What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Fonterra Chinese operations head and Beingmate director Christina Zhu is quoted saying the outgoing director Liu Xiaosong had extensive experience in financial accounting and internal control.
He played an important role in corporate governance and internal auditing as the audit committee chairman.
“The company is currently faced with many complex financial, internal control and accounting issues, and has been repeatedly concerned about inquiries by the Chinese Securities Regulatory Authority.
“The company is also in a difficult business environment and faces many challenges. Therefore, it is urgent to have a person with rich financial and accounting experience – an independent director with an internal control background and experience in corporate management and/or financial accounting practices to succeed Mr Liu Xiaosong.”
The reports said that while new director Ma Juan is well educated and has an academic background, she does not have a professional accounting background or knowledge and financial audit experience.
“The Beingmate company is facing a lot of financial and internal control issues, and the independent director will also serve as a member of the audit committee.
“Although Ms Ma Juan has the qualifications for a single director, she is not suitable at this time as a candidate to replace Liu Xiaosong.”
Zhu and Priem recommended another candidate for the board but that person did not succeed.
