FBMKLCI 1540.62 DJ+69.48 CRUDE OIL 87.47 RM 3.009

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd posted a jump in net profit to RM107mil in its first quarter ended Dec 31, 2010 from RM77.7mil a year ago, on account of higher revenue and tax incentives enjoyed by its dairy plant in Rojana, Thailand.

The world’s largest synthetic glove manufacturer Hartalega Holdings Bhd posted slightly higher net profit of RM49.2mil for the third quarter ended Dec 31, 2010 from RM37.2mil a year ago, while its revenue rose to RM188.1mil from RM148.6mil.

Maxbiz Corp Bhd will hold an EGM in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 23 on the proposed removal of its auditors Gomez & Co with immediate effect and proposed appointment of STYL Associates as auditors for the financial year (FY) ended Dec 31, 2010, it told Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

Iris Corp is venturing into industrialised building system (IBS) via a joint venture with a joint venture with Koto Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Ambitech Sdn Bhd. Iris said it planned to develop the Koto IBS for mass building projects in Peninsular Malaysia. “Koto IBS is an alternative way to mass manufacture energy efficient housing, commercial buildings, high-rises and affordable housing.

Ireka secured a RM27.58-million contract to build the structure for the proposed City International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was awarded the contract by Hoa Lam-Shangri-La Healthcare Ltd Liability Co. The contract works are expected to be completed by Sept 30, 2011.“The contract is expected to contribute positively to the earnings of the Ireka group for the financial year ending March 31, 2012,” it said.

KENCANA PETROLEUM BHD  plans to finance the US$200 million required to jointly develop and operate the Berantai oil and gas field through an equity/debt fund raising exercise. “The detailed breakdown between the various sources of funding has yet to be determined at this juncture, pending completion of the company’s proposed fund raising exercises in its entirety,” it said on Monday, Feb 7, in response to a query by Bursa Malaysia.

SAPURACREST PETROLEUM BHD informed the stock exchange that it was in discussions with a leading local bank to secure the necessary funding to part-finance its unit, Sapura Energy Venture’s contribution to the cost of development of the Berantai field.