China’s New Hope Liuhe Co. Buys Stake in U.S. Grains and Energy Company

China’s animal feed and meat processor, New Hope Liuhe Investment (USA), a U.S.-based subsidiary of China’s New Hope Liuhe Co. Ltd established in October, has bought a 20% stake in U.S. grains and energy company, Lansing Trade Group LLC for a reported $127.5 million in cash.

The privately held, Kansas-based Lansing Trade Group has 17 grain elevators and a total grain storage capacity of 33 million bushels according to industry data, reports Reuters. The group has offices in both North and South America, China, and Britain and trades energy products such as DDGs and ethanol, corn, wheat, and soybeans.

China is the biggest importer of U.S. DDGs, and commenting on the acquisition, Lansing Trade Group executive vice president, Tom Carew told Reuters, "We have a pre-existing customer supply arrangement, and we do anticipate with this relationship increased business between Lansing and New Hope."

Founded in the 1980’s the Shenzhen-listed New Hope Liuhe Co. is a leader in sales of animal feed and meat processing volumes in China. The group is active in meat processing, animal feed manufacturing, poultry and livestock breeding, animal production, and both importing and exporting, according to World Grain.

The opportunity for Lansing to form a strategic alliance with such a significant company fits Lansing’s long-term growth strategy,” Bill Krueger, president and chief executive officer of Lansing told World Grain. “Having New Hope as a partner will facilitate Lansing’s continued development in China while simultaneously allowing additional growth in Southeast Asia.”