Profile
Legal Structure
SRPL
was incorporated as a private limited Company on 21 December 2023 in Pakistan
under the Companies Act, 2017. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of SIL.
The Company's registered head office is located at Servis House, 2 Main
Gulberg, Lahore.
Background
The
Group traces its origins back to the late 1930s in Lahore, where its founders,
Ch. Muhammad Saeed, Ch. Nazar Muhammad and Ch. Muhammad Hussain began
manufacturing and supplying handbags and sports goods across the subcontinent.
SIL was formally incorporated as a private limited entity in 1957 and later
converted into a public limited company on September 23, 1959. In 1954, SIL
installed a shoe manufacturing plant in the industrial area of Gulberg, Lahore,
commencing large-scale footwear production the same year. Around this time, its
first retail outlet on Mall Road was established, which later became a
dedicated Servis store. In 2016, Servis Group launched its footwear retail
network under the brand name “Shoe Box.” In 2022, this network was rebranded
under the iconic heritage name “Servis.” In 2024, SIL transfer its Retail
Undertaking to its wholly owned subsidiary namely, Service Retail (Private)
Limited, through an approved Scheme of Arrangement.
Operations
The principal line of business of
SRPL is to carry on the sale, trading, retail, wholesale, marketing, import,
and export of footwear, bags, apparel, accessories, and other items/products.
SRPL manages a nationwide retail network, which expanded to 280 outlets as of
6MCY25, up from 275 outlets in CY24. These outlets are strategically located
across Pakistan to cater to a diverse customer base, with a majority presence
in the Punjab province. SRPL’s retail operations are supported by a robust
supply chain and centralized management structure, ensuring consistent product
availability and service quality. Its product portfolio primarily comprises
locally manufactured footwear, sourced from different vendors. Service Retail
operates entirely in the domestic market, with growth entirely dependent on
local demand dynamics and enhanced retail penetration.
Ownership
Ownership Structure
SRPL operates as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Service Industries Limited, which holds nearly 100% ownership in
the Company. This close integration provides SRPL with strong strategic and
financial backing from its parent entity, enabling synergies in brand
recognition, supply chain management, and market outreach.
Stability
SRPL’s ownership structure is
considered stable, as the controlling stake is held by Service Industries
Limited, a well-established entity with over six decades of presence across
multiple industries.
Business Acumen
The business acumen of the sponsors
is regarded as strong, anchored by the longstanding involvement of the
sponsoring families who remain actively engaged in guiding the Company. With
decades of experience in footwear the sponsors have consistently demonstrated
strategic foresight and execution capabilities that have driven Company’s
sustained growth. The sponsors have established SRPL’s flagship brand “Servis”
as a household name in Pakistan. This proven track record of building scale,
brand equity, and international reach underscores the sponsors’ robust business
acumen.
Financial Strength
SRPL being the entity of Servis Group maintains a healthy financial
profile with substantial access to domestic market. By the close of CY 2024,
the Servis Group reported a consolidated asset base of ~PKR 110.6bln and
consolidated revenues of ~PKR 125bln, reflecting its robust financial position
and market reach.
Governance
Board Structure
The
Board of Directors of SRPL comprises five members, including the Chief
Executive Officer (CEO). The composition reflects diversity in expertise across
regulatory affairs, industry operations, and business leadership, supporting
effective decision-making and strategic oversight.
Members’ Profile
Mr. Arif Saeed has served as
Chairman of Service Global Footwear, Engineering Development Board, and
founding Chairman of major public sector power companies, in addition to
leading APTMA and Lahore Stock Exchange. Mr. Arif Saeed also serves on the
governing boards of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Aitchison College and
Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center (PKLI&RC). Mr. Omar Saeed has served as CEO of SIL
(2011–2018) and currently serves as CEO of Service Long March Tyres and Servis Foundation,
while also serving on boards of Nestlé Pakistan, Systems Limited, and Service
Global Footwear. Mr. Hassan Javed is a director at SRPL, has served as CEO of
Service Global Footwear and has also chaired the Pakistan Footwear
Manufacturers Association and GESCO. Mr. Saif Javed serves as Head of a
business unit at Service Global Footwear. Mr. Kashif Aziz, the CEO, Director on the Board of Speed Private
Limited, and Board of Trustees for the Cadet College Hassan Abdal Endowment Fund
Trust. He has served at British American Tobacco (BAT) as Brand manager where
he held Senior Leadership positions across Pakistan, Vietnam, Korea, Hong Kong,
and Australia. He served as a Global Brand Manager for Gold Leaf. He was also
the Group Brand Manager Premium portfolio BAT for New Zealand, Soloman Island
and PNG. He later built Shoe Box from scratch, a footwear brand, which he
successfully transitioned into Servis, one of the fastest-growing and most
efficient footwear businesses in the region.
Board Effectiveness
The Board of SIL, the parent
company of SRPL, convenes quarterly meetings with a predefined agenda to review
SRPL’s management performance and ensure alignment with the Company’s strategic
objectives. Proceedings are formally documented, and action items are
communicated to relevant stakeholders for timely execution. To further
strengthen governance, the formation of specialized committees could provide
more focused oversight and facilitate efficient decision-making.
Financial Transparency
The external auditors are M/s. Riaz
Ahmad & Co., Chartered Accountants, having satisfactory QCR Rating and also
classified in category “A” on the SBP's panel of auditors. The auditor
expressed an unqualified opinion on the financial statements of the Company for
the year ending December 31st, 2024.
Management
Organizational Structure
On group level, the Company is
structured into multiple operational entities, each overseen by specialized
management teams tailored to their respective functions. Clear reporting lines,
defined roles, and accountability mechanisms ensure operational efficiency and
effective oversight. The Company also benefits from the stability of having all
key positions filled, with senior management experienced in leading both
domestic operations and international ventures. This professionalized
governance structure underpins SRPL’s ability to effectively discharge its
operational responsibilities and support sustainable growth of Servis Group.
Management Team
The management team comprises
seasoned professionals with extensive industry knowledge and functional
expertise. Mr. Kashif Aziz, the CEO, Director on the Board of Speed Private
Limited, and Board of Trustees for the Cadet College Hassan Abdal Endowment Fund
Trust. He has served at British American Tobacco (BAT) as Brand manager where
he held Senior Leadership positions across Pakistan, Vietnam, Korea, Hong Kong,
and Australia. He served as a Global Brand Manager for Gold Leaf. He was also
the Group Brand Manager Premium portfolio BAT for New Zealand, Soloman Island
and PNG. He later built Shoe Box from scratch, a footwear brand, which he
successfully transitioned into Servis, one of the fastest-growing and most
efficient footwear businesses in the region. He is supported by executives
including Mr. Badar Ul Hassan (Group CFO), a Chartered Accountant with 25 years of experience. Other senior team members include specialists in finance,
technical operations, human resources, sales, and marketing, many of whom have
long tenures with the Servis Group, ensuring both continuity and depth of
expertise. The mix of family leadership and professional managers provides a
well-rounded foundation for strategic execution.
Effectiveness
With the support of an experienced
team of professionals, SRPL has gradually strengthened its business profile,
expanding operations across various cities in Pakistan over the years. The
management functions are clearly defined, enabling effective pursuit of
strategic objectives. The Company’s ability to execute its expansion strategy
demonstrates management’s capacity to deliver on stated plans.
MIS
The Company is presently using
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations. Its advanced retail-focused
features, including seamless POS integration, demand forecasting, and
omni-channel capabilities, make it better aligned with SRPL’s business model
and growth trajectory. The deployment of such technology infrastructure
enhances efficiency, ensures transparency, and enables management to monitor
performance effectively. This setup is in line with industry best practices for
information-based decision-making.
Control Environment
For operational efficiency and
appraisal of internal controls, the Company has an in-house team of qualified professionals
at all levels to implement and monitor the policies and procedures. Segregation
of duties and clarity of roles minimize operational risk, while occupancy of
key positions supports continuity of processes. A centralized internal audit
function further strengthens the framework by ensuring compliance with
established controls and driving continuous improvements. The integration of
operations with ERP-based systems provides additional built-in checks, thereby
reducing the scope for conflict of interest and reinforcing a process-driven
culture.
Business Risk
Industry Dynamics
Pakistan’s
footwear industry is a key segment of the manufacturing sector and fulfills an
essential consumer need, employing over one million people. Production is
largely concentrated in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sheikhupura, while domestic
demand is estimated at ~600 million pairs annually, according to the Trade
Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). The organized sector, comprising
players such as STYLO, BATA, NDURE, SRPL, and BORJAN, accounts for a meaningful
share of the market, while the cottage industry continues to dominate the
low-cost segment. In FY24, footwear exports amounted to ~USD 162 million (~21
million pairs), reflecting a ~9% YoY decline due to weaker international
demand. Europe, the US, and the Middle East remained the primary destinations,
with leather footwear dominating at ~77% of export revenues. The sector’s
outlook is underpinned by resilient local demand, moderate export potential,
and possible policy facilitation. However, rising input costs, exchange rate
volatility, and muted external demand remain key challenges. Moreover, a
sizeable portion of domestic demand is still met by the unorganized sector,
particularly in low- to mid-priced categories, creating both competitive
pressure and an opportunity for conversion to the organized channel.
Relative Position
Within
the retail footwear segment, SRPL holds a dominant position among the organized
players catering to domestic demand. The Company competes on price while
offering a diverse product portfolio that caters to men, women, and children
across various income brackets. Its broad retail footprint and accessible
pricing strategy enable it to capture a sizeable share of the mass market,
while also tapping into mid-tier urban demand. This positioning not only
enhances brand visibility but also allows SRPL to withstand competitive
pressures from both organized players and the unorganized/grey market.
Revenues
The Company reported topline of
~PKR 12,812mln in CY24. In 6MCY25, revenues stood at ~PKR 7,179mln, reflecting
a ~12.7% half year over half year growth. The topline growth was largely driven
by volumetric expansion, supported by store network expansion and resilient
local demand. Sales remained concentrated in men’s and women’s footwear,
supplemented by contributions from kids’ footwear, accessories, and apparel.
Margins
The Company’s gross profit
margin stood at 50.4% in CY24 and 49.9% in 6MCY25, reflecting stability at the
gross level. Operating profit margin remained steady at 15.0% in both periods,
indicating effective control over operating expenses despite retail expansion
and associated overheads. At the net level, profitability improved notably,
with net margin improving to 5.6% in 6MCY25 from 3.1% in CY24. This improvement
primarily reflects better management of financial costs and a stronger emphasis
on bottom-line performance.
Sustainability
SRPL is committed to
advancing its financial and operational sustainability through continuous
product diversification and innovation. While on the local footwear segment the
Company actively enhancing its product reach by expanding its nationwide retail
outlet network. To mitigate competitive pressures from local players, the
Company is diversifying its product offerings in retail outlets which include
branded apparel, handbags, accessories etc.
Financial Risk
Working capital
The Company’s inventory
days stood at 100 in CY24 and in 6MCY25 on the back of sustainable inventory
management and demand forecasting, which supported faster stock turnover across
retail outlets. Trade receivable days remained minimal at 1 in CY24 and in
6MCY25, reflecting a predominantly cash-based sales model and strong
receivables control. However, payable days have been decreased from 33 days in
CY24 to 27 days in 6MCY25 due to higher purchasing trend in 1st half of the
year. As a result, the net working capital cycle stood at 68 days in CY24 and
74 days in 6MCY25.
Coverages
SRPL’s interest coverage
ratio improved from 4.8x in CY24 to 11.5x in 6MCY25, reflecting stronger cash
flow generation relative to financing obligations. The debt payback period
stood at 0.7x in CY24 and reduced to Nil in 6MCY25, indicating a manageable
repayment profile supported by operational cash flows.
Capitalization
SRPL’s capital structure
remains leveraged, with a leverage ratio of ~75.9% in CY24, reflecting
significant reliance on debt financing. This slightly reduced to 68.8% in
6MCY25. The debt profile is primarily short-term in nature, availed mainly to
finance working capital requirements.
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