Martua Sitorus acquires stake in Whitehaven Coal

Martua Sitorus, an Indonesian tycoon who co-owns agribusiness giant Wilmar International, reportedly has acquired a stake in Australia?s Whitehaven Coal Ltd.

The Kontan daily reported on Tuesday that Martua and a number of associated companies have acquired a 5.286 percent interest in Whitehaven, an Australian coal mining firm. Martua acquires the shares of Nathan Thinkler for A$28.21 million.

It is not clear, however, whether the move represents Wilmar?s first step in diversifying into the mining sector, or it is just a personal investment by Martua, one of the richest men in Indonesia. (*)