Over nearly three decades, Masan Consumer has built one of Vietnam's most extensive FMCG brand ecosystems. According to Kantar Worldpanel, 98% of Vietnamese households use at least one Masan Consumer product. The Company leads approximately 80% of core seasonings and convenience food categories, including fish sauce, soy sauce, chili sauce, instant noodles, instant coffee, and coffee-flavored energy drinks.

From 2017 to 2024, the Company achieved a revenue CAGR of approximately 13%, while maintaining operating profit margins above 23% despite macro volatility. During 2022–2024, net profit continued to compound at roughly 20% per year, underscoring the Company's strengthening earnings power. Sustained financial performance across multiple cycles has positioned Masan Consumer among Southeast Asia's leading FMCG companies, comparable to regional peers that consistently deliver double-digit revenue CAGR and net profit margins above 20%.

These financial results were underpinned by strategic growth drivers that have strengthened the Company's long-term competitive advantages. In specific, premiumization has emerged as a defining trend in Vietnam's FMCG industry. Masan Consumer has led this transformation by expanding consumption occasions and enhancing value propositions across categories. CHIN-SU (Seasonings Category), the brand has evolved from traditional dipping sauces to a full cooking solution portfolio, including marinades, cooking sauces, and integrated meal-prep products - significantly increasing household penetration and market size. Meanwhile, with Omachi (Convenience Foods Category), the Company accelerated the shift from a ~US$1 billion instant noodle market to the ~US$17 billion premium convenient meal space, capturing higher-value consumption.

Five power brands—CHIN-SU, Nam Ngu, Omachi, Kokomi, Wake-Up 247—each generate over US$100 million in annual revenue, collectively contributing ~70% of incremental topline growth. Core innovations typically reach Top-3 market share within two years, far outpacing industry norms, reflecting Masan Consumer's deep consumer insight and nationwide distribution strength. Since 2002, the Company has launched more than 1,200 new products, with innovation contributing roughly 20% of revenue during 2017–2024.

The Company reaches consumers through nearly 500,000 traditional trade outlets and 10,000 modern retail points nationwide. Building on this foundation, Masan Consumer launched the Retail Supreme model in 2024 to enhance control over execution, standardize in-store visibility, optimize inventory, and strengthen engagement with retailers. This tech-enabled model creates an integrated data engine - enhancing assortment planning, optimizing display efficiency, and improving sell-out performance. Combined with the scale and consumer insight of WinCommerce's WinMart/WinMart+/WiN network, MCH can rapidly test innovations, adjust formulations in real time, and shorten the go-to-market cycle. As Retail Supreme scales nationwide, it is expected to become a sustainable competitive advantage enabling Masan Consumer to serve the evolving needs of over 100 million Vietnamese consumers more efficiently.

From 2018 to 2024, Masan Consumer paid out approximately US$1.5 billion in cash dividends to shareholders while still investing heavily in innovation and distribution expansion. Strong cash flow generation and sustained profitability reinforce the Company's position as both a growth and defensive asset within Vietnam's consumer sector.

Beyond the domestic market, Masan Consumer is accelerating its "Go Global" strategy by expanding its footprint across 26 international markets, including the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Australia. International revenue increased at a ~16% CAGR from 2022 to 2024, achieving an operating margin of ~30% in 2024. The contribution of the international business rose from 1% of revenue in 2020 to 5% in 2025, with a medium-term target of 10–20%.

HOSE Listing – A Commitment to Transparency, Governance, and Sustainable Growth

With a strong brand portfolio, solid premiumization strategy, deep distribution scale, resilient financial foundation, and an experienced leadership team, Masan Consumer is well positioned to maximize long-term shareholder value on HOSE, Vietnam's largest and most reputable stock exchange. Listing on HOSE reaffirms Masan Consumer's commitment to operational excellence, enhanced transparency, and best-in-class corporate governance. The listing marks a pivotal milestone that opens a new growth chapter—one where Masan Consumer will continue to strengthen its strategic pillars and deliver sustainable value to consumers and shareholders in the years ahead.

• MMC Group will acquire 100% of H.C. Starck Holding (Germany) GmbH ("HCS") from MHT Group for equity purchase price of USD134.5 million.
• The Parties will enter into a long-term, win-win APT and tungsten oxide offtake agreement.
• Masan will retain its ownership in Nyobolt, a fast-charging tungsten and niobium-based battery technology company based in the United Kingdom.
• Masan will also retain potential monetary upside from future commercialization of black mass recycling technology developed by HCS.

Transaction proceeds will be used to reduce MHT's outstanding debt balance, consistent with Masan Group's target to reduce Net Debt to EBITDA to below 3.5x. Masan is expected to report a one-time profit gain of approximately USD40 million as a result of the transaction and benefit from long-term NPAT uplift of USD20-30 million.

Nyobolt is starting to scale and commercialize its operations. In July 2023, Nyobolt unveiled an EV concept with 6-minute charging time and has signed Head of Terms with two major commercial customers. There is monetary upside for Masan as Nyobolt starts to commercialize its innovative tungsten-niobium battery technology.

Danny Le, Chief Executive Officer of Masan Group and Chairman of MHT, commented: "We will focus on rebuilding MHT to the lowest cost producer of tungsten to maximize cash flows.  At the same time, we will continue to explore strategic alternatives to transform Masan Group into a consumer pure-play. Less is more."

MMC Group's acquisition of HCS plays to its strengths in the mid-stream and down-stream tungsten value chain. The acquisition will provide MMC Group with access to HCS's production hubs in Europe, North America and China as well as a comprehensive tungsten scrap recycling platform backed by proprietary intellectual property including 90 worldwide patents and another 53 patents in the application phase. The transaction marks the next step of business cooperation between the Parties, representing a unique opportunity to create an end-to-end global tungsten alliance.

Kazuo Ohara, President of MMC's Metalworking Solutions business, said: "We are very pleased to continue to partner with MHT Group and are confident that we can add to the continued success of MHT Group and HCS, leveraging MMC Group's deep expertise and network. This transaction represents an important milestone in the execution of our FY2031 strategy to further grow in the tungsten industry and contribute to a recycling-oriented society."

UBS AG Singapore Branch acted as the financial advisor to MHT. The closing of the transaction is expected by the end of 2024 and is subject to customary corporate and regulatory approvals.

ABOUT MASAN HIGH-TECH MATERIALS CORPORATION

Masan High-Tech Materials is the global leader in providing advanced tungsten materials used in key industries such as electronics, chemical, automotive, aviation and aerospace, energy and pharmaceuticals with production facilities in Vietnam, Germany, Canada and China, servicing the world. As the largest manufacturer of mid-stream Tungsten products outside of China, the Company has two research and development centres in Germany and Vietnam, and it is currently operating the Nui Phao polymetallic mine and a state-of-the-art tungsten processing plant in Thai Nguyen province. Masan High-Tech Materials is also a globally significant producer of Fluorite and Bismuth.

https://masanhightechmaterials.com

ABOUT H.C. STARCK HOLDING GMBH

HCS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Masan High Tech Materials, is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality tungsten powder tailored to individual customer needs. The company combines a century of experience in tungsten processing with high innovative power and technological expertise. Decades of experience in recycling and access to the world's largest tungsten reserves outside of China, owned by the company's parent group Masan High-Tech Materials, ensure stable supply with conflict-free raw materials. H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders employs around 540 people at three production sites in Germany, Canada and China plus sales offices in the U.S. and Japan. The company's headquarter is at its largest production site, in Goslar, Germany.

www.hcstarck.com

ABOUT MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION

MMC Group is an "integrated materials manufacturer." MMC Group meets customers' needs by providing such basic materials as copper and cement. MMC Group also manufactures and sells mechanical parts, electronic materials and components used in automobiles, home appliances etc., as well as the tools used to make them. MMC Group is also involved in recycling and energy business.

MMC Group, under the corporate philosophy "For People, Society and the Earth," pursues the vision of "Circulating resources for a sustainable future" and the mission of "Create a sustainable future (a prosperous, recycling-oriented and decarbonized society)". Going forward, MMC Group will continue to build a richer society by making unique materials that meet customers' needs and providing processing solutions best suited to each customer.

CONTACTS

Investors/Analysts
Phu Duong
Email: ir@msn.masangroup.com

Media
Pham Thi Hong Van
Email: vanpth@msn.masangroup.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Masan High-Tech Materials' expectation, intentions or strategies that may involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements, including Masan High-Tech Materials' expectations, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Masan High-Tech Materials' control, which may cause High-Tech Materials' actual results of operations, financial condition, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions, future events or promises of future performance.

• MMC Group intends to acquire 100% of H.C. Starck Holding (Germany) GmbH from MHT.
• The Parties will enter into a long-term, win-win APT and tungsten oxide offtake agreement.
• As a part of the agreement, Masan is expected to retain its ownership in Nyobolt, a fast-charging Lithium-ion battery technology company based in the United Kingdom.
• Masan is also expected to retain potential monetary upside from future commercialization of blackmass technology intellectual property developed by HCS.

In 2020, MHT acquired 100% of HCS with the goal of bringing tungsten recycling technology to Vietnam to transition to a more circular and sustainable business model. In the same year, MHT entered into a partnership with MMC Group. However, due to regulatory constraints limiting MHT's ability to import tungsten scraps into Vietnam to implement its recycling strategy, MHT intends to sell 100% of HCS to MMC Group to focus on optimizing its domestic operations. This framework agreement marks the next step in the Parties' business cooperation.

Use of proceeds from the envisaged transactions will be to reduce MHT's outstanding debt balance. The offtake agreement with MMC Group anchors MHT's tungsten products order book and enables it to maximize its overall order book. The retention of Nyobolt is strategic and there is significant potential upside: in July 2023, Nyobolt successfully demonstrated an EV concept with 6-minute charging time; in addition, Nyobolt has signed Head of Terms with two major commercial customers and is in the final stage of finalizing contracts, demonstrating significant progress towards commercialization. The combined transactions are expected to be accretive to Masan Group's consolidated earnings and are consistent with the Group's deleveraging target of Net Debt to EBITDA ≤ 3.5x. This also marks the first step on the Group's continuing journey to reduce interest in non-core businesses.

MMC Group's potential acquisition of HCS plays to its strengths in the mid-stream and down-stream tungsten value chain. The acquisition will provide MMC Group with access to HCS's production hubs in Europe, North America and China as well as a comprehensive tungsten scrap recycling platform backed by proprietary intellectual property including 90 worldwide patents and another 53 patents in the application phase.

Binding agreements between the Parties shall be subject to further discussions and customary corporate approvals.

ABOUT MASAN HIGH-TECH MATERIALS CORPORATION

Masan High-Tech Materials is the global leader in providing advanced tungsten materials used in key industries such as electronics, chemical, automotive, aviation and aerospace, energy and pharmaceuticals with production facilities in Vietnam, Germany, Canada and China, servicing the world. As the largest manufacturer of mid-stream Tungsten products outside of China, the Company has two research and development centres in Germany and Vietnam, and it is currently operating the Nui Phao polymetallic mine and a state-of-the-art tungsten processing plant in Thai Nguyen province. Masan High-Tech Materials is also a globally significant producer of Fluorite and Bismuth.

https://masanhightechmaterials.com

ABOUT H.C. STARCK HOLDING GMBH

HCS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Masan High-Tech Materials, is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality tungsten powder tailored to individual customer needs. The company combines a century of experience in tungsten processing with high innovative power and technological expertise. Decades of experience in recycling and access to the world's largest tungsten reserves outside of China, owned by the company's parent group Masan High-Tech Materials, ensure stable supply with conflict-free raw materials. H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders employs around 540 people at three production sites in Germany, Canada and China plus sales offices in the U.S. and Japan. The company's headquarter is at its largest production site, in Goslar, Germany.

www.hcstarck.com

ABOUT MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION

MMC Group is an "integrated materials manufacturer." MMC Group meets customers' needs by providing such basic materials as copper and cement. MMC Group also manufactures and sells mechanical parts, electronic materials and components used in automobiles, home appliances etc., as well as the tools used to make them. MMC Group is also involved in recycling and energy business.

MMC Group, under the corporate philosophy "For People, Society and the Earth," pursues the vision of "Circulating resources for a sustainable future" and the mission of "Create a sustainable future (a prosperous, recycling-oriented and decarbonized society)". Going forward, MMC Group will continue to build a richer society by making unique materials that meet customers' needs and providing processing solutions best suited to each customer.

CONTACTS

Investors/Analysts
Phu Duong
Email: ir@msn.masangroup.com

Media
Pham Thi Hong Van
Email: vanpth@msn.masangroup.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Masan High-Tech Materials' expectation, intentions or strategies that may involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements, including Masan High-Tech Materials' expectations, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Masan High-Tech Materials' control, which may cause High-Tech Materials' actual results of operations, financial condition, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions, future events or promises of future performance.

Vietnam is the fastest consumption growth market in Southeast Asia with forecasted annual growth of 7.7% between 2022 and 2040, underpinned by increasing urbanization and an exploding consumer class with higher disposable income and evolving demands extending beyond basic needs to lifestyle and financial ones. A leader in the Vietnamese consumer market, Masan has been transforming from a pure branded products company into an integrated consumer-retail platform to consolidate the growth potential across the consumer value chain. In that respect, Masan has identified 3 multi-year secular growth trends:

• Premiumization and health-led innovations, served by its fast-moving consumer goods ("FMCG") business, Masan Consumer Holdings; 
• Transition from unbranded to branded and increasing demand for higher-quality animal protein, provided by Masan MEATLife; and
• Shift from general trade ("GT") to modern trade ("MT"), accelerated by its retail platform, WinCommerce.
• At the center of Masan's platform is WIN Membership – the platform connecting brands and consumers – which has reached 7 million members and is targeted to reach 10 million members by year-end and 30 million members by 2025. The WIN Membership platform allows Masan to provide more personalized, targeted products and services to better serve the Vietnamese consumers and will serve as the critical growth engine for the Company's businesses.

Danny Le, CEO of Masan Group, commented on the transaction: "In the face of a challenging consumer environment, Masan has continued to invest in our platform and breakthrough innovations to position ourselves for the consumer upswing. We aim to be a profitable multiplier on Vietnam's golden consumption era. Bain Capital's partnership is a strong validation of all the consumer-centric investments and transformation we have made over the past 18 months to win 80% of the consumer wallet. We look forward to working with Bain to accelerate our vision to be the one-stop shop for consumer daily needs." 

"We are thrilled to partner with Masan for an important investment in Vietnam and believe that Masan has the right fundamentals, reach, and growth strategy to succeed in a high-growth and compelling consumer market.  Masan is one of the most trusted brands in Vietnam with significant reach to households with the ability to anticipate consumer tastes and build out an innovative product pipeline to meet those needs. We see a significant opportunity to invest behind Masan's continued growth and first-class management team," said Barnaby Lyons, a Partner at Bain Capital.

Bain Capital has deep experience in investing to support the growth and leadership of a diversified set of consumer and retail businesses in Asia, including Schwan's Company and Carver Korea.

Masan expects the Transaction to close by end of 2023 and continues to explore other strategic alternatives for equity capital, including diluting its interest in non-core businesses, to bolster its liquidity profile and achieve a sustainable Net Debt to EBITDA ratio below 3.5x on a steady-state basis.

Jefferies Singapore Limited acted as the financial advisor to Masan Group. The Transaction is subject to customary corporate and regulatory approvals.

Transaction Details

• The Transaction is an equity investment in the form of Convertible Dividend Preference Share ("CDPS") to be issued at a price of VND85,000 per share which can be converted into ordinary shares at a 1:1 conversion ratio
• In addition to the normal dividends payable (if any) to the Company's shareholders, the CDPS has no preference dividend for the first five years, then followed by a 10% preference dividend at par value of each outstanding CDPS per annum from the sixth anniversary onwards
• On the tenth anniversary of the issuance, the outstanding CDPS will be mandatorily converted into ordinary shares of Masan Group
• Masan is also in discussion with other investors to upsize the investments to up to US$500 million which is subject to prevailing market conditions and the Company's capital needs

MASAN GROUP CORPORATION

Masan Group Corporation believes in doing well by doing good. The Company's mission is to provide better products and services to the 100 million people of Vietnam, so that they can pay less for their daily essentials. Masan aims to achieve this by driving productivity with technological innovations, trusted brands, and focusing on fewer but bigger opportunities that impact the most lives.

Masan Group's member companies and associates are industry leaders in branded fast moving consumer goods, branded meat, modern retail, F&B retail, financial services, telecommunications, and value-add chemical processing, altogether representing segments of Vietnam's economy that are experiencing the most transformational growth.

BAIN CAPITAL

Bain Capital is one of the world's leading private investment firms with approximately $180 billion of assets under management that creates lasting impact for our investors, teams, businesses, and the communities in which we live.

Since our founding in 1984, we've applied our insight and experience to organically expand into several asset classes including private equity, credit, special situations, public equity, venture capital and real estate. We leverage our shared platform to capture cross-asset class opportunities in strategic areas of focus. With offices on four continents, our global team aligns our interests with those of our investors for lasting impact.

Contact:
Investors/Analysts
Phu Duong
E: ir@msn.masangroup.com 

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Masan's expectations, intentions or strategies that may involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements, including Masan's expectations, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond Masan's control, which may cause Masan's actual results of operations, financial condition, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions, future events or promises of future performance.

With more than 26 years of establishment and growth, Masan Group stands as the leading enterprise in Vietnam's consumer and retail sector. Currently, Masan operates a network exceeding 3,500 sales outlets' quality, catering to vital consumer requirements. The group further champions inventive strategies and technological investments, fostering the creation of diverse, top-tier products to meet domestic demands and facilitate exports to key markets including the United States, Japan, Australia, Korea, and Canada.

In the initial half of 2023, Masan recorded total assets of around VND 140,858 billion, with total equity amounting to VND 37,524 billion. Notably, cash and cash equivalents totaled VND 13,452 billion. Furthermore, during the second quarter of 2023, the company's free cash flow displayed consistent improvement, surging to VND 1,665 billion in comparison to a mere VND 162 billion during the same period in 2022.

Since the commencement of 2023, Masan has gained esteemed recognition and awards from renowned domestic and international entities.

11th straight Forbes' "Top 50 Best Listed Companies" recognition

In Ho Chi Minh City, on August 17, Masan Group was acclaimed during the unveiling event of the "2023's Top 50 Listed Companies," hosted by Forbes Magazine. Remarkably, this marks Masan's continuous presence in this prestigious list for the 11th consecutive year.

To secure a place on this esteemed roster, listed companies are required to satisfy the following prerequisites: demonstrate profitability in 2022 and maintain a minimum revenue and capitalization of VND 500 billion. Furthermore, companies undergo a quantitative evaluation based on five key criteria: compound growth rates encompassing revenue, profit, ROE, ROC, and EPS expansion during the 2018 - 2022 timeframe. This is followed by an analytical assessment by Forbes Vietnam Nam, which delves into the sustainable advancements of enterprises, encompassing factors such as industry standing, profit sources, the effectiveness of corporate governance, and industry prospects.

Amidst a stagnant real estate market and subdued domestic consumption, Masan's achievement of growth and inclusion in the "Top 50 Best Listed Companies" attests to the enduring strength of its core consumer-focused business segment and robust financial underpinning. This accomplishment underscores the resilience and sustainability of Masan's operations.

Consistently prioritize the welfare of shareholders and investors.

Since its debut on HOSE in 2009, Masan Group's MSN stock has consistently garnered significant interest from domestic and international shareholders and investors alike. Consequently, as emphasized by the Board of Directors, the Investor Relations (IR) function remains highly regarded, aiming to ensure transparent and accessible information exchange while fostering equitable opportunities for all investors.

Examining the report's caliber and the establishment of an autonomous audit committee engaged with reputable international audit firms, Masan underscores its dedication to swiftly and comprehensively disseminating information, thereby fostering robust connections with shareholders and investors. In the 2023 IR Award poll hosted by Vietstock, Masan Group secured a spot among the top 45 premier listed companies, progressing to the final round of voting.

Furthermore, a notable development has surfaced as J.P. Morgan, a venerable global entity renowned for its financial services, investment banking, and wealth management expertise, has projected substantial growth potential for Masan shares (HOSE: MSN). In precise terms, J.P. Morgan's forecast sets the target price for MSN stock at VND 102,000 per share in the year 2024. Moreover, the projection anticipates an average compound annual growth rate of 36% for EPS during the interval spanning 2023 to 2025.

As per J.P. Morgan's assessment, Masan's prominent status within a sizable and promising retail market, coupled with strategic capital allocation directed toward the consumer and retail core, underscores its leadership. This steadfast commitment to nurturing the consumer market has culminated in Masan's emergence as a prime exemplar of Vietnam's captivating consumer narrative in recent years.

Best places to work for in Asia

In business, human resources consistently stand out as the most invaluable asset, serving as the driving force behind growth and the realization of objectives. Annually, in a spirited tribute to enterprises steadfastly dedicated to enhancing employee contentment, well-being, and advancement, HR Asia Magazine orchestrates a comprehensive survey spanning Asia, culminating in the compilation of the esteemed roster, "Best Places to Work for in Asia."

In Vietnam, the evaluation encompassed nearly 650 companies, and the survey involved nearly 50,000 employees, ranging from grassroots staff to senior personnel, including executives and human resources directors. This year, Masan Group was honored with two prestigious awards: "Best Companies to Work for in Asia" and special recognition in the category of "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion".

Masan has achieved remarkable success by winning the special award category "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion". This accolade marks a significant milestone in Masan's journey toward creating an exceptional workplace that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Masan Group – Best company to work for in Asia

The "Best Place to Work in Asia" award is a highly esteemed international accolade presented annually by HR Asia, the premier magazine on human resources in Asia. It aims to assess and recognize businesses with outstanding HR policies, attractive remuneration packages, and the most exemplary working environments in the region.

In Vietnam, the evaluation encompassed nearly 650 companies, and the survey involved nearly 50,000 employees, ranging from grassroots staff to senior personnel, including executives and human resources directors

In line with the theme "Honoring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," HR Asia employed the Total Engagement Assessment Model (TEAM) to gauge the satisfaction level of Masan employees. The assessment was based on three fundamental factors: Core (strategy-structure), Self (individual), and Group (collective).

Masan has achieved remarkable success by winning the special award category "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," recognizing the company's commitment to fostering a diverse, equal, and inclusive working environment. This accolade marks a significant milestone in Masan's journey toward creating an exceptional workplace that embraces diversity and inclusivity.

More than 40,000 people share the same spirit: "Masan Way"

With more than 40,000 employees working at Masan, while the people come from various backgrounds and professional experiences, Masan has fostered a common and unique "Masan Way" culture to promote the following traits and attributes: No ego + consumer-centric; Leadership + Passion to be #1; Solution-oriented + problem solving; Accountability + results-driven; Integrity + transparency; and Mastery + never stop learning.

In this inclusive environment, everyone is provided with equal opportunities to pursue their aspirations without facing discrimination or bias. The company ensures fairness through consistent HR policies that apply to all employees, complemented by various programs aimed at fostering creativity and idea-sharing among staff. An array of activities is implemented to support employees in their growth and realization of potential, including the establishment of the Employee Training and Development Center - Growth Center, Mentorship programs, and internal training initiatives led by both company leaders and renowned external institutions.

Masan Group has assembled a team of skilled managers and international experts hailing from diverse business sectors, resulting in a rich pool of talent and a flexible talent attraction policy. With a shared vision aligned with the interests of consumers and the creation of value for the economy, environment, and society in Vietnam, Masan Group continues to thrive as a company that embraces diversity and contributes positively to the nation.

Mr. Michael Hung Nguyen, Deputy CEO of Masan Group, shared on the occasion of Masan being honored with the prestigious award for "Best Place to Work in Asia: "We are grateful for the support and encouragement that Masan has received from our colleagues, friends, and family in our efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that there is still much work to be done to continue encouraging ourselves and societies about the importance of diversity and inclusion, and we must take concrete steps to create a more inclusive society."

Mr. Danny Le, CEO of Masan Group receives investment registration certificate 

The project is part of Masan's strategic goal by 2025 to create a Consumer - Retail - Technology ecosystem capable of capturing 80% of Vietnamese consumers' wallet. Realizing that goal, Masan has been gradually optimizing the ecosystem by integrating strategic pieces such as financial services, banking, insurance, healthcare, entertainment, etc. into a wide network of points of sale and digital technology and artificial intelligence platform.

Consumers go shopping at WinMart supermarket

TS operates primarily in software development, technology and applications on a global scale, which includes the development of comprehensive, accurate credit risk assessment methods based on AI technology and computer science. The investment in TS will accelerate Masan's application of artificial intelligence in retail (Retail AI), and artificial intelligence in consumption (Consumer AI). Specifically:

• Building a personalization platform: Masan and TS will work together to build a platform of artificial intelligence in retail (Retail AI), and artificial intelligence in consumption (Consumer AI) .
• Building a loyalty program: applying and developing AI and ML technologies into the consumer sector, integrating offline to online contributing to an optimal O2O experience and minimizing consumption costs for the Vietnamese.
• Building a credit access platform for consumers on the basis of loyalty program: issuing credit cards for mass consumers without requiring proof of income. WinCommerce (the operator of WinMart/WinMart+/WIN retail chain) with a high-tech platform from TS will cooperate with domestic financial partners to drive new credit cards usage, towards the goal of universalization of credit access for Vietnamese people.

Aligned with the Party, State and Government's orientation to promote national digital transformation, Masan plays the pioneering role of domestic economic groups. With the integration of technology pieces from TS into its consumer-retail platform, Masan Group aims to become the leading enterprise meeting daily consumer needs of nearly 100 million Vietnamese consumers on both offline and online platforms.

MASAN GROUP CORPORATION

Masan Group Corporation ("Masan" or the "Company") believes in doing well by doing good. The Company's mission is to provide better products and services to the 100 million people of Vietnam, so that they can pay less for their daily essentials. Masan aims to achieve this by driving productivity with technological innovations, trusted brands, and focusing on fewer but bigger opportunities that impact the most lives.

Masan Group's member companies and associates are industry leaders in branded fast moving consumer goods, branded meat, modern retail, F&B retail, financial services, telecommunications, and value-add chemical processing, altogether representing segments of Vietnam's economy that are experiencing the most transformational growth.

GOSLAR, Germany, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders ("HCS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Masan High-Tech Materials ("MHT"), today announced the signing of definitive agreements to invest £45m (approx. €52m) into Nyobolt Limited ("Nyobolt"), a fast-charging Li-ion battery solutions company that leverages HCS's advanced tungsten materials in its anode, for a 15% equity interest on a fully diluted basis. The investment, representing the majority of Nyobolt's Series B financing round, is expected to accelerate HCS's vision of becoming a high-tech, value-added business by developing new tungsten applications critical for the technologies of the future.

Nyobolt is commercializing lithium-ion batteries with record power density and ultra-fast charge capabilities. The company's technology builds on a decade of fast charge lithium-ion battery research led by University of Cambridge battery scientist Professor Dame Clare Grey. Nyobolt's unique niobium and tungsten-based anode systems show superior performance over other Li-ion anode technologies. Advantages include:

- Charging time: >90% charged in <5 minutes
- Higher input power density: 10x power addresses range anxiety and allows for more smaller and lighter batteries
- Longer durability: 10x durability resulting in lower total cost of ownership for battery lifetime
- Improved safety: wider temperature performance and reduced fire risk

Such capabilities enable new applications and enhanced customer experience with target end uses being high performance and industrial vehicles, automation (robotics), consumer appliances, cordless tools, stationary storage and mobile rapid charging.

While proceeds from HCS' investment will help fund Nyobolt's construction of its anode manufacturing facilities and R&D centers, both parties anticipate significant synergies through future collaborations, including:

- Recycling: creating a circular economy for EV batteries leveraging HCS' recycling capabilities, including its innovative and environmentally superior technology for black mass recycling
- Tungsten supply: a reliable source of critical tungsten materials from HCS, the global western leader in the tungsten recycling industry
- Cathode technology: HCS R&D specialists have a strong history in the development of cathode coatings
- Manufacturing know-how and infrastructure: besides being one of the global leaders in tungsten powder production and tungsten scrap recycling, HCS has an in-house, industrial scale laboratory that provides elemental analysis for battery materials, and any kind of chemical and physical properties of inorganic powders.

"This investment marks a milestone in our strategy to move further downstream, and get closer to consumers by developing new, innovative applications including our recently trademarked "starck2charge" battery materials product range. Nyobolt's technology is a real breakthrough that we can help commercialize based on our vast experience in transferring innovative solutions into large-scale manufacturing. This partnership is also going to accelerate the development towards a circular economy for batteries via enhanced recycling and new models of use." says Hady Seyeda, CEO of H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders.

"I am really proud that just over two years after acquiring and integrating the global Tungsten business of H.C. Starck into MHT we have been able to expand our breadth of business capabilities through the acquisition of a significant equity stake in Nyobolt. We look forward to working together with the Nyobolt team to advance their product offering and opportunities to partner in the manufacturing and commercialisation of their products as well as offering a full life cycle for the advanced strategic materials required in the Nyobolt batteries." said Craig Bradshaw, Chief Executive Officer of MHT.

Nyobolt Co-Founder & Chief Scientist Professor Dame Clare Grey added "we are excited to move our technologies from development to deployment in the market. We founded Nyobolt following the discovery of new anode technologies containing tungsten with remarkable fast charging capability to bring these properties to the market in applications touching all aspects of daily life. The funding from H.C. Starck will help Nyobolt to scale up our operations in the UK and United States and bring a more sustainable solution into the energy storage industry. Nyobolt technology will not only enable net zero both in the electrification of transport, but also the storing of clean and renewable energy on and off the grid. With the investment from H.C. Starck, Nyobolt's ultra-fast charging, high power batteries will help lead the way towards achieving the clean energy goals set by governments around the world."  

Sai Shivareddy, CEO and Co-founder of Nyobolt said: "Fast charging remains a critical unmet need as the world electrifies with more sustainable forms of energy – a need our technology addresses. We are excited about the partnership with H.C. Starck and see it as a steppingstone to increase scale and speed to market revealing the true potential of Nyobolt technologies. The Series B funding will put Nyobolt in the driving seat of a fast-moving battery industry and allow us to showcase the uniqueness of our battery technology, developed by our team of experts, which set to transform the energy storage industry. With H.C. Starck investment and technologies, Nyobolt will expand its manufacturing capabilities while minimizing its carbon footprint with an effective recycle and reuse program."

About Nyobolt

Nyobolt are pioneering battery technologies that achieve record-breaking ultra-fast charging and high-power density. This solves a critical need that other battery innovations cannot meet. Nyobolt's solutions enable sustainable electrification strategies with smaller, lighter and longer life battery powered devices aiming towards carbon neutral goals.

https://nyobolt.com/

About H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders

H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders, a wholly owned subsidiary of Masan High Tech Materials, is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality tungsten powder tailored to individual customer needs. The company combines a century of experience in tungsten processing with high innovative power and technological expertise. Decades of experience in recycling and access to the world's largest tungsten reserves outside of China, owned by the company's parent group Masan High-Tech Materials, ensure stable supply with conflict-free raw materials. H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders employs around 540 people at three production sites in Germany, Canada and China plus sales offices in the U.S. and Japan. The company's headquarter is at its largest production site, in Goslar, Germany.
www.hcstarck.com

About Masan High-Tech Materials Corporation

Masan High-Tech Materials is the global leader in providing advanced tungsten materials used in key industries such as electronics, chemical, automotive, aviation and aerospace, energy and pharmaceuticals with production facilities in Vietnam, Germany, Canada and China, servicing the world. As the largest manufacturer of mid-stream tungsten products outside of China, the company has two research and development centers in Germany and Vietnam, and it is currently operating the Nui Phao polymetallic mine and a state-of-the art processing plant in Thai Nguyen province. Masan High-Tech Materials is also a globally significant producer of fluorspar and bismuth.

https://masanhightechmaterials.com