Enron Mail |
Greg,
Michael asked me to get back to you regarding ICE's all-share Offer for IPE. Summary of Offer The key aspects of the Offer are as follows: ? It comprises a share-for-share exchange of 1 ICE Class A1 Share and 1 ICE Class B (Redeemable) Share for each IPE Share (note that ICE Shares are not listed on any exchange). ? The following values (given by Goldman Sachs and KPMG) have been ascribed to each such ICE Share: - each ICE Class A1 Share has an estimated value ranging from $1.75 to $6.11 - assuming redemption, each ICE Class B Share has an estimated value ranging from $4.80 to $5.33 - assuming no redemption, each ICE Class B Share has an estimated value in the same range as each A1 Share ? Class B Shares allow for certain rights of redemption by ICE for cash, namely $5.895 per share. Redemption rights arise for a period of one month from the first anniversary of the date on which the IPE Brent Futures and the Gasoil Futures Contracts have traded exclusively for 10 consecutive trading days through the electronic trading platform. Redemption rights also arise in other circumstances, e.g. if ICE is the subject of an insolvency event. After the first redemption event to occur, non-redeemed Class B Shares (redemption is at the option of the shareholder) automatically convert to Class A1 Shares. ? Although ICE Shares will not be listed, it is expected that there will be a limited dealing facility through which Class B shareholders will be able to trade. ? The electronic trading platform referred to above will be developed by ICE through a technical services agreement. ? Class A Shares are transferable to any transferee, subject to ICE board consent, not to be unreasonably withheld. Other than in relation to the redemption rights described above, Class B Shares have identical rights to Class A Shares. ? Assuming all of the IPE Holdings shares are acquired by ICE, then the IPE Holdings' shareholders will hold 10% of the issued share capital of ICE. ? The Offer is subject to valid acceptances being received by 29 May in respect of at least 90% of the value of IPE Holdings shares (or any lower % determined by ICE, but being at least 50%). Other Points to Note ? Enron's current shareholding in IPE Holdings is 136,720 shares (this is equivalent to 1.19% of the total share capital of IPE Holdings). ? Those members of ICE (or companies associated with members of ICE) having shareholdings in IPE Holdings account for 9.83% of the total share capital of IPE Holdings. You should therefore assume that acceptances will be received at least as to 9.83%. ? If ICE receives acceptances as to 90% or more of the IPE Holdings shares, then our shares in IPE Holdings can be mandatorily acquired. ? If we are to make a competing offer, we will needed to have appointed a financial advisor, carried out necessary due diligence and preferably discussed details with IPE's management. Bearing in mind the closing date of 29 May, we would have to move quickly if we are to make an offer. (This is assuming that acceptances in excess of 50% have not been received by that time - however, institutional investors tend to deliver acceptances only at the last minute). We could make an announcement prior to the closing date of 29 May that we were considering making an offer, although the prior approval of the Takeover Panel would be needed - and a short timetable would be set by the Panel for announcing full details of the offer, if we were to proceed. ? Given the particular components of ICE's offer (e.g. retained equity in ICE; the complementary nature of the ICE and IPE businesses; and the critical participation of ICE in developing IPE's electronic trading platform), we should consider carefully the terms of any competing offer we may decide to make. Please would you let me know what further steps you would like to take (including whether you would accept the ICE Offer), and if there is any further information you need. (I will send you separately by fax a copy of the Offer Document). Thanks Justin
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