Investment Trust Times: October 13-19

Liquidity improvements are on the cards at Atlantis Japan Growth, while the new managers at Pacific Assets Trust put their money where their mouth is

Jackie Beard, FCSI, 20 October, 2010 | 3:04PM
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Atlantis Japan Growth (AJG) has released details of its proposed change to corporate structure. These steps are being taken by the company to improve liquidity and manage the discount and its volatility. Under these proposals, shareholders will be offered the opportunity to redeem shares on a four-monthly basis, subject to a charge which will be retained by the company and used to enhance the NAV. This charge will reduce from 4% to 3% after the third redemption opportunity and to 2% after the fifth redemption opportunity. The company is also proposing to redenominated its USD shares into GBP to allow it to be included in UK indices.

Atlas Estates (ATLS) held its EGM on 15 October at which it raised the resolution to cancel the listing of the ordinary shares on AIM. This was approved and the listing will be cancelled at 7am on 25 October 2010. Shares will continue to be listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

CQS Rig Finance (RIG) has agreed extension terms for its financing with Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Ltd, as well as an extension to its unsecured loan facility with RBC Cees Trustees Ltd. The secured facility will now mature on 31 March 2011 and the unsecured facility on 31 October 2011.

Dexion Absolute Euro (DABE) has applied to the UK Listing Authority for 712,750 new ordinary GBP shares to be admitted to the Official List; the company has also applied for the cancellation of 294,814 EUR and 340,212 USD shares. This is a direct result of its recent conversion opportunity.

The investment manager of FRM Diversified Alpha GBP (DIVA) has agreed to reduce its management fee from 1.25% to 0.5% of NAV (the value of which should not include any cash balance) as the company is wound up.

At the EGM on 18 October 2010, shareholders in Infrastructure India (IIP) approved the resolution to delist the company’s shares from the Official List and move the listing to AIM.

NB Distressed Debt (NBDD) has announced the issue price of USD 1.005 for its secondary placing, which closed on Friday 15 October 2010. Admission for the shares is expected on 20 October. The company has raised USD244 million through this placing.

NB Private Equity (NBPE) has announced a strategic asset sale, an ongoing capital return policy and a strategic repositioning of its portfolio. The strategic asset sale is in respect of approximately 18% of the portfolio’s value as at 30 September 2010. The proceeds are expected to be used to launch an ongoing capital return policy; the company plans to return 50% of the realised net increase in NAV for the preceeding six months by way of share buybacks and/or dividends. Under the repositioning, the company plans to increase its allocation to direct and yield-orienting investments.

Nordic Land (NLD) has completed the sale of two of its properties, in accordance with its plans to dispose of its entire property portfolio. There remains one final property for sale but this has been postponed: Lehman Brothers International Europe (their security agent) cannot locate the relevant mortgage certificates.

Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity (PAX) has published details of its tender offer, which closes on 11 November 2010. Shareholders can tender up to 6% of of their shares at a price equivalent to the unaudited NAV as at 30 September 2010.

We’re pleased to see the new investment managers at Pacific Assets Trust (PAC) investing into the company. First State took over in July 2010 and at a recent investment trust forum, David Gait indicated his intention to buy shares. Both Gait and team head Angus Tulloch have invested around GBP 100,000 each this week. This helps to align his interests with those of his fellow shareholders.

Director Appointments
Aberforth Geared Income (AGIT) – Graham Menzies
Hansteen Holdings (HSTN) – Richard Cotton, Richard Lowes, Humphrey Price
TP70 2008 VCT II (TPV2) – Michael Stanes

Director Resignations/Retirements
Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies (SST) – Sir Hamish Macleod
TP70 2008 VCT II (TPV2) – Robert Reid, Sir John Lucas Tooth

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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