Linas Agro receives EUR 170 million syndicated loan

AB Linas Agro, a subsidiary of the agribusiness and food production business holding AB Linas Agro Group, has received a syndicated loan of EUR 170 million from three banks - Credit Suisse, Swedbank, which was the agent for the syndicated loan, and SEB. Credit Suisse will provide EUR 60 million, Swedbank and SEB - EUR 55 million each. The syndicated loan will be used for working capital to finance operations in Lithuania.

AB Linas Agro, the largest subsidiary of AB Linas Agro Group, is an international trader of agricultural raw materials and the largest supplier of goods to farmers in the Baltic States. Following the acquisition of AB Kauno Grudai by Linas Agro Group in July last year, the consolidation of the agricultural inputs trade and grain trading businesses within Linas Agro was initiated, separating these businesses from Kauno Grudai. Kauno Grudai is to focus on food and feed production and strengthen these activities.

‘Transferring businesses and activity to Linas Agro is practically complete as of 1 July. The agricultural inputs supply and grain trading business of Kauno Grudai has become part of Linas Agro. The trade volume will enlarge significantly, increasing the need for financing for AB Linas Agro. We are delighted to attract Credit Suisse, one of the world's largest providers of financial services, alongside our traditional financiers, which opens even more opportunities for us to expand our activities. The trust of our traditional partners Swedbank and SEB banks is not only demonstrated by their participation in the syndicated loan but also by the fact that both banks are providing loans totaling EUR 70 million to finance Linas Agro's operations in Latvia and Estonia,’ says Mažvydas Šileika, CFO of Linas Agro Group.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which lasted for several years, and the subsequent war in Ukraine, highlighted the vulnerability of Europe's food chains and the strategic importance of agriculture and the food industry in each country.

‘Acting as a syndicated loan agent, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide financing for Linas Agro Group while the company accomplishes its’ business consolidation and sets a sound foundation for its future growth across the Baltic region. The role of the agriculture sector has grown in importance in the face of global challenges; therefore, we hope that the latest financing will give the company the necessary means to implement its’ immediate plans without interruptions,’ says Head of Swedbank Large Corporate Client Department Arnoldas Gaudiešius.

‘Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, AB Linas Agro had to look for new supply markets in order to assure local farmers with necessary inputs outside Russian and Belarusian origin for the harvest and to be able to purchase grains afterwards. Despite this led to increased costs and a greater necessity for working capital, we are sure that the company now is stronger than ever to deal with the challenges market brings. We appreciate the confidence of Linas Agro in choosing SEB Bank as a long-term financial partner. Granting of the syndicated loan proves that both local and international banks are ready to finance Lithuanian companies based on long-term successful mutual cooperation,’ states Vilius Juzikis, Member of the Board and Head of Corporate Banking Division at SEB Bank.

About AB Linas Agro Group

It is the Baltics' largest agricultural and food production group, comprising 72 subsidiaries and two associates, their overall headcount is over 5.3 thousand. The group operates along the entire food production chain from the field to the table: the company’s subsidiaries produce, process, and market agricultural and food products, and also provide goods and services to farmers.

The Group's consolidated revenue for the nine months of the 2021/2022 fiscal year exceeded EUR 1.3 billion, and consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) reached EUR 66 million.

For more information contact:

Mažvydas Šileika,
CFO of AB Linas Agro Group
Mob. +370 619 19 403
E-mail m.sileika@linasagro.lt