Super Fund hopes to offload North Is forests, but Kaingaroa talks stall
The Cullen Fund increases its exposure to New Zealand assets, which now account for almost 23% of the fund, up from 21% a year earlier.
Hot Topic
Summer features
BUSINESSDESK: The New Zealand Superannuation Fund, which was set up to pre-fund baby boomers' pension liabilities, is in talks to sell a group of North Island forests, though negotiations to buy out Harvard University's endowment fund stake in the Kaingaroa forest have stalled.
The Cullen Fund, so-called for its architect former Finance Minister Michael Cullen, had 11 forest estates valued at some $91.1 million available for sale as at June 30, according to its annual report.
The fund sought offers for land, forest crop and carbon credits in April and received bids in May.
"As at June 30, 2012, due diligence was being conducted by a selection of parties invited to do so at the discretion of the group," the report says.
"If an acceptable agreement is achieved, it is anticipated that settlement will occur at some yet-to-be-determined date and will be dependent on any regulatory approvals that may be required."
Timber investments made up 6.9% of the fund's $19.67 billion of assets as at August 31, the bulk of which comes from its 40% share of the Kaingaroa forest estate.
The fund says discussions with Harvard's endowment fund to take full control of the Kaingaroa investment in a deal involving GMO Renewable Resources have not progressed after the parties failed to reach agreement.
Kaingaroa has consistently been one of the Cullen Fund's best-performing assets, making an average annual return of 18%. The investment was valued at some $954 million as at June 30.
The fund topped $20 billion in assets under management in September, having started in 2003. It has made an annual return of 7.57% since it was set up, 2.41% ahead of Treasury bill rates and just short of its 2.5% per annum target over bills.
The Cullen Fund has increased its exposure to New Zealand assets, which account for almost 23% of the fund, up from 21% a year earlier.
Paul McBeth
Wed, 17 Oct 2012
Wed, 17 Oct 2012
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Super Fund hopes to offload North Is forests, but Kaingaroa talks stall
24706