Ernst & Young Offers Lowest Sugar Privatisation Bid

Jun 5 , 2021


[ssba-buttons]

Ernst & Young, one of the four largest international consulting firms, is inching closer in its bid to serve as a transaction adviser in the privatisation of 10 out of the 13 state-owned sugar factories in the country. The company offered half of the price named by the only other competitor, Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC). Ernst & Young offered 3.3 million dollars while PwC offered a little over 6.6 million dollars. Bidding was opened a month ago by the Public Enterprises Holding and Administration Agency. Though 11 companies showed an interest in the invitation to bid, only 6 were able to fulfil both technical and financial criteria, and only two made it into the final round of evaluations. The winner is expected to plan and recommend the best transaction approach that fits each sugar plant besides providing support for the Agency in attracting potential investors during the privatisation process.   EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been edited on June 7, 2021


Radar

State-Owned Enterprises Deliver, But Fund Seeks More from Underperformers

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the country's sovereign wealth fund, closed its annual performance review with a mix of strong gains and lingering concerns across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises. Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics led the year with 4.5 million tons of cargo, driving revenues up 90pc and doubling pre-tax profit. Sugar production from Wonji Shoa, Metehara, and Fincha climbed 34.8pc to 163,290 tons, nearly doubling revenues to 15.6 billion Br, though EIH flagged ch...


Radar

MIDROC Cocoa Drive, Local Production Focus on Value Addition

MIDROC Investment Group is placing a bold wager on cocoa in the lowlands of Sheka. Building on extensive trials at the Bebeka Coffee State Farm, the company has introduced globally prized Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo varieties alongside coffee. "The results are astonishing," said General Manager Beshada Worku, pointing to international prices that range from 8,200 to 14,000 dollars a ton. The project's first phase covers 50 hectares, with 44,000 seedlings already planted. Expansion to ...


Radar

Bureau Maps Out 1,700 Land Rights in a Month

The Rights Registration & Holding Service Directorate under the Bureau of Land Development & Administration prepared over 1,700 landholding certification maps in a single month. The update came during the bureau's July performance review, which measured progress against the upcoming fiscal year's targets. Director Tesfamichael Endale said efforts are being scaled up to give farmers secure land rights and quicker certification. Deputy Head WendwossenBanjaw added that the priority ahead...