Benchmark Holdings plc
("Benchmark", the "Company" or the "Group")
REPLACEMENT: Appointment of Non-Executive Directors
The following corrections have been made to the "Appointment of Non-Executive Directors" announcement released this morning at 0700h (RNS 5754V):
It was erroneously stated that Nova Austral is owned by Cargill, and it should have stated that it is owned by Altor and Bain.
The full amended text is shown below.
Appointment of Non-Executive Directors
Benchmark strengthens the board bringing in leading industry and commercial expertise
Benchmark, the aquaculture biotechnology and food chain sustainability business, announces the appointment of Hugo Wahnish and Yngve Myhre as Non-Executive Directors of the Company with immediate effect.
Hugo Wahnish (65) has over 35 years of experience in the animal health and pharmaceuticals industry, firstly with GlaxoSmithKline, and more recently with Merck during a period of major growth in the organisation. Hugo held the post of Chief Commercial Officer Animal Health at Merck, having responsibility for Merck's commercial operations worldwide. Since stepping down from that role in 2012, Hugo has acted as an independent senior advisor with several multinational companies, private equity groups and consulting firms primarily in the animal health sector. Hugo brings a wealth of international experience to the board of Benchmark, alongside his expertise in aggressively growing businesses and in the commercialisation of medicines and animal health products. Hugo is based in the United States.
Yngve Myhre (48) has more than 20 years experience in the aquaculture sector as a senior executive, adviser and investor. Yngve was chief executive of leading Norwegian salmon producer Salmar, and of international white fish supplier Aker Seafood during periods of successful growth. He is now chairman of Chilean salmon producer Nova Austral, owned by Altor and Bain, and sits on the boards of Mediterranean fish producer Andromeda and Norwegian aquaculture research institute Nofima. Yngve also acts as strategic adviser to investors in the aquaculture sector. Yngve has a very strong track record in Benchmark's focus area of aquaculture, both in the Norwegian and international markets. Yngve is based in Norway.
Information in respect of Hugo Wahnish and Yngve Myhre, as required by Rule 17 and Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies, is set out below.
Benchmark's Chairman, Alex Hambro, commented:
"We are delighted to welcome Hugo and Yngve to the Board of Benchmark. Their combined expertise and experience in the aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries will broaden the Board of Benchmark as the Company seeks to maximise value from its unique portfolio of products and technologies.
The Board of Benchmark carried out an extensive international search to bring to the Board additional leading international industry and commercialisation expertise. Attracting Hugo and Yngve is a testament of the strength of our industry standing, our technology platform and our potential."
Additional information:
Neither Hugo Wahnish nor Yngve Myhre hold any shares in the Company.
Hugo Wahnish's current directorships/partnerships:
Dinicola Partners
Maxima LLC
Yngve Myhre's current directorships/partnerships:
Rosøy AS
Nova Austral SA
Nova Austral Management Invest AS
Blåfjell AS
Blåfjell Holding
Aqua Site AS
Aqua Site Holding
Perseus Seafood Limited
Helgeland Adventure AS
Yngve Myhre's past directorships/partnerships (last 5 years):
SalMar ASA
Albain Midco Norway AS (EWOS Group)
Arnarlax and Kvitholmen AS
Trænafestivalen
There is no further information to be disclosed pursuant to AIM Rule 17 and Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.
- Ends -
For further information, please contact:
Benchmark Holdings plc Tel: 020 7920 3150
Malcolm Pye, CEO
Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations Director
Rachel Aninakwah, Communications
Numis Tel: 020 7260 1000
Michael Meade / Freddie Barnfield (NOMAD)
James Black (Corporate Broking)
Tavistock Tel: 020 7920 3150
Sophie Praill
Notes to Editors:
Benchmark challenges the status quo in aquaculture.
Since 2000, Benchmark has consistently worked to build a platform to serve its customers, helping food producers take control of their biological environment through the combination of genetics, nutrition, health and knowledge services. Through its in-depth knowledge of animal biology Benchmark is able to tackle the key issues facing producers primarily in the aquaculture sector.
The Company has proven distribution capabilities in high growth markets and operates internationally with R&D facilities, commercial farms, diagnostic laboratories, manufacturing sites, production facilities and commercial offices across 27 countries in five continents. As at 30 September 2017, Benchmark employed 952 people.
For further information on Benchmark please visit www.benchmarkplc.com.