10/07/2012 (Proactive Investors UK) - Equatorial Palm Oil (LON:PAL) has received a significant new investor in the shape of newly listed natural resource focused firm Praetorian Resources (LON:PRAE).

Due to share swap deals, Praetorian will become the owners of around 9.9 million shares in Equatorial Palm Oil, or 7.75 per cent of capital, the firm said.

Praetorian made its debut on London's AIM today. It aims to invest in natural resources stocks that provide exposure to long term growth in demand for commodities such as palm oil.

Equatorial Palm Oil chairman Michael Frayne said: "This exchange of shares will see EPO secure a significant new investor with a deep understanding of our industry, without diluting existing EPO shareholders.

"Given Praetorian's investment strategy and the track record of its management team, I look forward to their support as we seek to implement our on-going growth plans. Shareholders should be very encouraged by such a strong endorsement of our investment case."

Meanwhile, director of Praetorian Richard Lockwood told investors: "Equatorial Palm Oil is exactly the sort of business in which we would choose to invest. Palm oil is a fascinating market, whose growth is underpinned by compelling demographic and macro-economic trends."

One of EPO's shareholders - Adelise Services Ltd - will transfer to Praetorian its stake in Equatorial of around 5.14 per cent. And in return, Adelise will get around 1.8 million Praetorian shares and 923,433 subscription shares allowing Adelise to subscribe for Praetorian shares within the next three years at 70 pence a share.

Shares in Praetorian began trading today at 47.5 pence each in early deals - a discount to the admission price of 50 pence each.

EPO shares this afternoon were up 0.99 per cent, at 12.75 pence each.