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.
Chief executive Miles Hurrell says the co-op will continue to offer the shares on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange market.
Under the sharemarket rules it is only possible to sell up to 1% cent every 90 days directly on the exchange, or sell up to 2% in a single block every 90 days.
Trades greater than 5% can be made to an individual party in an off-market transaction.
Hurrell says the co-op is also willing to sell a larger stake off market to any interested party.
Fonterra paid $750 million for its 18.8% shareholding in March 2015, in a bid to gain access to Chinese consumers for its infant formula.
Last year Fonterra wrote down the investment by $439m which helped lead to its first ever annual loss of $196m.
Hurrell says apart from Beingmate, the co-op is reviewing its China Farms and Brazilian joint venture with Nestle.
He expects a decision on both these investments this financial year.
