Since 2001 Yara has held an indirect equity share of the Chilean mining company, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile, S.A. ("SQM"), through the Chilean intermediate holding companies Pampa Calichera, Oro Blanco, Norte Grande and SQYA, currently equal to approximately 8% on a fully diluted basis.
Yara has decided to sell its ownership in SQM to entities controlled by its partner, Sr. Julio Ponce. SQM's successful development of its iodine and lithium businesses has increasingly exposed Yara to other businesses than fertilizer. The shares have therefore been sold to re-deploy funds to Yara's focused growth areas.
Since 2001 Yara has also had a global marketing agreement for specialty fertilizers produced by SQM, which has been very successful for both parties. The sale of the shares will have no impact on the marketing agreement, which both parties continue to see as mutually beneficial.
|
Contact |
Torgeir Kvidal, Investor Relations
Telephone (+47) 24 15 72 95
Cellular (+47) 91 339 832
E-mail torgeir.kvidal@yara.com
Hamed Brodersen, Media Relations
Cellular (+47) 40 468 110
Yara International ASA is a leading chemical company that converts energy, natural minerals and nitrogen from the air into essential products for farmers and industrial customers. As the number one global supplier of mineral fertilizers and agronomic solutions, we help provide food for a growing world population. Our industrial product portfolio includes environmental protection agents that safeguard air and water purity and preserve food quality. Yara's global workforce of more than 8,000 employees represents great diversity and talent enabling Yara to remain a leading performer in its industry.
www.yara.com