Extended release regarding Yara acqusition of controlling stake in Burrup Holdings
06.02.2012 | Globenewswire Europe
![Extended release regarding Yara acqusition of controlling stake in Burrup Holdings](https://www.goldseiten.de/media/goldseiten-news.jpg)
Limited (BHL) for USD 143 million, increasing its ownership share in the company
to 51%. Concurrently, Apache Energy acquired the remaining 49% of the shares in
BHL, and signed a new shareholders' agreement with Yara. Following closing of
the deal, BHL has been renamed Yara Pilbara Holdings Ltd (YPHL).
YPHL owns 100% of Yara Pilbara Fertilisers Pty Ltd (YPFPL) which operates an
ammonia plant completed in 2006 located at the Burrup peninsula in Western
Australia, with an annual production capability of approximately 850,000 metric
tons. The plant provides employment for approximately 100 production and
administrative staff. YPHL owns 50% of Burrup Nitrates Pty Ltd (BNPL), a project
for the development of a technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) plant in the Burrup
peninsula. The other 50% of BNPL is owned by Yara Australia Pty Ltd, a 100%
wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Yara International ASA. The directors of
YPHL, YPFPL and BNPL are Tor Holba, Koh Soon Hee, Peter Terence Kempen, Aidan
Joy, Faron Thibodeaux and Thomas Maher.
Securing majority ownership in BHL represents an important step in Yara's
strategic growth, strengthening its leading position within ammonia production
and providing a platform for upgraded nitrogen production. The majority position
allows Yara to integrate YPFPL fully into its global production system, and to
intensify work on the BNPL project together with Apache. The TAN plant is
planned to have an annual nameplate capacity of 330,000 metric tons and be
located in close proximity to the existing Burrup ammonia plant. The proposed
TAN plant's close proximity to the Pilbara mining industry together with
adjacent ammonia supply gives it a distinct advantage over other ammonium
nitrate suppliers. Yara has an agreement to market the entire output from the
plant.
The BHL shares were acquired by Yara Australia Pty Ltd from (i) the receivers
appointed by ANZ Bank over shares of Pankaj Oswal and Radhika Oswal which were
mortgaged to ANZ Bank, and (ii) Radhika Oswal for shares held in escrow pursuant
to arrangements between Radhika Oswal and ANZ Bank. The purchase consideration
of USD 143 million was paid in cash on 1 February 2012 and was financed from the
existing cash balance of Yara International ASA.
In connection with the share purchases, Yara Australia Pty Ltd and Apache
Fertilisers Pty Ltd entered into a shareholder agreement governing the
activities of YPHL, YPFPL and BNPL and related agreements. No agreements have
been made or amended for individual employees in connection with the share
purchases or shareholder agreement described in this release.
The historical financial statements for BHL are attached to this release, and
are prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. The results for
the year ended 31 March 2009 are impacted by a production stop from June to
December 2008 due to gas supply disruption, with a positive insurance
compensation recorded in the results for the year ended 31 March 2010.
Yara will consolidate BHL and its subsidiaries from the acquisition date,
including possible goodwill, and measure all identifiable assets acquired and
liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. The 49% interest of
Apache will be presented as non-controlling interests in Yara's statement of
financial position. Yara's previously held 35% equity interest will be re-
measured at fair value, and any gain or loss will be recognized in Yara's first
quarter 2012 income statement. The carrying value of this investment was NOK
1,899 million (USD 316 million) as at 31 December 2011. Yara will also, at the
acquisition date, recognize the currency translation gain on the foreign
operation that has previously been recognized directly in equity.
Contact
Thor Giæver, Investor Relations
Telephone (+47) 24 15 72 95
Cellular (+47) 48 07 53 56
E-mailthor.giaver@yara.com
Esben Tuman, Media Relations
Cellular (+47) 90 50 84 00
E-mailesben.tuman@yara.com
Yara International ASA is the world's leading chemical company that converts
energy, natural minerals and nitrogen from the air into essential products for
farmers and industrial customers. As the number one global supplier of mineral
fertilizers, we help provide food for a growing world population. Our industrial
product portfolio includes environmental protection agents that prevent air
pollution. Yara's global workforce of 7,300 employees represents the great
diversity and knowledge that enables Yara to remain a leading performer in the
industry.
www.yara.com
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section
5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Financial statements:
http://hugin.info/134793/R/1582764/494634.pdf
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of
Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Yara International ASA via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1582764]
Unternehmen: Yara International ASA - ISIN: NO0010208051