Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1490921
5 NEWS 26.1.2023 FROM PAGE 1 e merged operations are expected to bring a one-stop shop concept to both their business and retail customer base. "Our joint potential provided the right impetus to meet our individu- al ambitions through the merging of the two companies" said Sebastian de Giorgio, Joinwell's current CEO and set to become a Joint Executive Direc- tor of the merged companies. "Both Joinwell and FXB are very strong brands and have a great track record in the industry. ey share very similar traditions and values and already have very positive past expe- riences working together, both locally and abroad. us, the merger is a very logical next step to build on our indi- vidual and common success," he said. "Moreover, we have limited business overlap which takes us to a position of growth and a full-service portfolio, which should prove appealing to our current and future customers, both B2C and B2B". Joseph Borg, Managing Director of FXB and also Joint Executive Direc- tor of the planned merged entities said that "the concept of a one-stop shop for retail and contract clients gives us a number of advantages, including the possibility of streamlining our servic- es and processes for our joint custom- ers whilst we build on the strengths. e joint entity will have a stronger purchasing position which translates in more competitive pricing for our potential customers. is merger is a great opportunity to focus on the fur- ther development of environmentally sustainable practices whilst sharing with each other successful technolo- gies and procedures as well as deliver- ing critical mass to sustain our plans of building a stronger corporate struc- ture". Going forward the joint entities aim to provide a seamless continuation of existing services and build on the current market leading customer care practices. e current and future customer base will have even stronger guarantees that their purchases will be underwritten by a solid business with an increasing focus on sustainability and value. Once the merger becomes effective, it is anticipated that, FXB's showroom in Qormi will move into the Joinwell showroom (also in Qormi) where- as Joinwell's factory will move into the FXB factory in San Gwann which is planned to become the combined manufacturing centre for bespoke fur- niture. e FXB factories in Gozo will in turn focus on volume production of con- tract furniture and apertures including fire-rated doors. ere are also plans to boost the FXB showroom in Gozo with Joinwell's pre- mium furniture brands. About Joinwell Joinwell was founded in 1947 by George Galea and his brothers and started by repairing war-damaged doors and apertures along with con- tracts from the British services in Malta. ey were joined in the '60s by Maurice de Giorgio. e company went on to concentrate on commercial and marine contracts and bespoke commissions. Years later Joinwell started importing premium furniture brands from Europe. In 2008 the company moved from its iconic showroom in Sliema to a new, larger state-of-the-art showroom in Qormi. Nikolai and Sebastian de Giorgio, the grandchildren of Maurice de Giorgio, acquired the operation in 2021 whereby they embarked on an investment plan to expand the compa- ny's width and depth of supply. Currently, the company is a leader in retail kitchens, bedrooms, and bespoke manufacturing. About FXB e current company was incorporat- ed in 1970 but the origins of the family business can be traced to well over 125 years from today. In 1890 Francis Borg, trained as a master-carpenter in Malta and on his return to the sister island of Gozo he set up his own small workshop. His son Francis Xavier and George took over his concern soon after the Second World War. In 1970 the company, then registered under the name Francis X. Borg Co. Ltd. took the leap and transformed from a simple carpentry workshop to full industrialisation through the con- struction of the first factory in Gozo. In the '80s the company exported kitchen cabinet doors to the UK whilst main- taining a solid local market base. e FXB Group today manufactures its furniture in two plants in Gozo and another factory in Malta and includes Econetique, the renewable energy company and Bath Concept Ltd with its trademark WaterArt. e Group is currently managed by Joseph Borg, the grandson of the founder. Joinwell, FXB merger 'a very logical next step to our common success' Left to right: Iro Bezzina (FXB), Sebastian de Giorgio (Joinwell), Joseph Borg (FXB), Nikolai de Giorgio (Joinwell) and Ivan Caruana (FXB) THE Malta Communications Au- thority (MCA) has announced the signing of separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mal- ta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise & Industry (The Malta Chamber), the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME Chamber), and the Malta Employers Association (MEA). is collaboration framework aims to support the growth of digital services whilst promoting regulatory compli- ance amongst Maltese businesses. The MoU covers a range of initia- tives, including joint education and awareness efforts to keep businesses informed of digital services develop- ments and related regulations. The MCA and representative bodies will be sharing knowledge and expe- rience on new developments in the field, particularly in relation to eCom- merce regulations, the Digital Service Act (DSA), website and app accessibil- ity, and trust services. The parties will also engage in dia- logue and consultation to guide policy formulation, and facilitate self-regula- tion initiatives. "We are thrilled to be working close- ly with these reputable bodies to ad- vance digital services and promote regulatory compliance for the benefit of Maltese businesses," said Jesmond Bugeja, CEO of the Malta Communi- cations Authority. "This MoU represents a significant step forward in our efforts to support businesses as they navigate the com- plex and constantly evolving digital landscape. We look forward to col- laborating with these representative bodies to achieve our shared goals and foster digital growth in Malta." The MCA is dedicated to supporting Maltese businesses and the economy through the nurturing of digital ser- vices. This MoU is a key part of that effort. By working closely with the Malta Chamber, the SME Chamber, and the MEA, the MCA hopes to facilitate the implementation of effective eCom- merce regulations, the DSA, and oth- er policies that support the growth and success of Maltese businesses. MCA partners with Malta's leading business representative bodies