Brown & Company marks 150th year with Rs. 25.89 bn PBT in FY 2025

Ishara Nanayakkara - Chairman - Brown & Company and  LOLC Holdings

Thamotharampillai Sanakan - Director and Group CEO - Brown & Company

Marking its 150th year of operations, Brown & Company PLC Group closed the financial year ended 31st March 2025 with a strong performance marked by significant revenue expansion and ambitious acquisitions across core sectors. 

The Group recorded a 34 percent year-on-year increase in consolidated revenue, reaching Rs. 107.82 billion, supported by EBITDA of Rs. 15.34 billion and profit before tax of Rs. 25.88 billion. 

Total assets climbed 34 percent to Rs. 752.69 billion, while its debt-to-equity ratio improved from 1.27 to 1.19, underscoring improved capital structure despite an aggressive investment pipeline.

A cornerstone of this year’s growth was the Group’s expansion in the plantation sector. Brown & Company completed the landmark acquisition of Lipton’s plantation assets in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, further advancing its vision to become a globally competitive player in the tea supply chain. These acquisitions significantly expand the Group’s footprint across East Africa and reinforce its long-term commitment to the real economy.

Domestically, the Group continued to consolidate its plantation and industrial holdings. It converted its minority interest in Sierra Cables PLC into a controlling stake. Post financial year, the Group secured full ownership of Pussellawa Plantations Ltd., along with a majority interest in Tea Smallholder Factories PLC. With these strategic additions, Brown & Company now operates with an annual tea production capacity of approximately 100 million kilograms, cultivated across around 100,000 hectares of plantations.

Performance from the Group’s local listed plantation companies, Udapussellawa Plantations PLC and Hapugastenne Plantations PLC, was also notable. These entities recorded pre-tax profits of Rs. 883 million and Rs. 614 million, respectively, reflecting improved market conditions and operational efficiencies.

Brown & Company’s trading and manufacturing segments remained foundational pillars of the Group’s overall performance, contributing consistent and resilient growth. Trading operations generated Rs. 37.81 billion in revenue, while manufacturing contributed Rs. 14.82 billion, together reflecting a steady 5 percent year-on-year increase.

Flagship trading entities such as Brown & Company PLC and AgStar PLC played critical roles in sustaining the Group’s commercial base, posting revenues of Rs. 23.17 billion and Rs. 9.5 billion, respectively.

The Group’s leisure segment also benefited from Sri Lanka’s ongoing tourism recovery. Segment revenue rose 21 percent year-on-year to Rs. 12.82 billion, buoyed by improved international tourist arrivals amid increasing political and economic stability. 

Flagship hospitality assets Eden Hotel Lanka PLC and Serendib Hotels PLC posted operating profits of Rs. 172 million and Rs. 160 million, respectively. With inbound travel continuing its upward trend, the Group’s hospitality business is well-positioned for further gains.