Oriental Rise Signs LOI To Acquire Controlling Stake In Hubei Daguan Tea Industry Group Co.; No Financial Terms Disclosed

Proposed Transaction Expected to Enhance Upstream Supply Control, Improve Product Mix, and Further Advance Vertical Integration Strategy

NINGDE, China, Dec. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oriental Rise Holdings Limited ("Oriental Rise" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:ORIS), an integrated tea supplier in mainland China, today announced that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") to acquire a controlling equity interest in Hubei Daguan Tea Industry Group Co., Ltd. ("Daguan Tea"), a leading tea producer and processor based in Yingshan County, Hubei Province.

The Company believes the proposed transaction is highly aligned with its long-term strategic objectives, with a focus on strengthening control over core tea raw material resources and production capacity, optimizing cost structure, and enhancing the development of higher value-added tea products. Oriental Rise will conduct comprehensive due diligence on Daguan Tea and, subject to satisfactory results, proceed with negotiations toward a definitive transaction agreement. The LOI is non-binding, and the completion of any transaction remains subject to due diligence, execution of definitive agreements, and other customary conditions.

Daguan Tea is an established, vertically integrated tea enterprise with operations spanning tea cultivation, large-scale processing, product development, and brand management. The company operates substantial self-owned and managed tea plantation resources and maintains modern, automated production facilities capable of producing a broad range of tea products, including premium teas, bulk teas, and export-grade teas. Its production platform and product portfolio demonstrate scalability and standardization potential.

Strategically located in a core tea-producing region of Hubei Province, Daguan Tea has developed long-standing capabilities in raw material sourcing, quality control, and efficient production. The company has also established export channels and possesses a foundation for further international market expansion.

If completed, the Company expects the proposed transaction to generate meaningful strategic benefits by combining Oriental Rise's public company platform, capital market access, branding capabilities, and nationwide distribution network with Daguan Tea's upstream resources and production strengths. Expected benefits include improved supply stability and quality control, a more favorable product mix with increased exposure to higher-margin offerings, enhanced supply-chain coordination, and improved operating leverage to support future growth initiatives.

The proposed acquisition reflects Oriental Rise's continued execution of its vertical integration strategy. Management remains focused on selectively expanding across the tea value chain—from cultivation and processing to branding, distribution, and export—by integrating assets that demonstrate long-term strategic value and operational synergy.