ADM Grows Sweetener Business in China with Agreement to Purchase Meiweiyuan Biotechnology

May 17, 2015
  • Acquisition offers strategic expansion into key central and western Chinese markets

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) announced today that it has reached an agreement to purchase Meiweiyuan Biotechnology Co., a privately held sweetener manufacturer near the city of Wuhan, in the central Chinese province of Hubei.

“This acquisition helps further expand our footprint in regions with growing demand for our products,” said Chris Cuddy, president of ADM’s Corn Processing business. “Last November, we were excited to begin production at our new sweetener facility in Tianjin, which is allowing us to serve major customers in the northern part of the country as well as Asian export markets. Now, we are expanding to better meet demand for starches and sweeteners from customers in central and western China. This is another example of how ADM is looking for—and seizing—great opportunities for profitable growth.”

The proposed acquisition is subject to regulatory approval. ADM hopes to complete the transaction in the coming weeks.

ADM also announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Hanchuan County, Hubei Province, in which the government commits to supporting ADM’s investment and its future expansion in the region.

“The Chinese government has called for increased investment in central and western China,” said Ismael Roig, ADM’s president, Asia-Pacific. “We see great opportunities in the region, and strongly believe that this acquisition will help to create value for customers, communities and our company. We expect this investment to meet our returns objectives.”

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the above statements constitute forward-looking statements. ADM’s filings with the SEC provide detailed information on such statements and risks, and should be consulted along with this release. To the extent permitted under applicable law, ADM assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

About ADM

For more than a century, the people of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) have transformed crops into products that serve the vital needs of a growing world. Today, we’re one of the world’s largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers, with more than 33,000 employees serving customers in more than 140 countries. With a global value chain that includes more than 460 crop procurement locations, 300 ingredient manufacturing facilities, 40 innovation centers and the world’s premier crop transportation network, we connect the harvest to the home, making products for food, animal feed, chemical and energy uses. Learn more at www.adm.com.

Archer Daniels Midland Company
Media Relations
Jackie Anderson
media@adm.com
312-634-8484