15 Oct 2015 09:15
AECI LTD - Share RepurchaseAECI LTD - Share Repurchase
PR Newswire
London, October 15
AECI LIMITEDIncorporated in the Republic of South Africa(Registration No. 1924/002590/06)Share code: AFE ISIN No. ZAE000000220(“AECI” or “the Company”)
REPURCHASE ANNOUNCEMENT
1. INTRODUCTION
AECI hereby announces the repurchase of 3 987 500 ordinary shares (representing 3,12% of the issued ordinary shares), since and in accordance with the general authority granted by the Company’s shareholders at the annual general meeting held on 1 June 2015 (“the repurchase”).
2. AUTHORISED REPURCHASE LIMITS
In terms of the special resolution:
(a) | the general authority is limited to a maximum of 5,00% of AECI’s issued share capital; and |
(b) | any repurchase may not be made at a price greater than 10,00% above the weighted average of the market value of the ordinary shares for the five business days immediately preceding the date(s) of such repurchase. |
A maximum of 6 612 057 ordinary shares could be repurchased in terms of the general authority obtained from shareholders.
3. IMPLEMENTATION
Details are as follows:
Total number of ordinary shares repurchased: | 3 987 500 |
Total value of ordinary shares repurchased: | R380 697 581,68 |
Highest price paid per ordinary share: | 10 000,00 cents |
Lowest price paid per ordinary share: | 8 800,00 cents |
Average price paid per ordinary share, including Brokerage Fees, VAT and Securities Tax: | 9 577,00 cents |
Number of ordinary shares which may still be repurchased by the Company in terms of the general authority: | 2 624 557 |
Percentage of ordinary shares which may still be repurchased by the Company in terms of the general authority: | 1,88 |
Number of shares held in treasury after the repurchase (unchanged) | 11 884 699 |
The repurchases were effected through the order book operated by the JSE Limited (“JSE”) and done without any prior understanding or arrangement between AECI and the counter party.
The repurchases were effected from 12 August 2015 to 13 October 2015, both dates inclusive.
4. SOURCE OF FUNDS
Repurchases to date have been, and future repurchases will also be, funded with cash generated from operations and with general borrowing facilities available to the Company.
5. OPINION OF THE DIRECTORS
The Directors of AECI have considered the impact of the repurchases and are of the opinion that:
5.1 The Company and the AECI Group (“the Group”) will be able, in the ordinary course of business, to pay its debts for a period of 12 months from the date of this announcement;
5.2 the assets of the Company and the Group will be in excess of the liabilities of the Company and the Group for a period of 12 months after the date of this announcement, measured in accordance with the accounting policies used in the latest audited Group annual financial statements;
5.3 the ordinary share capital and reserves of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes for a period of 12 months from the date of this announcement; and
5.4 the working capital of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes for a period of 12 months from the date of this announcement.
6. IMPACT ON FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The repurchase of shares will have the effect of reducing the number of shares in issue by 3 987 500 or 3,12% of the issued share capital. Had the repurchase of shares occurred on 1 January 2015 it would have increased interest expense and short-term borrowings, and would also have increased earnings per share for the half-year ended 30 June 2015 by 21 cents. Furthermore had the repurchase occurred on 30 June 2015, it would have impacted the general pool of funds by R380 697 581,68 and decreased the net asset value per share by 105 cents.
7. JSE LISTING
The ordinary shares that were repurchased in August and September have been cancelled and de-listed. Those repurchased in October will be cancelled and delisted at month end.
Woodmead, Sandton
15 October 2015
Sponsor
RAND MERCHANT BANK (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)