Latest news with #Riviere


Zawya
18-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, shares insights
Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, shares insights, highlighting the group's financial performance for the first quarter of 2025. Agthia Group PJSC - one of the region's leading food and beverage companies, today announced a resilient first-quarter performance, with underlying Group revenue growing by 5.2% year-on-year when excluding the impact of non-recurring factors such as last year's one-off wheat trading activity and the devaluation of the Egyptian pound. This underlying growth highlights the strength and resilience of Agthia's core business amidst a dynamic operating environment. Despite short-term pressure, Agthia continues to invest in its future allocating AED 25.1 million to capex and AED 129.2 million to increase its stake in Abu Auf raising its share from 70% to 80%, deepening vertical integration in the snacking segment. In May 2025, Agthia strengthened its leadership in the UAE water market through the strategic acquisition of Riviere, a prominent player in home water delivery segment. This milestone move significantly expands our household customer base tripling our reach and deepens our market penetration in a key growth category. said Smith. In this regard, Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, stated: 'we continue to see strong performance across key verticals. BMB delivered a solid 8.4% growth in revenue, driven by rising exports to the United States and continued consumer demand for its premium snack portfolio. Abu Auf also maintained its growth trajectory, recording a 4.3% revenue increase in AED terms; however, the devaluation of the Egyptian Pound significantly impacted the reported figure, which in local currency terms stood at a notable 48.9%. Excluding the one-off wheat trading activity in Q1 2024, our Agri-Business delivered a solid underlying performance, achieving revenue growth of 2.9%. The Water and Food segment remained a core contributor, growing 10.6% year-on-year. Within the UAE, water revenues increased by 6.1%, while our international water portfolio showed strong momentum particularly in Turkey, which grew by 9.9%, and Saudi Arabia, where we achieved 4.8% growth. Meanwhile, the Protein segment saw a 15.7% decline in revenue due to continued pressure in the Egyptian market and a temporary slowdown in export sales from Nabil in Jordan. This was partially offset by the growth coming from our new protein facility in Saudi Arabia, which commenced operations in July 2024. Our combined operations, comprising Nabil export from Jordan and our new facility in KSA, delivered a robust 17.2% sales growth within the Kingdom, underscoring the strategic importance of our expansion in this key regional market.' And commenting on how the US tarrifs would affect Agthia's operation Smith said: While Agthia's direct exposure to the U.S. market remains limited accounting for approximately 1% of our total revenue ongoing trade protectionist measures, particularly tariffs on essential commodities, may pose indirect challenges to global supply chains. As a diversified group operating across multiple segments and geographies, we remain vigilant in monitoring global trade dynamics to proactively address and mitigate any potential cost implications. Our sourcing strategy is built on diversification, trusted supplier partnerships, and a strong regional presence, which collectively grant us the flexibility to navigate fluctuations in commodity pricing and availability. In parallel, we continue to optimize procurement processes, manage inventory efficiently, and explore alternative markets to reinforce our supply chain resilience. Despite potential volatility in global trade, our operational agility and cost discipline ensure that we are well-positioned to uphold the value we deliver to both our shareholders and our consumers.


Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Agthia reports $354mln in Q1 net revenue
ABU DHABI: Agthia Group PJSC today announced its financial results for the three-month period ending 31 March 2025. The Group reported AED 1.3 billion in revenue for Q1 2025, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 11.4%, with the quarter lapping the one-time wheat trading activity (AED 120 million), the significant devaluation of the Egyptian currency (EGP) in March 2024, and the carryover of the short-term operational challenges in the dates business. Excluding the impact of EGP devaluation and the wheat trading activity recorded last year, Group revenue would have recorded an increase of 5.2% year-on-year. Group EBITDA declined 20.2% year-on-year to AED 185.7 million, with a margin of 14.5%, reflecting ongoing pressures in specific categories. Net Profit for the quarter stood at AED 86.1 million, with a margin of 6.7%. Profitability was also impacted by the implementation of the Pillar II corporate tax in the UAE, which raised the Group's effective tax rate to 19.3%, up from 13.5% in the same period last year. During the quarter, Agthia increased its stake in Abu Auf from 70% to 80%, deepening integration within the Snacking segment and underscoring the Group's strong belief in its long-term growth potential. The move reflects Agthia's continued focus on scaling high-opportunity categories aligned with evolving consumer trends. In parallel, the Group's Board approved the acquisition of Riviere, a leading bottled water HOS player in the UAE, further expanding Agthia's direct-to-consumer footprint and strengthening its leadership in the Water category. Agthia ended the quarter with a Net Debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.4x and AED 321 million in cash and equivalents – maintaining a strong financial position that supports continued investment in strategic priorities and growth opportunities.


Arabian Business
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Agthia solidifies position as water segment leader with Riviere acquisition
Agthia Group will triple its household customer base after completing 100 per cent acquisition of Riviere Mineral Water Desalination & Filling Factory, one of the UAE's largest players in the bottled water home and office services (HOS) category. Agthia already has a strong portfolio of bottled water brands, including Al Ain Water, Al Bayan, VOSS and Alpin, and the acquisition of Riviere further cements its leadership in the segment. The company will also benefit from the integration of Riviere's substantial operational infrastructure, which includes three bottling facilities across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a fleet of over 160 delivery trucks, and more than 780 employees. This will immediately enhance manufacturing capabilities, streamline distribution, and strengthen customer service. Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, commented: 'The successful closing of this acquisition marks another milestone in Agthia's journey of strategic growth and market leadership in the water segment. 'Riviere's strong brand, deep customer relationships, and operational excellence perfectly complement our existing capabilities, enabling us to serve a broader customer base and drive long-term sustainable value. We look forward to integrating Riviere into the Agthia family and realising the full potential of this strategic combination.' The acquisition will be immediately earnings accretive and result in an approximately 6.5 per cent increase to Agthia's Water & Food segment revenues. Ali Moideen Kankayel, Co-owner of Riviere, added: 'Riviere has built a legacy of trust, reliability, and customer-first service in the UAE's home and office water market. As we move forward with Agthia, I am confident that this partnership will amplify our impact and open new paths for growth.' Riviere will continue to operate under its established brand, ensuring continuity for customers and maximising brand equity. Established in 2004, the Group is one of the region's leading food and beverage companies headquartered in Abu Dhabi and part of ADQ. It has evolved into a diversified, multi-category F&B leader with a strong regional footprint across the Middle East and Turkey. The group's integrated portfolio includes market-leading brands across four key categories – Water & Food, Snacking, Protein & Frozen and Agri-Business. It has more than 12,000 employees across its operations.


Zawya
06-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Agthia completes Riviere Acquisition, solidifying leadership in UAE Water Segment
Transaction is immediately earnings accretive to Agthia Abu Dhabi, UAE – Agthia Group PJSC ('Agthia' or 'the Group'), one of the region's leading food and beverage companies, has completed its 100% acquisition of Riviere Mineral Water Desalination & Filling Factory LLC ("Riviere"), one of the UAE's largest players in the bottled water home and office services (HOS) category and a strong brand in the mainstream segment. First announced in March, the acquisition triples Agthia's household customer base and further cements its leadership in the water segment, in line with its strategy of focused and high-impact growth. The integration of Riviere's substantial operational infrastructure - which includes three bottling facilities across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a fleet of over 160 delivery trucks, and more than 780 employees - will immediately enhance manufacturing capabilities, streamline distribution, and strengthen customer service. The acquisition is expected to be immediately earnings accretive, and result in an approximately 6.5% increase to the Group's Water & Food segment revenues. Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, said: 'The successful closing of this acquisition marks another milestone in Agthia's journey of strategic growth and market leadership in the water segment. Riviere's strong brand, deep customer relationships, and operational excellence perfectly complement our existing capabilities, enabling us to serve a broader customer base and drive long-term sustainable value. We look forward to integrating Riviere into the Agthia family and realizing the full potential of this strategic combination.' Ali Moideen Kankayel, Co-owner of Riviere, added: 'Riviere has built a legacy of trust, reliability, and customer-first service in the UAE's home and office water market. As we move forward with Agthia, I am confident that this partnership will amplify our impact, elevate customer experience, and open new paths for growth.' Riviere will continue to operate under its established brand, ensuring continuity for customers and maximizing brand equity. The acquisition marks another step in Agthia's growth journey — driving scale, sharpening execution, and reinforcing its position as a leading force in the region's food and beverage landscape. About Agthia Agthia Group PJSC (ADX: AGTHIA) is one of the region's leading food and beverage companies headquartered in Abu Dhabi and part of ADQ, one of the largest holding companies in the Middle East. Established in 2004, Agthia has evolved into a diversified, multi-category F&B leader with a strong regional footprint across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan. The Group's integrated portfolio includes market-leading brands across four key categories: Water & Food (Al Ain Water, Al Bayan, VOSS, Alpin, Riviere, Campa Cola, Sunrice, Al Ain Food), Snacking (Al Foah, BMB, Abu Auf, Al Faysal Bakery & Sweets), Protein and Frozen (Nabil Foods, Atyab, Al Ain Frozen Vegetables), and Agri-Business (Grand Mills, Agrivita). With more than 12,000 employees across its operations, Agthia's products reach consumers in over 65 markets worldwide. Agthia Group PJSC and its management may make forward-looking statements regarding the Group's financial condition, operations, and business. These statements often include terms such as 'anticipates,' 'targets,' 'expects,' 'hopes,' 'estimates,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'goals,' 'believes,' 'continues,' as well as future or conditional verbs like 'will,' 'may,' 'might,' 'should,' 'would,' and 'could.' Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors influencing such outcomes include, but are not limited to, market conditions, competition, production inputs, currency fluctuations, tax exposures, and regulatory compliance. While Agthia Group PJSC believes it has a reasonable basis for making these statements, readers are advised to approach such forward-looking information with caution. Agthia does not commit to updating these statements, except as required by law.


The Guardian
04-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Liverpool v Everton, Manchester derby, and more: Women's Super League
Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Liverpool 0-1 Everton: Román Haug goes for goal from just inside the box but the shot does not have enough conviction on it and fails to challenge Brosnan. Share Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: United are finally able to make the substitution and Riviere makes way for Aoife Mannion. The Canadian full-back looks devastated as she limps down the tunnel. Share Liverpool 0-1 Everton: Over at Anfield, both teams have had some good chances. Liverpool are pushing to get an equaliser before half-time – they have challenged Brosnan a fair few times so far. Share Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: It looks like Riviere will have to come off. The full-back looks very uncomfortable out on the pitch but her replacement, Aoife Mannion, does not seem to be ready to come on just yet. Share Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: There's some concern for United now as Riviere is down following what appeared to be quite a nasty twist to the left ankle. The full-back suffered the knock while going up for a header against Hemp. She starts to slowly make her way over to the sidelines, but I'm not sure if she'll be able to continue. Share Aside from the early goal in the Merseyside Derby, most of the action has come from Old Trafford so far. We've just passed the 20-minute mark in both games. Share Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: Following the injury to Ouahabi, it appears that Greenwood has moved out to left-back with Knaak playing centrally. Share Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: Huge chance for City now as Kerolin goes for goal from close range and forces a strong save from Tullis-Joyce. Brilliant from the keeper! Share Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: Terland puts the ball in the net for United – but it won't count! A deep cross is played into the box and the striker directs a looping header above Keating and into the top-right corner. However, the referee deemed there to be a push from the striker on Aleixandri and City have a free kick instead. Share Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: Manchester City are forced into an early change due to an injury to Ouahabi. The defender is replaced by Rebecca Knaak. Share Everton have an early lead thanks to Snoeijs! The forward plays a one-two with Gago on the left before firing her shot past Laws from the edge of the box. What a start from the visitors! Katja Snoeijs fires Everton in front at Anfield. Photograph:Share Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: There's some concern for City now as Ouahabi looks in some discomfort following a collision with Riviere. Share Liverpool 0-0 Everton: Chance for Liverpool as a free kick is sent into the box. Bonner looks to head the ball towards goal but her effort flies wide. Share Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City: United start piling the pressure on City early as they make their way into the opposition box. Keating comes off her line to make a good save and eventually nothing comes of the attack. We're underway in the Manchester derby. Photograph: Matt McNulty/Share And we're under way now at Anfield! Share United kick off proceedings at Old Trafford! Share The countdown to kick-off is on! The action at both Anfield and Old Trafford gets underway in just under five minutes! Share In case you somehow missed it, Chelsea secured the WSL title on Wednesday by defeating Manchester United 1-0 at Leigh Sports Village. Sonia Bompastor and Co were handed a huge boost earlier in the evening when Arsenal suffered a shock 5-2 loss at the hands of Aston Villa. The Blues then needed just a point from their meeting with United but won the match thanks to a late Lucy Bronze header. With relegation also confirmed for Crystal Palace, the only thing up for grabs now for some teams is a place in the Champions League. A win for Manchester United and Arsenal this bank holiday weekend will see both teams qualify for the competition. Share It's a straight shootout between Birmingham City and London City Lionesses on the final day of the Women's Championship season this afternoon. The hosts need a win to secure the title and promotion, while London City just need to avoid defeat. It will also be the first Women's Championship match ever broadcast on Sky Sports. Kick-off for that one is at 2:15pm GMT. Share Today's WSL fixtures Liverpool v Everton Manchester United v Manchester City Crystal Palace v Leicester City Tottenham v Chelsea West Ham v Aston Villa Share In a huge boost for Manchester City, Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp are both back in the starting line-up. It is the first time either player has been named in the starting XI this year. They both came off the bench for a substitute appearance against Leicester City last weekend. Share Manchester United starting line-up: Phallon Tullis-Joyce; Gabby George, Maya Le Tissier (C), Millie Turner, Jayde Riviere; Hinata Miyazawa, Grace Clinton, Ella Toone; Leah Galton, Elisabeth Terland, Celin Bizet. Manchester City starting line-up: Khiara Keating; Kerstin Casparij, Gracie Prior, Alex Greenwood (C), Leila Ouahabi; Laia Aleixandri, Yui Hasegawa, Laura Coombs; Jess Park, Lauren Hemp, Kerolin. How we line up against United 🩵XI | Keating, Casparij, Prior, Greenwood (C), Ouahabi, Aleixandri, Hasegawa, Coombs, Park, Hemp, Kerolin Nicoli SUBS | Yamashita, Layzell, Roord, Wienroither, Blindkilde Brown, Fujino, Knaak, Oyama, Murphy#ManCity | @etihad — Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) May 4, 2025 Share Liverpool starting line-up: Rachael Laws; Grace Fisk, Jenna Clark, Gemma Bonner, Taylor Hinds (C), Sam Kerr, Füka Nagano, Marie Höbinger; Ceri Holland, Sophie Román Haug, Olivia Smith. 🔴 TEAM NEWS 🔴 The Reds to face Everton in the Merseyside derby 📋 #LIVEVE — Liverpool FC Women (@LiverpoolFCW) May 4, 2025 Everton starting line-up: Courtney Brosnan, Karen Holmgaard, Martina Fernández, Elise Stenevik, Sara Holmgaard; Justine Vanhaevermaet; Karoline Olesen, Clare Wheeler (C), Honoka Hayashi; Kelly Gago, Katja Snoeijs. 🔵 The Merseyside derby Blues. Kelly Gago returns to the starting XI, with Aurora Galli named in the matchday squad for the first time since September 2024. — Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) May 4, 2025 Share Hello and welcome to another WSL clockwatch! We have a day of derbies lined up with Liverpool hosting Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield and Manchester City making the short four-mile trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Elsewhere, newly-crowned league champions Chelsea travel across London to face Tottenham, West Ham host Aston Villa and already-relegated Crystal Palace take on Leicester City. I'll also bring you updates from the Championship title decider between Birmingham and London City Lionesses. We've got plenty to look forward to this afternoon, and it all kicks off at 12pm BST - join me! Share