Corporate

Retail giant SM Group has hired over 800 personal shoppers nationwide in a strategic move to meet growing consumer demand for personalized service, a shift underscored by a recent global study from Qualtrics showing that 64 percent of shoppers prefer brands offering tailored experiences.

Nestor V. Tan, president and chief executive officer of BDO Unibank Inc.,has received P35 million worth of  shares as property dividends issued by the banking arm of the SM Group.

Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI), a member of the Ayala Group, has signed a definitive agreement to divest its Czech Republic operations to KEBODA Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of Shanghai-based Keboda Technology Co., Ltd., for a total consideration of EUR10.03 million, subject to adjustments.

Concepcion Industrial Corp. (CIC), a leading manufacturer of air conditioners and refrigerators, reported growth exceeding the industry, highlighting the strong demand, strategic investments, and the push to diversify beyond weather-dependent consumer segments.

Maynilad Water Services Inc. announced it will invest over P20 billion through 2027 to reduce its non-revenue water (NRW) to 25 percent, a move with significant operational and commercial implications for the West Zone water concessionaire.