MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

12.06.2013

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

CHROMAGEN – ACS LTD.

 

 

Registered Office :

Sha'ar Ha'amakim 36588           

 

 

Country :

Israel

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

02.01.1973

 

 

Legal Form :

Limited Partnership

 

 

Line of Business :

Marketers and exporters of various solar energy systems (water heaters, collectors, solar storage locks, accessories, and more, as well as heat pumps – a recent activity) for domestic, commercial and industrial use.

 

 

No. of Employees :

210 employees

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

Ba

 

RATING

STATUS

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

Satisfactory

 

Status :

Good

 

 

Payment Behaviour :

No Complaints

 

 

Litigation :

Clear

 

NOTES:

Any query related to this report can be made on e-mail: infodept@mirainform.com while quoting report number, name and date.

 

ECGC Country Risk Classification List – March, 31st, 2013

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(31.12.2012)

Current Rating

(31.03.2013)

Israel

A2

A2

 

Risk Category

ECGC Classification

Insignificant

 

A1

Low

 

A2

Moderate

 

B1

High

 

B2

Very High

 

C1

Restricted

 

C2

Off-credit

 

D

 

 

ISRAEL - ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

 

Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. Its major imports include crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals are among the leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by tourism and other service exports, as well as significant foreign investment inflows. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid fundamentals - following years of prudent fiscal policy and a resilient banking sector. The economy has recovered better than most advanced, comparably sized economies. In 2010, Israel formally acceded to the OECD. Israel''s economy also has weathered the Arab Spring because strong trade ties outside the Middle East have insulated the economy from spillover effects. Natural gasfields discovered off Israel''s coast during the past two years have brightened Israel''s energy security outlook. The Leviathan field was one of the world''s largest offshore natural gas finds this past decade, and production from the Tama field is expected to meet all of Israel''s natural gas demand beginning mid-2013. In mid-2011, public protests arose around income inequality and rising housing and commodity prices. The government formed committees to address some of the grievances but has maintained that it will not engage in deficit spending to satisfy populist demands.

Source : CIA

 


Company name and address

 

CHROMAGEN – ACS LTD.

Telephone         972 4 953 88 88

Fax                   972 4 953 88 72

SHA'AR HA'AMAKIM     36588   ISRAEL

 

 

HISTORY & LEGAL FORMATION

 

Originally established as a limited partnership, registered as per file No. 55-000179-6 on the 02.01.1973, under the name CHROMAGEN.

 

In 2000, CHROMAGEN transferred all its manufacturing activities (including machinery, equipment and stock) to a newly established subsidiary CHROMAGEN SHA'AR HA'AMAKIM (2000) LTD. (a private limited company).

 

As of January 2006, all other remaining activities (of the limited partnership) were taken over by subject, a newly established Agricultural Cooperative Society (ACS), registered as per file No. 57-004582-3 (and consequently CHROMAGEN turned into a holding partnership).

 

 

OWNERSHIP

 

1.         Kibbutz Sha'ar Ha'amakim, 65%, a co-operative society operating a communal agricultural settlement (ownership is via the limited partnership CHROMAGEN),

2.         TENE FUND, 35%, an Investment Fund, controlled by Dr. Ariel Halperin.

 

In July 2007, local TENE FUND announced it invested US$ 5 million in CHROMAGEN in consideration of 26%-27% of its shares (held by Kibbutz Sha'ar Ha'amakim, which holds the remaining shares). At a later stage TENE increased its holdings to 35%.

 

 

MANAGEMENT

 

1.         Reuven Avital, Chairman,

2.         Adar Eizencot, also General Manager of subsidiary CHROMAGEN SHA'AR HA'AMAKIM (2000).

 

 

BUSINESS

 

Marketers and exporters of various solar energy systems (water heaters, collectors, solar storage locks, accessories, and more, as well as heat pumps – a recent activity) for domestic, commercial and industrial use.

 

50% of sales are export, to over 35 countries.

 

Products and systems are developed and manufactured by wholly-owned subsidiary CHROMAGEN SHA'AR HA'AMAKIM (2000) LTD., which also purchases raw materials for production (from local suppliers and from import) of collectors.

Sales are via an array of some 140 distributors.

 

Among local clients: SOL DAROM, SHEMESH 101, HASSON (Afula), HAYOTZER, T.O.U. MILLENIUM ELECTRIC, etc.

 

Subject's purchasing is chiefly from foreign suppliers.

Among CHROMAGEN local suppliers: ISKOOR METALS AND STEELS, SELF - FIX METALS, ADLER & STERN TRADE, SATEC HEATING ELEMENTS, etc.

 

Operating from premises (offices, plant and warehouses), owned by CHROMAGEN, on an area of 13,500 sq. meters, in Kibbutz Sha'ar Ha'amakim, and from a rented plant, on an area of 4,000 sq. meters, in Zipporit Industrial Zone, Nazareth Ilit.

Note: "Kibbutz" is a typical local cooperative agricultural settlement/ village.

 

Having 210 employees serving CHROMAGEN Group (subject and local subsidiary).

 

 

MEANS

 

In July 2007, TENE FUND invested US$ 5 million in subject, in return for 27% stake. According to reports, subject was tagged at a company value between US$30 – US$40 million, that based on the investment deal.

 

In November 2006 it was reported on US$ 1 million investment in taht year in new welding lines.

 

CHROMAGEN is an “Approved Enterprise” and as such entitled for State support and tax relief.

In April 2000 the Israeli Investment Center approved an additional investment plan of US$ 320,000 for the expansion of the plant in Zipporit.

 

 

REVENUES

 

CHROMAGEN Group consolidated sales (given by Group's Accountant):

2008 sales claimed to be NIS 200,000,000.

2009 sales claimed to be NIS 200,000,000.

2010 sales claimed to be NIS 160,000,000, of which 50% were for export.

According to media reports, subject ended 2010 with a net profit of

NIS 10,000,000, similar to 2009.

2011 sales claimed to be US$ 50,000,000, of which 50% were for export.

2012 sales claimed to be US$ 50,000,000, of which 50% were for export.

 

 

OTHER COMPANIES

 

CHROMAGEN SHA'AR HA'AMAKIM (2000) LTD., 100%, developers and manufacturers of solar energy systems (solar collectors, solar storage locks, etc.) for domestic, commercial and industrial use, marketed and exported by subject.

CHROMAGEN, limited partnership, a holding and real estate company.

CHROMCOAT, of Denmark, 45% controlled by CHROMAGEN (the rest owned by BATEC, of Denmark).

CHROMAGEN ESPANA, a subsidiary in Spain.

 

Besides subject, Kibbutz Sha'ar Ha'amakim has holdings in:

KAMA FLOUR MILL SHAAR HAAMAKIM, flour mill,

KIBBUTZ SHA'AR HA'AMAKIM (1994) LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,

S.A.M., printed circuits.

 

TENE FUND, a local private equity firm, controlled by Dr. Ariel Halperin, Ran Ben-Or, Eyal Atia and Dori Baron, investing chiefly in traditional and mid-tech Kibbutz industries. It has been investing in several plants, among them are HANITA COATINGS RCA LTD., TELDOR WIRES AND CABLES LTD., PLAZIT Group, and more.

 

 

BANKERS

 

The First International Bank of Israel Ltd., Haifa Bay Branch (No. 004), Haifa,  account No. 688347.

Bank Leumi Le’Israel Ltd., Haifa Main Branch (No. 876), Haifa, account No. 218100/35

 

A check with the Central Banks' data base did not reveal negative information regarding subject’s a/m accounts.

 

 

CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

 

Nothing unfavorable learned.

 

Israel is considered a leading country in the manufacturing of solar systems and the usage thereof, and CHROMAGEN has been one of the leading companies in its field in Israel, with one third market share in the solar collectors field (with 250,000 collectors system and 100,000 water heaters manufactured in 2010).

The renewable energy area is a fast growing in the world nowadays and CHROMAGEN, a pioneer in the solar energy field in world scales, is the world's 9th largest manufacturer of solar panel water heaters (according to a report from January 2011).

 

Subject is ISO 9000 certified.

 

In 2007 we obtained the following positive opinions on subject: ISKOOR METALS AND STEELS LTD's official told us they are working with CHROMAGEN for over 16 years, supplying them with various types of metals. CHROMAGEN was described as an excellent client who always pays on time.

 

Kibbutz Sha'ar Ha'amakim was founded in 1935. There are 415 members and a total population of 760. They cultivate 5,000,000 sq. meters of agricultural land (grain, hay, citrus, fruit plantations, avocado) and control 3,500,000 sq. meters of natural pasture.  They also breed livestock (cattle, poultry).

 

TENE FUND is a private equity firm, investing chiefly in traditional and mid-tech Kibbutz industries, controlled by Dr. Ariel Halperin. Main institutional investors in TENE are LEUMI & CO., PHOENIX INSURANCE, MENORAH MIVTAHIM Financial Group. TENE Fund manages some US$ 200 million and so far it invested in several plants with investments between US$ 5 to US$ 30 million in each, in the framework of 2 funds: TENE I and TENE II, which subject is part of.

 

In 2006, it was reported that CHROMAGEN will sell receptors to hotels in Greece, for a sum of NIS 10 million. Reportedly subject also won a tender in Uzbekistan, to install a field of solar receptors in 15 gold mines in the country. The project value estimated at US$ 2.25 million.

It was also reported, that earlier subject signed a NIS 7 million agreement for the erection of a solar systems plant in Georgia.

 

In July 2007, it was reported that CHROMAGEN won a tender in Chile valued US$ 16 million for water heating through solar collectors.

 

According to reports from April 2007, subject was chosen as one of 5 Israeli solar systems suppliers, as candidates to take part in a "solar city" project initiated by the State of New Jersey (in Meadowlands). The projected volume of investment in overall manufacturing for the project is US$ 154 million.

 

In August 2007, it was reported that CHROMAGEN is negotiating with local hotel chains DAN and HILTON to install its solar systems. CHROMAGEN has already installed 40 solar systems in hotels situated in countries at the Mediterranean Basin, mainly in Turkey.

It was also reported that CHROMAGEN will erect a plant in Mexico for solar system manufacturing, with in vestment of NIS 15 million. The investment will be divided (50% each) between CHROMAGEN and local investors. CHROMAGEN announced that it has already received orders in volume of NIS 6 million for the plant.

 

In January 2009 it was reported that subject won a tender to install solar systems in La Estralla Hotel in Cuba for NIS 1.2 million. In addition, subject won another tender in Cuba, for the sum of NIS 6 million.

 

In April 2009 subject won a court case against 2 of its former distributors who sued subject for breaching their distribution agreement. The court ruled that the distributors should pay subject NIS 1 million.

 

In April 2010 it was reported that subject signed a cooperation agreement with A.O. SMITH of USA, one of the world leading suppliers of gas and electricity water heating systems, to integrate subject's sun receptors in A.O's systems. This cooperation was seen as a big boost for CHROMAGEN, however there have been impediments due to local American regulations and State incentives.

According to a report from September 2012, the US market for Group's products has not evolved at the pace it was expected and is still operates in low volume.

 

In April 2010 it was reported that subject is intending to establish a production plant in Australia.

 

In March 2011 it was reported that subject entered the heat pumps field intended for pools, floor heating, etc.

 

In May 2012 it was reported that subject will supply hundreds of water heaters to a holiday villages in Honduras, via Israeli investment company BDP.

 

In the local market subject has been enjoying the dramatic rise in demand for collectors, which is in the framework of the new regulation by the government designed to encourage the use of “clean” energies. Yet, subject is facing harsh competition from import.

 

The Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute reports that the export of renewable energy from Israel is expected to grow by 4 times within a decade, reaching US$ 1 billion by 2017. In 2007, export of renewable energy amounted to US$ 110 million and export level rose in 2008.

The global renewable energy market is estimated at US$ 200 billion.

 

 

SUMMARY

 

Good for trade engagements.

 

Note: Since February 2013 Israel Post has started using a new area code method of 7 digits (the old method of 5 digits is no longer valid).


 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.58.92

UK Pound

1

Rs.91.80

Euro

1

Rs.78.18

 

INFORMATION DETAILS

 

Report Prepared by :

SDA

 

RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

RATING

STATUS

 

 

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

>86

Aaa

Possesses an extremely sound financial base with the strongest capability for timely payment of interest and principal sums

 

Unlimited

71-85

Aa

Possesses adequate working capital. No caution needed for credit transaction. It has above average (strong) capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Large

56-70

A

Financial & operational base are regarded healthy. General unfavourable factors will not cause fatal effect. Satisfactory capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Fairly Large

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

 

Satisfactory

26-40

B

Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average.

 

Small

11-25

Ca

Adverse factors are apparent. Repayment of interest and principal sums in default or expected to be in default upon maturity

 

Limited with full security

<10

C

Absolute credit risk exists. Caution needed to be exercised

 

 

Credit not recommended

----

NB

New Business

----

 

This score serves as a reference to assess SC’s credit risk and to set the amount of credit to be extended. It is calculated from a composite of weighted scores obtained from each of the major sections of this report. The assessed factors and their relative weights (as indicated through %) are as follows:

 

Financial condition (40%)            Ownership background (20%)                  Payment record (10%)

Credit history (10%)                   Market trend (10%)                                Operational size (10%)

 

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL : This information is provided to you at your request, you having employed MIPL for such purpose. You will use the information as aid only in determining the propriety of giving credit and generally as an aid to your business and for no other purpose. You will hold the information in strict confidence, and shall not reveal it or make it known to the subject persons, firms or corporations or to any other. MIPL does not warrant the correctness of the information as you hold it free of any liability whatsoever. You will be liable to and indemnify MIPL for any loss, damage or expense, occasioned by your breach or non observance of any one, or more of these conditions

This report is issued at your request without any risk and responsibility on the part of MIRA INFORM PRIVATE LIMITED (MIPL) or its officials.