The controversial sale of the 16 Crafar Farms to Pengxin NZ Farm Group Ltd, a subsidiary of Shanghai Pengxin Group Co Ltd (“Shanghai Pengxin”) directed by billionaire Zhaobai Jang, was approved by two NZ government ministers on 26 January 2012 following a recommendation by the Overseas Investment Office (“OIO”). In considering whether or not to grant consent to the Hong Kong registered applicant, Milk New Zealand Holding Limited (“Milk NZ”), the OIO decision dated 19 January 2012 identified “the relevant overseas persons” to be  Milk NZ, Shanghai Pengxin, Nangtong Yingxin Investment Co., Ltd (“Nantong”) and Mr Jiang Zhaobai. Nantong, owned by Zhaobai Jang (99%) and his brother Lei Jiang (1%), owns Shanghai Pengxin.

See Company “Ownership diagram”, Overseas Investment Decision 22/01/14, Page 71 (Appendix 6)

Shanghai Pengxin owns 55% of Hunan Da Kang Pasture Farming C0. Ltd (“Da Kang”), which according the Da Kang June 2014 Report, is currently raising money from investors with the intention of purchasing Milk New Zealand Holding Ltd from Shanghai Pengxin

See: www.cninfo.com.cn/finalpage/2014-06-18/64148310.PDF

Once the purchase is completed, Shanghai Peng, as 55% owner of Da Kang, will retain only 55% ownership of Milk NZ. Consequently Nantong and its subsidiary Shanghai Pengxin will only retain 55% ownership of the NZ Crafer farms and the Lochinver Station (if its purchase by Pure 100 Land Ltd, a subsidiary of Milk NZ is approved). The remaining 45% ownership of the NZ farms and other assets held by Milk NZ [Hong Kong] and its subsidiaries, will be owned by Da Kang’s remaining shareholders.

The control of the 16 Crafer Farms and Lochinver Station will be in the control of Nantong as its subsidiary, Shanghai Pengxin will retain the majority (55%) shareholding in Da Kang, and thereby 55% of its subsidiaries and assets.

Chinese investors in Da Kang who contribute to its 45% holding in Milk NZ will effectively ‘own’ a slice of New Zealand. [Read more…]