Hotel Acquisition

LonZim PLC 20 February 2008 20th February 2008 LONZIM Plc LonZim acquires strategic Don Carlos and Estoril Hotel development sites in Beira LonZim Plc ('LonZim' or the 'Company'), which has been established for the principal purpose of making investments in Zimbabwe and the Beira corridor in Mozambique, today announces that it has acquired a 79 per cent. shareholding in Aldeamento Turistico de Macuti, SARL. ('ATdeM'). ATdeM owns the historic Don Carlos and the Estoril hotel sites on a 300,000 m2 plot of land, including 1.5 km of beach front, in central Beira on the Mozambique coast (the 'Site'). LonZim plans to demolish the two existing hotel properties and develop a luxury hotel on the Site, to be operated and managed by an entity owned by Lonrho plc. This luxury hotel will have conference facilities, a training centre, retail mall, offices and logistics units. The Site is already zoned for commercial development purposes. Beira is described as the 'coast of Zimbabwe' and is the main supply route from the sea to Zimbabwe. As a result, LonZim sees strategic investments in support services in Beira as inextricably linked and crucial to the recovery of Zimbabwe and its economy. The acquisition cost of the 79 per cent. shareholding in ATdeM was US$4,250,000. LonZim has funded this out of its cash resources. The remaining 21 per cent. shareholding in ATdeM is owned (i) as to 11.4 per cent. by the Mozambican Government through IGEPE, the Government investment fund, and (ii) as to 9.6 per cent by the Beira Municipality. ATdeM holds no assets other than the Site and has never traded. LonZim has also agreed to meet the costs, up to a maximum of US$1,500,000, of arrears, penalties and charges which are historically outstanding and payable to the Mozambican Government in relation to the Site. David Lenigas, Executive Chairman of LonZim commented : 'This is an excellent investment opportunity for LonZim. Beira has always been seen by the Company as a region that will recover rapidly when Zimbabwe's economy turns. This location, in central Beira, was historically very active when Zimbabwe had a thriving economy. It is clear that the Beira region will again become fundamental for servicing Zimbabwe's demands for accommodation, office space and services. This is enhanced by the strength and stability of the Mozambican economy and the economic growth that is occurring within the Beira region of Mozambique. This acquisition further endorses LonZim's focus on identifying investment opportunities, both in Zimbabwe and Beira, that will position the Company to become a major participant in infrastructure, industrial, support and transport sectors as the Zimbabwe economy recovers.' ENQUIRIES Lonrho Plc +44 (0)20 7016 5105 David Lenigas, Executive Chairman +44 (0)7881 825 378 Geoffrey White, Chief Executive Officer +44 (0)7717 307 308 Emma Priestley, Executive Director +44 (0)7867 785 177 Pelham PR Charles Vivian +44 (0) 20 7743 6672 +44 (0) 7977 297903 James MacFarlane +44 (0) 20 7743 6375 +44 (0) 7841 672831 Collins Stewart Europe: NOMAD Helen Goldsmith +44 (0) 20 7523 8350 NOTES TO EDITORS About LONZIM: LonZim Plc ('LonZim') is a company focused on developing and acquiring business opportunities primarily in Zimbabwe and the region of Mozambique known as the Beira Corridor, which links Zimbabwe to the coast. LonZim was listed on the London AIM stock exchange on 11th December 2007 after raising £29.16 million. LonZim is 20 per cent. owned and managed by Lonrho Plc (AIM: LONR) a company strategically focused on the development of business opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, support services and natural resources throughout Africa. Since listing in December 2007, LonZim has invested in or acquired control of: • Celsys Limited www.celsys.co.zw • Gardoserve (Private) Ltd t/a Millpal Chemicals This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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