Oriental Rise Holdings Limited Signs Non-Binding Letter of Intent to Acquire PoDu White Tea Beverage Brand and Related Assets

Core Viewpoint - The proposed acquisition of the PoDu white tea beverage brand is expected to enhance Oriental Rise's ready-to-drink product portfolio, strengthen its white tea value chain, and expand health-oriented consumption scenarios [1][2]. Group 1: Proposed Transaction Details - Oriental Rise has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire the PoDu brand and related assets, which focuses on high-altitude white tea from Fujian Province [1][2]. - The transaction aims to extend the value chain of the white tea category into ready-to-drink products, diversify product formats, and enhance brand reach [2][5]. - Due diligence will be conducted on the PoDu brand, and negotiations for a definitive agreement will proceed if results are satisfactory [2]. Group 2: Product Characteristics - The PoDu beverage line is made from aged Shoumei white tea and includes botanical ingredients like vine tea, monk fruit, and dried citrus peel, featuring a profile of zero sucrose, zero fat, zero artificial coloring, and zero preservatives [3]. - The product is designed for various consumption scenarios, including family gatherings, restaurant dining, and business entertainment [3]. Group 3: Strategic Benefits - The acquisition is expected to complement Oriental Rise's existing tea garden resources and advance its strategy of expanding across the tea value chain, from cultivation to consumer product development [4][5]. - The transaction is anticipated to generate strategic benefits by combining Oriental Rise's public company platform and distribution network with PoDu's product format, leading to a more diversified product mix and improved ability to capture health-oriented demand trends [5][6]. Group 4: Management Perspective - The CEO of Oriental Rise emphasized that expanding into ready-to-drink formats is crucial for strengthening long-term competitiveness and earnings quality, highlighting the alignment of PoDu's product concept with Zherong white tea [7].