Durrant Pate/Contributor

Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) conglomerate AS Bryden & Sons Holdings is to be listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) next week.

Confirmation came yesterday from an executive of the company, who said that it is due to be listed on the JSE on November 10. In accordance withJSE’s listing requirements, AS Bryden, which is majority owned by Jamaican conglomerate Seprod, published an abridged statement on the JSE website last week.

That abridged statement outlined the full name of the company, its registered office, the name of its auditors (Ernst & Young), its bankers (Scotiabank) and its JSE-sponsoring member (NCB Capital Markets). The abridged statement disclosed that the Bryden’s group chalked up TT$1.18 billion in turnover for the six-month period ending June 30, 2023.

The group’s after-tax profit for the period closed on TT$56.36 million. The move to list on the JSE comes after AS Bryden celebrated its 100th year in business in T&T last month and its acquisition by Seprod in June 2022, marketing a new phase in its development.

Greater expansion and growth planned

Top executives pointed to even further expansion and growth over the next 100 during last week’s centennial celebrations. Seprod and AS Bryden’s Group Chief Executive Officer Richard Pandohie remarked, “Reaching such a tremendous milestone reflects the drive and passion of the people in the Bryden Group, who collectively serve hundreds of thousands of customers every year.”

He added: “Our employees are the heart of the organisation, embodying the customer-first, people-centred approach for which Bryden is known and loved. On this major anniversary, we wanted to show appreciation to all of the talented people who have contributed to our success.”

AS Bryden Group Deputy Chairman Michael Conyers also commented, saying: “We continue to be a formidable distribution partner of choice for international brands and, as we expand our footprint beyond our local shores, we are confident that our reputation for trust and integrity will open new regional growth opportunities for us.”

Last Friday, AS Bryden marked its 100th anniversary with a special celebration for its employees. Decked out in anniversary polos, Bryden’s staff got together at the company’s San Juan compound to ring in the centennial milestone with food, drink and prizes.

All 1,500 employees of the group were able to take part in a company lottery, where 100 employees won prizes which included trips, a weekend staycation and cash.

“On this major anniversary, we wanted to show appreciation to all of the talented people who have contributed to our success,” Pandohie told the excited staff.

The AS Bryden Group comprises:

● A.S. Bryden & Sons (Trinidad) Limited – distributor of internationally renowned brands in the following categories: (i) Premium Beverages, (ii) Food & Grocery (iii) Hardware & Housewares

● Bryden pi – a regional distributor of food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare items

● F.T. Farfan – a supplier of high-quality brands in agriculture, automotive, construction, manufacturing, mining & quarrying, and marine industries

● Franco Trading & Distribution Limited – a light manufacturing and co-packing entity

● Micon Marketing – a distributor of food & grocery, bakery, and house care products.