Scales to sell cold storage unit to US-based Emergent Cold for $151.4 mln
By Rebecca Howard
May 9 (BusinessDesk) - Scales Corp will sell its cold storage businesses to newly-incorporated US cold chain company
Emergent Cold for $151.4 million as it shifts to a greater focus on pure agribusiness.
"We have identified our strengths as (1) operating fully-vertically integrated agriculture businesses, (2)
participating in businesses with an export focus, and (3) adding value through connections to the China market," said
Chairman Tim Goodacre in a statement to the NZX.
“In addition to being less aligned with our core strengths, the returns (measured as return on capital employed) from
our storage activities are also lower relative to our other business divisions and broader opportunities available to
the group," he said. Scales currently comprises three operating divisions: horticulture, storage & logistics and food ingredients.
The deal is subject to approval by the Overseas Investment Office. Goodacre said there are no plans to return to capital
to shareholders but "the proceeds are intended to be used to pursue other attractive opportunities in New Zealand
agribusiness, both currently and in the future."
In April, chief executive Andy Borland told BusinessDesk that Scales is eyeing potential agribusiness acquisitions that
would be complementary to its apple business. Scales is New Zealand's second-biggest apple exporter after T Global and has invested in apple crops that are sought after by customers in Asia, where the sweeter, redder varieties
fetch a premium price over more traditional varieties.
The cold storage businesses include Polarcold Stores Ltd and Whakatu Coldstores Ltd, which were merged on Jan. 1 under
the Polarcold brand.
"We look forward to supporting the continued growth and expansion of the business, and its customers, throughout New
Zealand and Asia Pacific with Emergent Cold," said Neal Rider, chief executive of Emergent Cold, which has operations in
Australia and Vietnam.
The statement was made after trading closed. Scales shares gained 0.2 percent to $4.76 today.
(BusinessDesk)