Company announces plans for regional expansion
Well-regarded entrepreneur Lionel Lee, who heads Singapore-listed Ezra Holdings Limited (‘Ezra’), has recently acquired a substantial stake in Raimon Land PLC, one of Thailand’s leading high-end property developers.
Taking on a new role as director and strategic shareholder, Lee, through his wholly-owned company, JS Oil Pte. Ltd., has replaced IFA Hotels & Resorts 3 Limited as Raimon Land’s largest shareholder, purchasing a 24.97% shareholding for THB 2,143,200,000 in a transaction completed in February.
(From left) Raimon Land Directors Johnson Tan and Lionel Lee pose with company Chairman, Pradit Phataraprasit, and Chief Executive Officer, Hubert R Viriot.
Lee is well known for the development of the Singaporean offshore oil and gas services company, Ezra Holdings Limited. Over the past decade, he has grown Ezra and other SMEs into world class, global players with listings in Singapore, Norway and Malaysia, and a total market capitalization of nearly US$2 billion, with over 5,000 staff worldwide. Under his visionary leadership, the Ezra Group has also launched two other listed entities, including the recently listed TRIYARDS Holdings Limited, a shipyard that has expanded significantly since it was taken over in 2005.
In recent years Lee has further diversified his interests into real estate and hotel management with the successful development of Tower 15, an impressive 30-storey, high-rise skyscraper in Singapore’s central business district that is now home to many well-known Oil & Gas companies, boutique hotel klapsons, and popular sky-terrace bar Fabrika.
Klapsons The Boutique Hotel (‘klapsons’), the 2012 winner of Singapore’s Best Boutique Hotel award, opened in 2009 during the economic downturn, but quickly became an immediate hit with business travelers seeking a stylish alternative to mainstream hotels. Designed by William Sawaya of contemporary design forerunner Sawaya & Moroni, the unique hotel has also won several prestigious design awards. klapsons is managed by Wisteria Hotel Management Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Lee’s family-owned Jit Sun Investments.
Commenting on his latest investment, Lee said, “Raimon Land stands out clearly as Thailand’s leading luxury real estate developer and, like me, they are passionate about exceptional quality and innovation. The Group has bright prospects with its unique offering which resonates well with an emerging populace that demands affordable luxury and identifies with strong brands. I believe the company has great potential to expand regionally, and I look forward to working closely with Raimon Land and their management team in identifying opportunities for growth in Thailand and throughout the Asia Pacific region.”
Lee continued, “We are pleased to warmly welcome Pradit Phataraprasit as Raimon Land’s new Chairman of the Board. We believe that under his chairmanship, he will lead Raimon Land to new heights.
Hubert Viriot, Chief Executive Officer of Raimon Land said, “This is an exciting development for the company. Phataraprasit’s chairmanship and Jit Sun’s investment and strategic contributions are well-timed to extend the company’s business horizons geographically. Going forward we will work closely to develop new plans for Raimon Land’s expansion both in Thailand and in other countries.”
Raimon Land has achieved a major turnaround since 2009 with a solid platform of projects under development in Thailand. Having successfully established its leadership position in the Thai market, Raimon Land’s on-going projects and new growth opportunities look to continue to provide a secure stream of cash-flow and returns to shareholders.
The acquisition was advised by Johnson Tan of IB Partners.
Special promotions from Raimon Land
Raimon Land is now offering some great promotions on is developments in both Bangkok and Pattaya. From now until 31 March 2013, The River, in Bangkok, and Zire Wongamat, in Pattaya, come with bonus packages to make the transition to a new lifestyle relaxing and worry-free.
For the ultimate residence on the Chao Phraya, buyers of The River will get a chance to explore their creativity with the award-winning brand Mobella. The special ‘Stylish Living’ promotion offers vouchers valued up to 700,000 THB to buyers of The River Condominium. With The River now ready for occupancy, it is the perfect way start building a home along the banks o the Chao Praya.
For beachfront paradise buyers, investors in the Zire Wongamat can immediately experience the pinnacle of seclusion and tranquility of Pattaya’s most exclusive beach. The marvellous ‘Romantic Maldives’ offers a dream holiday package for two at Club Med Kani including airline tickets from Bangkok Airways. Scheduled for completion in 2014, Zire Wongamat will be Pattaya’s newest beachfront experience for the modern generation.
For more information on The River and Zire Wongamat, call 02 651 9600 or visit www.raimonland.com.
