1 Pioneering Biodiesel Producer Argent Energy Sold
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Pioneering biodiesel producer Argent Energy sold

23 July 2013

Argent Energy, a leader of massive industrial of biodiesel in the UK, has been bought by a green investment firm.

Argent, based near Motherwell, was offered to a subsidiary of London-based John Swire & Sons for an undisclosed sum.

Argent makes green roadway fuel by recycling wastes and residues such as utilized cooking oil and tallow from the meat market.

The company will remain in private ownership and will continue to run individually.

Its senior management, consisting of chairman Andy Hunter, handling director Jim Walker and monetary director Jim Boyd are to remain with the business.

Souter Investments, the personal investment firm of transportation tycoon Sir Brian Souter, validated it had actually sold its 37% stake in Argent.

'Future capacity'

Mr Walker stated the financial investment by John Swire highlighted Argent's strong market position, adding there was now an opportunity "to take Argent's skills additional afield".

Barnaby Swire, of John Swire, stated his business was devoted to "exploring and investing in innovative and feasible green markets".

He included: "We are happy to be acquiring Argent Energy, a business which we think can grow and flourish not just within the UK however likewise overseas, in particular in Asian markets with which Swire Group business recognize.

"John Swire & Sons Ltd sees in Argent Energy's employees a mix of qualities and values that are suitable with our own, and eagerly anticipate working with them to increase Argent Energy's future capacity."

Argent was established in 2001. In 2009 it was purchased by a consortium which consisted of senior management along with Souter Investments.

Its plant at Newarthill, near Motherwell, has the capacity to produce approximately 50 million litres of biodiesel a year.

Cooking oil to run buses in trial

4 November 2011

Argent Energy

Souter Investments