Investment Trust Times: October 7-13

Shareholders will vote on Jupiter Dividend & Growth's proposed reconstruction later this month, and more investment company news

Jackie Beard, FCSI, 13 October, 2010 | 11:27AM
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Albion Ventures LLP is considering plans to launch a top-up offer across its range of VCT funds; this is being done with all of the boards of directors. The aim would be to raise £15 million in aggregate, split as follows:

Albion Development VCT (AADV) - £2.25 million
Albion Enterprise VCT (AAEV) - £2.25 million
Albion Income & Growth VCT (AAIG) - £2.25 million
Albion Prime VCT (AAPV) - £1.5 million
Albion Technology & General VCT (AATG) - £2.25 million
Albion VCT (AAVC) - £2.25 million
Crown Place VCT (CRWN) - £2.25 million

Amati VCT (ATI) plans to raise up to £18 million through an offer for subscription of new ordinary shares. It also plans to allocate up to £2 million of new ordinary shares under the company’s dividend reinvestment scheme.

HSBC Infrastructure (HICL) has signed contracts to acquire investments in four PFI/P3 projects for £69.5 million. The two PFI projects are based in the UK and and the two P3 projects are in Canada.

Invista Foundation Property (IFD) is in discussion with Invista Real Estate Management concerning the future of the latter company and the relationship between the two companies. Further announcements are expected when conclusions have been reached.

In April, shareholders of JPM IndoChina (JSM) approved its gradual liquidiation and in accordance with this the company has signed an agreement to dispose of its 49% stake in Hieu Duc to Drostan Holdings Ltd.

Jupiter Dividend & Growth (JDT) is proposing a reconstruction, to be voted on at an EGM on October 29. Under these proposals, Zero Dividend Preference (ZDP) shareholders will be given the option to realise some or all of their holding for cash. Any wishing to retain part or all of their holding will be able to do so through continuing ZDP shares or new common shares. The board is also proposing the company’s life be extended by seven years, to 2017.

Keystone (KIT) has redeemed two lines of debenture stock, as first announced on June 4, 2010. The £3 million 11.375% Debenture Stock 2010/2015 and £5 million 10.25% Debenture Stock 2010 were both redeemed in full on October 1.

Ludgate Environmental (LEF) has received approval from the Jersey Financial Services Commission to proceed with its proposed management reorganisation. The board of directors will now make decisions based upon the advice they receive from Ludgate Investments Ltd, the company’s existing investment adviser.

Michael Biddulph, executive team member at private equity company Promethean (PTH), has stepped down from Promethean Investments LLP. However, he will continue to work with the firm in an advisory capacity.

South African Property Opportunities (SAPO) has appointed BDO LLP to act as independent expert in the litigation with the company’s investment manager, Proteus Property Partners LLP (PPP), over allegedly unpaid performance and management fees. PPP are to be replaced by Group 5 Property Development (Pty) Ltd on October 20, as previously announced last week.

Standard Life Property Income (SLI) has taken steps to improve the quality of its income stream for shareholders. It has sold one property and agreed occupancy terms for two others; collectively this reduces the company’s void level to 3.6% from 8% at June 30, 2010.

Strategic Equity Capital (SEC) has agreed new management fees, including a new performance fee. Under these arrangements, the management fee will not exceed 1% of market capitalisation. The performance fee will be measured over rolling three-year periods ending June 30 each year. We like the longer-term aspect to this structure and the fact the performance fee has a high watermark. The new fee structure is subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting to be held on November 9.

Director Appointments
Crown Place VCT (CRWN) – Karen Brade
Elephant Capital (ECAP) – Vikram Lall
M&G Equity (MEQC) – Peter Knapton

Director Resignations/Retirements
Ingenious Live VCT 1 (ILV1) – Paul Gregg

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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