RNS Reach

1 June 2022

Benchmark Holdings plc

("Benchmark", the "Company" or the "Group")

Conversion of existing loan into a green loan

evidencing the Company's ESG commitment

Benchmark (LSE: BMK), the aquaculture biotechnology company, is pleased to announce that it has successfully converted its existing NOK 190m (£16m) loan with Nordea Bank related to its Genetics salmon egg facility in Salten, Norway into a green loan.  The new green loan remains as ring-fenced debt without recourse to the remainder of the Benchmark Group and has a marginally lower interest rate.

The conversion of the loan into a green loan required the Company to meet key ESG criteria, including water management and the use of sustainable raw materials from deforestation-free sources. Benchmark's state-of-the-art, land-based production facility in Salten, Norway is designed for high biosecurity and high environmental standards. Access to salmon eggs with specialist genetic traits is a crucial first step in the value chain to produce sustainably grown salmon.

Trond Williksen, CEO, commented:

"The conversion of our existing loan with Nordea into a green financing facility is a testament to Benchmark's commitment to ESG and sustainability, as well as to the successful development of our salmon genetics infrastructure and practices. We will continue to utilise green finance where appropriate whilst furthering our ESG and sustainability aims.

Benchmark's commitment to sustainability is further underpinned by our Net Zero targets and the work underway to improve our energy efficiency and access to renewable energy sources."

A copy of the Group's Sustainability Report can be found here https://www.benchmarkplc.com/sustainability/esg-download-centre/

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About Benchmark 

Benchmark is a market leading aquaculture biotechnology company. Benchmark's mission is to drive sustainability in aquaculture by delivering products and solutions in genetics, advanced nutrition and health which improve yield, growth and animal health and welfare.

Through a global footprint in 26 countries and a broad portfolio of products and solutions, Benchmark addresses the major aquaculture species - salmon, shrimp, sea bass and bream, and tilapia, in all the aquaculture regions around the world. Find out more at www.benchmarkplc.com