“RS2 Bids for HSBC Malta, Plans Mid-Med Bank Comeback…”

RS2 is being considered a leading contender for the acquisition.

Global payments processor and technology provider RS2 has officially confirmed its selection to submit a bid for HSBC Malta, a notable step forward in the sale of one of the nation’s largest banks. This news follows initial reporting by the Times of Malta.  

In a statement released to the newspaper, RS2 verified that it has “been selected to submit a bid for HSBC Malta,” placing it among a select group of potential acquirers that includes the Hungarian financial institution OTP Bank and a consortium of prominent Maltese businesses.

Furthermore, RS2 announced its intention to reinstate the Mid-Med Bank brand should its bid be successful. Mid-Med Bank was a well-known and trusted financial institution in Malta before its acquisition by HSBC in 1999.

This announcement positions RS2 as the fourth known entity to bid for HSBC Malta and elevates its status to a frontrunner following APS Bank’s unexpected withdrawal from the process earlier this month.  

HSBC initially disclosed in September 2024 that it was considering strategic options for its Malta operations, which generated considerable interest from both local and international parties. APS Bank quickly emerged as a leading contender and confirmed its entry into the due diligence phase on March 26th, 2025

However, just weeks later, on April 17th, APS Bank issued a public statement announcing its “regrettable withdrawal” from the bidding process. While no official reason was provided, this development has led to widespread speculation within the financial community.  

With APS Bank no longer in the running, attention has now focused on the remaining bidders. OTP Bank is reported to have submitted a strong offer, although its continued operations in Russia, despite international condemnation following the invasion of Ukraine, have caused concern and drawn criticism in some circles.

In addition, a consortium made up of several well-established local business groups – with the involvement of undisclosed foreign investors – is understood to have submitted a joint bid.

GO plc’s consolidated revenue hit a record €244.9 million, up 3.8% from last year.

GO plc, a leading telecoms operator in Malta, announced record consolidated revenue of €244.9 million, up 3.8% year-on-year, alongside a consolidated profit of €15.7 million for the past year, reflecting the combined results of its diverse group of companies. Despite stable domestic revenue driven by increased consumer and wholesale activity, strategic investments in workforce and operations led to higher costs and a lower EBITDA. However, a significant one-time gain from the internal reorganization of intellectual property assets resulted in a substantial increase in profit before tax. Looking forward, GO is strategically diversifying, notably entering the green energy sector, while maintaining its commitment to digital connectivity across Malta, a journey that began with its True Fibre rollout and continues from its new net-zero headquarters as the company celebrates five decades of operation.

Gold prices surge to an all-time peak

Gold prices reached a new record high on Tuesday, briefly surpassing $3,490 per ounce before settling around that figure. This peak was primarily driven by increased safe-haven demand as investors sought refuge in the precious metal following US President Donald Trump’s changing tariff statements and his growing criticism of US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. This surge in demand contributed to gold’s already impressive year-to-date gain of almost 31%, fueled by an increasingly volatile global economy. Even with Trump’s announcement of a 90-day pause on his reciprocal tariffs, the preceding instability has already significantly impacted global stock markets, raising investor concerns about the pause’s effectiveness. Gold’s recent performance shows strong upward momentum, with gains of 5.7% this week and 14.2% this month.

Malta Company Announcements:

Plaza Centres plc

The Directors have also resolved to declare an additional net dividend to shareholders of €350,000 equivalent to €0.0137 per share, subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting. Taking into account the interim net dividend of €250,000 equivalent to €0.0098 per share paid on 28 August 2024 would result in a total net dividend to shareholders of €600,000 for the year 2024.  The cut-off date for eligibility to dividends shall be the 19 May 2025 and that accordingly only shareholders on the register of members on that date shall be eligible to receive the dividend once approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.

 Finally, the Directors have also scheduled the Annual General Meeting of the Company for 18 June 2025. Shareholders on the register of members of the Company held at the Central Securities Depository of the Malta Stock Exchange as at close of business on 19 May 2025 shall be eligible to receive notice, attend, and vote at the Annual General Meeting.

Medservregis plc

The Board of Directors is recommending the payment of a further gross dividend for the year under review of €1.5 million, equivalent to a gross dividend of €0.014758 per share (net €0.014221 per share1 ), on all shares settled as at close of business on the 13 th May 2025, which dividend shall be paid by no later than 30 June 2025.

Subject to the approval at the Annual General Meeting, the final gross dividends paid in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2024 would amount to €2.5 million, equivalent to a gross dividend €0.024597 per share (net €0.024060 per share1).

Main Street Complex plc

The Board of Directors of Main Street Complex p.l.c. (the “Company”) announces that it is scheduled to meet on 28 April, 2025 to consider and, if deemed appropriate, approve, the audited financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended 31 December, 2024 and the recommendation of a final dividend for the financial year ended 31 December, 2024.

JD Capital plc

The Board of Directors of the Company is scheduled to meet on 25 th April, 2025 to consider and, if deemed appropriate, approve the Company’s audited financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December, 2024.

‘Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is being provided solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice, advice concerning particular investments or investment decisions, or tax or legal advice. Similarly, any views or opinions expressed on this website are not intended and should not be construed as being investment, tax or legal advice or recommendations. Investment advice should always be based on the particular circumstances of the person to whom it is directed, which circumstances have not been taken into consideration by the persons expressing the views or opinions appearing on this website. Timberland Finance has not verified and consequently neither warrants the accuracy nor the veracity of any information, views, or opinions appearing on this website. You should always take professional investment advice in connection with, or independently research and verify, any information that you find or views or opinions which you read on our website and wish to rely upon, whether for the purpose of making an investment decision or otherwise. All investments carry risks. Your investments may go up as they may go down, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Timberland Finance does not accept liability for losses suffered by persons as a result of information, views, or opinions appearing on this website. This website is owned and operated by Timberland Invest Ltd. Timberland Invest Ltd. is licensed to conduct investment services business under the Investments Services Act by the MFSA and is also registered as a Tied Insurance Intermediary under the Insurance Distribution Act. ’