CEF Times: December 16-22
At the EGM on December 15, shareholders in Atlantis Japan Growth (AJG) approved a 1:10 stock split, which was effective the following day. The trading currency has also been changed from USD to GBP, although the net asset value will be reported in both currencies. These moves have been taken to improve liquidity in the shares and to help reduce the wide discount at which they have been trading since mid-2008. In addition, shareholders may now request the redemption of shares on a four-monthly basis; the first such opportunity will be February 28, 2011. We like this pro-active approach by the board which recognises the need for investors to sell shares from time to time, and the challenges which surround that, given the fund invests in Japanese smaller companies.
Baronsmead AIM VCT (BAV) has changed its name to Baronsmead VCT 5.
BlackRock Frontiers (BRFI) was admitted to the Official List on December 17. The fund raised just short of £100 million at its launch. It will be run by Sam Vecht, manager of the BGF Emerging Europe fund (rated Standard by Morningstar) and co-manager of BlackRock Emerging Markets (also rated Standard).
Chelverton Growth Trust (CGW) has announced the results of its latest tender offer, under which it offered to repurchase up to 10% of the issued ordinary share capital. The company received applications for the repurchase of 41.65% of the issued ordinary share capital. This is a very small fund, at just over £4 million, which has traded at a wide discount to its NAV since the end of 2009 and its cost-effectiveness has to come into question: its total expense ratio for 2009 was 5.93%.
The Board of FRM Credit Alpha GBP (FCAP) has been in further consultation with shareholders regarding the future of the fund. As a result they are removing the currency hedge effective December 30 and proposing the company proceed with a managed wind-down of its activities. They plan to retain a listing for as long as is practicable and hope to make an initial capital repayment to shareholders in the first half of 2011.
The board of Gartmore Irish Growth (GIR) is proposing the wind-up of the company and has given notice to the investment manager; the notice period was shortened last month to three months following the departure of Gervais Williams from the group. The board is considering whether they can offer an open-ended rollover option to shareholders, but shareholders will need clarification on the future of Gartmore and its fund managers before they can make an informed decision.
ING UK Real Estate Income (IRET) has given notice to terminate its investment management agreement with ING UK Real Estate Investment Management UK Ltd. The company plans to create its own investment management subsidiary and fund manager Michael Morris, who has been at the helm since the fund's launch, will be appointed CEO of the subsidiary when it has been created. This will ensure continuity for shareholders.
Invesco Leveraged High Yield (ILH) has increased the frequency of its dividend payments to quarterly, with payments being made in January, April, July and October.
M&G Equity (MEQC) is readying itself for its wind-up in March 2011 by redeeming the remaining £40 million of the 7.376% Debenture Stock 2011. Although this comes at a slight cost, the resultant saving on debenture interest makes it a worthwhile course of action.
Morant Wright Japan Income (MWJ) has been placed into voluntary liquidation following approval by shareholders at the EGM on December 15 and the listing of the £65 million fund was cancelled the next day.
Northern Venture Trust (NVT) has announced the results of its recent tender offer. Applications for 10% of the issued ordinary share capital were accepted and on December 20 the company repurchased these shares for cancellation.
Shareholders of Premier Energy & Water (PEW) have approved the proposed reconstruction of the company. This will see the winding up of Premier Renewable Energy Fund (PRF) and new shares being issued in PEW for those investors wishing to transfer their investment. PEW will issue new ordinary shares and new zero dividend preference shares.
Schroder Asia Pacific (SDP) is proposing a tender offer for up to 15% of the company’s ordinary share capital at a slight discount to NAV; this is still subject to shareholder approval at the end of January 2011.
Director Resignations/Retirements
Keystone (KIT) – Richard Oldfield