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Steinhoff International Holdings Ltd - Acquisition By Steinhoff Of A Strategic

Release Date: 10/11/2005 17:11
Code(s): SHF
Wrap Text

Steinhoff International Holdings Ltd - Acquisition By Steinhoff Of A Strategic Interest In Kap International Holdings Limited ("KAP-SA") Steinhoff International Holdings Ltd (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1998/003951/06) Share code: SHF ISIN: ZAE000016176 ("Steinhoff" or "the Company") ACQUISITION BY STEINHOFF OF A STRATEGIC INTEREST IN KAP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED ("KAP-SA") INTRODUCTION Shareholders are advised that agreement has been reached between Steinhoff Africa Holdings (Proprietary) Limited ("SAF") and KAP Beteiligungs AG ("KAP Germany") in terms of which SAF, or its nominee, will acquire from KAP Germany 88,76 million shares in KAP-SA ("the acquired shares") ("the acquisition"). The purchase consideration of R315 985 600, equivalent to 356 cents per KAP- SA share, represents a discount of 6,3% to the closing market price of KAP-SA"s shares of 380 cents per share on 4 November 2005, being the date on which the purchase price was agreed between the parties. The purchase consideration will be settled in cash against delivery of the shares to SAF by not later than 30 November 2005. The acquired shares represent approximately 21% of KAP-SA"s issued share capital. SAF"s shareholding, together with the board representation and other rights (referred to below) that it has obtained as integral terms of the acquisition, will facilitate SAF equity accounting this investment after its implementation as an associate. RELATED PARTIES AND OPINIONS Mr Claas Daun, an independent non-executive director of Steinhoff, is the Chairman and ultimate controlling shareholder of each of KAP-SA and KAP Germany. In addition, Mr Daun is the Chairman and controlling shareholder of Daun & Cie AG ("Daun & Cie") which holds 44,7% of KAP-SA"s issued shares. Mr Markus Jooste, the Chief Executive Officer of Steinhoff, is an independent non-executive director of KAP-SA and a director of a private company ("Privco") which holds 11 181 520 KAP-SA shares (being 2,6% of KAP-SA"s issued shares) ("the Privco shares"). The acquisition is a related party transaction as defined by the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited ("the JSE") and accordingly, EY Corporate Finance (Proprietary) Limited ("the expert") was appointed as the independent professional expert to Steinhoff in relation thereto. The consideration amounts to approximately 1,5% of Steinhoff"s current market capitalisation. The expert has assessed the terms and conditions of the acquisition and is of the opinion that such terms and conditions are fair and reasonable to Steinhoff and its shareholders. A copy of the expert"s written opinion has been lodged with the Issuer Services Division of the JSE and is available for inspection at the registered office of Steinhoff: 28 6th Street, Wynberg, Sandton, 2090, for a period of 28 days from the date of this announcement. In accordance with Steinhoff"s Corporate Policy and in order to eliminate any potential future conflicts of interest between the group and the private interests of Steinhoff directors, Privco agreed to dispose of the Privco shares through the market in an orderly fashion. OTHER TERMS OF THE ACQUISITION Further salient terms of the acquisition include: - SAF holding a pre-emptive right in respect of Daun & Cie"s entire interest in KAP-SA, except for 15 million shares which it could dispose of free of this restriction. In considering the exercise of this pre-emptive right, due cognisance will, at the time, be taken of KAP-SA"s long-term objective to increase the free-float and tradability of the share. In addition, Daun & Cie has agreed not to sell, without the prior written consent of SAF, during a period of three years from 30 November 2005, more than 62 million of its 189,2 million (44,7%) shares in KAP-SA; and - SAF has been granted the right to appoint two directors to the Board of KAP- SA. It is envisaged that Markus Jooste and Danie van der Merwe will be the appointed nominees of SAF to the board of KAP-SA, Danie van der Merwe as a new appointment, with Markus Jooste to remain on as a non-executive director in the capacity as the second representative of SAF. In addition, Jan van der Merwe, the Chief Financial Officer of Steinhoff, will be appointed to the Audit Committee of KAP-SA. STRATEGIC RATIONALE Steinhoff is a diversified industrial company, and, due to the integrated composition of its activities in southern Africa, has substantial raw material interests. These raw material interests have the potential to unlock significant synergies with certain of KAP-SA"s operations, notably the Feltex automotive, leather, foam and trim divisions, which synergies, when realised, will be to the benefit of both companies and their respective shareholders. The technology and processes which Steinhoff holds through its Pritex subsidiary in the United Kingdom and in South Africa could also be exploited jointly to benefit both groups. KAP-SA"s processes and technology applied in respect of its Automotive division can, with relative ease, be adapted and applied in SAF"s upholstered furniture manufacturing processes. This is particularly relevant in respect of Just-In-Time inventory controls and working capital management. In addition, KAP-SA, with its access to, and sourcing capabilities in respect of large quantities of hides and processed leather, could become an alternative supplier of leather to SAF. This will enhance SAF"s sourcing flexibility of its local leather raw material requirements. Furthermore, the acquisition opens up the potential for: - incremental business for SAF"s raw material division with KAP"s existing customer base; - exchange of technology and expertise between KAP"s leather-based activities in South Africa and Steinhoff"s leather joint venture in India; - joint sourcing of chemicals and other raw materials which should result in lower input costs. FINANCIAL EFFECTS Although the acquisition is expected to have a beneficial impact on Steinhoff, the actual effects thereof, due to its relatively small size, on Steinhoff"s earnings per share, headline earnings per share and net asset value per share will be immaterial. Wynberg Sandton 11 November 2005 Sponsor PSG Capital Independent Adviser to Steinhoff Ernst & Young Date: 10/11/2005 05:11:44 PM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department

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