CEF Times: January 6-12
The board of Castle Asia Alternatives (CASA), the Asian fund of hedge funds which launched in November 2005, is proposing to introduce a continuation vote at its next AGM in June 2011. The fund saw its discount to NAV widen markedly in 2H 2008 as markets plummeted but has since recovered to trade at its current discount of around 7%.
Shares in Eclectic Investment Company (ECIT) were suspended from trading effective 7 January. This follows the company’s announcement on 7 December that it was proposing a reconstruction and assets transferred to Utilico Ltd. The shares have been suspended ahead of this proposal, although shareholders in Utilico have yet to vote on the acceptance of the scheme – this is due to take place on 17 January.
At the AGM on 11 January, shareholders of Edinburgh Dragon (EFM) approved the issue of GBP 50 million nominal of 3.5% convertible unsecured loan stock 2018. Admission and dealings commence 12 January.
Foresight 3 VCT (FTD) and Foresight 4 VCT (FTF) have launched an offer for subscription. It opened on 7 January and will close on 30 June or earlier if fully subscribed. The companies aim to raise GBP 20 million.
Shareholders in North American Banks (NAM) have approved the cancellation of the shares’ listing on AIM, effective 18 January. This was first flagged when the resolution was proposed on 10 December http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/article.aspx?articleid=94341&categoryid=442
Private Equity Investor (PEQ) has announced a tender offer of up to GBP 12 million to shareholders registered at close of business 7 February. The price of the tender offer will be NAV at close of business 9 February less costs. The fund trades at a discount to NAV of around 22%.
Unitech Ltd has confirmed it does not intend to make an offer higher than its 31 pence per share offer made for Unitech Corporate Parks (UCP) in November 2010. Unitech Corporate Parks had not recommended shareholders accept the 31 pence offer as they felt it was too low.