TIDMQPE TIDMIII
RNS Number : 7093N
3i Quoted Private Equity PLC
23 February 2009
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO OR
FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE
RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION IN PARTICULAR THE UNITED STATES, CANADA,
AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN
23 February 2009
RECOMMENDED ACQUISITION OF THE ASSETS OF 3i QUOTED PRIVATE EQUITY PLC BY 3i
GROUP PLC
1.Introduction
The boards of 3i QPEP and 3i announce that they have reached agreement on the
terms of a recommended acquisition of the assets of 3i QPEP by 3i. The
acquisition will be effected through a solvent liquidation of 3i QPEP.
3i owns 44.9 per cent. of the issued share capital of 3i QPEP.
If the acquisition is effected, shareholders in 3i QPEP excluding 3i (the
"Independent Shareholders") will receive cash and New 3i Shares from 3i for
their interests in 3i QPEP. The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers will not
apply to this transaction other than in the event of a competing Code offer.
2.The Scheme
The acquisition by 3i will be effected through a voluntary solvent liquidation
of 3i QPEP. Upon the liquidation of 3i QPEP, the liquidators will implement a
scheme (the "Scheme") involving a distribution of assets of 3i QPEP to 3i by its
liquidator in satisfaction of 3i's rights in the winding up of 3i QPEP and a
transfer by the liquidator of the residual assets of 3i QPEP to 3i in
consideration of the payment of cash and issue of New 3i Shares to Independent
Shareholders in respect of their interests in 3i QPEP.
The Independent Shareholders will be entitled to receive for each 3i QPEP Share:
* 50 pence in cash
* 0.1706 of a New 3i Share.
The New 3i Shares will rank pari passu with all issued ordinary shares of 3i in
respect of any dividends declared, made or paid with a record date on or after
the date of issue of the New 3i Shares. If the Scheme is effected, 3i will issue
37.6 million New 3i Shares and these shares will represent 8.9 per cent. of 3i's
post-transaction issued share capital.
3.Valuation and Costs
The terms of the Scheme value each 3i QPEP Share at 88.8 pence. This is equal to
the net asset value per 3i QPEP Share as at 31 January 2009, adjusted, inter
alia, for subsequent movements in the market value of 3i QPEP's quoted
investments up to 19 February 2009 and certain transaction costs. The balance of
any other costs incurred by 3i QPEP in connection with the Scheme will be borne
by 3i QPEP but are excluded from the net asset value calculation.
The terms of the Scheme value the entire issued share capital of 3i QPEP at
GBP355.2 million, and represent a premium of 32.6 per cent. to its closing price
on 19 February 2009.
3i will bear any stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax payable in respect of the
transfer of assets from 3i QPEP to 3i.
4.Background to and reasons for the Scheme
Since the onset of the dislocation to the credit markets in autumn 2007, 3i
QPEP's share price has traded at a significant discount to its net asset value.
3i is offering Independent Shareholders the opportunity to realise their
investment in 3i QPEP based on the current net asset value per share, as set out
in paragraph 3 above, in exchange for cash and New 3i Shares. Under the terms of
the Scheme, Independent Shareholders will benefit from a significant premium to
the current market value of their 3i QPEP Shares, as well as exposure to a
larger and more diversified portfolio of assets; and 3i Shareholders will
benefit from the elimination of the effective double discount that they
currently suffer on the 3i QPEP underlying assets since, as required by
International Financial Reporting Standards, 3i carries its investment in 3i
QPEP at its quoted value. 3i expects a net cash inflow of approximately GBP110
million on completion of the Scheme, being the difference between 3i QPEP's cash
balance that would be transferred to 3i and the cash element of the
consideration.
5.Irrevocable Undertakings
3i has received irrevocable undertakings from certain Independent Shareholders
to vote in favour of the Scheme and the associated resolutions to be proposed at
the EGM, in respect of a total of 59,892,953 3i QPEP Shares, representing
approximately 14.97 per cent. of the existing issued ordinary share capital of
3i QPEP.
3i has received an undertaking to vote in favour of the Scheme and the
associated resolutions to be proposed at the EGM from an Independent Shareholder
in respect of a total of 20,000,000 3i QPEP Shares, representing approximately 5
per cent. of the existing issued ordinary share capital of 3i QPEP. This
undertaking will cease to be binding if an offer is made for all the issued
ordinary shares of 3i QPEP at a premium of ten per cent. or more to the value of
the consideration receivable by Independent Shareholders under the Scheme.
Approximately 64.87 per cent. of the existing issued ordinary share capital of
3i QPEP is therefore either the subject of an undertaking or owned by 3i.
In addition, an Independent Shareholder has indicated it intends to vote in
favour of the Scheme and the associated resolutions to be proposed at the EGM in
respect of its holding of around 15,389,454 3i QPEP Shares.
6.Recommendation
The Independent Directors of 3i QPEP, who have been so advised by Tricorn
Partners, consider the terms of the Scheme to be fair and reasonable. They have
also had regard to the views of those Independent Shareholders referred to in
paragraph 5 above. In providing their advice to the 3i QPEP Directors, Tricorn
Partners has taken into account the commercial assessments of the
Independent Directors. Accordingly, the Independent Directors intend unanimously
to recommend that 3i QPEP Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme and the
associated resolutions to be proposed at the EGM as the 3i QPEP Directors intend
to do in respect of their beneficial holdings in 3i QPEP, amounting to, in
aggregate, 1,150,000 3i QPEP Shares, representing (as at the date of this
announcement) approximately 0.3 per cent. of the existing issued ordinary share
capital of 3i QPEP.
The Independent Directors comprise David Tyler, Duncan Baxter and Richard
Harwood. Antoine Clauzel cannot be treated as an independent director of 3i QPEP
as he is an employee of 3i. Accordingly, Antoine Clauzel has absented himself
from the deliberations in respect of the Scheme and a committee of the Board of
3i QPEP, comprising the Independent Directors, has been established for the
purpose of progressing and considering the terms of the Scheme and making the
recommendation in relation to the Scheme.
7.Information on 3i
3i is an international private equity company that focuses on buyouts, growth
capital and infrastructure; investing across Europe, Asia and the US. 3i is
listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 and
MSCI European Indices. As at 30 September 2008, 3i had approximately GBP10
billion of assets under management. As at 31 January 2009, 3i employed over 280
investment professionals across 14 countries worldwide.
8.Information on 3i QPEP
3i QPEP is a Jersey incorporated, public closed-end investment company. 3i QPEP
was admitted to the Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchange on
29 June 2007. 3i Investments plc ("3i Investments"), which is regulated in the
UK by the Financial Services Authority, was appointed by 3i QPEP to act as its
investment adviser.
3i QPEP's investment strategy has been to deliver private equity value creation
techniques to public companies, leveraging the international network of its
investment adviser to source attractive opportunities and execute its value
creation plan. 3i QPEP's investment policy has been to build a portfolio of
influential stakes in selected companies in the UK and continental Europe and
across a broad spectrum of sectors to attain the level of influence necessary to
generate significant improvements in operating performance.
9.Related Party Transaction
The Scheme between 3i QPEP and 3i will be a related party transaction for the
purpose of chapter 11 of the Listing Rules. The Scheme must therefore be
approved by a simple majority of the Independent Shareholders (excluding for
these purposes any associates of 3i). This approval will be a separate
resolution to that required for the solvent liquidation of 3i QPEP (where
approval of 66 2/3 per cent. of 3i QPEP Shareholders in attendance is required -
see paragraph 10 below, and on which resolution 3i and its associates may vote).
10.Structure of the Scheme
The Scheme will be effected through a voluntary solvent liquidation of 3i QPEP,
and it will comprise a distribution of assets of 3i QPEP to 3i by its liquidator
in satisfaction of 3i's rights in the winding up of 3i QPEP and a transfer by
the liquidator of the residual assets of 3i QPEP to 3i in consideration of the
payment of cash and issue of New 3i Shares to the Independent Shareholders in
respect of their interests in 3i QPEP.
To become effective, the Scheme requires, amongst other things, the following
events to occur: (i) approval of the Scheme by Independent Shareholders as
described in paragraph 9 above, (ii) a special resolution (requiring approval by
66 2/3 per cent. of 3i QPEP Shareholders in attendance) being passed to approve
amendments to the articles to facilitate the proposals, to wind up 3i QPEP and
to appoint a liquidator, (iii) 3i QPEP, 3i and the liquidator to enter into a
transfer agreement setting out the terms upon which 3i QPEP (acting through the
liquidator) having first made a distribution of assets to 3i in satisfaction of
3i's rights in the winding up of 3i QPEP, transfers its residual assets to 3i in
return for the issue of New 3i Shares and the payment of cash to the Independent
Shareholders, (iv) the Directors not resolving to abandon the Scheme if required
pursuant to their fiduciary duties, (v) the approval of the Jersey Financial
Services Commission, and (vi) the admission of the New 3i Shares to the Official
List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading on the main market for listed
securities of the London Stock Exchange.
11.Directors
The Independent Directors intend to resign from the board of the Company either
following the Scheme becoming effective or following completion of the
liquidation of the Company and their expectation is that they will have no
further continuing business involvement with 3i QPEP or 3i. In order to comply
with Jersey legal requirements, at least two of the Independent Directors will
remain on the board during the liquidation of the Company. The future role of
Antoine Clauzel will be determined in due course. Upon the resignation of the
Independent Directors, they shall each receive certain payments to compensate
them for loss of office. 3i QPEP has no employees.
3i QPEP, 3i and 3i Investments have agreed that the investment advisory and
other agreements between 3i QPEP and members of the 3i group of companies will
terminate on completion of the winding up of 3i QPEP and that no compensation
for such termination will be payable by either party.
12.Implementation Agreement
3i QPEP and 3i have entered into an Implementation Agreement which provides,
inter alia, for the implementation of the Scheme and contains certain assurances
and confirmations between the parties, including provisions to implement the
Scheme on a timely basis and governing the conduct of the business of 3i QPEP.
The Implementation Agreement terminates in certain circumstances, including:
(i)immediately, if agreed in writing by the parties;
(ii)immediately, if the Effective Date has not occurred by 29 May 2009;
(iii)immediately, on the earliest to occur of the date (if any) on which the
Scheme is withdrawn or lapses and the Effective Date; and
(iv)immediately, if the resolutions at the EGM are not passed by the requisite
majority of 3i QPEP Shareholders.
13.Delisting of 3i QPEP and Listing and Dealing of New 3i Shares
Prior to the Scheme becoming effective, and subject to applicable requirements
of the London Stock Exchange and the Financial Services Authority, 3i QPEP will
apply to the London Stock Exchange for 3i QPEP Shares to cease to be admitted to
trading and to the Financial Services Authority for the listing of 3i QPEP
Shares to be cancelled from the Official List, in each case to take effect on
the next Business Day following the Effective Date.
Subject to the Scheme becoming effective, share certificates in respect of 3i
QPEP Shares will cease to be valid on the Effective Date and should be
destroyed. In addition, on the Effective Date, entitlements to 3i QPEP Shares
held within the CREST system will be cancelled.
Application will be made by 3i for the New 3i Shares to be admitted to listing
and trading on the London Stock Exchange.
14.Overseas Shareholders
The availability of the Scheme to Independent Shareholders who are not resident
in the United Kingdom or Jersey may be affected by the laws of their relevant
jurisdiction. Such persons should inform themselves of, and observe, any
applicable legal or regulatory requirements of their jurisdiction. Independent
Shareholders who are in any doubt regarding such matters should consult an
appropriate independent professional adviser in the relevant jurisdiction
without delay.
15.Indicative Timetable
The Scheme will be implemented on the terms and subject to the conditions set
out in this announcement and to be set out in the Scheme Circular, including
obtaining relevant regulatory approvals and approval by the 3i QPEP
Shareholders. The Scheme Circular will provide full details of the Scheme,
together with notices of EGM and the expected timetable.
An indicative timetable of principal events is as follows:
+--------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| |
+--------------------------------------------+
| Event | Indicative Timing |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Posting of Scheme Circular to 3i QPEP | 23 March 2009 |
| Shareholders | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| 3i QPEP EGM and announcement of results | 16 April 2009 |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Effective Date: | 17 April 2009 |
| 3i QPEP in liquidation; | |
| Liquidation distribution to 3i; and | |
| New 3i Shares issued | |
+--------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Event | Indicative Timing |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Posting of Scheme Circular to 3i QPEP | 23 March 2009 |
| Shareholders | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| 3i QPEP EGM and announcement of results | 16 April 2009 |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Effective Date: | 17 April 2009 |
| 3i QPEP in liquidation; | |
| Liquidation distribution to 3i; and | |
| New 3i Shares issued | |
+--------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
All dates in this announcement which relate to the implementation of the Scheme
are indicative only. A more detailed timetable will be included in the Scheme
Circular.
16.General
In deciding whether or not to vote in favour of the resolutions to implement the
Scheme, 3i QPEP Shareholders should rely only on the information contained in,
and should follow the procedures described in, the Scheme Circular.
Information on the tax consequences of the Scheme for the 3i QPEP Shareholders
will be contained in the Scheme Circular. The Independent Directors of 3i QPEP
are being advised by Tricorn Partners and 3i is being advised by Rothschild.
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| |
+--------------------------------------------------+
| Enquiries: | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| 3i | +44 (0) 20 7975 3566 |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Patrick Dunne | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Rothschild (financial adviser to 3i) | + 44 (0) 20 7280 5000 |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| John Deans | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Jonathan Eddis | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| JPMorgan Cazenove Limited (corporate broker to | + 44 (0) 20 7588 2828 |
| 3i) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Andrew Hodgkin | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Merrill Lynch International (corporate broker to | + 44 (0) 20 7996 2285 |
| 3i) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Michael Findlay | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| 3i QPEP | +44 (0) 1534 609 921 |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| David Tyler (Chairman) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Tricorn Partners (financial adviser to the | +44 (0) 20 7823 0888 |
| Independent Directors of 3i QPEP) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Guy Dawson | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Oliver Tucker | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| RBS Hoare Govett Limited (corporate broker to 3i | +44 (0) 20 7678 8000 |
| QPEP) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Gary Gould | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Enquiries: | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| 3i | +44 (0) 20 7975 3566 |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Patrick Dunne | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Rothschild (financial adviser to 3i) | + 44 (0) 20 7280 5000 |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| John Deans | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Jonathan Eddis | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| JPMorgan Cazenove Limited (corporate broker to | + 44 (0) 20 7588 2828 |
| 3i) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Andrew Hodgkin | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Merrill Lynch International (corporate broker to | + 44 (0) 20 7996 2285 |
| 3i) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Michael Findlay | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| 3i QPEP | +44 (0) 1534 609 921 |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| David Tyler (Chairman) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Tricorn Partners (financial adviser to the | +44 (0) 20 7823 0888 |
| Independent Directors of 3i QPEP) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Guy Dawson | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Oliver Tucker | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| RBS Hoare Govett Limited (corporate broker to 3i | +44 (0) 20 7678 8000 |
| QPEP) | |
| | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Gary Gould | |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
Tricorn Partners is acting exclusively for 3i QPEP and no one else in connection
with the Scheme and will not be responsible to anyone other than 3i QPEP for
providing the protections afforded to clients of Tricorn Partners or for
providing advice in connection with the Scheme or any matter referred to herein.
Rothschild, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services
Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting for 3i and no one else in relation to
the Scheme and will not be responsible to anyone other than 3i for providing the
protections afforded to clients of Rothschild nor for providing advice in
relation to the proposed transaction.
This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form any part
of, an offer to sell or an invitation to subscribe for or purchase any
securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction,
pursuant to the Scheme or otherwise. The Scheme will be made solely through the
Scheme Circular, which will contain the full terms and conditions of the Scheme
(including details of how to vote in respect of the Scheme). Any response in
relation to the Scheme will be made only on the basis of the information
contained in the Scheme Circular or any other document by which the Scheme is
made. 3i QPEP Shareholders are advised to read carefully the formal
documentation in relation to the acquisition once it has been dispatched. This
announcement does not constitute a prospectus or prospectus equivalent document.
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains statements about 3i QPEP and 3i that are or may be
forward looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical
facts included in this announcement may be forward looking statements. Without
limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words
"targets", "plans" "believes", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will", "may",
"anticipates", "estimates", "projects", "continue", "should" or, words or terms
of similar substance or the negative thereof, are forward looking statements.
Forward looking statements include statements relating to the following: (i)
future capital expenditures, expenses, revenues, earnings, synergies, economic
performance, indebtedness, financial condition, dividend policy, losses and
future prospects; (ii) business and management strategies and the expansion and
growth of 3i QPEP's or 3i's operations and potential synergies resulting from
the Scheme; and (iii) the effects of government regulation on 3i QPEP's or 3i's
business.
Such forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could
significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions.
Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected or implied in any forward looking statements. Due to such
uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
such forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. 3i
QPEP and 3i disclaim any obligation to update any forward looking or other
statements contained herein, except as required by applicable law.
APPENDIX I
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply throughout this announcement unless the context
requires otherwise.
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "3i" | 3i Group plc |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "3i QPEP" or the "Company" | 3i Quoted Private Equity plc |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "3i QPEP Directors" | the directors of 3i QPEP as at the date of |
| | this announcement |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "3i QPEP Shareholders" | the holders of 3i QPEP Shares, including 3i |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "3i QPEP Shares" | the existing unconditionally allotted or |
| | issued and fully paid ordinary shares of 1 |
| | pence each in the capital of 3i QPEP |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Business Day" | a day (other than Saturdays, Sundays and |
| | public holidays in the UK) on which banks |
| | are open for business (other than solely |
| | for trading and settlement in Euros) in the |
| | City of London |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Code" | The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Effective Date" | the date on which the Scheme becomes |
| | effective pursuant to its terms |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "EGM" | the extraordinary general meeting of 3i |
| | QPEP (or any adjournment thereof) to be |
| | held in connection with the Scheme for the |
| | purposes of, inter alia, obtaining |
| | shareholder approval for the Scheme and the |
| | steps necessary to implement the Scheme |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Financial Services | the Financial Services Authority in its |
| Authority" | capacity as the competent authority for the |
| | purposes of Part VI of the Financial |
| | Services and Markets Act 2000 |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Independent Directors" | the 3i QPEP Directors other than Antoine |
| | Clauzel |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Independent Shareholders" | the 3i QPEP Shareholders excluding 3i |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Listing Rules" | the rules and regulations made by the |
| | Financial Services Authority in its |
| | capacity as the UK Listing Authority under |
| | the Financial Services and Markets Act |
| | 2000, and contained in the UK Listing |
| | Authority's publication of the same name |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "London Stock Exchange" | London Stock Exchange plc |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "New 3i Shares" | Ordinary Shares of 73 19/22 pence par value |
| | in the capital of 3i to be issued to |
| | Independent Shareholders pursuant to the |
| | Scheme |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Official List" | The Official List of the UK Listing |
| | Authority |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Rothschild" | N M Rothschild & Sons Limited |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Scheme" | the distribution of assets to 3i by 3i |
| | QPEP's liquidator in satisfaction of its |
| | rights in the winding up of 3i QPEP and a |
| | transfer by the liquidator of the residual |
| | assets of 3i QPEP to 3i in consideration of |
| | the payment of cash and the issue of New 3i |
| | Shares to Independent Shareholders in |
| | respect of their interests in 3i QPEP, as |
| | set out in Section 2 of this announcement |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Scheme Circular" | the circular to be sent to 3i QPEP |
| | Shareholders containing the terms and |
| | conditions of the Scheme, details of the |
| | proposals and the resolutions required to |
| | implement them |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "Tricorn Partners" | Tricorn Partners LLP |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "UKLA" | the UK Listing Authority, being the |
| | Financial Services Authority Limited acting |
| | in its capacity as the competent authority |
| | for the purposes of Part IV of the |
| | Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| "United Kingdom" or "UK" | the United Kingdom of Great Britain and |
| | Northern Ireland |
| | |
+-----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
All the times referred to in this announcement are London times.
References to the singular include the plural and vice versa.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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