RCS - Benchmark Hlgs PLC - Conversion of loan into green loan

Benchmark HoldingsAnnouncement

01/06/2022 07:00

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RNS Number : 4842N  Benchmark Holdings PLC  01 June 2022

 

RNS Reach

1 June 2022

 

Benchmark Holdings plc

("Benchmark", the "Company" or the "Group")

 

Conversion of existing loan into a green loan

evidencing the Company's ESG commitment

 

Benchmark (LSE: BMK), the aquaculture biotechnology company, is pleased to
announce that it has successfully converted its existing NOK 190m (£16m) loan
with Nordea Bank related to its Genetics salmon egg facility in Salten, Norway
into a green loan.  The new green loan remains as ring-fenced debt without
recourse to the remainder of the Benchmark Group and has a marginally lower
interest rate.

 

The conversion of the loan into a green loan required the Company to meet key
ESG criteria, including water management and the use of sustainable raw
materials from deforestation-free sources. Benchmark's state-of-the-art,
land-based production facility in Salten, Norway is designed for high
biosecurity and high environmental standards. Access to salmon eggs with
specialist genetic traits is a crucial first step in the value chain to
produce sustainably grown salmon.

 

Trond Williksen, CEO, commented:

 

"The conversion of our existing loan with Nordea into a green financing
facility is a testament to Benchmark's commitment to ESG and sustainability,
as well as to the successful development of our salmon genetics infrastructure
and practices. We will continue to utilise green finance where appropriate
whilst furthering our ESG and sustainability aims.

 

Benchmark's commitment to sustainability is further underpinned by our Net
Zero targets and the work underway to improve our energy efficiency and access
to renewable energy sources."

 

A copy of the Group's Sustainability Report can be found here
https://www.benchmarkplc.com/sustainability/esg-download-centre/
(https://www.benchmarkplc.com/sustainability/esg-download-centre/)

 

Enquiries:

 

 Benchmark Holdings plc                                        Tel: 020 3696 0630
 Trond Williksen, CEO

 Septima Maguire, CFO

 Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations

 Numis (Broker and NOMAD)                                      Tel: 020 7260 1000
 James Black / Freddie Barnfield / Duncan Monteith

 MHP
 Katie Hunt/Charlie Protheroe/Fergal Bettridge-Boyd            Tel: 020 3128 8990

                                                               benchmark@mhpc.com

 

 

About Benchmark

Benchmark is a market leading aquaculture biotechnology company. Benchmark's
mission is to drive sustainability in aquaculture by delivering products and
solutions in genetics, advanced nutrition and health which improve yield,
growth and animal health and welfare.

Through a global footprint in 26 countries and a broad portfolio of products
and solutions, Benchmark addresses the major aquaculture species - salmon,
shrimp, sea bass and bream, and tilapia, in all the aquaculture regions around
the world. Find out more at www.benchmarkplc.com
(http://www.benchmarkplc.com/)

 

 

 

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