Lonrho Regulatory News (LONR)

18 Mar 2008 12:10

Lonrho PLC18 March 2008 18 March 2008 LONRHO PLC (Lonrho or the 'Company') Lonrho increases holding in SAILS to 66.7% Lonrho Plc (AIM: LONR), the conglomerate with a structured portfolio of Africaninvestments, is pleased to announce that it has acquired a further 15.7% stakein SA Independent Liner Services Pty Limited ( "SAILS" ) for US$8.96 million. This increases Lonrho's holding in SAILS to 66.7%. SAILS provides scheduled containerised shipping services from South Africa alongthe West Coast of Africa to Europe. This includes one of Africa's largest 'reefer' services, providing chilled containers that transport fruit andvegetables from African producers to European consumers. Since Lonrho's firstinvestment in SAILS in July 2007, SAILS operations have expanded significantlyand the fleet has grown from two to six vessels in service. Lonrho increased its investment in SAILS as part of a capital raising by SAILSto finance the growth and development of its services between South Africa,West Africa and Europe; to finance the relocation of SAILS to larger premisesand to enhance the administration and handling facilities within the company. David Lenigas, Lonrho's Executive Chairman commented: "SAILS provides essential services for African companies to import much neededconsumables and raw materials and for producers to get their goods to markets inSouth Africa and Europe. The increase in capital will allow SAILS to accessbetter the growth opportunities that this market provides. SAILS continues to provide great synergy with other companies in the Lonrhoportfolio of infrastructure and transport companies" ENQUIRIES Lonrho Plc +44 (0)20 7016 5105David Lenigas, Executive Chairman +44 (0)7881 825 378Geoffrey White, Chief Executive Officer +44 (0)7717 307 308Emma Priestley, Executive Director +44 (0)7867 785 177 Pelham PRCharles Vivian +44 (0) 20 7743 6672 +44 (0) 7977 297903James MacFarlane +44 (0) 20 7743 6375 +44 (0) 7841 672831 Collins Stewart Europe : NOMAD to LonrhoHugh Field / Jonny Sloan +44 (0) 20 7523 8350 NOTES TO EDITORS About LONRHO: Lonrho Plc is an expanding conglomerate that is rapidly growing a successfulbusiness throughout Africa. The Company is listed on the London AIM stockexchange (LONR). Lonrho is strategically focused on the development of businessopportunities in infrastructure, transportation, support services and naturalresources. The Company has over 20,000 shareholders and substantialinstitutional backing to support its mandate to build a profitable business thatplays a fundamental role in the development of the African economy. Since 2006, the Company has invested in or acquired control of: • Hotel Cardoso - www.hotelcardoso.co.mz• Lonrho Mining - www.lonrhomining.com• Luba Freeport - www.lubafreeport.com• Fly540 - www.fly540.com• Norse Air - www.norseair.co.za• Swissta Holdings - www.swissta.com• SA Independent Liner Services - www.saliners.com• Bytes and Pieces• Kwikbuild - www.e-kwikbuild.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange