Hilton boosts Vietnam holdings |to 11 hotels through BRG Group

The deals give Hilton 11 hotels operating or under development in Vietnam, eight of which are owned by BRG Group.
“These are significant additions to our expanding footprint in Vietnam,” said Guy Phillips, senior vice president. “Signing three deals in the past three months, including these deals, not only demonstrates Hilton’s growth momentum in Vietnam but also the huge potential for more developments across established and upcoming destinations in the country.
The 250-room DoubleTree by Hilton Vung Tau is located in the heart of a popular destination city that’s well known for its beaches, lakes and thermal springs.
Hilton Garden Inn Saigon is in District 1, home to most of the administrative offices, consulates and multinational companies in Ho Chi Minh City. 
The 160-room hotel is also within a 1.5-kilometre radius of attractions such as the Saigon Opera House, Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. 

‘UNSOPHISTICATED’ 

Japan’s GMO-Z offers online securities trading

Online securities brokerage GMO-Z com Securities has debuted in Thailand with registered capital of Bt1 billion.
Chief executive Megumu Motohisa said this week the company’s targets include 10,000-15,000 clients by 2018, a loan offering of 600 credit-balance accounts, and daily trading value of Bt1 billion, representing a 0.8-per-cent market share.
The company will officially begin stock trading on November 20. 
Accounts can be opened via its website beginning yesterday or applications can be submitted in person to be ready to trade from November 20.
Founded in November 2016 and 100-per-cent owned by GMO Financial Holdings (Japan), GMO-Z has received a securities business licence from the Ministry of Finance.
It uses state-of-the-art online securities-trading technology and a back-office system called I-Star GV from Japan, the first securities company in Thailand to use that system.
The company does not use investment consultants to urge clients to trade any securities.
Its “unsophisticated” commission fees are Bt100 per Bt100,000 trade, with a “stair-step” rate increase of Bt100 for every Bt1-million trade.
The company will initially offer securities trading services only for cash-balance accounts and credit-balance accounts.

FINTECH ACCELERATOR 

Bualuang mobile app eases transactions 

Bualuang Asset Management (BBLAM), in partnership with FundRadars, a Bangkok Bank InnoHub start-up, has launched a new application, “BF Mobile Application,” which will take Bualuang Fund further into the digital era. Under the concept “See the World Through Bualuang Fund”, the app will enable investment unit holders to access information and make transactions.
The partnership showcases the success of Thailand’s first global FinTech accelerator program, Bangkok Bank InnoHub, which helps FinTech start-ups develop financial products and services to fully and effectively respond to customers’ needs.
BBLAM chief executive officer Peerapong Jirasevijinda said the partnership with FundRadars to develop the BF Mobile Application aimed at providing another tool to offer convenience to customers.
“Customers or investment unit holders can access investment information quickly and conveniently, anywhere, anytime.”
The new app enables investors to track market information and analysis every day. The content is selected, analysed in depth, and presented in an easy-to-understand way by a team of mutual fund managers and professional financial advisors, so that investors can access information to help them make appropriate decisions.

ATTRACTIVE BEAUTY CARE 
 
Henkel restyles hair care industry

Henkel has signed an agreement to acquire Zotos International Inc, the North American Hair Professional business of Shiseido Co Ltd for US$485 million (Bt16,043). The acquisition comprises leading hair professional brands such as Joico and Zotos Professional.
In fiscal 2016, Zotos International Inc reported sales of about $230 million and employed around 700 people. The Darien, Connecticut company is mainly focused on the US market, but is also present in Europe and Asia.
“This acquisition is part of our strategy to expand our position in attractive markets and categories,” said Henkel’s CEO, Hans Van Bylen. The transaction is Henkel’s fourth acquisition in the US hair professional business in recent years.