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Hextar Industries Bhd has entered into a share sale agreement to acquire a 51% stake in Woodpeckers Group Sdn Bhd — the master franchise holder of llaollao in Malaysia — for RM177.5 million in cash. The acquisition involves 412,122 ordinary shares, valuing Woodpeckers Group at RM348 million. The deal also includes a three-year profit guarantee of RM29 million per year. Hextar Industries Bhd has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 51 per cent stake in Woodpeckers Group Sdn Bhd for RM177.5 million in cash. Following the acquisition, Hextar will hold master franchise rights in Malaysia for two global brands — Luckin and llaollao — creating potential synergies through stronger operational efficiency, wider market reach and improved cost optimisation while keeping both brands independent. The move is part of Hextar’s broader strategy to diversify into the food and beverage (F&B) retail sector, alongside plans to exit its fertiliser manufacturing business. Group managing director Benny Ang described the acquisition as a key step in Hextar’s strategic transformation, combining Woodpeckers’ F&B expertise with Hextar’s financial strength to drive long-term growth in Malaysia’s F&B market.

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd may earn a one-off gain of RM810 million by reducing its stake in PT Bank CIMB Niaga TBK to meet Indonesia’s proposed 15% minimum free float requirement, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB). Selling about 7.4% of its CIMB Niaga shares would help the Malaysian bank comply with regulations while boosting its capital. The proceeds could be used to support loan growth or reward shareholders with special dividends, HLIB noted. The sale would add to CIMB’s existing RM2 billion capital return plan, potentially raising FY26-27 dividend payout ratio to around 70% and yield to 6.5%. CIMB currently owns 92.4% of CIMB Niaga, which contributes roughly a quarter of the group’s pre-tax profit. HLIB expects the divestment to have minimal impact on earnings, projecting a 1.2–2% drop in FY26-27 PBT. Despite the regulatory changes and rupiah volatility, HLIB maintains a “buy” rating on CIMB with a target price of RM9.50, highlighting its dividend yield of over 6% and ongoing capital management programme. CIMB shares closed at RM8.41, down five sen or 0.59%, giving the group a market cap of RM90.68 billion.

Crude palm oil (CPO) futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives are expected to trade sideways with a slight bearish bias next week due to the Chinese New Year holidays, as both Malaysian and Chinese markets will be closed. David Ng, a proprietary trader at Iceberg X Sdn Bhd, said the market faces pressure from high stock levels and weak demand in recent weeks. Subdued buying from key importing countries, combined with ample inventories, is likely to limit any price gains despite support from competing edible oils. He expects CPO prices to trade between RM3,950 and RM4,180 per tonne next week. Jim Teh, senior palm oil trader at Interband Group, noted that trading will slow further because many mills, factories, and international traders are on extended leave during the festive period. Stock levels in Malaysia and Indonesia remain high due to weak physical demand, though some buying is expected from Pakistan, India, the Middle East, and the EU. He predicts prices will range between RM3,700 and RM3,800 per tonne next week. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, February 2026 CPO fell RM132 to RM3,950 per tonne, March 2026 dropped RM84 to RM4,037, and April 2026 declined RM104 to RM4,050. May 2026 eased RM117 to RM4,046, June 2026 lost RM118 to RM4,040, and July 2026 fell RM115 to RM4,035. Weekly trading volume rose to 392,823 lots from 274,729 lots last week, while open interest increased to 230,392 contracts from 219,059 contracts. Meanwhile, the new physical CPO price for February South decreased RM80 to RM4,050 per tonne.