RYAM Raises EUR 67 Million Green Capital to Invest in its Biomaterials Strategy

Nov. 14, 2024 - Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. ("RYAM") has raised EUR 67 million in green capital. The financing includes EUR 37 million in secured term loans from French banks Crédit Lyonnais, Arkéa Banque, and BNP Paribas at an initial floating rate of approximately 5 percent, maturing in seven years. An additional EUR 30 million in preferred equity will be provided by Swen Capital Partners through its strategy SWEN Impact Fund for Transition 3 for a 20% stake in the newly formed subsidiary, RYAM BioNova S.A.S.

SWEN's investment in BioNova reflects a valuation of greater than $160 million for the new entity. Proceeds from the capital raise will be used to invest in projects to grow BioNova including a second-generation bioethanol plant and a prebiotics project.

"The formation of BioNova and this latest round of financing are pivotal in our strategic push into biomaterials," said De Lyle Bloomquist, President and CEO of RYAM. "With this green capital, we are poised to drive over $40 million in EBITDA from these initiatives in 2027, underscoring our commitment to growth and sustainability."

RYAM is a global leader in the production of cellulose-based products, specializing in high purity cellulose specialties, a plant-based polymer commonly used in the production of filters, food, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial applications. RYAM's specialized assets are also used to produce biofuels, bioelectricity, and other biomaterials such as bioethanol and tall oils. The company also manufactures products for the paper and packaging markets with manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada, and France.

SOURCE: Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.