(Petrobras, 1.Feb.2019) — Petrobras, following up on the notice to the market released on 10/30/2018, informs that it has initiated the mothballing process of the fertilizer plant located in Sergipe (Fafen-SE) and that it continues with the lease bidding process for this unit and for the unit located in Bahia (Fafen-BA), awaiting proposals from potential interested parties.
In 2017, Petrobras aligned with its portfolio management strategy, decided to exit the fertilizer business due to the persistence of significant losses and consequent destruction of value, resulting from the operation of these assets. In this context, a project was canceled , a construction paralyzed and its sale is being negotiated, the process of divesting Araucária Nitrogenados S.A (ANSA) was started and it opted for the mothballing of the Fafen-BA and Fafen-SE plants, for which there was no manifestation of interest by potential buyers, as announced on 03/20/2018. The initiatives are in line with the 2019-2023 Business and Management Plan and have the objective of maximizing value for shareholders, which includes the Brazilian society as Petrobras controlling.
The company offered Fafen-SE employees opportunities for internal reallocation that combine their profiles and perspectives with the company´s needs. A minimum staff will remain in operational routine with the objective of guaranteeing the integrity and security of the facilities.
Since March 2018, Petrobras has been discussing the mothballing process with authorities and representative bodies, so that potential negative effects on the Bahia and Sergipe economies are minimized.
Currently, more than 80% of the urea market, the main product of the nitrogenous segment, is already served by imports. With respect to the ammonia market, where Petrobras accounts for about 30% of the supply, the company is investing in logistics infrastructure in the port of Aratu (BA) to enable the customer services located in Polo de Camaçari and will continue to meet demand by selling its remaining inventories in the short term.
Finally, Petrobras will negotiate an option for the CO2 customer, manufacturer of hemodialysis grade sodium bicarbonate to ensure raw material supply during a transition period, which may involve expenses for the company up to the limit of R$ 9 million.
To mitigate the social impact in the region of Laranjeiras (SE), Petrobras is developing a social project plan in association with educational institutions, with expected investments in the amount of R$ 26 million for the period from 2019 to 2022. These expenditures are equivalent to more than twice the (ISS and ICMS) annual tax collection estimate originated by Fafen-SE operations in the municipality of Laranjeiras.
Concerning the fertilizer factory in Bahia (Fafen-BA), the intentions of mothballing and bidding process for leasing remain. Nevertheless, the company was notified yesterday of a preliminary injunction, derived from action proposed by SINPEQ, suspending the mothballing and will take the appropriate judicial measures to reverse this decision.
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