Any reference to past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future. The information and analysis contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable but Credit Suisse does not make any representation as to their accuracy or completeness and does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use hereof.

Productive Business Solutions Limited (“PBS”) wishes to announce that its board of directors has approved the acquisition of 100% of the ordinary shares of Infotrans Group Holding B.V. (“Infotrans”). An acquisition of Infotrans is consistent with PBS’s strategy of growing its integrated regional platform, diversifying its lines of business with particular emphasis on information technology and deepening its relationships with the world’s leading technology brands.

About Infotrans
Infotrans has operated for over 30 years in seven territories, including Curacao, Colombia, Aruba, Bonaire, Guyana, Suriname, and St. Maarten through its subsidiaries. Infotrans employs over 40 engineers, represents 14 global brands, and services over 500 customers in its markets across the Dutch Caribbean and South America. Major industries supported by Infotrans include finance, hospitality, education, healthcare, and government.

Infotrans provides solutions to businesses in the markets in which it operates by offering consultancy, assessment, design, implementation, support and financing services. Additionally, the company provides cyber security, networking, datacenter, business continuity, communication and collaboration services to its customers. Apart from software and ICT solutions, Infotrans also sells workspace devices such as workstations, imaging, point-of-sale devices, and displays.

The acquisition of Infotrans will strengthen PBS’s position as the leading information communication technology solutions provider across the Caribbean and Central America. Acquiring Infotrans will also deepen PBS’s presence in Colombia, Guyana and the Dutch Caribbean. The business, when combined with Infotrans, will result in revenues in excess of US$330 million annually and will expand PBS’s footprint to 21 countries and territories.

In commenting on the acquisition, Pedro M. Paris, PBS Group CEO said “Infotrans has long been a leader in the technology industry in the Dutch Caribbean and has built a growing business in Colombia serving the BPO sector. Integrating Infotrans into PBS will allow us to better serve our customers in these key markets and give us new technical capabilities.” Arjen G. van der Meulen, CEO of Infotrans said “I am pleased to combine Infotrans with PBS and have every confidence that the acquisition will build on Infotrans’ long track record of providing exceptional service to clients.”

About PBS
Productive Business Solutions Limited is the leading enterprise technology company in Central American and the Caribbean. Productive Business Solutions Limited is listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange with a secondary listing on the International Securities Market of the Barbados Stock Exchange. Productive Business Solutions is a member of the Musson Group of Companies.
We operate in more than 19 countries, have over 2,000 employees and expect to have consolidated revenues in excess of US$300 million. The Company has an increasingly diversified business across information technology, networking, security systems and advanced services.

The transaction is subject to definitive agreements, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2023.

On the anniversary of its 101st year in business, GraceKennedy (GK) Limited has announced that it has come to an agreement with Spike Industries Limited to increase its stake in Catherine’s Peak Bottling Company Limited, owner of the Catherine’s Peak pure spring water brand, from 35% to 70%.

The transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, places GK in an even stronger strategic position within the Jamaican spring water market. With GK as its majority shareholder, Catherine’s Peak Bottling Company Limited will become a subsidiary of the GraceKennedy Group.

Commenting on the latest move from GraceKennedy, Group CEO, Don Wehby stated, “We are proud to have Catherine’s Peak as a part of our Group. Catherine’s Peak is one of the largest, innovative, bottled water companies on the local market and we are extremely pleased to welcome the Catherine’s Peak team to our GK Family.”

He continued, “The decision to expand our ownership of Catherine’s Peak is squarely in line with the growth strategy for our GK Foods division, which sees us acquiring top Jamaican brands with broad consumer appeal capable of growing both locally and internationally. We’re excited to be taking further steps to grow GK’s portfolio of products to provide a wider selection to our customers.”

 “Catherine’s Peak pure spring water has been distributed by GK since we acquired a 35% stake back in 2018. Catherine’s Peak is a quality product that is loved by so many Jamaicans, and we look forward to the brand’s continued growth. We see opportunities to expand Catherine’s Peak distribution outside of the local market, through line extensions and exports to the Caribbean and US markets, and we are eager to bring new innovations to the brand in the future.” Frank James, CEO of GraceKennedy Foods – Domestic

Since it first appeared on the market in 1992, the demand for Catherine’s Peak pure spring water has grown exponentially. Catherine’s Peak, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, has become a household name in Jamaica, known for its great taste and highest quality standards.