24 Sep 2009 07:00
Brulines Group plc
(the "Company" or "Brulines")
Further re shareholder enquiries
Having received a number of enquiries from its own shareholders, Brulines confirms that it has made a preliminary approach to the board of Universe Group plc ("Universe"), relating to a potential offer for the issued and to be issued share capital of Universe. There can be no guarantee that any offer will be made and the Directors of Brulines expect that any offer would only be made following completion of due diligence, which has not yet taken place.
Currently, Brulines holds 9,560,618 Shares, representing 8.33 per cent. of Universe's issued share capital, with the highest price paid per share being 4.0p. The Directors of Brulines note that the closing share price of Universe on 23 September 2009 was 4.625p, a 63.3 per cent. premium to the average share price over the last six months.
Enquiries:-
James Dickson, Chief Executive
T: +44 (0)1642 358 800
Stephen Keys/Camilla Hume/Adrian Hargrave, Cenkos Securities plc
T: +44 (0)20 7397 8900
Sarah Hollins/Mark Dixon, Abchurch Communications
T: +44 (0)20 7398 7729
Rule 2.10 Requirement
In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, Brulines confirms that it currently has in issue 27,912,164 ordinary shares (excluding Treasury Shares) of 10p each.
The International Securities Identification Number for the ordinary shares is GB00B13YVN56.
Dealing Disclosure Requirements:-
Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Code"), if any person is, or becomes, "interested" (directly or indirectly) in one per cent. or more of any class of "relevant securities" of either Brulines or Universe, (together the "Companies"), all "dealings" in any "relevant securities" of these companies (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such relevant securities) must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30pm (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the date on which any offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the "offer period" otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an "interest" in "relevant securities" of either of the Companies, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all "dealings" in "relevant securities" of the Companies by the Companies or by the potential offeror, or by any of their respective "associates", must be disclosed by no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction.
A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose "relevant securities" "dealings" should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in issue, can be found on the UK Panel on Takeovers and Mergers' (the "Panel") website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
"Interests in securities" arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an "interest" by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.
Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a "dealing" under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.
The Company's Directors accept responsibility for the information contained in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Company's Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this announcement is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.