RE: SP22 Jul 2018 11:05
The relevant press releases from Premier state
23 March 2016
The Board of Premier Foods plc (“Premier” or the “Company”) confirms that it received an unsolicited, non-binding and highly conditional approach from McCormick & Company, Inc. (“McCormick”) on 12 February 2016 regarding a possible offer for the entire issued, and to be issued, ordinary share capital of the Company at an indicative price of 52 pence in cash per Premier share. This approach was rejected on the basis that it significantly undervalued the Company and its prospects. The Board received a subsequent approach on 14 March 2016 with a revised possible offer at an indicative price of 60 pence in cash. This approach has also been rejected on the basis that it significantly undervalues the Company and its prospects, and therefore the Board does not consider that the Proposal would be in the best interests of Premier and its shareholders
Commenting on the approach David Beever, Chairman of Premier, said -
“McCormick’s Proposal represents an attempt to capture the upside value embedded in Premier’s business that rightfully belongs to Premier’s shareholders.
24 March 2016 first release
The Board of Premier Foods plc (“Premier”) notes that Nissin Food Holdings Co., Ltd. (“Nissin”) has unconditionally agreed to acquire a 17.27 per cent. shareholding in Premier from an existing shareholder. The Board of Premier welcomes Nissin as a long-term shareholder who understands and supports Premier's growth ambitions.
David Beever, Chairman of Premier said: We welcome Nissin as a new long-term shareholder in our business. By gaining a strategic investor who understands and supports our growth ambitions, we have an exceptional opportunity to deliver shareholder value. Based on the conditional cooperation agreement we announced yesterday, we very much look forward to working with Nissin to develop ways our two businesses can co-operate to drive growth.”
24 March 2016 second release -
Separately, in respect of the Prior Announcement in which the Board referred to Nissin's unconditional agreement to acquire a 17.27 per cent. shareholding in Premier from an existing shareholder, the Board notes that the relevant acquisition price was agreed to be 63 pence per Premier share
30th March announcement
The Board of Premier Foods plc ("Premier" or the "Company") notes the revised possible offer for the entire issued, and to be issued, ordinary share capital of the Company at an indicative price of 65 pence from (“McCormick”). The Board believes that the Revised Proposal continues to undervalue Premier and its prospects, for the reasons set out in Premier’s press release on 23rd March 2016.