UBM: Real estate developer UBM generated profit before tax of €31.5m and earnings per share of €2.25 in 2022. In view of the complete standstill on the transaction market during the second half-year, net profit of €27.1m represents more than respectable results, the company emphasized. “UBM has shown relative strength in a difficult market environment and confirmed that our conservative financial policy pays off“, commented Patric Thate, CFO of UBM Development AG.  UBM will propose a dividend of € 1.10 per share (2021: €2.25 per share) to the Annual General Meeting.“UBM is a reliable dividend payer in both good times and bad times“, says Thomas G. Winkler, CEO of UBM Development AG. UBM does not expect any major deals before the second half of 2023. Rising inflation, increasing interest rates and higher construction costs will continue throughout the entire year. However, the demand will remain sound for properties like the ones developed by UBM. Postponed construction starts and the difficulties faced by many market participants are expected to extend the supply gap beginning at mid-year, which will further increase the pressure on many investors. 

Semperit: Semperit AG Holding acquires Upper Austrian RICO Group, which focuses on the processing of elastomers, in particular liquid silicone and solid silicone; the components are produced in single-, two- or multi-component injection moulding. The purchase price (cash and debt free) is based on the assumption of a recurring EBITDA of around EUR 16.5 million for the existing business as well as on a multiple of 12. In addition, the investment payments for the plant expansion currently under construction in Thalheim, Upper Austria, will be compensated through the purchase price. The financing of the transaction is secured by the liquidity status of the Semperit Group and by newly negotiated, available bank financing. The execution of the transaction is, in particular, subject to regulatory approvals and is expected for the third quarter of 2023.