ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, U.S. — CHS Inc. announced on April 30 that it has signed an agreement with Sinav Limited, London, England, to acquire 100% of the company's stock, which includes Illinois River Energy, LLC, a 133-million-gallon-per-year ethanol plant in Rochelle, Illinois, U.S.

Providing all conditions are met, the transaction is expected to close in June.

"Illinois River Energy is a top-tier ethanol plant, well-situated in a strategic growth area that will add value to our farmer-owners through expanded grain origination, additional renewable fuels gallons and distillers grain by-products," said Mark Palmquist, CHS executive vice-president and chief operating officer, Ag Business. 

CHS markets renewable fuels to energy customers across the U.S. and through 1,400 Cenex- branded retail petroleum outlets, including more than 1,000 Cenex convenience stores, and markets dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) globally on behalf of more than 20 ethanol plants across the U.S. 

"We have enjoyed a strong business relationship with CHS as they have been our ethanol marketer since the start of Illinois River Energy operations in 2006. Today, we look forward to formally joining CHS and adding value to the global cooperative as an ethanol, DDGS, and distillers corn oil producer," said Richard Ruebe, chief executive officer, Illinois River Energy.