Friday 26 Apr 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 22): Sime Darby Plantation Bhd has confirmed it has made an expression of interest in Indian edible oil firm Ruchi Soya Industries. 

“The discussions are still in a preliminary stage,” executive deputy chairman and managing director Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh said, adding Ruchi Soya has a 19% market share in India. 

Speaking at a briefing on the group's second quarter results, Mohd Bakke declined to divulge further details, including whether the group is eyeing a stake or the assets of the vegetable oil firm, currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings under India’s National Company Law Tribunal. 

Three global players — Sime Darby Plantation, Indonesia’s Musim Mas and Cargill Archer Daniels Midland — have expressed interest in Ruchi Soya, according to a a report by CNBC. 

Other bidders for Ruchi Soya include Adani Wilmar, Godrej Agrovet and Patanjali & Emami, the report said. 

On another matter, Mohd Bakke said Sime Daby Plantation is still looking for a buyer for a 40%-49% stake in 100%-owned New Britain Palm Oil in Papua New Guinea (PNG), ideally a strategic investor from PNG itself. 

“We have not arrived at any satisfactory conclusions so far,” Mohd Bakke said, adding a deal would only be considered at the right time and for the right price.

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