Mr. Michael Warrington, CEO and Deputy Chairman of AX Group, recently participated as a panel speaker at the Malta Business Network’s event, “To List or Not to List: The Maltese Equity Dilemma.” The discussion focused on the decisions and challenges surrounding equity listings on the Malta Stock Exchange (MSE).
Drawing from AX Group’s extensive experience, Mr. Warrington shared insights on the Group’s various bond and equity listings, starting with the Suncrest Hotel’s listing in 1997. He elaborated on the rationale behind the Group’s approach for delisting the Suncrest shares, which ensured that equity shareholders were placed in the same financial position as bondholders upon repurchase of their shares. “This approach fostered trust and goodwill, encouraging many investors to remain loyal to the Group even decades later,” he said.
Discussing the broader impact of being listed, Mr. Warrington emphasised that “the AX Group’s presence on the Malta Stock Exchange with the Suncrest listing positively influenced governance, succession planning and internal processes, demonstrating the strategic value and advantages of equity listings for family businesses”.
The event underscored the importance of considering equity listings as a catalyst for corporate growth, improved governance and long-term sustainability.
