September 29, 2010
Olam achieves 78% shareholding in NZ Farming Systems
Press Releases
Olam International Limited ("Olam") wishes to announce that its takeover offer for NZ Farming Systems Uruguay Limited ("NZFSU") has successfully closed on 24 September 2010.
Olam received acceptances representing 59.53% and now owns 190 million shares, representing 77.98% in the capital of NZFSU. Following the completion of the Offer, NZFSU is now a subsidiary of Olam.
The total consideration paid by Olam for the additional 59.53% of NZFSU Shares from the offer was NZ$101.8 million (US$75.3 million). The offer brings Olam''s total investment in NZFSU to NZ$120.3 million (US$89 million), including the purchase of the initial shareholding.
Olam''s dairy business has established strong positions in origination out of Western and Eastern Europe, Oceania, South America, and South Asia as well as leadership positions in most markets in Africa.
One of Olam''s current strategic initiatives is to selectively integrate upstream into plantations and farming, which includes dairy farming in cost competitive locations such as Uruguay. Olam believes that Uruguay has a comparative advantage in dairy farming and therefore the capacity to significantly expand its production of dairy products.
Olam intends to seek appropriate representation on the board of NZFSU. As an immediate priority, Olam will review and confirm the business plan for NZFSU and assess the extent and timing of additional capital to be raised in order to complete the development of NZFSU farms. NZFSU shareholders will be notified once the business review is completed and plans for the future growth of NZFSU are finalized.
Vivek Verma, Olam''s Global Head of Dairy & Coffee said: "Olam would like to thank all shareholders who supported the offer. We now look forward to working with NZFSU and continuing shareholders to progress the development of NZFSU."