Paramount Diversifies Beyond KL Property with Envictus Stake
Paramount Corp Bhd, a household name in Malaysia’s property sector, is taking bold steps outside the KL property landscape by venturing further into the food and beverage (F&B) sector. Through its subsidiary Venice Concepts Sdn Bhd, Paramount has agreed to acquire a 28% stake in Envictus International Holdings Ltd, operator of Texas Chicken and San Francisco Coffee in Malaysia.
The RM126.32 million deal signals Paramount’s intent to future-proof its business by diversifying beyond real estate, while still keeping long-term synergies with its property arm.
A Strategic Move into the F&B Space
Envictus is no small player. Aside from running popular F&B chains like Texas Chicken and San Francisco Coffee, the group also operates Pok Brothers (trading and frozen food) and SuJohan (dairy and creamer products).
The company has shown strong financial recovery, posting a profit after tax of RM50.55 million for its latest financial year, reversing consecutive losses in previous years. Revenue growth has been steady as well, climbing from RM515.58 million in FY2022 to RM686.75 million in FY2024.
Paramount’s acquisition values Envictus shares at a premium, underscoring confidence in the brand’s long-term prospects.
Beyond Real Estate: Paramount’s Diversification Drive
Traditionally known for its property developments in Kuala Lumpur and across Malaysia, Paramount has been gradually diversifying its portfolio. The group already owns two restaurants in Kuala Lumpur—Dewakan, Malaysia’s first two-Michelin-starred restaurant (also holding a Green Star for sustainability), and Bidou, a newly established dining concept.
This Envictus acquisition, however, marks its biggest step yet in broadening revenue streams. Group CEO Jeffrey Chew highlighted the evergreen nature of the F&B sector as a stabilizing complement to real estate’s cyclical trends.
Building on Recent Investments
This isn’t Paramount’s only major investment move. The company recently acquired a 21.54% stake in Eco World International Bhd (EWI Capital Bhd) for RM170.61 million, strengthening its foothold in overseas markets while also gaining exposure to EWI’s new domestic pivot.
Taken together, these strategic acquisitions illustrate Paramount’s shift toward a multi-industry growth model that combines KL property development, overseas ventures, and now consumer-driven F&B.
Why This Matters for KL Property Stakeholders
For property buyers and investors tracking KL property trends, Paramount’s expansion is significant. It signals how major developers are repositioning themselves for long-term resilience—leveraging stable recurring income streams like F&B to complement more volatile property cycles.
This move also highlights potential cross-sector synergies:
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Retail developments by Paramount may see stronger integration of in-house F&B brands.
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Property projects could benefit from lifestyle-driven positioning, anchored by dining and retail.
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Investors may view Paramount as a more balanced play, with exposure across real estate and consumer sectors.
Looking Ahead
With the Envictus acquisition expected to be completed soon, Paramount intends to nominate board representatives to safeguard its interests and ensure alignment with its long-term vision. Funding for the purchase will come from a mix of internal cash and borrowings, a manageable outlay given the group’s market value and diversified revenue strategy.
Shares in Paramount saw a modest uplift following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in its expansion beyond property.
Final Thoughts: Paramount’s New Growth Chapter
Paramount’s acquisition of Envictus is more than a corporate deal—it’s a reflection of how KL property developers are evolving into diversified lifestyle groups. By anchoring growth in real estate while branching into sectors like F&B, Paramount is positioning itself as a future-ready player capable of weathering market shifts and capturing consumer demand.
For KL property watchers, this diversification trend reinforces the importance of evaluating developers not just on their project pipelines, but on their ability to innovate and sustain long-term value across industries.
