• Image: PPG
    Image: PPG
  • Image: PPG
    Image: PPG
Close×

Pro-Pac Packaging’s $30m rights issue has set the company back on an even keel, with operating cash flows set to return to a more normal operating level for the next quarter.

The company expects to come out of its trading halt later this month. As at 31 December, Pro-Pac had cash on hand of $3.1m and unused facilities of $19.5m.

The rights issue has been used to bring trade creditors in line with trading terms. This was partially offset by positive working capital realisation from an inventory reduction programme and collections in trade debtors.

The group’s finance facilities now comprise a $30m debtor facility from ScotPac, a $9m ANZ bank overdraft, and a $4.1m standby credit arrangement with ANZ. Of the $43.1m available Pro-Pac has drawn down $32.5m leaving $19.5m undrawn.

Its second quarter revenue of $91.5m was down on first quarter of $94m, with the industrial segment 14 per cent lower as the Source & Sell business was exited, which represented $2.2m of the first quarter revenue. The industrial segment was also impacted by shipping delays from China, but the company expects to recover these revenue shortfalls in the third quarter.

Food & Drink Business

Ferrero has gained more ground in the US through its acquisition of WK Kellogg for $4.7 billion (US$3.1b). Since 2018, Ferrer has acquired Nestle's US chocolate business for $4.25 billion, Kellogg's cookies and fruit snacks unit for $2 billion, and ice cream company Wells Enterprises.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) says it won’t oppose Lactalis’ proposed acquisition of Fonterra’s consumer and food service businesses, if the bid goes ahead. While it would see two of the largest buyers of raw milk combine, the ACCC says it is “unlikely” to result in a lessening of competition.

Winners of the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards have been announced, recognising distilling excellence across Australia and the world. Prohibition Liquor took out the title of Champion Australian Distiller, as well as the Champion Australian Gin trophy.