SET-listed non-oil energy conglomerate Banpu Plc has diversified into the healthcare business by making an investment worth US$150 million in the US healthcare industry through a US-based healthcare investment fund.
The company invests as a "founding limited partner", according to a letter submitted to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday.
The investment was made through its wholly-owned subsidiary Banpu Ventures PTE.
This healthcare fund will focus on medical care and wellness businesses in the US.
The fund also supports research and development in biopharma and production using innovative technology to develop personalised medical products and services that suit each individual, based on their different health profiles.
Somruedee Chaimongkol, chief executive of Banpu Plc, stressed the importance of healthcare technology which will be developed rapidly in response to future consumer needs to improve personal wellness and life longevity.
Banpu considers the US healthcare sector an attractive market due to its large size, high growth rate, continued innovation and development as well as potential to generate long-term attractive returns.
Calling the investment in the non-energy business "Banpu's portfolio evolution", Mrs Somruedee said the move will pave the way for the company to explore new robust growth opportunities for future portfolio diversification.
The investment will go together with its energy business development to create long-term sustainable attractive returns, she said.
In the energy sector, Banpu has expanded its gas business in the US by acquiring additional assets in the Barnett shale field in Texas.
Its 96%-owned subsidiary, BKV Corporation (BKV), has signed an agreement to buy natural gas and midstream gas businesses from XTO Energy Inc and Barnett Gathering LLC, subsidiaries of Exxon Mobil Corporation.
The transaction valued at $750 million, with contingent payments up to $50 million, will be funded by its internal cash flow and loans from financial institutions.
