About GrainCorp
GrainCorp is the largest Eastern Australian grain storage and transport network. GrainCorp has seven bulk grain ports, is among the top five global malt producers, and is Australia’s largest integrated edible oils business. The company exports its products to more than 30 countries. As of 2016, GrainCorp had been operating for over 100 years, making it one of Australia’s oldest companies.
Today’s Annoucement
The ACCC is currently reviewing the proposed sale of GrainCorp’s Australian Bulk Liquid Terminals assets to ANZ Terminals Pty Ltd (“ANZ Terminals”).
The ACCC has advised that the indicative decision date in relation to the proposed sale has been extended by a further 15 days, from 31 October 2019 to 15 November 2019. The proposed sale also remains subject to other conditions, including Foreign Investment Review Board approval.
GrainCorp and ANZ Terminals are working productively towards the satisfaction of all conditions.
Update On Proposed Demerger Of GrainCorp’s Malt Business
In the same announcement, GrainCorp also provided an update on the demerger. The Scheme Booklet for the proposed demerger of GrainCorp’s Malt Business was meant to be sent to shareholders following release of GrainCorp’s FY19 result.
The company has now said that “in light of the ACCC’s extension to the timeline for its review of the proposed sale of the Bulk Liquid Terminals assets, GrainCorp now intends to send the Scheme Booklet to shareholders in the first quarter of calendar year 2020”.
GrainCorp will report its 2019 full-year results on Thursday 14 November 2019.
Time To Buy GrainCorp Shares?
In August, Graincorp released updated guidance for its FY19 result (the company now has 30 September year-end) which underwhelmed investors and sent shares down 5%.
In the announcement, Chief Executive Officer Mark Palmquist said: “This is an extremely difficult year for GrainCorp due to the significant disruptions we’ve seen in global grain markets, compounded by the drought in eastern Australia.”
Its been a tough year for Graincorp, with drought also affecting fellow ASX-listed companies Nufarm Limited (ASX:NUF) and Incitec Pivot Ltd (ASX:IPL).
I think Graincorp shares are worth keeping an eye on as demergers can provide an investment opportunity. Shareholders have so far done well out of the demerger of Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX:WES) and Coles Group Ltd (ASX:COL).
Until the demerger is voted on and approved, you may want to consider one of the proven, dividend-paying companies in the free report below.
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At the time of writing, David does not have a financial interest in any of the companies mentioned.
