Timber plantation group Great Southern is poised to sell 44 tree farms across Casino in NSW and Miriam Vale south of Gladstone, Queensland, in a move that could fetch it $50 million, sources close to the company have told
The Australian Financial Review.
AFR reports that the deal should help the West Australian-based company, which has net debt of $697 million.
Fears that Great Southern could be fighting for its survival were heightened last week when the group entered a trading halt, as that event followed the collapse of plantation peer Timbercorp.
Great Southern shares were still suspended from trade yesterday and it is understood it is still in discussions with its banks over $109 million refinancing due in October.
Great Southern expects to remain suspended from trade until Monday, May 18, unless an announcement is made earlier. Its shares last traded at 12ยข compared to a high of $5 a share in February 2005.