RE: RNS6 Oct 2022 08:01
6 October 2022
Seeing Machines enters key collaboration with Magna, includes US$65 million investment through an exclusivity arrangement and convertible note
Seeing Machines Limited (AIM: SEE, "Seeing Machines" or the "Company"), the advanced computer vision technology company that designs AI-powered operator monitoring systems to improve transport safety, is pleased to announce an exclusive collaboration agreement ("Agreement") with Magna International ("Magna"), to pursue driver and occupant monitoring system business targeting the vehicle's interior rear-view mirror. At the same time, Magna is also providing significant additional investment in the Company through a Convertible Note.
Highlights:
- Seeing Machines and Magna will exclusively co-market driver and occupant monitoring systems targeting the interior rear-view mirror
- In return, Magna has agreed to invest US$65m into Seeing Machines via an exclusivity arrangement payment of US$17.5m and up to $47.5m through a Convertible Note maturing in October 2026 and having a conversion rate per ordinary share of 11 British pence
Paul McGlone, CEO of Seeing Machines commented: "We are extremely pleased to see Magna's investment as we work closely together to win market share targeting the interior rear-view mirror and grow our mutual businesses. Seeing Machines is now funded to deliver on our current business plan and we look forward to focusing on achieving significant growth across each of our target transport sectors."
Under the terms of the Agreement, subject to certain exceptions, Seeing Machines and Magna will exclusively co-market driver and occupant monitoring, solely where the Company's IP is fully integrated inside the rear-view mirror, until the end of June 2025. In return for Seeing Machines granting exclusivity to Magna for the mirror, Magna will make an upfront payment to Seeing Machines of US$10m, with an additional US$7.5m payable over the following 2 years.
At the same time, Magna has also agreed to invest up to an additional US$47.5m into Seeing Machines via a non-transferable 4-year convertible note maturing in October 2026 (the "Convertible Note"). The Convertible Note, which can be drawn down in two tranches across the 4-year term, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, is convertible into ordinary shares at a price of 11 British pence per share. The first tranche, being US$30m, will be drawn at closing with the remainder available until December 2024. The Convertible Note has an all-in yield of 8%, inclusive of fees.