Coca-Cola HBC Regulatory News (CCH)

25 Apr 2007 07:01

CCH International plc25 April 2007 Press Release 25 April 2007 CCH International ("CCH" or "the Company") CCH commences operations in South America through creation of CCHCA CCH International PLC (AIM:CCH), the trade finance company is pleased toannounce the commencement of operations in South America through its newlycreated and wholly owned subsidiary, CCH Central America Inc ("CCHCA"), aPanamanian company which will allow CCH to provide trade finance facilities inthe growing South American Market. The initial geographical focus for the Company will be Peru where the Companybelieves there is a substantial market for trade finance opportunities. Peru isenjoying a period of strong economic growth - The International Monetary Fundestimates that GDP growth in 2006 will be 8%. The Country enjoys a strongeconomic relationship with the United States, which is its largest tradingpartner. To facilitate the initial expansion into Peru CCHA have entered into a "marketing services agreement", with Master Capital, a Peruvian based company,who will focus on establishing demand for CCH's trade finance products in theregion. Master Capital is headed by Charles Fyfe, current Chairman of theBritish Peruvian Chamber of Commerce, who has extensive knowledge of thePeruvian market, having worked in the banking and finance sector for 15 yearswith BWS (now Scotiabank Peru) and ING Barings. Commenting on the commencement of operations of CCHCA, Richard Fossett,Operations Director of CCH stated: "We are very pleased to have commencedoperations in the burgeoning South American market. Our partnership with MasterCapital will provide us with both strong local knowledge and financial expertisein the region. This combined with CCH's excellent transaction experience makesit a highly exciting proposition for the future." For further information, please contact: CCH International Plc www.cch-international.comEren Nil, Managing Director/ Tel: +44 (0) 20 8334 0871 eren@cch-international.comAbchurch Communications www.abchurch-group.comCharlie Jack/George Parker Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7700charlie.jack@abchurch-group.com Insinger de Beaufort http://www.insinger.com/Shaun Whyte Tel: +44 (0) 207 190 7034SWhyte@insinger.com Notes to editors CCH International offers a range of trade finance products to institutions andcorporations wishing to raise finance or to sell on trade receivables eitherthrough conventional or Sharia compliant means. The Company is listed on theAlternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. Established in2001 by a highly experienced team of trade finance specialists and brokers, CCHhas developed a global network of intermediaries and financial institutions. CCH International is also a specialist in Islamic Finance and has the ability toarrange Morahaba, Ijara, Istisna and other Sharia compliant facilities. CCH International has offices in England and Germany, as well as strategicpartnerships / affiliates / relationships in Australia, UAE, Turkey, USA andSouth America. Further information on the Company is available at www.cch-international.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange