4 Mar 2011 07:00
4 March 2011
Origo Partners PLC
Investment in China Rice Ltd
Origo Partners Plc ("Origo") is pleased to announce the acquisition of an equity stake of no less than 21 per cent in China Rice Ltd ("China Rice" or "the Company"), for a consideration of US$13 million.
China Rice is one of China's leading privately held rice processing and distribution groups with an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 tons. The Company maintains a strong resource and procurement base in the north eastern province of Jilin, one of China's largest rice producing belts. Jilin province is a key area for the production of japonica rice, a variety increasingly favoured by Chinese consumers as a healthier and better tasting option compared to alternative varieties grown in southern China. China Rice's management team has significant experience and expertise in rice processing and production and a well-established sales network supplying companies, government agencies, wholesalers and supermarkets. In order to further build upon its leading position in the north east of China, the Company aims to consolidate a number of smaller processors in the area and develop a nationwide brand, synonymous with high quality rice products, including both staple rice, and higher value rice, which has been certified as being grown to meet environmental specifications as well as organic products.
Under the terms of the transaction, Origo's final equity stake in the business will be between 21 per cent and 29 per cent on a fully diluted basis as determined by a valuation ratchet linked to the net profitability of the Company for the fiscal period ending December 31, 2011. Origo has also been granted an option to invest an additional US$10 million in the form of a note convertible into equity prior to a public offering. China Rice will use the proceeds of the Origo financing primarily for working capital purposes to increase the utilisation rate of the business which is currently running at around 60 per cent of capacity.
Commenting on the announcement, Chris Rynning, Chief Executive of Origo, said:
"Our investment in China Rice is a play on both soft-commodities and rising Chinese consumerism at a particularly opportune moment in the cycle, given rising inflation and government support for the Chinese agricultural sector. We see tremendous opportunities to grow the value of China Rice, by building scale through the acquisition of less efficient rice processors in strategic areas, improving profitability by shifting the product mix towards higher margin products, and growing distribution through supermarkets channels."
For further information about Origo please visit www.origoplc.com or contact:
Origo Partners plc Chris Rynning (chris@origoplc.com) Niklas Ponnert (niklas@origoplc.com) | +86 1390 124 6417
+86 1351 106 1672 |
Nominated Adviser and Broker Liberum Capital Limited Simon Atkinson/ Richard Bootle | +44 (0)20 3100 2222 |
Public Relations: Aura Financial Andy Mills / Nina Legge | +44 (0)20 7321 0000 |
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.