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Publication of Prosus Shareholder Circular and Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting
Prosus N.V.
(Incorporated in the Netherlands)
(Legal Entity Identifier: 635400Z5LQ5F9OLVT688)
ISIN: NL0013654783
Euronext Amsterdam and JSE Share code: PRX
("Prosus")
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO
ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE
PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS AT THE END OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
PUBLICATION OF PROSUS SHAREHOLDER CIRCULAR AND NOTICE OF
EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
1. INTRODUCTION
Prosus shareholders ("Prosus shareholders" or "Shareholders") are referred to the
announcement made by the board of directors of Prosus ("Prosus Board") on
Wednesday, 12 May 2021 ("Announcement") in relation to Prosus's intention to
implement a proposed transaction involving, among other things, a voluntary exchange
offer in terms of which, among other things, the holders of the N ordinary shares
("Naspers N Ordinary Shares") in the share capital of Naspers Limited ("Naspers")
will be entitled, subject to the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, to exchange
some of their Naspers N Ordinary Shares for newly issued ordinary shares N in the share
capital of Prosus ("Prosus Ordinary Shares N") in accordance with the exchange ratio
for the offer ("Proposed Transaction").
The Proposed Transaction is expected to result in a significant value unlock for Naspers
and Prosus shareholders at the time of the transaction and in the future. The group is
confronted with a complex structural issue related to the size of Naspers on the SWIX
and the group believes the Proposed Transaction clearly presents the steps to a practical
and simple end state, while preserving all future optionality to take further steps to
reduce the discount to the group‘s net asset value ("NAV"). In addition, the Proposed
Transaction is expected to:
- meaningfully and sustainably reduce Naspers's overweight position on the SWIX,
thereby directly addressing what is believed to be a key driver of the discount to
Naspers NAV;
- increase the Prosus free float materially, with an expected commensurate increase
in overall trading liquidity, market index weightings and positive trading dynamics;
- maintain the current voting position, the legal entity structure and group tax
situation of Naspers and Prosus; and
- maintain our operational, strategic and financial flexibility to create value over the
long term and take further value creating actions.
Prosus shareholders were advised in the Announcement that their approval of certain
matters relating to the Proposed Transaction is required and that further details would
be provided for this purpose in due course, including documents relating to the
convocation of a Prosus extraordinary general meeting.
The Prosus Board is pleased to announce that the notice that convenes the extraordinary
general meeting of Prosus shareholders ("EGM Notice") to be held virtually at 14:00
(CET/SAST) on Friday, 9 July 2021 ("EGM") has been made available by Prosus today.
At the EGM, the Shareholders will consider and, if deemed fit, adopt the resolution
required to be adopted by the Shareholders to implement the Proposed Transaction.
In addition, a circular to the Shareholders has been made available by Prosus today
("Circular"). The Circular, among other things:
- explains the Proposed Transaction, its expected benefits for Prosus and all
stakeholders, including Shareholders, and its expected benefits for the Naspers N
Shareholders;
- provides Shareholders with further information regarding the Proposed Transaction;
and
- incorporates the EGM Notice.
The EGM Notice, the Circular as well as other relevant EGM documents ("EGM
Materials") are available upon request and free of charge at the office of Prosus, Gustav
Mahlerplein 5, 1082 MS Amsterdam, email: corpsec@prosus.com or via
www.prosus.com/investors/egm. The EGM Materials documents can also be digitally
provided via ABN AMRO Bank, email: ava@nl.abnamro.com.
In South Africa, additional print copies of the EGM Materials, including the Circular, can
be obtained from the offices of Prosus's JSE Sponsor, Investec Bank Limited, at their
address provided in the "Corporate Information" section of the Circular during normal
business hours from today, 27 May 2021, up to and including the date of the EGM, being
Friday, 9 July 2021.
The Capitalised terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in
the Circular.
2. RESOLUTION AND EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
The EGM will be held virtually at 14:00 (CET/SAST) on Friday, 9 July 2021. Formally,
the EGM will be held at ABN AMRO, Gustav Mahlerlaan 10, 1082 PP Amsterdam, the
Netherlands, where Shareholders will consider and, if deemed fit, adopt the resolution
(as set out in the EGM Notice).
In summary, at the EGM, a resolution will be proposed to the General Meeting,
comprising of the following components:
- approve the Exchange Offer pursuant to section 2:107a of the Dutch Civil Code and
section 24.1 of the Articles of Association;
- approve the Prosus Articles Amendment;
- designate the Board as the corporate body authorised to issue shares and exclude
or limit pre-emptive rights; and
- authorise the Board to resolve that the company acquires shares in its own capital.
Please refer to the EGM Notice for a detailed description of the proposal to be voted on
by Shareholders at the EGM, as well as the procedure to be followed by Shareholders in
order to exercise their votes at the EGM. Shareholders should consider the Circular and
EGM Notice in full.
3. SALIENT DATES OF THE EGM AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION
The following indicative timetable sets out the expected dates for the EGM and the
Proposed Transaction:
2021
Last day to trade in Prosus Ordinary Shares N on the JSE Tuesday, 8 June
and the A2X to be recorded in the Prosus securities
register to be eligible to participate at the EGM
Last day to trade in Prosus Ordinary Shares N on Wednesday, 9 June
Euronext Amsterdam to be recorded in the Prosus
securities register to be eligible to participate at the EGM
Record date to be eligible to vote and participate in the Friday, 11 June
EGM
EGM held virtually at ABN AMRO, Gustav Friday, 9 July
Mahlerlaan 10, 1082 PP Amsterdam, the
Netherlands, commencing at 14:00
Results of the General Meeting expected to be released Friday, 9 July
on SENS on
Prospectus is issued and the Exchange Offer opens Monday, 12 July
on
Last day to trade in Naspers N Ordinary Shares to be Tuesday, 10 August
able to participate in the Exchange Offer
Naspers N Ordinary Shares trade "ex" the entitlement to Wednesday, 11 August
participate in the Exchange Offer
Cash value for fractional entitlements announced on JSE Thursday, 12 August
and A2X on
Exchange Offer closes on Friday, 13 August
Record date for the Exchange Offer at 17:00 on Friday, 13 August
Issue of New Prosus Ordinary Shares N and Settlement Monday, 16 August
of the Exchange Offer on Euronext, the JSE and A2X,
and listing of such New Prosus Ordinary Shares N
effective, and implementation of the Prosus B Share
Transaction and the Prosus A Share Capitalisation Issue,
on
(i) These dates and times are subject to change and references to time are to Central
European Summer Time/South African Standard Time.
(ii) Any material changes will be announced in a press release published on www.share-
exchange-offer.com and on SENS and the ANS.
(iii) Prosus Shareholders (or their authorised representatives) who wish to attend the EGM
virtually and/or to vote virtually during the EGM must register electronically with ABN
AMRO (via www.abnamro.com/evoting) or via their intermediaries at which their shares
are administered, following the record date and no later than Friday 2 July 2021 at 17:30
at the latest.
(iv) Prosus Shareholders intending to electronically grant proxies along with voting
instructions must do so by no later than 17:30 on Friday, 2 July 2021.
(v) The full details concerning the Exchange Offer, including in respect of the delivery and
settlement of the New Prosus Ordinary Shares N to the Naspers N Shareholders that
participate in the Exchange Offer will subject to, inter alia, the approval of the Resolution
at the EGM, be contained in the Prospectus expected to be issued by Prosus on Monday,
12 July 2021.
4. CROSS-HOLDING AGREEMENT
Shareholders are advised that on 27 May 2021, Prosus and Naspers entered into the
Cross-Holding Agreement, which regulates certain matters arising in relation to the
Cross-Holding Arrangement as part of the implementation of the Proposed Transaction.
The Cross-Holding Agreement is intended to ensure the efficient and effective ongoing
interaction between Prosus and Naspers by eliminating the need for round-tripping of
cash or assets in the Cross-Holding Structure thereby removing financial and
administrative inefficiencies. The Cross-Holding Agreement and the Prosus Articles
Amendment together give effect to the Cross-Holding Arrangement.
The rights and obligations of the parties under the Cross-Holding Agreement are subject
to certain conditions precedent, including the Exchange Offer becoming unconditional in
accordance with its terms.
A copy of the Cross-Holding Agreement has been made available at
www.prosus.com/investors/egm and www.share-exchange-offer.com.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
27 May 2021
JSE sponsor to Prosus
Investec Bank Limited
Dutch Legal Adviser to Prosus
Allen & Overy LLP
South African Legal Adviser to Prosus
Webber Wentzel
US Legal Adviser to Prosus
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Joint Financial Advisers to Prosus
Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc
For more information contact:
Sarah Ryan, International Media Eoin Ryan, Head of Investor
Relations Relations
Tel: + 31 6 29721038 Tel: +1 347-210-4305
Shamiela Letsoalo, South Africa Media
Relations
Tel: + 27 78 802 6310
About Prosus
Prosus is a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the
world. Operating and investing globally in markets with long-term growth potential, Prosus
builds leading consumer internet companies that empower people and enrich communities.
The group is focused on building meaningful businesses in the online classifieds, food delivery,
payments and fintech, and education technology sectors in markets
including India, Russia and Brazil. Through its ventures team, Prosus invests in areas
including health, logistics, blockchain, and social commerce. Prosus actively seeks new
opportunities to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs who are using technology to improve
people's everyday lives.
Every day, millions of people use the products and services of companies that Prosus has
invested in, acquired or built, including Avito, Brainly, BYJU'S, Bykea, Codecademy,
DappRadar, DeHaat, dott, ElasticRun, eMAG, Eruditus, Honor, iFood, Klar, LazyPay, letgo,
Meesho, Movile, OLX, PayU, Quick Ride, Red Dot Payment, Remitly, Republic, SimilarWeb,
Shipper, Skillsoft, SoloLearn, Swiggy, and Udemy.
Hundreds of millions of people have made the platforms of Prosus’s associates a part of their
daily lives. For listed companies where we have an interest, please
see: Tencent (www.tencent.com), Mail.ru (www.corp.mail.ru), Trip.com Group Limited
(www.trip.com), and DeliveryHero (www.deliveryhero.com).
Today, Prosus companies and associates help improve the lives of around a fifth of the world's
population.
Prosus has a primary listing on Euronext Amsterdam (AEX:PRX) and secondary listings on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange (XJSE:PRX) and a2X Markets (PRX.AJ). Prosus is majority
owned by Naspers. For more information, please visit www.prosus.com.
Disclaimers
This press release contains information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the European
Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014).
Shareholders should note that the Prosus Board reserves the right, in its discretion, to decide
not to proceed with the Proposed Transaction and, as such, the Proposed Transaction may or
may not proceed.
This announcement is for information purposes only and is not an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy securities and neither this document nor anything herein nor
any copy thereof may be taken into or distributed, directly or indirectly, in or into any
jurisdiction in which to do so would be prohibited by applicable law.
There will be no public offer of any securities in the United States. The securities referred to
in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and will not be offered or sold, directly or
indirectly, in or into the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, any “U.S. person”
as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act except pursuant to an exemption from, or
in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
The information contained in this announcement does not constitute or form a part of any
offer to the public for the sale of, or subscription for, or an invitation, advertisement or the
solicitation of an offer to purchase and/or subscribe for, securities as defined in and/or
contemplated by the South African Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008 ("South African Companies
Act"). Accordingly, this announcement does not, nor does it intend to, constitute a “registered
prospectus” or an advertisement relating to an offer to the public, as contemplated by the
South African Companies Act and no prospectus has been, or will be, filed with the South
African Companies and Intellectual Property Commission in respect of this announcement.
The information contained in this announcement constitutes factual information as
contemplated in Section 1(3)(a) of the South African Financial Advisory and Intermediary
Services Act, 37 of 2002, as amended ("FAIS Act") and should not be construed as an express
or implied recommendation, guide or proposal that any particular transaction in respect of
the Prosus Ordinary Shares N and/or Naspers N Ordinary Shares or in relation to the business
or future investments of Prosus and/or Naspers, is appropriate to the particular investment
objectives, financial situations or needs of a prospective investor, and nothing contained in
this announcement should be construed as constituting the canvassing for, or marketing or
advertising of, financial services in South Africa. Prosus is not a financial services provider
licensed as such under the FAIS Act.
In member states of the European Economic Area (“EEA”) (each, a “Relevant Member State”)
no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of
Securities requiring publication of a prospectus in any Relevant Member State. As a result,
this announcement and any offer if made subsequently is directed exclusively at persons who
are “qualified investors” within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified
Investors”). For these purposes, the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation
2017/1129/EU (and amendments thereto) and includes any relevant implementing measure
in the Relevant Member State.
This announcement does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of the Prospectus
Regulation and has not been approved by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
(Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten).
In the United Kingdom this announcement is only being distributed to, and is only directed
at, and any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available
only to, and will be engaged in only with, qualified investors (as defined under Article 2(e) of
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union
(Withdrawal) Act 2018) who are (i) investment professionals falling with Article 19(5) of the
UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”);
(ii) high net worth entities falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (iii) other
persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated (all such persons together being
referred to as “relevant persons”). Persons who are not relevant persons should not take any
action on the basis of this announcement and should not act or rely on it.
The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in jurisdictions other than South
Africa may be restricted by law and therefore persons into whose possession this
announcement comes should inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable
restrictions or requirements. Any failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a
violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, Prosus disclaims any responsibility or liability for the violation of such
requirements by any person.
It is the responsibility of person (including, without limitation, nominees, agents and trustees
for such persons) wishing to receive this announcement and/or participate in the Proposed
Transaction, or a component thereof, to satisfy themselves as to the full observance of the
applicable laws of any relevant territory, including obtaining any requisite governmental or
other consents, observing any other requirements or formalities and paying any issue,
transfer or other taxes due in such territories. Further information pertaining to the Proposed
Transaction will be provided in due course pursuant to the documentation to be released by
Prosus in relation to the Proposed Transaction (the "Transaction Documentation").
Investors are advised to read the Transaction Documentation, which will contain the terms
and conditions of the Proposed Transaction, with care and in full. Any decision to approve the
resolution required to implement the Proposed Transaction or analysis of and/or election in
respect of the Proposed Transaction and/or other matters dealt with in the Transaction
Documentation should be made only on the basis of such information.
Application will be made for all of the Prosus Ordinary Shares N proposed to be issued
pursuant to the Proposed Transaction to be admitted to listing and trading on the AEX and on
the Main Board of the JSE and A2X Markets. The Transaction Documentation to be issued by
Prosus in respect of, among other things, the Proposed Transaction will be made available in
due course, subject to applicable securities laws, on www.prosus.com. Investors should have
regard to the Transaction Documentation before deciding to elect to participate in the
Proposed Transaction.
Any financial adviser of Prosus is acting exclusively for Prosus and no one else in connection
with the Proposed Transaction. No financial adviser will regard any other person as its client
in relation to the Proposed Transaction and will not be responsible to anyone other than Prosus
for providing the protections afforded to its client nor for giving advice in relation to the
Proposed Transaction or any other transaction or arrangement referred to in this
announcement.
No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made or given, and no responsibility is
accepted, by or on behalf of any financial adviser or any of its affiliates or any of its respective
directors, officers or employees or any other person, as to the accuracy, completeness,
fairness or verification of the information or opinions contained this announcement and
nothing contained in this announcement is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or
representation by any financial adviser or any of their respective affiliates as to the past or
future. Accordingly, any financial advisers and its affiliates and respective directors, officers
and employees disclaim, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all and any liability,
whether arising in tort or contract or that they might otherwise be found to have in respect
of this announcement and/or any such statement.
Nothing contained in this announcement constitutes, or is intended to constitute, investment,
tax, legal, accounting or other professional advice.
Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains statements about Prosus and/or Naspers that are, or may be,
forward-looking statements. All statements (other than statements of historical fact) are, or
may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those
concerning: strategy; the economic outlook for the industries in which Prosus and/or Naspers
operates or invests as well as markets generally; production; cash costs and other operating
results; growth prospects and outlook for operations and/or investments, individually or in
the aggregate; liquidity, capital resources and expenditure, statements in relation to the
approval by shareholders or implementation of the Proposed Transaction and/or the benefits
of the Proposed Transaction. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical
facts, but rather reflect current expectations concerning future results and events and
generally may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "believe",
"aim", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "foresee", "forecast", "likely", "should", "planned",
"may", "estimated", "potential" or similar words and phrases. Examples of forward-looking
statements include statements regarding a future financial position or future profits, cash
8
flows, corporate strategy, implementation of the Proposed Transaction and/or the benefits of
the Proposed Transaction, anticipated levels of growth, estimates of capital expenditures,
acquisition and investment strategy, expansion prospects or future capital expenditure levels
and other economic factors, such as, among others, growth and interest rates.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and
uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may
not occur in the future. Prosus cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees
of future performance. Actual results, financial and operating conditions, returns and the
developments within the industries and markets in which Prosus and/or Naspers operates
and/or invests may differ materially from those made in, or suggested by, the forward-looking
statements contained in this announcement. All these forward-looking statements are based
on estimates, predictions and assumptions, as regards Prosus or Naspers, all of which
estimates, predictions and assumptions, although Prosus believes them to be reasonable, are
inherently uncertain and may not eventuate or eventuate in the manner Prosus expects.
Factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those
statements or assumptions include matters not yet known to Prosus or not currently
considered material by Prosus.
Investors should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made in this
announcement or elsewhere is applicable only at the date on which such forward-looking
statement is made. New factors that could cause the business of Prosus or Naspers not to
develop as expected may emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all of
them. Further, the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual
results, performance or achievement to differ materially from those contained in any forward-
looking statement is not known. Prosus has no duty to, and does not intend to, update or
revise the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement or any other
information herein, except as may be required by law. Any forward-looking statement has
not been reviewed nor reported on by Prosus's external auditor or any other expert.
Date: 27-05-2021 07:50:00
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