Sourcing

Chinese Co. Makes a Play for Gemfields

SourcingJun 16, 2017

Chinese Co. Makes a Play for Gemfields

Fosun Gold has put in an offer for the company that tops the one made by the miner’s biggest investor, Pallinghurst Resources.

2017_Gemfields-Kagem.jpg
Gemfields operates the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, pictured here. The company, which also mines rubies in Mozambique, recently received a buy-out offer that tops the one made by its biggest investor last month.

London--Shanghai-based investment company Fosun Gold announced this week that it’s making a play for colored gemstone miner Gemfields.

In its proposal dated June 14, Fosun offered to pay 40.85 pence per share (about $286 million) for the colored gemstone mining company, a 15.1 percent premium to Gemfields’ June 13 closing price of 35.50 pence and 10 percent above Pallinghurst Resources Ltd.’s offer of 37.10 pence per share.

The offer would “provide Gemfields shareholders with a compelling cash alternative at significant premium to the Pallinghurst offer,” Fosun said.

Pallinghurst, an investment fund formed by former BHP Billiton CEO Brian Gilberston, is Gemfields’ biggest investor and is looking to buy the 53 percent of the company it doesn’t already own.

Gemfields has said that Pallinghurst’s 37.10 pence per share offer “significantly undervalues” the company and, in a statement issued this week, noted it is “actively engaged” in discussions with Fosun Gold regarding a possible competing offer, which “may lead to a cash offer at a superior value to Pallinghurst’s unsolicited offer.”

Fosun Gold Holdings Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shanghai-based Fosun International Ltd., an investment firm focused on “health, happiness and wealth” that has sunk money into companies like Cirque du Soleil, Club Med and Greek jewelry company Folli Follie.

In explaining its rationale for attempting to buy Gemfields, Fosun Gold said that “under the right ownership, Gemfields can continue to transform the colored gemstone market,” given its mining assets and marketing expertise.

Fosun also noted the potential it sees for Gemfields in China, where fine jewelry, including the exchange of engagement rings, is growing in popularity among consumers, stating that it “believes it has the financial capability and consumer expertise to allow Gemfields to accelerate and continue that trend as well as to help it access China, a previously underexploited market.”

Gemfields operates emerald and ruby mines in Zambia and Mozambique and owns the Faberge brand.

In its statement this week, the mining company said it “continues to strongly advise” shareholders not to take any action on Pallinghurst’s offer and wait for an update on the status of the discussion with Fosun Gold, which will come on or before June 27.

The Pallinghurst offer remains open for acceptance until July 4. Fosun, meanwhile, has until end of business on Aug. 5 to make a formal offer for Gemfields.

A Gemfields spokesperson said the company cannot comment on either

offer beyond its published statements.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Saks Fifth Avenue flagship window installation
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Couture Retailer Liaison Jan Mohr
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Collage of NationalJeweler.com’s most-read stories of 2025
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Becka Johnson Kibby
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail Academy

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

Bulova x Stetson collection
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western Flair

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Rahaminov Diamonds Pop-Up at Yamron Jeweler
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in Florida

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

In Memoriam collage 2025
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

Tanishq Orlando store exterior
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, Virginia

The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

Nanis Madonna di Campiglio Flagship
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Amethyst Geodes Unearthed: Raw Beauty
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA Museum

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRS

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

People shopping in winter clothes
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in December

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

Bonhams US headquarters
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYC

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

Brian Patrick Gilbertson
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

Costume Designers Guild Award By Bulgari
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild Award

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

Kering logo
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco Group

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

For Future Reference Vintage
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’s

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

Counterfeit Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier Watches

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg new store concept rendering
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its Stores

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Graphic for the 2025 Year-End Webinar
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

Pair of Ippolita Lollatini earrings
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

Harwell Godfrey Lil Buddies
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy