This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on January 3, 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: Rhone Ma Holdings Bhd has secured rights for the exclusive distribution of France-based CEVA Sante Animale S A’s swine-related animal health products.

Rhone Ma Malaysia Sdn Bhd (RMM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the animal healthcare provider, inked a distribution agreement with CEVA Sante Animale and CEVA Animal Health Malaysia Sdn Bhd on Monday, the group said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

The agreement, which is valid until Dec 31, 2020, allows RMM to distribute, promote and sell CEVA’s animal health products related to swine in Malaysia.

“The distribution agreement with CEVA shall be renewed and continued for a successive period of one year, unless and until either party gives to the other, a written notice of termination at least three months prior to the end of the term,” Rhone Ma said.

CEVA Sante Animale is an international corporation engaged in research, development, production and marketing of pharmaceutical products and vaccines for companion animal, poultry, ruminants and swine.

The agreement is expected to contribute positively towards the group’s earnings and net assets per share for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2018.

“The contribution from the distribution agreement is expected to mitigate the impact of the loss of revenue from the cessation of distribution of swine products from RMM’s previous supplier,” Rhone Ma added.

Shares in Rhone Ma settled at RM1 yesterday, up 3.5 sen or 3.63%, to give the group a market capitalisation of RM162.68 million.