25th Feb 2014 07:00
Press Release | 25 February 2014 |
Sorbic International Plc
("Sorbic" or the "Company")
AGM Statement
Sorbic International plc (AIM:SORB), a leading high quality sorbates producer in China, is pleased to give the following update ahead of its Annual General Meeting which will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at the offices of Stephenson Harwood LLP, 1 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7SH.
The Board is pleased to report that trading for the period to 31 December 2013 has been strong and the results are significantly ahead of the same period last year, as well as being ahead of management expectations. Revenue has increased by 5%, with EBITDA for the quarter running at more than 50% against the 2012.
The Company's strategic partnership with APAC Chemical Corporation ("APAC") continues to progress well, with the Group's strategy to work closely with APAC successfully improving the stability of the business and reducing the Company's exposure to the spot market for raw materials, whilst securing beneficial sourcing prices. This stability has enabled the Company to operate at full capacity whilst achieving more attractive gross margins.
On a recent Board visit to Linyi, it is now absolutely apparent that the industrial zone is now a high-tech zone and that the Company's factory is significantly out of place due to the rapid construction and development. Discussions are about to commence with the authorities over the new thresholds required to meet the environmental standards for the zone, as this will determine whether the factory moves to a light industrial area within the current zone or to a new industrial park close by. The result of the discussions are expected in H1 2014. Once an agreement has been reached, construction of the new facility will commence and the Board anticipates that the build programme will be approximately 12 months. It is expected that this will be funded by the Linyi authorities, together with the Company's existing resources.
In respect of the Inner Mongolia negotiations, an outline process has already been agreed and detailed negotiations are now commencing. As detailed in the preliminary results, it is still anticipated that the compensation agreement will be 'fair and reasonable' to both parties.
John Mclean, Non-Executive Chairman of the Company, said: "Trading during the period has gone well with a significant improvement in performance. The negotiations and discussions with the respective authorities in Inner Mongolia and Linyi are about to enter the next phase and we will provide further updates as appropriate."
For further information: | |
Sorbic International plc | Tel: +44 (0) 7768 031 454 |
John McLean, Chairman | www.sorbicinternational.com |
finnCap | |
Geoff Nash / Ben Thompson Simon Starr (broking) | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7600 1658 |
Media enquiries:
Abchurch Communications | |
Joanne Shears / Harriet Rae | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7718 |
www.abchurch-group.com |
Notes to Editors: www.sorbicinternational.com
About Sorbic International plc
Sorbic International's principal activity is the production and sale of the food preservatives Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate from its base in Linyi City, Shandong Province, Peoples Republic of China, of which more than half is sold outside of China.
Sorbic Acid is a naturally occurring organic compound that is used in all kinds of foods for its anti-decomposition and anti-fungus function and also in grains, medicines, cosmetics, toothpaste, tobacco, animal feed, latex, paper-manufacturing and pesticides. Potassium Sorbate is used to inhibit moulds and yeasts in many foods, such as cheese, wine, yogurt, dried meat, baked goods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Related Shares:
Sorbic International