We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.
Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pokphand(HK)Reg | LSE:PKPH | London | Ordinary Share | BMG715071004 | US$0.05(HONG KONG REGD) |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00 | 0.00% | 0.00 | - |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
RNS Number:7920S Pokphand (C.P.) Co Ltd 03 December 2003 THIS CIRCULAR IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION If you are in any doubt as to any aspect of this circular, you should consult a stockbroker or other registered dealer in securities, bank manager, solicitor, professional accountant or other professional adviser. If you have sold or transferred all your securities of C.P. Pokphand Co. Ltd., you should at once hand this circular to the purchaser or transferee or to the bank, stockbroker or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the purchaser or transferee. The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited takes no responsibility for the contents of this circular, makes no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this circular. C.P. POKPHAND CO. LTD. (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) CONNECTED AND DISCLOSEABLE TRANSACTION DISPOSAL OF SHARES IN C.P. STANDART GIDA SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI Independent Financial Adviser to the Independent Board Committee Kingsway Capital Limited A letter from the Independent Board Committee is set out on page 10 of this circular. A letter from Kingsway Capital Limited containing its advice to the Independent Board Committee is set out on pages 11 to 16 of this circular. A notice convening a Special General Meeting of C.P. Pokphand Co. Ltd. to be held at 21st Floor, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong on Thursday, 18th December, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. is set out on page 23 of this circular. Whether or not you are able to attend the Special General Meeting, you are requested to complete and return the form of proxy in accordance with the instructions printed thereon as soon as possible and in any event not later than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding of such meeting or any adjournment thereof. Completion and return of the form of proxy will not preclude you from attending and voting at the Special General Meeting or any adjournment thereof should you so wish. 3rd December, 2003 CONTENTS Page Definitions 1 Letter from the Board Introduction 4 Disposal 5 Reasons for the Disposal 7 Connected and Discloseable Transaction 7 Special General Meeting 9 Recommendation 9 Further Information 9 Letter from the Independent Board Committee 10 Letter from Kingsway 11 Appendix - General Information 17 Notice of Special General Meeting 23 DEFINITIONS In this circular, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have the following meanings: "associate(s)" has the meaning ascribed to it under the Listing Rules "Board" the board of Directors "Business Day" a day (other than a Saturday and Sunday) on which banks are open for business in Thailand and Hong Kong "Company" C.P. Pokphand Co. Ltd., an exempted company incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability whose shares are listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange Limited "CPD" Charoen Pokphand Development (Turkey) Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with limited liability and which is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company "CP Foods" Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited, a company incorporated in Thailand, the shares of which are listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand "CPF Investment" CPF Investment Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CP Foods "CPG" Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd., a company incorporated in Thailand "CP Standart" C.P. Standart Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, a joint stock company registered in the Republic of Turkey in which the Company indirectly through CPD holds an approximate 84.49% shareholding "Directors" the directors of the Company "Disposal" the disposal by CPD to CPF Investment of an approximate 84.49% shareholding in CP Standart pursuant to the terms of the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement "Existing Scheme" the existing share option scheme adopted pursuant to an ordinary resolution of the Company passed on 26th November, 2002 "First Closing Date" shall be 29th January, 2004, unless the parties to the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement otherwise agree, but shall be no later than 60 Business Days following the mutual notification of the satisfaction of all of the conditions precedent contained in the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement by the parties thereto "Group" the Company and its subsidiaries "Hong Kong" the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC "Hong Kong Stock Exchange" the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited "Independent Board Committee" an independent committee of the Board of the Company comprising Mr. Budiman Elkana and Mr. Cheung Koon Yuet, Peter "Independent Shareholders" the holders of Shares other than the nine Directors and their respective associates "Kingsway" Kingsway Capital Limited, a deemed licensed corporation for types 4, 6 and 9 regulated activities as set out in Schedule 5 of the SFO, appointed as independent financial adviser to the Independent Board Committee in relation to the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement "Latest Practicable Date" 1st December, 2003, being the latest practicable date prior to the printing of this circular for ascertaining certain information which is contained in this circular "Listing Rules" the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange "nine Directors" Mr. Jaran Chiaravanont, Mr. Montri Jiaravanont, Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont, Mr. Sumet Jiaravanon, Mr. Prasert Poongkumarn, Mr. Min Tieanworn, Mr. Thirayut Phitya-Isarakul, Mr. Thanakorn Seriburi and Mr. Veeravat Kanchanadul "Old Scheme" the share option scheme of the Company adopted on 10th April, 1992 and which has expired on 9th April, 2002 "PRC" the People's Republic of China "Sale Shares" 16,898,568,000 shares in CP Standart, representing approximately 84.49% of the total issued shares in CP Standart "Second Closing Date" shall be 1st May, 2004 and in any event no later than 30th June, 2004 "SFO" Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) "Shareholders" shareholders of the Company "Share Purchase and Sale Agreement" the share purchase and sale agreement entered into between CPD, CPF Investment and the Company dated 12th November, 2003 relating to the Disposal "Special General Meeting" the special general meeting of the Company to be held to consider and, if thought fit, approve the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder "HK$" Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency of Hong Kong "US$" United States dollars, the lawful currency of the United States "%" per cent. Note: Except otherwise stated in this circular, the following exchange rate has been used for conversion into Hong Kong dollars for indication only: US$1 = HK$7.80. LETTER FROM THE BOARD C.P. POKPHAND CO. LTD. (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) Directors: Registered Office: Mr. Jaran Chiaravanont Canon's Court Mr. Montri Jiaravanont 22 Victoria Street Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont Hamilton HM12 Mr. Sumet Jiaravanon Bermuda Mr. Prasert Poongkumarn Mr. Min Tieanworn Principal Place of Business: Mr. Thirayut Phitya-Isarakul 21st Floor Mr. Thanakorn Seriburi Far East Finance Centre Mr. Veeravat Kanchanadul 16 Harcourt Road Mr. Budiman Elkana* Hong Kong Mr. Cheung Koon Yuet, Peter* * Independent non-executive directors 3rd December, 2003 To the shareholders of the Company Dear Sirs, CONNECTED AND DISCLOSEABLE TRANSACTION DISPOSAL OF SHARES IN C.P. STANDART GIDA SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI INTRODUCTION It was announced on 13th November, 2003 that CPD, CPF Investment and the Company entered into the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement on 12th November, 2003 for the disposal of 84.49% of the total issued shares in CP Standart, representing the Group's entire shareholding interests in CP Standart, for a consideration of US$22,000,000 (approximately HK$171,600,000). The Disposal constitutes a connected and discloseable transaction of the Company under the Listing Rules. The purpose of this circular is to provide you with information regarding the Disposal, to set out the advice from Kingsway to the Independent Board Committee and the recommendation of the Independent Board Committee in respect of the Disposal and to give notice to the Independent Shareholders to convene the Special General Meeting to consider and, if thought fit, to approve the Disposal. DISPOSAL Share Purchase and Sale Agreement dated 12th November, 2003 Parties (1) CPD (as seller) (2) CPF Investment (as purchaser) (3) the Company (as immediate holding company of the seller) Assets to be disposed of CPD has agreed to dispose of approximately 84.49% of the total issued shares in CP Standart to CPF Investment, representing the Group's entire shareholding interests in CP Standart. Closing of the Disposal shall be effected in two separate stages. On the First Closing Date, CPD shall dispose of approximately 83.27% of the total issued shares in CP Standart to CPF Investment. On the Second Closing Date, CPD shall dispose of its remaining 1.22% shareholding in CP Standart to CPF Investment. CP Standart CP Standart is a company registered in Turkey under the Turkish Commercial Code on 21st April, 1988, and is engaged in the production and trade of packaged chicken, chicken breeding, the wholesale trading of poultry and the manufacture and trading of various animal feeds. Based on its audited accounts prepared in accordance with the Turkish Commercial Code, tax legislation and the Uniform Chart of Accounts issued by the Ministry of Finance of Turkey, the audited net profit of CP Standart before and after taxation, extraordinary items and minority interests for the two years ended 31st December, 2001 and 2002, and its net tangible assets as at 31st December, 2001 and 2002, are set out below: As at As at 31st December, 2002 31st December, 2001 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 Profit Before taxation, extraordinary items and minority 11,557 90,145 2,852 22,246 interests After taxation, extraordinary items and minority 8,986 70,090 2,939 22,924 interests Net tangible assets 20,283 158,207 11,323 88,319 Net assets 21,464 167,419 12,234 95,425 Note: The 2001 and 2002 figures relating to the audited net profit, net tangible assets and net assets of CP Standart stated above have been converted from Turkish Lira into US Dollars based on the exchange rates as at 31st December, 2001 and 31st December, 2002, respectively. Conditions precedent Completion is conditional upon, among other things, the following conditions being fulfilled: (1) approval being obtained from the Independent Shareholders approving the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder; and (2) authorizations being obtained from the co-ordinator and security agent on behalf of certain financial creditors of the Group approving the Disposal. If such conditions precedent are not satisfied or waived on or before 31st January, 2004 (or such later date as may be agreed by the parties), the parties may in their sole discretion, terminate the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement in accordance with the terms contained therein. Consideration Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent as set out in the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement, CPF Investment shall in aggregate pay US$22,000,000 (approximately HK$171,600,000) to the Company for the Sale Shares, subject to any applicable withholding tax required by applicable laws. In line with the two-stage closing mechanism, CPF Investment shall pay to the Company US$21,681,900 (approximately HK$169,118,820) on the First Closing Date and US$318,100 (approximately HK$2,481,180) on the Second Closing Date. The consideration of the Disposal represents (i) a premium of approximately 21.31% over the net assets of CP Standart as at 31st December, 2002 after deduction of minority interests; and (ii) a premium of approximately 2.5% over the net assets of CP Standart as at 31st December, 2002 without such deduction. The total consideration payable by CPF Investment in respect of the Disposal was determined following commercial negotiations between the Company and CPF Investment after taking into account the financial performance and net tangible asset value of CP Standart in the financial years of 2001 and 2002. REASONS FOR THE DISPOSAL The Group is principally engaged in the trading of agricultural products, feedmill and poultry operations, the production and sale of motorcycles and accessories for automotives and property and investment holding. As previously disclosed in the announcements issued by the Company in connection with the Group's debt restructuring arrangements, the Group is required to make scheduled distributions to its creditors to reduce its indebtedness and such distributions are to be funded by various means including cashflows from operations and proceeds from asset disposals. The Disposal will form part of the overall asset disposal program contemplated under the Group's debt restructuring arrangements. In addition, the Group has been focusing on its agri-business in the PRC. As such, the Directors are of the view that the business operations of CP Standart in Turkey falls outside the current and future business focus of the Group. Effect of the Disposal The net proceeds of the Disposal is approximately US$21.8 million (approximately HK$170.0 million) will be used for reducing the Group's debts. The total debt of the Group as at 30th June, 2003 was approximately US$235.6 million (approximately HK$1,837.7 million). The Directors noted that following the Disposal, the total debt of the Group is expected to be reduced by approximately US$21.8 million (approximately HK$170.0 million). As at 31st December, 2002, CP Standart had audited net assets of approximately US$21.5 million (approximately HK$167.7 million), of which approximately US$18.1 million (approximately HK$141.2 million) is attributable to the Sale Shares. Assuming the net asset value of CP Standart remains unchanged from 31st December, 2002 up to completion of the Disposal and on the basis that the net proceeds from the Disposal will be US$21.8 million (approximately HK$170.0 million), the Directors estimate that a capital gain of approximately US$3.7 million (approximately HK$28.9 million) will arise from the Disposal. CONNECTED AND DISCLOSEABLE TRANSACTION The Disposal constitutes a connected and discloseable transaction for the Company under the Listing Rules. As at the Latest Practicable Date, nine Directors of the Company together own aggregate shareholding interests of 57.51% in CPG. CPG and its associates own an approximate 49.26% shareholding interest in CP Foods. CP Foods is a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and CPF Investment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CP Foods. Because of the 57.51% aggregate shareholding interests of the nine Directors in CPG and CPG's shareholding interests in CP Foods, CPF Investment is an associate of the nine Directors and is accordingly a connected person of the Company for the purposes of the Listing Rules. The balance of an approximate 15.51% shareholding in CP Standart is beneficially owned by a company in which eight Directors (nine Directors except Mr. Veeravat Kanchanadul) hold an aggregate 65.27% shareholding, and is accordingly a connected person of the Company for the purposes of the Listing Rules. Accordingly, the Disposal constitutes a connected transaction of the Company and requires approval by the Independent Shareholders at a Special General Meeting of the Company under Rule 14.26 of the Listing Rules. The Disposal also constitutes a discloseable transaction under Rule 14.12 of the Listing Rules. As at the Latest Practicable Date, of the nine Directors, Mr. Jaran Chiaravanont, is beneficially interested in 843,750 shares of the Company, representing approximately 0.04% of the issued share capital of the Company. Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont and Mr. Sumet Jiaravanon, are deemed, for the purposes of the SFO, to be interested in the same 1,066,662,834 shares of the Company, representing 49.42% of the issued share capital of the Company. The chart below shows the relationship between the parties to the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement and their respective associates prior to the completion of the Disposal: Note: indirect interests are indicated by dotted lines In view of the nine Directors' interests in the Disposal, each of the nine Directors and their associates will abstain from voting in relation to the resolution to be proposed at the Special General Meeting for the approval of the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING Set out on page 23 is a notice convening the Special General Meeting to be held at 21st Floor, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong on Thursday, 18th December, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. at which relevant resolution will be proposed to approve the Disposal. A form of proxy for use at the Special General Meeting is enclosed. Whether or not you are able to attend the meeting in person, you are requested to complete and return the form of proxy in accordance with the instructions printed thereon to the branch share registrars of the Company in Hong Kong, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited at 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Hong Kong as soon as possible but in any event not later than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding of the Special General Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Completion and return of the form of proxy will not preclude you from attending and voting at the Special General Meeting or any adjournment thereof should you so wish. RECOMMENDATION The Independent Board Committee has been established to consider whether the terms of the Disposal are fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned and Kingsway has been appointed to advise the Independent Board Committee in that connection. The text of the letter from Kingsway containing its advice to the Independent Board Committee is set out on pages 11 to 16 of this circular and the text of the letter from the Independent Board Committee is set out on page 10. The Independent Board Committee, having taken into account the opinion of Kingsway, considers the terms of the Disposal to be fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned and accordingly, recommends the Independent Shareholders to vote in favour of the ordinary resolution to be proposed at the Special General Meeting. FURTHER INFORMATION Your attention is drawn to the information set out in the appendix of this circular. Yours faithfully, By Order of the Board Dhanin Chearavanont Chairman and Chief Executive Officer LETTER FROM THE INDEPENDENT BOARD COMMITTEE C.P. POKPHAND CO. LTD. (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) 3rd December, 2003 To the shareholders of the Company Dear Sirs, CONNECTED AND DISCLOSEABLE TRANSACTION DISPOSAL OF SHARES IN C.P. STANDART GIDA SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI We refer to the circular dated 3rd December, 2003 issued to the Shareholders (the "Circular") of which this letter forms part. Capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meanings as defined in the Circular unless the context otherwise requires. As independent non-executive Directors who are independent of the parties to the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement and not having any interest in the transaction contemplated under the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement, we have been appointed by the Board to advise you as to whether, in our opinion, the terms and conditions of the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement are fair and reasonable so far as the Shareholders as a whole are concerned. Kingsway has been appointed by the Company as the independent financial adviser to advise us regarding the fairness and reasonableness of the terms and conditions of the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement. Details of its advice, together with the principal factors and reasons taken into consideration in arriving at such opinion, are set out on pages 11 to 16 of the Circular. Your attention is also drawn to the letter from the Board set out on pages 4 to 9 of the Circular and the additional information set out in the appendix to the Circular. Having taken into account the opinion of and the principal factors and reasons considered by Kingsway as stated in its letter of advice, we consider that the terms and conditions of the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement are fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned and are in the interest of the Company and its Shareholders. We therefore recommend the Independent Shareholders to vote in favour of the resolution in relation to the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement to be proposed at the Special General Meeting. Yours faithfully, For and on behalf of the Independent Board Committee Budiman Elkana Cheung Koon Yuet, Peter LETTER FROM KINGSWAY The following is the full text of the letter of advice to the Independent Board Committee from Kingsway dated 3rd December, 2003 prepared for incorporation in this circular. Kingsway Capital Limited 3rd December, 2003 To the Independent Board Committee of C.P. Pokphand Co. Ltd CONNECTED AND DISCLOSEABLE TRANSACTION We refer to our engagement as the independent financial adviser to advise the Independent Board Committee in respect of the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement, details of which are set out in the circular dated 3rd December, 2003 (the "Circular") of which this letter forms part. Terms used in this letter shall have the same meanings as defined in the Circular unless the context requires otherwise. As at the Latest Practicable Date, nine Directors together owned an approximately 57.51% shareholding interest in CPG. As at the same date, CPG and its associates owned an approximately 49.26% shareholding interest in CP Foods which in turn owned the entire equity interest of CPF Investment. Accordingly, CPF Investment is an associate of the nine Directors and is a connected person of the Company for the purpose of the Listing Rules. The Disposal therefore constitutes a connected transaction of the Company under Chapter 14 of the Listing Rules and is subject to the approval of the Independent Shareholders at the Special General Meeting at which the nine Directors and their associates will abstain from voting. In formulating our opinion, we have relied on the Directors to ensure that the information and facts supplied to us by the Company are true, accurate and complete. We have also relied on the information contained in the Circular and have assumed that the statements made were true, accurate and complete at the time they were made and continue to be true on the date of the Circular. We have also assumed that all statements of belief, opinion and intention made by the Directors in the Circular were reasonably made after due enquiry. We consider that we have reviewed sufficient information to reach an informed view and have no reason to doubt the truth, accuracy and completeness of the information and representations provided to us by the Directors. We have been advised by the Directors that no material facts have been withheld or omitted from the information provided and referred to in the Circular. We have not, however, carried out any independent verification of the information provided by the Company and the Directors, nor have we conducted any independent investigation into the affairs of the Group. PRINCIPAL FACTORS AND REASONS CONSIDERED In arriving at our opinion, we have taken into consideration the following factors and reasons: 1. Reasons for the Disposal and use of proceeds The Group is principally engaged in the trading of agricultural products, feedmill and poultry operations, the production and sale of motorcycles and accessories for automotives and property and investment holding. CP Standart is a company registered in Turkey and is engaged in the production and trade of packaged chicken, chicken breeding, the wholesale trading of poultry and the manufacture and trading of various animal feeds. As stated in the Letter from the Board as contained in the Circular ("Letter from the Board") and previously disclosed in the announcements issued by the Company in connection with the Group's debt restructuring arrangements, the Group is required to make scheduled distributions to its creditors to reduce its indebtedness and such distributions are to be funded by various means including cashflows from operations and proceeds from asset disposals. As disclosed in the Company's 2002 annual report, in order to reduce the overall level of indebtedness, the Group has implemented an asset disposal program which has been ongoing since 1998, and the Group will continue to execute its asset disposal program with a view to generating cash proceeds to further reduce its indebtedness. The Disposal will form part of the aforesaid asset disposal program contemplated under the Group's debt restructuring arrangements. In addition, the Group has been focusing on its agri-business in the PRC. As such, the Directors are of the view that the business operations of CP Standart in Turkey falls outside the current and future business focus of the Group. The Directors further consider that the business operations of CP Standart in Turkey are subject to relatively high geopolitical and economic risks such as fluctuations of the exchange rate between the Turkish Lira and the US dollar which can bring about unexpected adverse impact on the Group's operating result, and their geographical location from Hong Kong and political instability make it difficult for the Company's management to exercise planning and control. It is noted that as at 30th June, 2003, the Group's unaudited outstanding borrowings subject to the debt restructuring arrangements amounted to about US$235.6 million (approximately HK$1,837.7 million) (the "Scheme Indebtedness"). We understand from the Company that out of the Scheme Indebtedness, US$45 million (approximately HK$351 million), US$20.8 million (approximately HK$162.2 million) and US$20.8 million (approximately HK$162.2 million) will be payable in December 2003, June 2004 and December 2004 respectively, and the balance will be refinanced after the end of December 2004. As at 30th June, 2003, apart from the Scheme Indebtedness, the Group had unaudited other borrowings of about US$394.4 million (approximately HK$3,076.3 million), out of which US$386.5 million (approximately HK$3,014.7 million) is repayable within 1 year and the balance of US$7.9 million (approximately HK$61.6 million) is repayable after 1 year. It is further noted that as at 30th June, 2003, the Group had unaudited net current liabilities of about US$314.3 million (approximately HK$2,451.4 million). The Directors intend to use the net proceeds of about US$21.8 million (approximately HK$170.0 million) from the Disposal to repay the Scheme Indebtedness and other debts of the Group. The Directors have advised that there has been no material change of the Group's indebtedness since 30th June, 2003. Having considered the above reasons, we concur with the view of the Directors that the Disposal can reduce the Group's debt level, improve its working capital position and enable the Directors to focus the Group's resources on the agri-business in the PRC, and is therefore in the interests of the Company and the Independent Shareholders as a whole. 2. Terms of the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement Basis of consideration As mentioned in the Letter from the Board, the consideration for the Disposal is US$22,000,000 (approximately HK$171.6 million) (subject to any applicable withholding tax required by applicable laws) and was determined after commercial negotiations between the Company and CPF Investment after taking into account the financial performance and net tangible asset value of CP Standart for the 2 financial years ended 31st December, 2002. Such consideration represents a premium of about 21.3% and 28.4% over the audited net assets and audited net tangible assets of CP Standart after deduction of minority interests respectively as at 31st December, 2002 attributable to the Company. It is noted that the consideration represents a price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 2.9 times based on the audited net profit attributable to shareholders of CP Standart for the year ended 31st December, 2002 of approximately US$9.0 million (approximately HK$70.2 million) attributable to the Sale Shares. As no comparable companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange which are engaged in similar business to CP Standart can be identified and the financial information on non-listed companies engaged in similar business to CP Standart is not readily available, we have taken into account the closing price of HK$0.27 per share of the Company as quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as at 12th November, 2003 (being the date of signing of the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement), which is translated into a price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 0.8 based on the Group's latest reported earnings per share of the Company of approximately US$0.0429 (approximately HK$0.335) for the year ended 31st December, 2002. Taking into account (i) the premium of the consideration over the audited net tangible asset value of CP Standart as at 31st December, 2002 attributable to the Sale Shares; (ii) the premium of the price-to-earnings ratio in respect of CP Standart over the price-to-earnings ratio of the Company with due regard to the recent political instability in Turkey and the fact that CP Standart does not have a listing status on its own and therefore its shares do not have liquidity in open market, we are of the view that the consideration is fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned. Payment terms Closing of the Disposal shall be effected in two separate stages. On the First Closing Date and the Second Closing Date, the Group shall dispose of approximately 83.27% and 1.22% respectively of the total issued shares of CP Standart to CPF Investment. In line with this two-stage closing mechanism, CPF Investment shall pay to the Company US$21,681,900 (approximately HK$169,118,820) and US$318,100 (approximately HK$2,481,180) in cash on the First Closing Date and the Second Closing Date respectively. As the entire consideration is payable in cash and the amount of payment at each stage is pro rata to the percentage of the total number shares of CP Standart to be disposed of by the Group, we consider such payment terms fair and reasonable. 3. Financial effect of the Disposal on the Group (a) Earnings As at 31st December, 2002, CP Standart had audited net assets of approximately US$21.5 million (approximately HK$167.7 million), of which approximately US$18.1 million (approximately HK$141.2 million) is attributable to the Sale Shares. Assuming the net asset value of CP Standart remains unchanged from 31st December, 2002 up to completion of the Disposal and on the basis that the net proceeds from the Disposal will be US$21.8 million (approximately HK$170.0 million), the Directors estimate that a capital gain of approximately US$3.7 million (approximately HK$28.9 million) will arise from the Disposal. For the year ended 31st December, 2002, CP Standart recorded audited profit after tax of approximately US$9.0 million (approximately HK$70.2 million), of which approximately US$7.6 million (approximately HK$59.3 million) was attributable to the Sale Shares. Such profit contribution of CP Standart to the Group represented only approximately 8.2% of the Group's audited consolidated net profit attributable to the Shareholders of approximately US$92.6 million (approximately HK$722.3 million) for the same financial year. On the basis of the profit contribution of CP Standart to the Group for the year ended 31st December, 2002, the Directors consider the Disposal should not have a material adverse impact on the Group's trading results. It is noted that for the 6 months ended 30th June, 2003, CP Standart recorded unaudited profit after tax of approximately US$5.5 million (approximately HK$42.9 million), of which approximately US$4.6 million (approximately HK$35.9 million) was attributable to the Sale Shares, whereas the Group recorded unaudited loss attributable to Shareholders of approximately US$31.1 million (approximately HK$242.6 million) (compared to an unaudited profit attributable to Shareholders of approximately US$47.6 million (approximately HK$371.3 million) for the corresponding period in the previous year). We understand from the Company that for the 6 months ended 30th June, 2003, the division of agri-business in the PRC recorded unaudited loss attributable to shareholders of approximately US$34.7 million (approximately HK$270.7 million) as a result of a significant drop in gross profit margin for the 6 months ended 30th June, 2003. Such drop was principally due to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome ("SARS") in part of the PRC in the first half of 2003 which had an adverse impact on the Group's agri-business operating across the PRC and the increase in cost of raw materials required for feed production since December 2002. The Company advises that as a result of the outbreak of SARS, the Group's business related traveling of its purchasing and sales staff, the movement of raw materials required for production and the delivery of its finished products suffered interruptions at some locations and sales were retarded due to lowered consumption. The substantial drop in other income (which was mainly contributed by gain on disposal of short term investments) from US$44.0 million (approximately HK$343.2 million) for the 6 months ended 30th June, 2002 to US$3.8 million (approximately HK$29.6 million) for the 6 months ended 30th June, 2003 also widened the gap of the operating results. The Company expects that the Group would be able to turn around in the next financial year as the Group will concentrate its effort on the PRC agri-business to cope with the challenges in the PRC. The Company further expects that, as the costs of major raw materials for production are projected to maintain at high level, CP Standart's profitability would not increase significantly. In addition, the financial performance of CP Standart contributed to the Company is subject to the fluctuation of exchange rate between the Turkish Lira and the US dollar. On the basis that (i) the profit contribution of CP Standart to the Group for the year ended 31st December, 2002 only accounted for approximately 8.2% of the Group's audited consolidated net profit attributable to the Shareholders for the same financial year; (ii) CP Standart's profitability is not expected to increase significantly for the reasons stated above; (iii) CP Standart is facing relatively high geopolitical risks in particular the uncertainty of the exchange rate between Turkish Lira and the US dollar; and (iv) the Group is expected to turn around as a result of the fading out of the adverse effect of SARS and the Group's commitment to focus on the PRC agri-business, the Directors consider the Disposal is not likely to have a material adverse impact on the Group's results in the long run. (b) Net assets As mentioned in the paragraph headed "Earnings" above, the Directors expect that a capital gain of approximately US$3.7 million (approximately HK$28.9 million) will arise from the Disposal. Accordingly, the consolidated net assets of the Group will increase by the same amount, representing an increase of approximately 3.1% as compared to the Group's unaudited consolidated net assets of approximately US$119.6 million (approximately HK$932.9 million) as at 30th June, 2003. We consider that such increase in the Group's consolidated net asset value arising from the Disposal is favourable to the Group. (c) Liquidity and gearing As at 30th June, 2003, the Group had an unaudited cash balance of approximately US$86.4 million (approximately HK$673.9 million), of which approximately US$13.5 million (approximately HK$105.3 million) was attributable to CP Standart. Upon completion of the Disposal, the Group will be able to receive a cash consideration of US$21.8 million (approximately HK$170.0 million) (net of related expenses). On such basis, the cash position of the Group will increase by approximately 9.6% to US$94.7 million (approximately HK$738.7 million). In addition, as at 30th June, 2003, the Group's unaudited total debt (of which approximately US$13.8 million (approximately HK$107.6 million) was attributable to CP Standart), unaudited net asset value and debt to equity ratio (which is calculated by dividing the total debt by the net asset value) was about US$630.0 million (approximately HK$4,914.0 million), US$191.1 million (approximately HK$1,490.6 million) and 329.7% (i.e. by dividing US$630.0 million by US$191.1 million) respectively. Based on the financial position of the Group as at 30th June, 2003, after completion of the Disposal and assuming all the net proceeds of US$21.8 million (approximately HK$170.0 million) from the Disposal have been used to repay the Group's debts, the Group's total debt, net asset value and debt to equity ratio, having been adjusted for the debts attributable to CP Standart and the estimated gain of approximately US$3.7 million (approximately HK$28.9 million) arising from the Disposal, will be US$594.4 million (approximately HK$4,636.3 million) (i.e. by deducting US$13.8 million and US$21.8 million from US$630.0 million), US$194.8 million (approximately HK$1,519.4 million) (i.e. by adding US$3.7 million to US$191.1 million) and 305.1% (i.e. by dividing US$594.4 million by US$194.8 million) respectively. Accordingly, debt level will be reduced and the debt to equity ratio will be improved as a result of the Disposal. In light of the high gearing ratio of the Group and the fact that it had substantial net current liabilities of about US$314.3 million (approximately HK$2,451.5 million) as at 30th June, 2003, we consider that the improvement of liquidity and gearing ratio of the Group as a result of the Disposal is favourable to the Group. RECOMMENDATION Having considered the above principal factors and reasons, we are of the opinion that the terms of the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement are in the interests of the Company and are fair and reasonable so far as the Independent Shareholders are concerned. Accordingly, we advise the Independent Board Committee to recommend the Independent Shareholders to vote in favour of the ordinary resolution to be proposed at the Special General Meeting to approve the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement. Yours faithfully For and on behalf of Kingsway Capital Limited Chu Tat Hoi Director APPENDIX GENERAL INFORMATION RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT This circular includes particulars given in compliance with the Listing Rules for the purpose of giving information with regard to the Company. The Directors collectively and individually accept full responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in this circular and confirm, having made all reasonable enquiries, that to the best of their knowledge and belief there are no other facts the omission of which would make any statement herein misleading. DIRECTORS' AND CHIEF EXECUTIVES' INTERESTS AND SHORT POSITIONS IN SHARES, UNDERLYING SHARES OR DEBENTURES As at the Latest Practicable Date, the interests and short positions of the Directors and chief executives of the Company in shares, underlying shares or debentures of the Company or any associated corporation (within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO) as are required to be notified to the Company and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of Part XV of the SFO (including interests and short positions in which he is taken or deemed to have under such provisions of the SFO), recorded in the register required to be kept by the Company under Section 352 of the SFO or as otherwise notified to the Company and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange pursuant to the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Companies were as follows: Long position in shares of the Company Capacity/Nature of Interest Approximate Total percentage of Interest of number of issued share Beneficial Controlled Shares in the capital of the Name of Director Owner Corporations Company Company Mr. Jaran Chiaravanont 843,750 - 843,750 0.04 Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont - 1,066,662,834 1,066,662,834 (1) 49.42 Mr. Sumet Jiaravanon - 1,066,662,834 1,066,662,834 (1)&(2) 49.42 Notes: (1) 428,441,073 shares were held by Perfect Investment Limited, 524,215,911 shares were held by Pakeman Co. Inc. and 114,005,850 shares were held by CPI Holding Co., Ltd.. Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont and Mr. Sumet Jiaravanon have direct/ indirect beneficial interests in these three companies: 50% and 45% in Perfect Investment Limited; 33.5% and 33.5% in Pakeman Co. Inc. and 38.35% and 38.35% in CPI Holding Co., Ltd., respectively. (2) 1,066,662,834 shares are duplicated in the corporate interests attributable to Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont. Long position in shares of an associated corporation Name of Number of associated corporation Name of Director in which shares held notifiable interest is held Mr. Thanakorn Seriburi Chia Tai 20,000 Quanzhou Company Limited Long position in underlying shares of the Company Pursuant to the Old Scheme and the Existing Scheme, certain Directors were granted share options. As at the Latest Practicable Date, the interests of the Directors of the Company in options to subscribe for shares in the capital of the Company under the Old Scheme and the Existing Scheme were as follows: Number of shares issuable upon exercise of options held (and its percentage Price per against the total share to be issued share capital) Period during paid on Name of as at the which options exercise Latest are Director Date of Grant Practicable exercisable of options Date HK$ Mr. Dhanin 26th February, 2003 12,800,000 26th February, 0.39 2003 Chearavanont (0.593%) to 25th February, 2013 Mr. Sumet 26th February, 2003 12,800,000 26th February, 0.39 2003 Jiaravanon (0.593%) to 25th February, 2013 Mr. Prasert 20th May, 1994 18,479,248 20th May, 1994 1.752 Poongkumarn (0.856%) to 20th May, 2004 26th February, 2003 21,584,807 26th February, 0.39 2003 (1.00%) to 25th February, 2013 Mr. Min 26th February, 2003 21,584,807 26th February, 0.39 2003 Tieanworn (1.00%) to 25th February, 2013 Mr. Thirayut 10th August, 1998 25,000,000 10th August, 0.3875 1998 Phitya-Isarakul (1.158%) to 10th August, 2008 26th February, 2003 21,584,807 26th February, 0.39 2003 (1.00%) to 25th February, 2013 Mr. Thanakorn 10th August, 1998 17,500,000 10th August, 0.3875 1998 Seriburi (0.811%) to 10th August, 2008 26th February, 2003 21,584,807 26th February, 0.39 2003 (1.00%) to 25th February, 2013 Mr. Veeravat 26th February, 2003 21,584,807 26th February, 0.39 2003 Kanchanadul (1.00%) to 25th February, 2013 As at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the above share options had been exercised. Save as disclosed above, as at the Latest Practicable Date, none of the Directors and chief executives of the Company had any interest or short position in shares, underlying shares or debentures of the Company or any associated corporation (within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO) as are required to be notified to the Company and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of Part XV of the SFO (including interests and short positions in which he is taken or deemed to have under such provisions of the SFO), recorded in the register required to be kept by the Company under Section 352 of the SFO or as otherwise notified to the Company and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange pursuant to the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Companies. PERSONS WHO HAVE AN INTEREST OR SHORT POSITION WHICH IS DISCLOSEABLE UNDER THE SFO AND SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS As at the Latest Practicable Date, the following persons had the following interests or short positions in shares or underlying shares of the Company which would fall to be disclosed to the Company under the provisions of Divisions 2 and 3 of Part XV of the SFO, or who is, directly or indirectly, interested in ten per cent. or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital carrying rights to vote in all circumstances at general meetings of any other member of the Group: Long position in shares Approximate Capacity/ Number of percentage of Nature of shares of issued share Name of Shareholder Interest Notes the Company capital Citigroup Inc. Security interest, 1 181,886,124 8.43 investment manager and beneficial owner Charoen Pokphand Beneficial owner 2 195,834,452 9.07 Overseas Investment Company Limited Charoen Pokphand (Hong Interest of a 2 195,834,452 9.07 Kong) Company controlled Limited corporation Chia Tai International Beneficial owner 3 232,606,621 10.78 Investment Company Limited Charoen Pokphand (China) Interest of a 3 232,606,621 10.78 Company Limited controlled corporation Charoen Pokphand Holding Interest of 4 428,441,073 19.85 Company Limited controlled corporations Perfect Investment Limited Interest of 5 428,441,073 19.85 controlled corporations Pakeman Co. Inc. Beneficial owner 6 524,215,911 24.29 CPI Holding Co., Ltd. Beneficial owner 7 114,005,850 5.28 C.P. Intertrade Co., Ltd. Interest of a 7 114,005,850 5.28 controlled corporation Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont Beneficial owner 8 1,066,662,834 49.42 Mr. Sumet Jiaravanon Beneficial owner 8 1,066,662,834 49.42 Notes: 1. Of the 181,886,124 shares held by Citigroup Inc., 181,503,699 shares were held as security, 364,625 shares were held as investment manager and the balance of 17,800 shares were held beneficially. 2. Charoen Pokphand Overseas Investment Company Limited ("CP Overseas") beneficially owned 195,834,452 shares. Charoen Pokphand (Hong Kong) Company Limited ("CP Hong Kong") has declared an interest in these same 195,834,452 shares by virtue of its shareholding in CP Overseas. 3. Chia Tai International Investment Company Limited ("CTII") beneficially owned 232,606,621 shares. Charoen Pokphand (China) Company Limited ("CP China") has declared an interest in these same 232,606,621 shares by virtue of its shareholding in CTII. 4. Charoen Pokphand Holding Company Limited ("CP Holding") has declared an interest in an aggregate of 428,441,073 shares which comprised the 195,834,452 shares referred to in Note 2 above by virtue of its shareholding in CP Hong Kong and the 232,606,621 shares referred to in Note 3 above by virtue of its shareholding in CP China. 5. Perfect Investment Limited has declared an interest in the same 428,441,073 shares in which CP Holding has declared an interest (see Note 4), by virtue of its shareholding in CP Holding. 6. Pakeman Co. Inc. beneficially owned a total of 524,215,911 shares. 7. CPI Holding Co., Ltd. beneficially owned 114,005,850 shares. C.P. Intertrade Co., Ltd. has declared an interest in these same 114,005,850 shares by virtue of its shareholding in CPI Holding Co., Ltd. 8. Each of Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont and Mr. Sumet Jiaravanon has declared an interest in an aggregate of 1,066,662,834 shares, comprising the 428,441,073 shares in which Perfect Investment Limited has declared an interest (see Note 5 above), the 524,215,911 shares in which Pakeman Co. Inc. has declared an interest (see Note 6 above) and the 114,005,850 shares in which C.P. Intertrade Co., Ltd. has declared an interest (see Note 7 above), by virtue of their respective beneficial shareholding interests in these three companies. Save as disclosed above, as at the Latest Practicable Date, no other person had an interest or a short position in shares or underlying shares of the Company which would fall to be disclosed to the Company under the provisions of Divisions 2 and 3 of Part XV of the SFO, or who is, directly or indirectly, interested in ten per cent. or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital carrying rights to vote in all circumstances at general meetings of any other member of the Group. LITIGATION Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is engaged in any litigation or arbitration of material importance and there is no litigation or claim of material importance known to the directors of the Company to be pending or threatened by or against the Company or any of its subsidiaries. MATERIAL CHANGE The Directors are not aware of any material adverse change in the financial or trading positions of the Group since 31st December, 2002 (the date to which the latest published audited consolidated accounts of the Group were made up). CONSENT Kingsway has given and has not withdrawn its written consent to the issue of this circular with the inclusion of its letter and the references to its name included herein in the form and context in which they are respectively included. GENERAL (a) No existing or proposed service contracts have been entered into between any of the Directors and any member of the Group, other than contracts expiring or determinable by the employer within one year without payment of compensation (other than statutory compensation). (b) No Director is materially interested in any contract or arrangement subsisting at the date hereof which is significant to the business of the Group taken as a whole. (c) Save for (i) certain Directors who, as minority shareholders and in common with the other minority shareholders of Ek Chor China Motorcycle Co. Ltd., received certain sums in consideration of the cancellation of their shares in that company resulting in it becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (being part of the subject of the announcement and the circular issued by the Company on 16th April, 2003 and 27th May, 2003 respectively); (ii) certain Directors who had indirect interests in the parent company of C.P. Aquaculture (Hainan) Co., Ltd. to which the Group in August 2003 leased certain production facilities located in Hainan Province, PRC for a term of five years (being the subject of an announcement issued by the Company on 12th August 2003); and (iii) certain Directors' interests in the Disposal (as explained in the section headed "Connected and Discloseable Transaction" in the Letter from the Board of this circular), since 31st December, 2002, the date to which the latest published audited consolidated accounts of the Group have been made up, none of the Directors has, or has had, any direct or indirect interest in any assets which have been acquired or disposed of by or leased to or which are proposed to be acquired, disposed of by or leased to, any member of the Group. (d) As at the Latest Practicable Date, Kingsway was not interested beneficially or non-beneficially in any shares in the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any rights or option to subscribe for or nominate persons to subscribe for any shares in the Company or any of its subsidiaries. (e) The secretary of the Company is Ms. Choi Yi Mei. She is an associate member of both The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators and The Hong Kong Institute of Company Secretaries. (f) The transfer office of the Company is situated at the office of its Hong Kong branch share registrars, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited at 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Hong Kong. (g) The English text of this circular shall prevail over the Chinese text. DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION Copies of the following documents are available for inspection during normal business hours at the principal place of business of Hong Kong of the Company at 21st Floor, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong up to and including Thursday, 18th December, 2003: (1) the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement; (2) the letter from Kingsway, the text of which is set out in this circular; and (3) the written consent from Kingsway referred to in paragraph headed consent in this Appendix. C.P. POKPHAND CO. LTD. (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special general meeting (the "Meeting") of C.P. Pokphand Co. Ltd. (the "Company") will be held at 21st Floor, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong on Thursday, 18th December, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing, with or without modifications, the following resolution of the Company: ORDINARY RESOLUTION "THAT the Share Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Agreement") dated 12th November, 2003 between Charoen Pokphand Development (Turkey) Limited (the "Seller"), being a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, CPF Investment Limited (the "Purchaser") and the Company pursuant to which the Purchaser has agreed to acquire from the Seller 84.49% of the total issued shares in C.P. Standart Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, a copy of which has been produced to the Meeting marked "A-1" and signed by the chairman of the Meeting for purposes of identification, and the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Agreement, be and are hereby ratified and approved AND THAT the directors of the Company be and are hereby authorized to sign any document or to do anything on behalf of the Company which they may consider necessary, desirable or expedient for the purpose of, or in connection with, the implementation of the Agreement (as amended, if applicable) and to make such amendments thereto as any director of the Company may consider necessary, desirable or expedient." By Order of the Board Choi Yi Mei Company Secretary Hong Kong, 3rd December, 2003 Notes: 1. A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend and, on a poll, vote instead of him. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. 2. In order to be valid, the proxy form together with the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed (or a notarially certified copy of such power or authority), must be lodged with the Company's registrar in Hong Kong, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Hong Kong not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding of the meeting. 3. A form of proxy for use at the meeting is enclosed. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END DISGDBDDSBGGGXX
1 Year Pokphand(HK)Reg Chart |
1 Month Pokphand(HK)Reg Chart |
It looks like you are not logged in. Click the button below to log in and keep track of your recent history.
Support: +44 (0) 203 8794 460 | support@advfn.com
By accessing the services available at ADVFN you are agreeing to be bound by ADVFN's Terms & Conditions