RE: A few questions. Be realistic and nice please.12 Mar 2022 18:10
Regarding EUA
10. Do you think that we'll get any significant news whilst this WAR goes on? No
11. If the answer is yes and we get news on a sale, who do you think the buyer(s) will be? I have always thought it will be NN as we have been digging in their back yard. It is easy for the infrastructure and smelter too.
12. If there is a special dividend due to a sale whilst these sanctions are in place, is it still possible for the funds from the sale to be released to EUA shareholders. I doubt it. Sanctions on the Bank of Russia and their ability to rasie capital on the international markets, combined with transfers into and out of Russia make this unfeasable.
13. Now with a bit of hindsight. What do you think the reason is for EUA wanting to join MOEX? They said they were considering this option but I understood no firm decision had been made. It will make it easier for Russians to participate in buying and selling shares and adding to the overall liquidity, especially if there is a Russian buyer.
14. If NN are the buyer of some or all of what is on offer. Are they are able to still do this whilst their share is suspended on the LSE and the markets are shut in MOEX? If the deal is in local currency then there will no restrictions. However, if the deal is to be made in $$, which is the preferred option, the cost has spiralled higher since the devaluation of the ruble. Can they raise finance on the international capital markets - not with sanctions.
15. Are NN's funds frozen in any way ie from the banks that are sanctioned etc? Not for domestic transactions.
16. Are the licence transfers to EUA on hold until this WAR has calmed down or is over? I would have thought Government departments are on a war footing and not focused on issuing licences, but we can hope.
17. Do you think that a) the sale is close after reading the statement by Piper about winding down operations in Russia OR b) business as usual until this WAR is over? I think the sale should be very close after so long an dsuccessful DD being completed several months ago. Even if the war ends tomorrow, the sanctions will last for a long time and Russia will be an international pariah, with the economy decimated with a lack of new FDI. My time horizon has been pushed out to the end of 2022.
18. Are you a) no longer invested at all in EUA but were? b) invested in EUA but have reduced your holding? c) invested in EUA and have increased your holding? I invested in August 2016 and have not bought or sold. I continue to hold and whilst early retiement was beckoning, that is now delayed.
GLA and my thoughts are profoundly with the Ukraine people and I salute their tenacity and proud desire to remain an independent sovereign country. I can only hope calm heads get a peaceful solution quickly.