CEF News: February 3-9
Anglo & Overseas (AOT) is proposing a voluntary wind-up and reconstruction. As well as cash, shareholders can elect to take shares in Edinburgh Partners Global Opportunities (EPG), also managed by Dr Sandy Nairn. The two funds currently have approximately £86m and £51m respectively in total assets. The combined asset pool should lead to a lower TER for shareholders. While not identical, the funds share common features and the management style is consistent, so shareholders are being offered a like-minded vehicle as a replacement option.
The warrants for private equity company China Growth Opportunities (CGOP) are due to expire on 31 March 2011. At an exercise price of 120 pence, holders are most likely to let them lapse as the current CGOP share price is just 3.25 pence (at close of business 8 February).
Ecofin Water & Power Opportunities (ECWO) is changing its dividend payment frequency from half-yearly to quarterly, in February, May, August and November.
The board of Edge Performance VCT (EDGC) has increased its offer for subscription for G shares from 10 million to 20 million. This offer opened in October 2010 and, although applications currently stand at around 7.6 million, the directors expect this to exceed 10 million before the tax year end on 5 April 2011.
Healthcare property company MedicX (MXF) has announced a placing, open offer and offer for subscription for up to 75 million ordinary new shares at 72 pence per share.
Pacific Alliance China Ltd (PACL) is planning to change its distribution policy. Instead of making forced liquidations to fund a distribution, future payments will be made from a combination of 50% net realised profit of a fully realised investment, with returned capital invested. The company has yet to pay a dividend, however, since its launch in November 2007.