SINGAPORE – Following investors’ feedback, the Securities Investors Association (Singapore) (Sias) has posed questions to Cuscaden Peak and Keppel Corporation in their competing offers for Singapore Press Holdings (SPH).
Among other things, the Sias, via a letter from its president and chief executive David Gerald, asked Cuscaden Peak to spell out its long-term plans for SPH Reit, should its bid succeed. The Sias also sought its intention with regard to the listing status of the Reit.
It also asked what factors would determine the chain offer price for the SPH Reit, should such an offer be triggered, given the trading price of $1.01 as of Monday (Nov 22).
Mr Gerald’s letter to Keppel questioned why Keppel was making it urgent for SPH shareholders to cast their votes. This was with reference to Keppel’s comments on last Tuesday (Nov 16), when it reiterated that its offer was “firm and irrevocable”.
“The sooner the scheme is approved, the better it is for SPH, so as to reduce any further uncertainty and instability for its various stakeholders and preserve value,” Keppel had said.
Sias asked what Keppel meant by “further uncertainty and stability”, and noted that some shareholders have highlighted that it would be fairer and easier for them to make a decision if both offers are allowed to be considered at the same time.
Sias also asked Keppel to explain why it is beneficial for existing shareholders to receive Keppel Reit units that trades at a discount to net asset value. Why are SPH shareholders asked to “trade” their exposure to the current SPH assets for commercial properties owned by Keppel Reit, it asked.
Keppel had announced its proposed acquisition for SPH on Aug 2, with terms improved on Nov 9 after a competing bid by Cuscaden Peak. Keppel’s revised final offer consists of 86.8 cents cash, 0.782 SPH Reit units and 0.596 Keppel Reit units per share.
Cuscaden Peak, a consortium comprising Hotel Properties, CLA Real Estate Holdings and Mapletree Investments, had made a surprise rival bid on Oct 29. It is now offering each SPH shareholder the option of an all-cash offer of $2.36, or $2.40 per share comprising $1.602 cash and 0.782 of an SPH Reit unit through a distribution-in-specie by SPH.
Keppel shares shed 5 cents to close at $5.34 on Tuesday; SPH shares closed flat at $2.34.