April 19, 2006

 

Noble Group buys China soybean plant
 

Press release
 

 

Noble Group Limited, a global supply chain manager of agricultural, industrial and energy products, has financially closed on its agreement to purchase an integrated soybean crushing and refining plant in the port of Qinzhou, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China, from Siping Hongzui Grease Limited. The plant will supply soymeal and soyoil to customers in rapidly expanding markets in southern and central China.

 

As stated in Noble's announcement of Feb 1 (when the purchase contract was signed), the acquisition of the Qinzhou Dayang facility will further integrate Noble's global agricultural supply chain, linking its strengths in origination, elevation and sea-borne transportation to the most dynamic and developing market for Noble's products. Noble will supply a significant part of the soybeans for Qinzhou Dayang through its newly built port in Timbues, Argentina, creating an integrated supply chain from field to feed.

 

This transaction makes Noble one of the largest foreign investors in Qinzhou, a city of 3.3 million people that has targeted an annual growth rate of 25 percent a year in foreign investment for the next 5 years, aided by low corporate taxes and wages.

 

The Qinzhou Dayang facility started operations in June 2005 and is located in the growing port of Qinzhou, capable of receiving and discharging panamex-sized vessels.

 

This transaction is not material for purposes of the Singapore Stock Exchange Listing Rules.

For further details, please contact:

 

Ms Louisa Tam

Noble Group Limited

Tel: +852-2861-3511

Fax: +852-2527-0282

E-mail: noble@thisisnoble.com

 

Mr Brad Smolar

Smolar Limited

Tel: +852-2522-0268

Fax: +852-2573-2473

E-mail: reputation@smolar.com