Astarta-Kiev celebrated its 11th anniversary of IPO

The first public offering of Astarta-Kiev Holding took place 11 years ago on August 17, 2006. It was a debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange not only for Ukraine but also for the companies from Eastern Europe in general.

Since that time, Astarta Holding has developed from a local sugar producer to an integrated agricultural and industrial holding company, whose export share constitutes more than 60% of total sales.

Since 2006, grain production has increased 7 times, sugar — 3 times, and dairy — 5 times respectively. Astarta Holding has started soybean processing activities and became a national leader in it as well as in sugar and dairy production.

Along with the company extension, its capitalization has increased. Despite the fall in prices for agricultural products and other Ukrainian risks, the cost of Astarta shares increased by 336% since its emergence on the market.

According to Howard Dahl, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Astarta, a number of factors influenced the increase in the total value of Astarta's shares.

"I would not range them in importance. Of course, the fact that Fairfax became a shareholder of the company positively affects its capitalization. Also, the company's positive financial results lead to increase of its shares. Astarta Holding has significantly increased its export volumes. Five years ago the export share was about 10% out of the total sales volume, now it constitutes 60%. For investors, this means a foreign exchange hedge and additional bonuses. But the most important is that the company has an impeccable reputation and further growth potential," said Howard Dahl.