Yara International ASA: Main findings of investigation report published
29.06.2012 | Globenewswire Europe
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ASA appointed the law firm Wiersholm to conduct a broad external investigation,
after notifying the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and
Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) of possible
irregularities. The Wiersholm investigation is now concluded, providing Yara
with confirmation of the previously communicated areas of concern.
Since the investigation was initiated, Yara has on three separate occasions in
2011 and 2012 communicated possible irregularities. These notifications were
made following the discovery of likely irregularities related to processes in
Libya, India and Switzerland. Through the Wiersholm investigation, with its
limitations, Yara has received confirmation of these earlier findings:
* Unacceptable offers of payment to a consultant are documented, related to
the establishment of Libyan Norwegian Fertilizer Company (Lifeco). The
completion of the actual payment is not documented.
* An unacceptable payment of USD 1 million in 2007 to a consultant in India is
documented, related to negotiations with Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited
(Kribhco).
* A number of payments over several years from the company Balderton in
Switzerland have been uncovered, totalling approximately USD 15 million. The
payments have been made to persons employed by or associated with companies
which are suppliers to Yara or Balderton. Payments from Balderton which have
no commercial basis have also been uncovered.
"This process began when we discovered irregularities which we reported to
Økokrim. It is disappointing to confirm that unacceptable payments have been
made from Yara, but I am nevertheless satisfied with the way this matter has
been handled," said Jørgen Ole Haslestad, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Yara.
"We have invested considerably in our long-term work to ensure compliance with
Yara's ethical standards, and we have continued to strengthen our Ethics &
Compliance function since its establishment in 2009. At Yara we follow a self-
imposed, high ethical standard in our work, and I want to underline that there
is zero tolerance of corruption in Yara," said Jørgen Ole Haslestad.
Yara has throughout this process cooperated with Økokrim. Until the Økokrim
investigation is completed, Yara cannot conclude on questions related to
responsibility of individuals or individual companies. Wiersholm have had access
to a more limited body of evidence than Økokrim.
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To the editorial offices:
Media in Norway are invited to an information meeting about the main findings of
the Wiersholm investigation report today at 10:00 CEST in Yara's offices in
Bygdøy alle 2. Yara Chairman Bernt Reitan and CEO Jørgen Ole Haslestad will be
present, together with Jan Fougner of Wiersholm. The information meeting will be
held in Norwegian, but the presentation material will be made available in
English and Norwegian on Yara's web site from 10:00 CEST:
http://www.yara.com/media/reports_and_publications
Contact
Thor Giæver, Investor Relations
Telephone (+47) 24 15 72 95
Cellular (+47) 48 07 53 56
E-mail thor.giaver@yara.com
Esben Tuman, Media Relations
Cellular (+47) 90 50 84 00
E-mail esben.tuman@yara.com
Yara delivers solutions for sustainable agriculture and the environment. Our
fertilizers and crop nutrition programs help produce the food required for the
growing world population. Our industrial products and solutions reduce
emissions, improve air quality and support safe and efficient operations.
Founded in Norway in 1905, Yara has a worldwide presence with sales to 150
countries. Safety is always our top priority.
www.yara.com
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section
5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
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#1622890]
Unternehmen: Yara International ASA - ISIN: NO0010208051