Latest news with #M&GInvestments
Finextra
01-08-2025
- Business
- Finextra
M&G Investments appoints operations director
M&G Investments today announces the appointment of Martin Kwiatkowski as Director of Asset Management Operations, reporting to Chief Operating Officer, Richard Godfrey. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. Martin joined on 28 July from Aberdeen, where as Chief Operating Officer of Investments, he had responsibility for service delivery, implementation of transformative change and management of first-line risk and controls across Public and Private Markets. Throughout his 23 years at Aberdeen, Martin held several leadership roles, including Investment Operations Director. Richard Godfrey, Chief Operating Officer at M&G Investments, said: "We are delighted to welcome Martin to M&G Investments. His deep experience and leadership will facilitate our continued growth ambition and enhance our client experience capabilities." Martin Kwiatkowski added: "I am thrilled to be joining M&G, a firm renowned for its strong market position and dedication to client excellence. I look forward to focusing on delivering innovative solutions that enhance client experience, operational efficiency and scalable growth across all asset classes."
Business Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Thailand's super-long bonds gain on tariffs, political crisis
[BANGKOK] Thailand's longer-maturity bonds are emerging as the top pick for investors seeking shelter from the economic impact of higher US tariffs and domestic political turmoil. Yields on the country's 30-year bonds fell to the lowest level since 2021, while a debt auction in the same tenor last week drew the highest demand in two years. In contrast, a 10-year bond sale held on the same day fell short of its target for the first time in over a year. Investors are bracing for slower government spending and debt issuance if Thailand's weakened ruling coalition fails to pass a US$115 billion budget Bill by end-August. At the same time, a potential 36 per cent US tariff on Thai exports is adding pressure to an already weak economy, driving up demand for haven assets such as government debt. The robust demand for the nation's longer maturity sovereign bonds stands in contrast to the broader retreat from such debt in several developed nations that are facing the prospect of heavy bond supply from large government spending plans. 'We remain long duration on Thai bonds given the stimulus package uncertainties, which will likely drag on growth further,' said Peerampa Janjumratsang, a portfolio manager for Asia fixed income at M&G Investments in Singapore. She favours longer-dated Thai sovereign bonds, citing rich valuations for tenors of up to around 10 years. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Japanese 30-year yields are near record highs as political uncertainty fuels expectations for fresh spending, while similar tenor yields in the UK surged this month on speculation on the ouster of UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves. US 30-year yields have come under renewed pressure on concerns over President Donald Trump's proposed US$3.4 trillion fiscal package. Meanwhile, Thai bonds are likely to get continued support from the central bank, which wants monetary policy to stay accommodative. The Bank of Thailand's policy rate stands at 1.75 per cent, with the next interest-rate review scheduled in August. Thailand's longer-maturity bond yields could fall by another 10 to 20 basis points if average tariffs on Thai goods exceed 20 per cent and a political stalemate delays government spending, prompting Bank of Thailand rate cuts to as low as 1 per cent, said Poon Panichpibool, a strategist at Krung Thai Bank. 'Thai 20 and 30-year government bonds offer attractive value to investors keen on extending duration.' BLOOMBERG
Fashion Network
03-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Udaan raises $114 million to strengthen FMCG offering
Business-to-business e-commerce platform Udaan has raised $114 million (approximately Rs 974 crore) in a fresh equity round, with M&G Investments and Lightspeed among the key investors. The capital will be used to expand operations across core product categories, with a strong emphasis on fast-moving consumer goods and the hotel, restaurant, and catering sector. The company also plans to accelerate its private label brands in staples and bolster its balance sheet ahead of a potential public listing, Indian Retailer Bureau reported. In a statement, Udaan said the fundraise will help to drive consistent growth with profitability at scale under its regional cluster-led operating model, ET Retail reported. The investment comes as Udaan reports significant operational gains, including a 20% reduction in fixed costs and a 40% decline in EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) burn in 2024. The company noted an additional 20% reduction in burn so far in 2025. Udaan currently connects retailers, suppliers, and brands across India through a tech-driven B2B platform focused on streamlining commerce and logistics, according to its website. 'Over the last 3 years, we have transformed the business by building cost as a capability and a competitive advantage," said Udaan's co-founder and CEO Vaibhav Gupta, Indian Retailer Bureau reported. "We have reduced our EBITDA burn by 40 per cent every year for the last three years and are on track to achieve full group EBITDA profitability in the next 18 months."
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
B2B e-commerce startup Udaan raises $114mn
BENGALURU: B2B ecommerce platform Udaan raised $114 million, led by M&G Investments and Lightspeed. The Bengaluru-based company said the funds will be used to deepen its category presence, particularly in FMCG and staples. Udaan secured the latest funding at a valuation of about $1.8 billion (unchanged), people familiar with the matter told TOI. The company previously raised $340 million in 2023, led by UK-based M&G Prudential, at the same valuation, marking a notable decline from its peak valuation of $3.2 billion in 2021. The company said it posted over 60% year-on-year revenue growth in 2024. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Udaan raises $114 million in flat round at $1.8 billion valuation
Representative image BENGALURU: B2B ecommerce platform Udaan has raised $114 million in fresh equity capital as part of its Series G funding round, led by M&G Investments and Lightspeed. The round also saw participation from existing and new investors. The Bengaluru-based company said the funds will be used to deepen its category presence, particularly in FMCG and staples, and expand further into underserved markets. Udaan has secured the latest funding at a valuation of about $1.8 billion, people familiar with the matter told TOI. This makes the funding a flat round, which is when a company's valuation remains the same or nearly the same as the previous funding round. The company had previously raised $340 million in 2023, led by UK-based M&G Prudential, at the same valuation, marking a notable decline from its peak valuation of $3.2 billion in 2021. Founded by former Flipkart executives Vaibhav Gupta, Amod Malviya, and Sujeet Kumar, Udaan has been restructuring its operations since 2022, focusing on profitability amid a more cautious funding environment. The company has reduced its operating scale to manage costs and streamline business priorities. Malviya and Kumar no longer oversee day-to-day operations, with Gupta currently serving as CEO. The latest financing, Udaan said, strengthens its balance sheet as it moves closer to a potential public market listing. This round follows a broader restructuring of the business over the last three years, with the company claiming a 40% annual reduction in Ebitda burn over the same period. Founded in 2016, Udaan operates across verticals including fast-moving consumer goods, pharma, staples, and fresh produce, and claims to hold around 70% of India's eB2B market share. The company said it is pursuing a cluster-led operating model to drive 'profitable growth at scale,' with emphasis on technology-led distribution and private label expansion in staples. The company said it posted over 60% year-on-year revenue growth in calendar year 2024. Contribution margins improved by more than 300 basis points during the year, with an additional 100 basis point gain reported year-to-date in 2025. Fixed costs, the company said, were cut by 20% last year, contributing to overall margin improvements. 'This funding marks a key milestone as we continue our journey towards public markets,' said Vaibhav Gupta, co-founder and CEO of Udaan. 'Our hybrid model combining a digital platform with tech-led sales is proving effective, and we are on track to achieve group-level Ebitda profitability within the next 18 months.' The fresh capital will also be deployed to enhance Udaan's technology stack, including customer engagement tools and sales-tech capabilities. The company currently serves a large network of small businesses, retailers, and suppliers across India, and also offers working capital solutions through its financial services arm, UdaanCapital. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
