Mondi initiates first major bee transaction in South African paper and packaging sector

Mondi South Africa is Anglo American plc's wholly owned South African subsidiary. The transaction, which is likely to be completed in the first quarter of next year, values MNB at R1,1 billion.

MNB is a significant southern hemisphere producer of newsprint, manufacturing some 220,000 metric tons per year of this paper grade at Mondi's Merebank mill close to Durban and employs 322 people. It has achieved a well-established domestic newsprint market share of some 60%. MNB will include the relevant waste paper preparation, mechanical pulp and newsprint production equipment at the Merebank mill, as well as significant plantations in KwaZulu-Natal which supply timber to the mill as raw material.

n terms of the agreement, MCI will acquire a 42% interest in MNB and a further 8% in MNB will be set aside for further broad-based empowerment. It is the intention that structures be established to facilitate ownership of this 8% by Mondi South Africa employees and relevant neighbouring communities. The transaction will be funded through a combination of equity to be provided by Mondi and MCI, bank financing in the form of senior debt, and mezzanine debt to be provided by Mondi. Implementation of the transaction is subject to the finalisation of various agreements and the necessary board and regulatory approvals. MCI is committed to be a long term investor in MNB, taking an active role in the management of the business alongside Mondi as its partner.

Andrew Thompson, Chairman and CEO of Mondi South Africa, commented: "I am delighted to have a partner of the stature of MCI in our newsprint business, with its important BEE shareholders Cyril Ramaphosa and James Motlatsi. MCI has skills which will enable it to co-ordinate and oversee the development of MNB's socio-economic upliftment and empowerment initiatives and to strengthen MNB's strategic and business development initiatives. I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with them. "

Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairman of MCI said: "We are delighted to be joining forces with Anglo American and Mondi in our first investment in the paper and packaging industry. We look forward to becoming involved in the management of MNB together with Andrew Thompson and his high calibre team and to growing the business together."

Merrill Lynch is acting as the financial advisor to MCI Resources.

About Mondi South Africa

Mondi South Africa Mondi South Africa holds the Anglo American plc's group's paper and packaging interests in southern Africa. These include significant sustainable plantation forests, waste paper collection and recycling, integrated pulp, paper and packaging production as well as distribution.

About MCI Resources

MCI Resources is a subsidiary of Millennium Consolidated Investments – a black economic empowerment investment company primarily focussed in the resources, financial and property sectors. MCI Resources' current interests include investments in the coal and gold industries with the long term strategy to develop a diversified resources house with operational capabilities.