News: GNC UPDATE 2-Australia's GrainCorp says it has received $1.8 bln takeover approach

• Little known company makes all-cash approach for GrainCorp
• GrainCorp says it needs more info on LTAP backers
• Deal would face regulatory scrutiny

(Adds quote, details)

Australia's largest listed bulk grain handler GrainCorp Ltd (GNC) said on Monday it has received a A$2.38 billion ($1.8 billion) takeover proposal from a little-known company called Long-Term Asset Partners Pty (LTAP).

GrainCorp said LTAP made a cash approach of A$10.42 a share, a near 43 percent premium to GrainCorp's closing price on Friday.

GrainCorp said it would consider the proposal but needed to know more information about the financial backers of LTAP and its plans for the Australian bulk grain handler.

The company also noted the "complex financing structure" of the deal involving A$3.2 billion in acquisition facilities from Goldman Sachs GS.N and A$400 million from Westbourne Capital.

The buyout approach comes as a drought wilts crops across Australia's east coast, limiting Graincorp's ability to earn revenue from international grain trading.

"The timing of the offer is opportunistic," said Belinda Moore, equity analyst, RBS Morgans.

"With the next opportunity for GrainCorp to possibly benefit from materially improved conditions not until 2021, shareholders will likely see this offer as attractive."

Analysts said the identity of LTAP's financial backers, however, would be a key determinant in the success of its bid.

LTAP said it was an asset manager for a trust whose beneficiaries were Australian investors.

Australian takeover law means the deal will draw the attention of regulators, and should it transpire that LTAP has foreign backers, it will face additional obstacles.

The Australian government blocked a A$2.8 billion takeover of GrainCorp by U.S. agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland Co ADM.N in 2013 - bowing to pressure from grain growers.

Aware of the need to win favour with farmers, LTAP said it would not sell any GrainCorp asset. ($1 = 1.3552 Australian dollars)