China Real Estate Opportunities plc
Disposal of minority stake
China Real Estate Opportunities plc ('CREO' or the 'Company'), an AIM listed property company with an established investment and development property portfolio in China, today announces that it has completed the sale of its effective 5% minority stake in the City Center 5 Development, the luxury retail and office development project in Shanghai, to existing shareholder Sociedade de Turismo e Diversoes de Macau SA ('STDM'), for CNY95 million. This represents an 8.6% premium to the latest published valuation in local currency as at 31 December 2008.
CREO held a direct 10% interest in Loyal Ally Investments Limited ('LAI'), which equated to a 5% interest in the development project company, Lux China Development Company Limited which is the 50:50 joint venture company established by LAI and a subsidiary of Louis Vuitton, Giminvest, for the purpose of developing the City Center Development site. After the purchase of CREO's 10% interest, STDM now holds 100% of LAI.
Commenting, Ray Horney, CREO Chairman said: 'The CREO Board is very pleased with the successful execution of the sale of its minority position in the City Center 5 development at a premium to valuation, particularly in current market conditions, and it highlights both the strength and quality of the portfolio and the Company's continued focus on leveraging value from its core investment and development assets.'
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Contact:
CREO
Ray Horney, Chairman
Tel: + 44 (0)1273 775225
Sarah Moriarty, Investor Relations
Tel: +353 1 6189455
Matrix Corporate Capital
Paul Fincham, Rob Naylor
Tel +44 (0) 203206 7000
Davy
Des Carville
Tel: +353 1 679 6363
Bankside Consultants
Simon Rothschild, Oliver Winters
Tel: + 44 (0)207 367 8888
Murray Consultants
Ed Micheau
Tel: + 3531 498 0300