FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Minor appeals bid disqualification

Minor appeals bid disqualification

MINOR International (MINT) is expecting a two-day wait after submitting a letter requesting reconsideration from the Airports of Thailand (AOT) regarding their disqualification from the bid to manage the commercial activities in Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Last Wednesday, Minor submitted their bidding form titled “Enfranchisement of Commercial Business Management within the Passenger Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport” to the AOT.
The bidding document was rejected on the same day, on the basis that they did not have adequate experience in the areas of food, beverage and retail business in Thailand, said Chaiyapat Paitoon, the deputy corporate CFO and strategic planning for Minor. 
However, he said, as Minor strongly disagreed with AOT’s position and its rejection of their bid submission, the company has sent the letter asking the airport body to reconsider – and expects a response in the next one to two days. 
“We believe [Minor] has adequate experience managing these areas of businesses,” Chaiyapat continued. “This is through its own businesses and through its majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries.”
These subsidiaries include Minor Food Group Plc, Minor Corporation Plc, Royal Garden Plaza Company Ltd and the Chao Phaya Resort Company Ltd. Through these businesses, Minor has experience managing department stores, operating food and restaurant businesses as well as managing retail trade, fashion and lifestyle businesses, he explained. 
“Details of the aforementioned businesses are clearly set forth in the company’s Certificate of Experience in Operating Businesses, which was submitted to the AOT as part of Mint’s bid documentation,” according to a letter to the press, which was adapted from the reconsideration request sent to AOT on May 24. 
 “Mint believes that the AOT bidding process is best served by including all qualified bidders in the process and AOT’s disqualification of Mint is contrary to that result,” the letter continued. “Mint has requested AOT to urgently reconsider its decision in the interest of fairness.” Chayapat did not reveal any alternative business plans for Minor in the event that their disqualification from the bidding process is not reconsidered, insisting that they are now waiting for the AOT’s response. 
Minor will continue its five-year-plan, he stated, with the company’s growth trajectory and that of its subsidiaries remaining strong regardless of whether they win the bid to manage Suvarnabhumi airport’s commercial activities.
For example, Mint acquired NH Hotel Group, which is listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange in Spain, towards the end of last year as part of their plan to further expand their hospitality portfolio. 
Meanwhile, the Minor Food Group, a subsidiary company of Mint, announced back in March that it would double the number of its restaurants in Thailand and overseas to more than 4,400 over the next five years.
 

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