9 Dec 2010 07:00
9 December 2010
Origo Partners announces follow-on investment and portfolio company joint venture
Origo Partners Plc ("Origo") is pleased to announce a US$1.7 million follow-on investment in Niutech Energy Ltd ("Niutech"), previously known as Jinan Eco-Energy Ltd, in connection with Niutech launching its first co-developed plastic recycling plant in China.
Niutech, through a local subsidiary, has entered into an agreement to establish a joint-venture with Zhejiang Youbang Energy Development Co. Ltd. ("Youbang"), a domestic investment group. With an initial capitalization equivalent to US$3.3 million, the joint venture will be 55% owned by Niutech, with a 45% interest held by Youbang.
The joint venture has the potential to become one of China's largest plastic-to-fuel recycling operations. Through the joint venture, Niutech will own and operate a plastic recycling plant in Fuyang City, Zhejiang province, one of China's largest paper recycling hubs. Fuyang City's paper industry alone produces an estimated 200,000 tonnes of waste plastic per annum, creating a significant market expansion opportunity for the joint venture.
Based on Niutech's patented recycling technologies, the initial processing capacity of the plant will be 20,000 tons of waste plastic, with an expected output of 50,000 barrels of fuel-oil per annum. Under plans submitted to the Fuyang City Government, the annual processing capacity is proposed to be expanded to 200,000 tons per of waste plastic and 500,000 barrels of fuel-oil per annum, subject to the provision of land, regulatory incentives and funding. The plant is expected to start operating under Niutech's management before the end of year.
Niutech has also made considerable sales progress in the last few months by signing material contracts with customers in India, Thailand, Estonia and Poland. As the company's sales pipeline has strengthened, several key hires have been completed and more are expected.
As part of the funding structure of the joint venture, Origo has exercised the option it was granted at the time of its initial investment in Niutech in June 2010, by subscribing for an additional US$1.7 million worth of preferred stock, raising Origo's fully diluted equity stake in Niutech to 15.4%.
Commenting on today's announcement, Chris Rynning, CEO of Origo said:
"We are very pleased with the progress Niutech has made since our initial investment in June this year in executing its business plan and developing its strategy. The Fuyang joint venture will provide a solid base for Niutech to expand its build-own-and operate business in China and abroad.
We are also encouraged by the broadened sales pipeline and conversion of existing contracts into delivered projects. By selling recycling systems to third parties whilst also owning and operating fuel-oil producing assets Niutech is substantially de-risking and expanding its business model. We expect Niutech to emerge as a leading global player in the plastic to fuel recycling space, and this joint venture is a significant milestone in that journey."
For further information about the Origo please visit www.origoplc.com or contact:
Origo Partners plc: Chris Rynning (chris@origoplc.com) Niklas Ponnert (niklas@origoplc.com)
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Broker and Nominated Adviser: Liberum Capital Limited Simon Atkinson/ Ellen Francis
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Notes to editors:
Origo Partners:
Origo is an AIM-listed private equity investor and strategic consultancy business which provides its shareholders with exposure to China-linked investment opportunities.
Origo has a significant portfolio of investments in a range of industrial sectors, including metals and mining, agriculture, renewable energy/clean tech and technology, telecom and media.
Origo invests directly in high growth Chinese companies as well as in companies based around the world with significant exposure to Chinese export markets.
Niutech Energy Ltd:
Niutech is a provider and operator of recycling solutions for waste plastic and scrap-tires. Headquartered in Jinan of Shandong province, Niutech develops, markets and operates recycling plants based on its patent protected proprietary technologies which convert used tires and waste plastics into valuable products like fuel oil, carbon black and steel.
Niutech's technology is already successfully deployed in a commercial scale recycling plants across Asia and around the world including Europe, South East Asia, and China. Niutech's recycling plants are provided as turn-key solutions to third party project developers or operated in joint-ventures with selected local partners.