Ratch acquires 9.9% share in BCIL
SET-listed Ratch Group has acquired a 9.9% share totalling 190 million baht in Bangkok Chain International (Lao) Co (BCIL) to co-invest in a new hospital in Vientiane as it sees an opportunity in the growing healthcare industry.
The share purchase agreement made on July 30 is in line with the Lao government’s plan on social welfare development, with a goal to enhance the public health system and quality of living.
A private tertiary hospital in the Lao capital that has 110 beds is planned in the first phase, with operation scheduled to begin on Aug 19.
Full accommodation capacity is 254 beds.
It will become an alternative hospital for both locals and expatriates, according to Ratch.
The company expects healthcare and wellness businesses will grow as people are more concerned about health, driven by the pandemic.
“We see potential in non-power businesses,” said Kijja Sripatthangkura, chief executive of Ratch.
The share purchase was made through Ratch’s wholly owned Ratch-Lao Services Co.
After the share acquisition, BCIL shareholders will comprise Bangkok Chain Hospital Plc at 68.47%, Ratch-Lao Services Co at 9.9% and minority shareholders in Laos and Thailand at 21.62%, according to Ratch’s report sent to the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
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