Danisco A/S has closed the sale of Danisco Sugar A/S to Nordzucker AG. The sale
of the sugar activities is a decisive step towards transforming Danisco into a
focused, bio-based and market-driven ingredients provider.
CEO Tom Knutzen, Danisco A/S, comments: 'Nordzucker is one of Europe's leading
sugar producers. We are very pleased that Danisco Sugar has now found a new
home with the same focus on efficient and competitive production of sugar for
industry and consumers. In light of the dramatically changed conditions in the
financial markets and the global economy in general since we signed the
agreement with Nordzucker in July 2008, we consider the result of the sales
process satisfactory. After the sale, Danisco is a focused business engaged in
bio-based ingredients solutions, and through innovation and sustainability we
will further accelerate our efforts to become the customers' First choice.'
Accounting impact of the sale
The sale of Danisco Sugar was concluded at a sales price of DKK 5.45 billion
based on a normalised working capital to which should be added an amount
receivable from the EU of DKK 0.37 billion (see our stock exchange notice of 20
February 2009).
Danisco temporarily retains sugar at a value of DKK 0.6 billion, grants credit
of DKK 0.5 billion to Nordzucker and has today received DKK 4.9 billion, or DKK
6.0 billion in total. In addition, Nordzucker will, according to the agreement,
take over debt and obligations such as deferred tax, pension provisions and
minorities of DKK 0.8 billion, corresponding to a total gross acquisition price
of DKK 6.8 billion.
Part of the cash received will be used for payment of DKK 150 million to beet
growers (see our stock exchange notice of 14 July 2008) as well as payment of
selling costs.
As a result of the price reduction agreed in the final phase (DKK 149 million)
and a loss on energy purchase agreements at fair value related to the 2009
campaign, which is to be paid by Danisco in accordance with the sales
agreement, an accounting loss of around DKK 200 million on the sale is now
expected. An operating profit after tax and interest of around DKK 140 million
is expected for the period up to 28 February 2009 resulting in an estimated
loss from discontinued operations of around DKK 60 million.
The sale of the sugar activities will be booked in Q3 2008/09.
Please see our stock exchange notice no. 04/2009 of today for more information
about management's group outlook for 2008/09.
Change in the Executive Board
In connection with the sale of Sugar, Executive Vice President Mogens Granborg
has resigned his position as CEO of Danisco Sugar A/S and will retire from the
Executive Board of Danisco A/S at the end of April 2009. Subsequently, the
Executive Board will consist of CEO Tom Knutzen and CFO Søren Bjerre-Nielsen.
Mogens Granborg will be making his services available to us until 31 August
2009, when he retires in accordance with his contract.
Change in the Board of Directors
In connection with the sale of Sugar, Bent Willy Larsen, Engineer, elected by
the employees, will leave the Board of Directors of Danisco A/S. Subsequently,
the Board will consist of eight directors.
Yours faithfully
Tom Knutzen
CEO
