Synlait's back
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.
Synlait has successfully completed its pro rata entitlement offer announced on September 19, raising $98 million of new equity.
The funds will be used for a mix of debt repayment and contributing to a three-year circa $300 million capital growth project program.
“We’re very happy with the support our shareholders have shown during this offer and I’m pleased we were able to welcome new shareholders to our company at the same time,” says Graeme Milne, chairman.
Synlait’s largest shareholder, Bright Dairy, has maintained its 39.12% shareholding.
“As a growth company, we will continue pursuing profitable opportunities to make more from milk. Our planned growth projects are expected to enable us to take advantage of these opportunities and to solidify our international position as a trusted and innovative dairy manufacturer,” says Milne.
The growth projects will provide additional capacity for infant formula manufacturing, consumer packaging, infrastructure requirements and value added cream manufacturing.
John Penno, managing director and chief executive, added the process to dual list on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is well underway.
“We expect to be trading on the ASX by the end of 2016 and look forward to strengthening existing and building new relationships with Australian investors in the near future,” says Penno.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.