Saturday, December 31, 2005

A growing number of companies are turning to trust banks to help them monitor ownership of their shares as an early warning of hostile takeover attemp

FT.com | Search | Article

FT.com / By industry / Financial services - Citigroup consortium to buy Chinese bank

FT.com / By industry / Financial services - Citigroup consortium to buy Chinese bank

CRH acquires 26.3% stake in Corporacion Uniland SA

Story CRH plc, the international building materials group, has announced that it has acquired a 26.3% equity stake in Corporacion Uniland SA, a major Spanish manufacturer of cement, ready mixed concrete, mortar and aggregates with additional cement and ready mixed concrete interests in Tunisia, Argentina and Uruguay, for a consideration of approximately EUR 300m.
In Spain, Uniland operates two integrated cement plants in Catalonia, where it is market leader, with total annual cement production capacity of 3.2 million tonnes. It also has extensive ready mixed concrete, mortar and aggregates operations in the region. In Tunisia, Uniland is the majority owner (88%) of a modern 2 million ton capacity cement plant and is also active in ready mixed concrete. Through a 50/50 joint venture with Cementos Molins of Spain, Uniland has strong positions in cement and ready mixed concrete in both Argentina and Uruguay.
In 2004, Uniland produced approximately 5.5 million tonnes of cement, 2 million cubic metres of ready mixed concrete and 2 million tonnes of mortar across its operations. Uniland reported consolidated sales of EUR 423m in 2004 and profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of EUR 143m. Operating profit (EBIT) for 2004 amounted to EUR 111m. (Note all figures include proportionate 50% share of South American operations).
Through its wholly owned subsidiary Beton Catalan SA, CRH has had operations in Spain since 1987. Beton Catalan is a significant ready mixed concrete and concrete products manufacturer in the Catalonia region and in addition has strong positions in ready mixed concrete in Madrid and in a number of other regional Spanish markets. With its 49% investment in Secil, a leading Portuguese manufacturer of cement, ready mixed concrete and aggregates, completed in June 2004, CRH already participates in the Tunisian cement market. CRH is also a leading producer of clay roof tiles and floor and wall tiles in Argentina.
Commenting on the transaction, Liam O'Mahony, Chief Executive of CRH plc, said: "CRH is delighted with this investment in Uniland, a company with which our existing Spanish operation has had a long business relationship. We look forward to working constructively with the company into the future."

Source Company press release(s)
Value EUR 300m (purchase price for a 26.3% equity stake )

BBC NEWS | Business | Standard Life 'plans windfalls'

BBC NEWS | Business | Standard Life 'plans windfalls'

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Russneft considering an IPO; plans takeovers as wants to be international player

Story Russneft is considering an IPO, although the timing for potential listing is not decided as yet, stated Mikhaill Gutseriev, Russneft owner, interviewed by Vremya Novostei . Gutseriev confirmed that he holds directly a 70% stake in the company, with the remaining shares belonging to his family. According to Gutseriev , the IPO will depend on the market situation.
Gutseriev wants to establish Russneft, a Russian oil firm, as an international player. To achieve that goal he plans acquisitions in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Algeria and Libya, Gutseriev told Vremya Novostei. Gutseriev confirmed that the company is already in takeover talks, but did not reveal any details.
Gutseriev expects Russneft’s next year revenues of USD 1bn.
One of the first assets targeted by Russneft will be a 49% stake in Transpetrol, the Slovakian pipeline operator, owned by the Russian oil firm, Yukos. Gutseriev expects that the transaction will exceed the price of USD 74m, paid by Yukos for this asset, by a few millions.
Russneft has recently bought Orsk and Saratovneftegaz petrochemical subsidiaries of the Anglo-Russian oil venture, TNK-BP and became a vertically-integrated holding. Gutseriev confirmed that he would talk to minority shareholders of Orsk and Saratovneftegaz to buy their stakes.
Mikhaill Gutseriev has no plans to sell Russneft, he said.

Source Vremya Novostei

IFG acquires Bank of Scotland Trust Company for maximum of GBP 6.8m

Story IFG Group said in a statement it acquired Bank of Scotland Trust Company for a maximum of GBP 6.8m. IFG Group is pleased to announce that it has acquired, through its subsidiary IFG Trust (Jersey) Limited, the entire issued share capital of Bank of Scotland Trust Company, a company based in Jersey. BofS Trust Co provides trust and company administration services primarily for UK and European clients and has some 269 companies, trusts and other entities under administration. These client entities have total underlying assets of approximately GBP 340m. The consideration will be a maximum of GBP 6.8m, of which GBP 6.591m has been satisfied in cash upon completion. The balance will be satisfied in cash upon the completion of audited accounts for the year ending 23 December 2005 and will be an amount equivalent to profits before tax for the period 1 December 2005 to 22 December 2005. The business of BofS Trust Co will be integrated into IFG Trust's activities and will operate under IFG's International Trustee and Corporate Services Division, consolidating IFG's position as one of the leading independent offshore corporate service providers. BofS Trust Co's strength in the UK and European market complements the existing IFG International Divisions business which is particularly strong in the North American and Far Eastern Markets. The acquisition agreement contains warranties and indemnities in favour of IFG Trust.
Full Details to follow in the Deal Database
Source Stock Exchange Announcement(s)
Value GBP 6m (deal value)

FT.com / By industry / Aerospace & defence - Qinetiq IPO clears last hurdle

FT.com / By industry / Aerospace & defence - Qinetiq IPO clears last hurdle

Telegraph | Money | Italian exchange targets tie-up with London

Telegraph | Money | Italian exchange targets tie-up with London

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Telegraph | Money | Citibank to lift stake in China

Telegraph | Money | Citibank to lift stake in China

Monday, December 26, 2005

FT.com / By industry / Financial services - Citigroup ends exclusive relationship with Pudong

FT.com / By industry / Financial services - Citigroup ends exclusive relationship with Pudong

CHINA PRESS: China Clearing Agency, Computershare Ink MOU

CHINA PRESS: China Clearing Agency, Computershare Ink MOU: "http://www.p5w.net "

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

French, German exchanges cool merger reports

Market News and Investment Information | Reuters.co.uk

FT.com / By industry / Financial services - Mannesmann trial judge orders retrial

Germany's federal appeal court has thrown out the acquittals of all six defendants in the long-running Mannesmann trial.

The severity of the judgement is widely seen as the worst case scenario for Josef Ackermann, Deutsche Bank chief executive, and could prompt his resignation.

BBC NEWS | Business | Barclays opens first China branch

BBC NEWS | Business | Barclays opens first China branch

Telegraph | Money | We're top of the world, says London market

Telegraph | Money | We're top of the world, says London market

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Only thing changing at Unilever is its shares

Telegraph | Money | Business comment

Telegraph | Money | Unilever to keep dual structure

Telegraph | Money | Unilever to keep dual structure

Telegraph | Money | Old Mutual wins 62.5pc support for takeover

Telegraph | Money | Old Mutual wins 62.5pc support for takeover

BBC NEWS | Business | Tokyo Stock Exchange boss resigns

BBC NEWS | Business | Tokyo Stock Exchange boss resigns

Monday, December 19, 2005

BBC NEWS | Business | Kazakh firm joins FTSE favourites

BBC NEWS | Business | Kazakh firm joins FTSE favourites

Citigroup CEO comments spark rumours of bid for UK bank – market report

Citigroup chief executive Chuck Prince’s remarks regarding potential acquisitions sparked rumours of a bid for a UK bank, a Financial Times market report said. Prince said the bank is ‘comfortable’ making focused buys, the item said. No UK banks were specifically mentioned as targets in the report. Citigroup has a market capitalization of USD 249bn.

Source Financial Times
Value USD 249,762m (Citigroup market capitalisation)

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Euronext set to trump Macquarie's LSE bid

Independent Online Edition > Business News

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Georgeson's annual governance review spotlights activists

IR magazine- a Cross Border publication

Friday, December 16, 2005

Sibneft Let VSK Out of Court - pursue Registrars

Kommersant: Sibneft Let VSK Out of Court

Kommersant: Norilsky Nickel Buys Out Its Own Stocks

Kommersant: Norilsky Nickel Buys Out Its Own Stocks

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Telegraph | Money | Macquarie offer for LSE 'has no chance'

Telegraph | Money | Macquarie offer for LSE 'has no chance'

Rosbank to IPO in summer next year; Deutsche Bank, HSBC and CSFB responsible for offer - report

Story
Rosbank, the Russian bank belonging to the investment company Interros, is planning an IPO in summer next year, reported Vedomosti. According to a source in the bank, Deutsche Bank, HSBC and CSFB have been appointed to run the sale. Involved parties did not comment on the news.
The above source did not disclose the exact volume of the stake that will be offered, but said that it will be below 49%, Vedomosti continued. Initially, a small stake will be offered in Russia and the main listing will be in London.
A Rosbank source said that for an IPO the bank plans additional share issue. It is also possible that Interros, controlled by tycoons Vladimir Potanin and Mikhail Prokhorov, will sell a part of its stake. One source close to Interros said that investors could be offered up to a 25% stake, for which the shareholders hope to gain USD 300m. Interfax-CEA general director, Mikhail Matovnikov, values the entire Rosbank at USD 1.2bn to USD 1.5bn, Vedomosti reported.
Last November, the 40.5% stake in Rosbank was transferred to the Cyprian firm KM Technologies (Overseas). Vedomosti, which has not referred to any sources, stated that this firm has been used before by Interros to sell the company assets.

SourceVedomosti"

BBC NEWS | Business | Australian bank launches LSE bid

BBC NEWS | Business | Australian bank launches LSE bid

LSE

Telegraph | Money | Business comment

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Business Report - Large deals drive global stock-market debuts

Business Report - Large deals drive global stock-market debuts

Citigroup opens 25th branch in Russia

Emerging Markets Economy - the latest developments in the Financial Markets, Industry, Technology & - Citigroup opens 25th branch in Russia

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

GTE set to float on AIM

Story Gas Turbine Efficiency, the aviation cleaning-systems supplier, is to float on the Alternative Investment Market, the Financial Times said.
The unsourced item said that the transaction will happen on 21 December and is expected to raise over GBP 5m (EUR 7m), valuing the group at GBP 13m. The placing was priced at 30p a share, the report said, noting that it is thought to be twice subscribed.
The Swedish business is 71.4% owned by EIG Venture Capital and develops technology for cleaning power plants and aircraft.

Source Financial Times
Value GBP 13m (Estimated post-float value)


SourceFinancial Times
ValueGBP 13m (Estimated post-float value) "

VimpelCom Dispute With Telenor Deepens

VimpelCom Dispute With Telenor Deepens

Sunday, December 11, 2005

LSE: Macquarie insists “derisory” bid is serious; Macquarie to approach investors directly – report

mergermarket.com: "LSE: Macquarie insists �derisory� bid is serious; Macquarie to approach investors directly � report
StoryMacquarie has insisted that its GBP 1.48bn (EUR 2.2bn) offer for the London Stock Exchange is serious, according to a report in the Daily Express. The bid was described by the LSE as �derisory� in a statement yesterday and, analysts cited in the report said, could have been a ruse to lower the sale price or to exit the process gracefully once its approach had been rebuffed. An analyst from Man Financial suggested that the recent move may have been made to give the Australian bank more time to team up with another bidder, the report said.
An item in the Daily Telegraph cited sources near to Macquarie who said the offer was not a precursor to withdrawal; it added that the bank is to consider new financial data from the LSE before making a decision on whether to up its bid. The information requested by Macquarie is the same as that given to Deutsche Borse and Euronext when they were potential buyers earlier in the year, the report noted.
The Daily Mail said that Macquarie was set to take its offer directly to shareholders in the London exchange to try and garner some backing; Threadneedle, the largest investor, declined to comment but number-two investor Scottish Widows stated that it would be happy to talk the potential deal through, the unsourced item said. The Guardian added that Macquarie is keen to reassure LSE users that dealing will not become more expensive in the event that its takeover goes ahead.

SourceDaily Express, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail
ValueGB"

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Kommersant: Polyus Gets All the Nezhdanskoe Gold

Kommersant: Polyus Gets All the Nezhdanskoe Gold

Euronext not commenting on Macquarie bid rejection by LSE

Story Euronext NV, a potential bidder for London Stock Exchange PLC, refused to comment on the LSE's rejection of a 580 pence per share offer from Macquarie Bank Ltd, AFX reported.
Euronext, in consultation with its shareholders, is evaluating all strategic options for maximising shareholder value, a spokesman said. Macquarie tabled the indicative offer yesterday, seeking to start talks and asking for more financial information to conduct due diligence, the report stated.
The LSE branded the proposal "derisory" and said it "fundamentally undervalues the company and lacks any strategic or commercial credibility".
LSE's share closed above Macquarie's indicative offer at 612 pence on Thursday, valuing the group at GPB 1.55bn (EUR 2.29bn). The exchange's management is thought to be keen to remain independent, and is reportedly holding out for bids in the region of 700-800 pence.
Euronext will not decide whether to bid until it has finished discussions with the UK Competition Commission about how it would meet conditions set by the commission for a takeover of the LSE. Particularly that Euronext should reduce its stake in its clearing affiliate LCH Clearnet to 14.9% from 41.5%.

Source AFX
Value EUR 2,290m (LSE valuation)
Target London Stock Exchange (LSE) plc
DS
Bidder Euronext NV
DS
Bidder Macquarie Bank Ltd (MBL)
DS

Sectors Financial Services
Internet / ecommerce

SubSectors Securities and commodities brokers
Trading / procurement systems

Intel Type Takeover situations

Countries Australia
Belgium
France
Netherlands
United Kingdom

Intel. Grade Confirmed

Intelligence ID 260770


LSE: Macquarie could make higher bid of more than GBP 1.6bn next week - report

Macquarie Bank could undertake another takeover approach for the London Stock Exchange (LSE) next week, valuating the LSE more than GBP 1.6bn, the Evening Standard reported.
The paper quoted a broker saying Macquarie could possibly make a new detailed offer before 15 December. As a delaying tactic this would give Macquarie more time to find a possible consortium partner.
Earlier today, LSE had rejected Macquarie Bank's 580p per share offer.

SourceEvening Standard
ValueGBP 1,500m (LSE approx. market cap)

Friday, December 09, 2005

FT.com / By industry / Basic industries - Dicey Russian flotations challenge London investors' appetite for risk

FT.com / By industry / Basic industries - Dicey Russian flotations challenge London investors' appetite for risk

FT.com / Lex - Lex live: Gazprom

FT.com / Lex - Lex live: Gazprom

BBC NEWS | Business | Probe into Japan share sale error

BBC NEWS | Business | Probe into Japan share sale error

Santander rejects Bradford & Bingley bid rumours

Story Santander Central Hispano, the listed Spanish bank, has denied it was interested in acquiring UK banking group, Bradford and Bingley, Expansion reported.
According to the newspaper, which did not cite any sources, B & B had seen the value of its shares rise by 1.71% yesterday (Wednesday), fuelled by the rumours.
B&B has market value of GBP 2.449bn (EUR 3.625bn).

Source Expansion
Value GBP 2,499m (market cap B & B)

FT.com / By industry / Financial services - LSE rejects £1.48bn approach from Macquarie

FT.com / By industry / Financial services - LSE rejects �1.48bn approach from Macquarie

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Lloyds TSB sees renewed chatter of Wells Fargo bid – market report

mergermarket.com: "Lloyds TSB sees renewed chatter of Wells Fargo bid � market report "

Bradford & Bingley sees Santander bid whispers – market report

mergermarket.com: "Bradford & Bingley sees Santander bid whispers � market report "

Lloyds TSB shares up on rumours of Wachovia interest – market report

mergermarket.com

LSE & NYSE

mergermarket.com

BBC NEWS | Business | Dresdner to buy into Gazprombank

BBC NEWS | Business | Dresdner to buy into Gazprombank

TNK-BP Valued $40Bln in Stock Market Debut

TNK-BP Valued $40Bln in Stock Market Debut

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Guardian Unlimited | Business latest | Little-known Kazakh miner joins FTSE 100

Guardian Unlimited | Business latest | Little-known Kazakh miner joins FTSE 100

NYSE members approve Archipelago merger - Forbes.com

NYSE members approve Archipelago merger - Forbes.com

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Renaissance Capital to handle Ritzio Entertainment Group London IPO - reports

Renaissance Capital, the Russian investment bank will handle the London listing of Ritzio Entertainment Group, in 2006, Vedomosti and The Moscow Times reported. MT referred to unspecified banking sources and stated that Credit Suisse First Boston was one of the banks applying for the position of an adviser.
According to a source close to the management of Ritzio Entertainment, the Russian gambling business will list a 15% stake on LSE in H1 2006, Vedomosti reported. Oleg Boiko and Boris Belotserkovski, Ritzio Entertainment owners, were not available for comment, the item stated.
Various specialists estimate that Ritzio Entertainment's 15% stake could be worth USD 50m to USD 15m, Vedomosti concluded.

SourceVedomosti, The Moscow Times">mergermarket.com: "Renaissance Capital to handle Ritzio Entertainment Group London IPO - reports
StoryRenaissance Capital, the Russian investment bank will handle the London listing of Ritzio Entertainment Group, in 2006, Vedomosti and The Moscow Times reported. MT referred to unspecified banking sources and stated that Credit Suisse First Boston was one of the banks applying for the position of an adviser.
According to a source close to the management of Ritzio Entertainment, the Russian gambling business will list a 15% stake on LSE in H1 2006, Vedomosti reported. Oleg Boiko and Boris Belotserkovski, Ritzio Entertainment owners, were not available for comment, the item stated.
Various specialists estimate that Ritzio Entertainment's 15% stake could be worth USD 50m to USD 15m, Vedomosti concluded.

SourceVedomosti, The Moscow Times"

Monday, December 05, 2005

BBC NEWS | Business | BP snaps up China Aviation stake

BBC NEWS | Business | BP snaps up China Aviation stake

US markets / non-US issuers

possible changes to 300 test for non-US issuers

Kazakhmys

FT.com / Comment & analysis / Columnists - John Plender: Questions on governance

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Casino Owner Bets on Foreign IPO

Casino Owner Bets on Foreign IPO

Firm Aims to Be First Russian Consultant to List in London

Firm Aims to Be First Russian Consultant to List in London

Sanctuary plea to investors for £130m rescue

Business, markets and finance news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online

BAT in battle for Egyptian firm

Business, markets and finance news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online

Telegraph | Money | Indian gas firm plans $240m float

Telegraph | Money | Indian gas firm plans $240m float

Telegraph | Money | The Maverick: They're taking to Aim but we should take care

Telegraph | Money | The Maverick: They're taking to Aim but we should take care

Saturday, December 03, 2005

RIA Novosti - Business - Russia could create IPO mechanism for state companies

RIA Novosti - Business - Russia could create IPO mechanism for state companies

Telegraph | Money | From Russia with spy novel-style risks

Telegraph | Money | From Russia with spy novel-style risks

Thursday, December 01, 2005

STRATE - South Africa Strives For Further Efficiencies Through STRATE

STRATE - South Africa Strives For Further Efficiencies Through STRATE

Old Mutual cuts Skandia acceptance level

Latest Business News and Financial Information | Reuters.co.uk

Telegraph | Money | Chinese bosses to get western-style incentives

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2005/12/01/cnchina01.xml&DCMP=EMC-mcn_01122005


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