INVESTORS' concern over the impending departure of SP Setia Bhd's founder may have resulted in the weak performance of its stock.
But they should in fact focus on its strength and track record, said its executive vice-president Datuk Teow Leong Seng.
"SP Setia is a solid company. You just need to look at its track record, balance sheet strength and various projects worth RM70 billion in gross development value."
Teow, who is also SP Setia chief financial officer, said the projects will keep the company busy for the next 12 to 15 years.
"Having a workforce of 1,500 ensures the execution of these projects will not be a problem. Every year, we close RM2 billion of sales. Our numbers are real," said Teow on the sidelines of Invest Malaysia 2013.
SP Setia president, chief executive officer and founder Tan Sri Liew Kee Sim has named his deputy and chief operating officer Datuk Voon Tin Yow as his successor while Teow will be Voon's deputy.
Teow said the SP Setia management is well aware of the concern expressed by investors over Liew's departure from SP Setia.
"He (Liew) has a management agreement with Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) to manage SP Setia up to 2015 but he has indicated that he may go earlier. It depends on him."
Teow said the main concern now is whether some of SP Setia's staff will also leave with Liew or join other property companies.
"That is the key concern. That is why we have a long-term incentive plan for them, which has been approved by PNB and our shareholders. We hope the plan will hold our people together."
Asked if the group will be looking for more projects in London after the successful launch of the RM40 billion Battersea power station project, Teow said such plans will need to wait as the company wants to focus on Battersea first, of which it has a 40 per cent stake.
Read more: SP Setia: Focus on our strength and track record
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