RE: Chatgpt on Chapter 3 part 28 Companies Act 2006, takeover code as it relates to Synairgen's promise to shareholders.30 Mar 2025 12:42
1.Post-Delisting Protections for Investors
Synairgen has stated that protections for investors post-fundraise and delisting come from Chapter 3, Part 28 of the Companies Act 2006 and the Takeover Code, lasting for two years post-delisting. However, this protection is only valid until TFG reaches 90% ownership and can trigger a compulsory acquisition (squeeze-out).
Key Protections Before TFG Hits 90%:
The Takeover Code applies to Synairgen for two years post-delisting, meaning any acquisition of shares must follow fair and transparent rules.
Minority shareholders cannot be forced to sell unless TFG crosses the 90% ownership threshold.
Shareholders still have legal protections under Section 994 of the Companies Act 2006 (unfair prejudice claims).
What Happens When TFG Reaches 90%?
Once TFG owns 90% of shares, it can compulsorily acquire the remaining shares under Section 979 of the Companies Act 2006.
At this point, protections under the Takeover Code become irrelevant, as the squeeze-out process overrides minority shareholder objections.
The two-year guarantee no longer applies—TFG would have complete control of Synairgen.
2. Conditions Affecting TFG’s Offer to Shareholders (If They Seek Full Ownership)
If TFG decides to acquire the remaining 13% of shares, it has a few options, each with specific conditions:
Option 1: Formal Takeover Offer
TFG can make a voluntary offer to all remaining shareholders.
This offer must be made at a "fair and reasonable" price but does not need to be based on a historical average price.
If 90% acceptance is achieved, TFG can invoke compulsory acquisition rights and force the remaining 10% to sell.
Option 2: Scheme of Arrangement (Requires Court & Shareholder Approval)
Instead of a direct takeover, Synairgen itself could propose a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006.
Requires 75% approval by value and a majority in number of voting shareholders, plus court approval.
If approved, it forces all shareholders to sell at the agreed price.
Option 3: Gradual Share Purchases & Post-Delisting Buyout
TFG could buy shares privately from remaining shareholders to reach 90% over time.
Post-delisting, liquidity will be low, pressuring investors to sell at a discount.
Once TFG hits 90% ownership, they can enforce a compulsory acquisition.
Conclusion:
The two-year post-delisting protection only holds until TFG reaches 90% ownership. After that, it can force all remaining shareholders to sell.
TFG's offer price doesn’t need to match a historical average—it only needs to be the same price as their most recent acquisition offer.
Minority shareholders have some bargaining power before TFG crosses 90%, but post-delisting, they may struggle to exit at a favourable price.