23 Apr 2010 07:00
23 April 2010
Origo Partners Plc signs MOU with the City of Xinxiang to launch RMB fund
Origo Partners Plc ("Origo") is pleased to announce it has signed a memorandum of understanding ("MOU") with the Xinxiang Municipal Government on the formation of the Origo China Sustainable Development Fund ("the Fund"), a RMB-denominated private equity fund to be managed by Origo.
The Fund will have an initial targeted capital commitment of US$75 million equivalent, of which US$18 million will be an anchor investment by the Xinxiang Municipal Government.
The Fund will target investments in fast growing privately held companies across China in the clean tech and sustainable development sectors, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, waste recycling, energy storage and distribution, sustainable agriculture and water related technologies. As such, it is expected that the Fund will capitalise on a number of macro-trends in the Chinese economy which have prompted significant government support and funding, designed to address dependency on foreign energy sources, declining fresh water resources, contaminated food supply and growing environmental pollution.
The Fund will be registered in Xinxiang, a city of about 6 million people located in Henan province, one of China's most populous provinces with close to 100 million people. With more than 200 registered battery manufacturers alone, Xinxiang city is particularly known for its electric vehicle, energy storage and automotive industries.
The Fund will expand Origo's ability to gain exposure to opportunities in the Chinese clean technology sector where the likely preferred exit is the domestic stock markets. Origo will be able to invest in opportunities alongside or through the Fund as appropriate.
First closing for the Fund is expected during 2010.
Commenting on today's announcement Chris Rynning, CEO of Origo said:
"The launch of our first RMB fund will be the start of a new series of funds for Origo in the domestic Chinese market. We are delighted to be able to work with the Chinese government in accessing the best and fastest growing Chinese clean technology companies. We believe the Fund will enable Origo to exit investments in the domestic stock markets which enjoy both excellent liquidity and premium valuations."
For further information about the Company 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: Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance Limited Azhic Basirov
| +44 (0)20 7131 4000 |
| Broker: Liberum Capital Limited Simon Atkinson
| +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 established private equity investor and strategic consultancy business, which provides its shareholders with exposure to growth opportunities and private equity returns based on the China growth story.
·; Origo's business model is to generate capital gains from private equity investment in growth companies from which it also generates fees for consultancy services related to further fundraisings, M&A and strategic development.
·; Origo signed a memorandum of understanding with GLG Partners LP in March 2008 to explore asset management and advisory opportunities in China, India and other markets.
·; 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 ("TMT").