Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529221
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS DB Group, Malta's leading player in hospi- tality, catering, and healthcare, has report- ed its highest-ever turnover after a year of exceptional growth and progress. Building on its established strengths, the Group has successfully diversified operations and is now embarking on an international expan- sion programme. The Group reported a record-breaking turnover of €88.7 million for the finan- cial year 2024, reflecting a 25% increase. It also registered an impressive 21% rise in EBITDA to €36.8 million, with total assets amounting to €474 million. In its annual report, titled Inside, Look- ing Out, the Group detailed how it consol- idated its operations and offerings locally, while also setting its sights on strategical- ly expanding its presence beyond Malta's shores. Silvio Debono, Chairman and Manag- ing Director of db Group, emphasised the dual focus of the company: "Today we are simultaneously strengthening what we have been doing locally while we explore new avenues towards a future abroad. Our business strategy has always been and still is captured by one word on both these fronts: excellence. Excellence in everything we do." On the international front, one of the most exciting developments is the upcom- ing launch of the acclaimed AKI restau- rant at London's prestigious address - One Cavendish Square. It is set to open in 2025. This high-profile venture is db Group's first restaurant outside of Malta, following its local success opening 11 successful res- taurants around the island, including two which have been included in the Michelin guide for Malta: AKI and LOA. db Group's London-based global investment arm, SDH Capital, continues to identify new opportunities to expand its hospitality op- erations around the world. Locally, db Group has built on its strong foundations with continued growth and diversification in its hospitality offerings. Works on the Group's mixed-use devel- opment at St. George's Bay, which will feature a five-star Hard Rock Hotel, St George's Mall and the luxury ORA resi- dences, are progressing well. Meanwhile, the Group has expanded its Starbucks franchise across Malta, ensuring conven- ient access to both locals and tourists. As part of its efforts to elevate Malta's hospitality scene, db Group has widened its partnerships portfolio with more world-re- nowned brands. GROM, the Italian gela- teria, opened in Malta earlier this year, while EL&N London, one of the world's most iconic cafe brands announced it will be opening its doors soon, but under the db Group umbrella. Throughout the year the Group has also struck in a number of collaborations, such as the regular events featuring the world's 50 Best Bars, set at a different location every month, which has elevated Malta's mixology scene. Robert Debono, CEO of db Group, high- lighted the impact of these partnerships: "Where global companies with high stand- ards go, business, as well as the receiving country, thrive and flourish. These brands send a clear message that those running them not only believe in our country's present, but, more crucially, its future." FY24 has been a transformative year for the db Group, characterised by its re- cord-breaking financial performance, stra- tegic international growth and continued innovation. The Group has also rebranded itself with a fresh and modern corporate identity symbolising its vision of inno- vation and adaptability. This rebranding reflects the Group's readiness to embrace future challenges and opportunities while maintaining the family values that have driven its success for over four decades. Looking ahead, db Group remains fo- cused on consolidating its local market footprints, expanding internationally, and continuing to diversify into new sectors, all underpinned by its unwavering com- mitment to excellence. db Group reports record year of growth as it gears up for international expansion Works on the Group's mixed-use development at St. George's Bay, which will feature a five-star Hard Rock Hotel, St George's Mall and the luxury ORA residences, are progressing well THIS November, Teatru Manoel presents its own production of Euripides' Medea in a version by Ben Power directed by Betti- na Paris, featuring Becky Camilleri in the title role, Nathan Brimmer as Jason and Mikhail Basmadjian as Kreon, together with a cast of seasoned actors. Perhaps the most tragic and disturbing Greek heroine, Medea's story was first written by Ancient Greek playwright Euri- pides almost 2,500 years ago. This version by Ben Power–which premiered at the Na- tional Theatre in London 10 years ago–re- frames the traditional portrayal of Medea as murderous she-devil filled with rage, to that of a woman who is desperate to take control of her life, betrayed by a man she deeply cares for but who chooses to begin a new life with another woman. Teatru Manoel's production also brings the play to a recognizably local context in a performance that will be relatable to Mal- tese audiences in its exploration of themes such as community and family, betrayal and retribution. Medea features a cast of some of Malta's most compelling actors: Sandie von Brock- dorff, Philip Leone Ganado, Alex Ween- ink, Ann-Marie Buckle, Victor Debono, Myron Ellul, Chantelle Micallef Grimaud, and Simone Spiteri. The young actors Andre Theuma and Matthias Zarb will take on the roles of Me- dea and Jason's sons. The creative team boasts equally impressive names, with an original sound design by Matteo Depares, movement by Sandra Mifsud, costume by Michela Manduca, set by Adrian Mamo, and lights by Dali Aguerbi. Movement features heavily in this perfor- mance of Medea, pushing forward com- plexities of character, adding to the detail of the work being carried out by the cast and chorus. Despite this, Teatru Manoel's Medea presents a familiar world, where we see ourselves and our own community within the work. The story of Medea shines as one not so far removed from our own. Performances of Medea will take place at Teatru Manoel from Friday 15th to Sun- day 17th November, starting at 8pm and running for 90 minutes. Admission age is 14+. For more information on Medea and to book your tickets, visit https://teatruma- noel.mt/event/medea/, stop by the Box Office on Old Theatre Street in Vallet- ta or contact the Box Office on (+356) 21246389. A tragic heroine reframed in Teatru Manoel's production of 'Medea'