First contact in a while!18 Nov 2022 21:56
Well this doesn't seem like great news. I understand that JKX have Russian assets but it is a Ukrainian company? Makes me wonder how the UK Grovernment would treat FXPO assets if they fell under Russian control. This war and the sanctions need to end soon! The one positive from this letter is the statement 'best interests of all its shareholders'. I just hope that will include the smaller ones based in the UK.
JKX Oil & Gas Ltd
33 Cavendish Square London
W1G 0PW
T: +44 (0)20 7323 4464
www.jkx.co.uk
Dear Shareholder
Resignation of BDO LLP (“BDO”) as Auditor of JKX Oil & Gas Limited (“the Company”)
I am writing to you today to inform you that BDO LLP has resigned as Auditor of the Company. As required by applicable law, and for your information, a copy of BDO’s letter of resignation can be viewed here.
The Company has taken advice from external legal counsel on the matters set out in BDO’s letter of resignation. This advice takes a fundamentally different view on the key legal matters addressed in the letter of resignation and concludes that there is no legal reason why BDO cannot complete the 2021 Audit. This advice has been provided to BDO and the conclusion of that advice has been provided to the ICAEW, the professional body to whom BDO is required to report its resignation.
As a result of BDO’s resignation the Company will not be able to comply with its obligations to provide copies of the audited accounts to shareholders or file audited accounts with Companies House by the applicable deadline (31st December 2022). The Company is liaising directly with Companies House to ensure that they are aware of the situation and its context and is in the process of identifying new auditors as a matter of urgency.
The Company is clear in its condemnation of the illegal invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and remains committed to its previously announced policy of the disposal of all its legacy Russian assets. The Company is actively working to achieve this, although the multiple sanctions regimes and practical matters make it a highly complex task and success in the short term cannot be guaranteed.
In conclusion I would like to reassure you that the Company and its Board remain committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those restrictions introduced as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and the Board will continue to manage the Company in the best interests of all its shareholders.
Should you have any questions about this email or BDO’s letter of resignation please do not hesitate to contact the Company by e-mail on ir@jkx.co.uk.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Bakunenko
Chairman of the Board.