APS Bank Withdraws from HSBC Malta Bid
APS Bank has officially withdrawn from the bidding process to acquire HSBC Malta, citing confidential information outside its due diligence process as the key reason for stepping back. The bank had initially shown strong interest in purchasing the 70% stake held by HSBC Holdings, submitting a non-binding offer in November and reaffirming its intent earlier this month. However, following a review involving both local and international advisers, APS leadership concluded that new confidential details made the acquisition no longer viable. While the nature of this information was not disclosed, APS said the decision was taken in the best interests of its shareholders, employees, and clients. (Maltatoday)
Earthquake hits Malta at midnight
A 3.5-magnitude tremor struck Malta late Thursday night, with its epicentre located just 16km off the coast of Mellieħa — one of the closest in recent memory. The quake hit at around 11:57pm and was felt across various parts of the island. Its shallow depth of only 5km made the tremor more noticeable, even at a distance. This marks a rare instance where seismic activity occurred so close to the Maltese Islands. Shortly after the quake, people from across Malta took to social media to share their experiences and confirm they had felt the ground shake. No damage or injuries were reported, but the tremor stirred brief concern among residents. (Times of Malta)
TM biker seriously injured
A 46-year-old Transport Malta official was seriously injured in a traffic accident in Mosta at around 2am on Friday. The police said the man, from Rabat, was riding a BMW motorcycle along Triq iż-Żejfa when he was involved in a collision with a Peugeot 206 driven by a 54-year-old man from Naxxar. The TM official was taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified as seriously injured. Police investigations are ongoing, and a magisterial inquiry has been launched. (TVM)