An AIM-listed UK company is starting a new timber operation which focuses on planations in Australia and Asia Pacific.

Radicle, wants to raise £40m in launching the new investment company on AIM and the Channel Islands Stock Exchange.

The company’s currents assets will be owned by Radicle Timber after the new AIM listing, including the paulownia hardwood plantation in Queensland and a “BioForests” project,

Quick-growing paulownia is used in joinery, mouldings and furniture, while the BioForests venture produces energy wood from short rotation species.