GrainCorp seeks ‘more certain’ bid from Long-Term Asset Partners

GrainCorp is granting Long-Term Asset Partners due diligence so it can get more details about its $2.38bn takeover offer.

Grain storage

GrainCorp says it is providing suitor Long-Term Asset Partners due diligence to put forward a more certain proposal than the $2.38 billion all-cash takeover deal it currently has on the table.

The country’s largest listed bulk grain handler earlier this month received a buyout proposal from LTAP for $10.42 per share.

“LTAP proposal at this stage is not sufficiently certain or in a form which would allow the board to make a recommendation to shareholders,” GrainCorp chairman Graham Bradley said in a letter to the shareholders of the company.

“At this stage, there is no certainty that our engagement with LTAP will result in a binding proposal for GrainCorp, what the terms of any such proposal would be, or whether it would be recommended by the GrainCorp Board.”

Mr Bradley said the LTAP proposal was just one of several potential strategic initiatives under evaluation as part of the company’s ongoing review of its assets.

GrainCorp also sought additional information from LTAP on its longer-term financing plan and intentions.

Long-Term Asset Partners' Chris Craddock. Pic: Hollie Adams

In 2013 the federal government bowed to grower pressure and blocked a proposed $2.8 billion takeover of GrainCorp by US agri-giant Archer Daniels Midland Co.

GrainCorp shares were worth $9.09 in early trade today. having spiked earlier this month on the takeover offer announcement.

A drought-ravaged east coast cropping landscape and higher energy costs shrivelled GrainCorp’s full-year balance sheet in 2017/18, with profit dropping 43.7 per cent to $70.5 million.

Reuters