TIDMZIN
RNS Number : 6974U
Zinc Media Group PLC
03 August 2022
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (INCLUDING THE APPIX) AND THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION
OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN,
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OFFER OR ADVICE TO ANY PERSON TO PURCHASE AND/OR SUBSCRIBE FOR,
OTHERWISE ACQUIRE OR DISPOSE OF ANY SECURITIES IN ZINC MEDIA GROUP
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ANNOUNCEMENT NOR THE FACT OF ITS DISTRIBUTION, SHALL FORM THE BASIS
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RESPECT OF ZINC MEDIA GROUP PLC.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES
OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION EU 596/2014 AS IT FORMS
PART OF UK DOMESTIC LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
(WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018. IN ADDITION, MARKET SOUNDINGS (AS DEFINED IN
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IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, WITH THE RESULT THAT CERTAIN PERSONS BECAME
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CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN AND SUCH PERSONS SHALL
THEREFORE CEASE TO BE IN POSSESSION OF INSIDE INFORMATION.
For immediate release
3 August 2022
ZINC MEDIA GROUP PLC
Proposed Acquisition of The Edge Picture Co Limited,
Proposed Placing and REX Retail Offer
Introduction
Zinc Media Group plc (AIM: ZIN), an award-winning television,
brand and audio production Group ("Zinc" or the "Company", together
with its subsidiary undertakings, the "Group") today announces that
it has conditionally agreed to acquire the entire issued and to be
issued share capital of The Edge Picture Co Limited ("The Edge"),
for an initial consideration of GBP2.1 million (the
"Acquisition").
The consideration comprises initial consideration of GBP1.56
million in cash and GBP0.54 million to be satisfied by the issue of
540,000 new ordinary shares of 0.125 pence each ("Ordinary Shares")
in the capital of Zinc (the "Initial Consideration Shares") at a
price of 100 pence per Initial Consideration Share to the Sellers
on Completion (the "Initial Consideration") and additional
consideration of up to a further GBP3.875 million (the "Additional
Consideration"), which will be satisfied in part by: (i) cash and
(ii) a combination of cash, the issue of new Ordinary Shares and/or
the issue of loan notes in Zinc (in each case at Zinc's sole
discretion) contingent on the trading performance of The Edge over
each of the 12 month periods ending 30 June 2023, 30 June 2024 and
30 June 2025.
In addition, an additional amount of deferred consideration (up
to an approximate amount of GBP0.73 million) ("Deferred
Consideration") may become payable in cash following The Edge
receiving the same amount under an existing financial arrangement,
at all times in accordance with the terms of the Acquisition
Agreement. As structured, and being conditional on The Edge
receiving the same amount first, the Deferred Consideration is not
considered an additional cost to Zinc.
Furthermore, Zinc also announces a proposed Placing of 5,000,000
new Ordinary Shares (the "Placing Shares") at a price of 100 pence
per Placing Share (the "Issue Price") to raise approximately GBP5.0
million (before expenses) (the "Placing").
In addition to the Placing, there will be an offer made by the
Company of new Ordinary Shares on the Peel Hunt Retail Capital
Markets ("REX") portal (the "Retail Shares") at the Issue Price to
raise up to GBP0.25 million (before expenses) (the "Retail Offer"
and, together with the Placing, the "Fundraise") to provide
existing retail shareholders in the United Kingdom with an
opportunity to participate in the Company's fundraising plans. A
separate announcement will be made shortly regarding the Retail
Offer and its terms. For the avoidance of doubt, the Retail Offer
is not part of the Placing.
The net proceeds from the Fundraise will be used by the Company
principally to finance the initial cash consideration due in
respect of the Acquisition, together with associated transaction
costs, totalling approximately GBP2.5 million, and to provide
additional growth capital for the Enlarged Group.
Capitalised terms used in this announcement (including the
appendix (the "Appendix" and together, this "Announcement")) have
the meanings given to them in the section headed "Definitions" at
the end of this Announcement, unless the context provides
otherwise.
Singer Capital Markets Advisory LLP (together with its affiliate
entities ("Singer CM") is acting as Zinc's nominated adviser, sole
bookrunner and sole broker in relation to the Placing. Peel Hunt
LLP is acting as Zinc's co-ordinator in relation to the Retail
Offer . Trillium Partners Limited ("Trillium") is acting as
financial adviser to Zinc in relation to the Acquisition.
Singer CM will commence a bookbuilding process in respect of the
Placing immediately following the publication of this Announcement
(the "Bookbuilding Process").
Acquisition Highlights
-- Founded in 1990, The Edge is one of the largest brand and
corporate film making production companies in the UK [1] . It has
won over 700 awards including the 'Worldwide Production Company of
the Year Award' at the New York Festivals for 15 consecutive
years
-- For the financial year to 31 December 2021, The Edge
generated revenue of GBP8.2 million, Adjusted EBITDA profit of
GBP0.8 million and profit before tax of GBP0.5 million
-- As of June 2022, The Edge had GBP8 million of revenue booked for 2022
-- Total Consideration payable by the Company will be up to
GBP5.975 million and will comprise:
o Initial Consideration of GBP2.1 million to be satisfied by
GBP1.56 million in cash and GBP0.54 million to be satisfied by the
issue of the Initial Consideration Shares; and
o the maximum Additional Consideration of GBP3.875 million is
payable should The Edge generate GBP5.0 million of EBIT (earnings
before interest and tax) over the course of the three year period
ending 30 June 2025.
-- The Directors believe that the Acquisition:
o will add scale to the existing Group supporting long-term
profitability;
o is at a sensible valuation multiple and will be earnings
accretive in the current and future financial years;
o presents organic growth revenue opportunities with attractive
operational leverage;
o provides up-sell and cross-sell opportunities for the Enlarged
Group;
o will help drive significant revenue diversification by
increasing the proportion of non-TV revenues within the Enlarged
Group;
o will provide the opportunity for synergies as The Edge
operates in complementary production markets; and
o will enhance the operations and management of the Enlarged
Group following the addition of The Edge's experienced management
team.
Fundraise Highlights
-- Placing to raise approximately GBP5.0 million (before
expenses) through the issue of 5,000,000 new Ordinary Shares at 100
pence per new Ordinary Share.
-- Retail Offer to raise up to GBP0.25 million (before expenses)
through the issue of up to 250,000 new Ordinary Shares at 100 pence
per new Ordinary Share.
-- The Issue Price represents a discount of approximately 7.0
per cent. to the closing middle market price of 107.50 pence per
Ordinary Share on 2 August 2022, being the latest practicable date
prior to the publication of this Announcement.
-- The Placing Shares and Retail Shares, assuming full take-up,
will represent approximately 32.4 per cent. of the existing issued
share capital of Zinc (the "Existing Ordinary Shares").
-- All of the directors of Zinc (the "Directors" or the "Board")
intend to participate in the Placing. Further details will be set
out in the announcement summarising the results of the
Fundraise.
-- The final number of Placing Shares to be placed will be
determined by Singer CM, in consultation with Zinc, at the close of
the Bookbuilding Process and the result will be announced as soon
as practicable thereafter. The timing for the close of the
Bookbuilding Process and the allocation of the Placing Shares will
be determined together by Singer CM and Zinc.
-- The Fundraise is conditional upon, among other things, the
resolutions (the "Resolutions") required to implement the Fundraise
being duly passed by Shareholders at the general meeting proposed
to be held at the offices of Singer Capital Markets, 1 Bartholomew
Lane, London, EC2N 2AX at 11.00 a.m. on 22 August 2022 (the
"General Meeting").
-- The Placing is subject to the terms and conditions set out in
the appendix (the "Appendix") to this announcement (this
"Announcement"). The Appendix forms part of this Announcement.
-- The Fundraise is not being underwritten.
Enquiries:
Zinc Media Group plc +44 (0) 20 7878 2311
Mark Browning (Chief Executive Officer)
Will Sawyer (Chief Financial Officer)
Singer Capital Markets Securities Limited
(Broker and Bookrunner)
Singer Capital Markets Advisory LLP (Nominated
Adviser to Zinc) +44 (0) 20 7496 3000
Mark Taylor / George Tzimas / Alex Emslie
Trillium Partners Limited (Financial
Adviser to Zinc) +44 (0) 20 3008 8375
Stephen Routledge
IFC Advisory Ltd (Financial PR) +44 (0) 20 3934 6630
Graham Herring / Zach Cohen
Overview of The Edge
The Edge is one of the largest brand and corporate film making
production companies in the UK. ([2]) It has won over 700 awards
including the 'Worldwide Production Company of the Year Award' at
the New York Festivals for 15 consecutive years. Its client base
includes some of the world's biggest brands and businesses. It
produces corporate and brand films along with e-Learning and
training films and some short form animation for approximately 100
clients a year.
The Edge, was incorporated in 1990, operates from offices in
London and Doha, Qatar, currently employing c.60 staff. The Edge's
operations in Qatar are structured as a joint venture. The Edge own
49 per cent. of this entity but maintain operational and management
control and also receive 95 per cent. of the economic benefit. As a
result, it is consolidated as a subsidiary of The Edge for
reporting purposes.
For the financial year to 31 December 2021, The Edge generated
revenue of GBP8.2 million, Adjusted EBITDA profit of GBP0.8
million, EBIT of GBP0.6 million and profit before tax of GBP0.5
million. In the same period, The Edge generated gross profit
margins of 58 per cent. and total assets amounted to GBP3.6
million.
As of June 2022, The Edge had GBP8 million of revenue booked for
2022.
Details of the Acquisition
The overall maximum consideration payable by Zinc to the Sellers
(excluding the Deferred Consideration which, as mentioned above, is
not considered a cost to Zinc) is approximately GBP5.975 million,
made up of the Initial Consideration and the Additional
Consideration.
Completion is conditional upon the Placing Agreement becoming
unconditional in all respects in accordance with its terms, subject
to Admission.
Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the
Initial Consideration Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM. It
is expected that admission of the Initial Consideration Shares to
trading on AIM will become effective at the same time as the
admission to trading on AIM of the Placing Shares and Retail Offer
Shares, and Completion is expected to occur at 8.00 a.m. on or
around 23 August 2022.
Details of the Fundraise
Placing
Zinc is proposing to raise, in aggregate, approximately GBP5.0
million (before commissions, fees and expenses) by means of the
Placing. The Placing Shares, in aggregate, will represent
approximately 30.9 per cent. of the Existing Ordinary Shares.
The Appendix sets out further information relating to the
Bookbuilding Process and the terms and conditions of the Placing.
Persons who have chosen to participate in the Placing, by making an
oral, electronic or written offer to acquire Placing Shares, will
be deemed to have read and understood this Announcement in its
entirety (including the Appendix) and to be making such offer on
the terms and subject to the conditions herein, and to be providing
the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgements and
undertakings contained in the Appendix.
Singer CM will commence the Bookbuilding Process immediately
following the publication of this Announcement.
The timing of the closing of the Bookbuilding Process and
allocations are at the absolute discretion of Singer CM and Zinc.
Details of the number of Placing Shares will be announced as soon
as practicable after the close of the Bookbuilding Process. The
Placing is not being underwritten.
Retail Offer
In addition, REX intends to conduct an offer for subscription
for Retail Shares on behalf of Zinc on the terms to be set out in a
separate announcement to be made later today. The Retail Offer is
conditional upon, amongst other things, Admission becoming
effective. The Retail Offer may not be fully subscribed.
A circular, containing further details of the Fundraise, the
Acquisition and convening the General Meeting in order to pass the
Resolutions (the "Circular"), is expected to be despatched to
Shareholders on or around 4 August 2022 and the Circular, once
published, will be available on Zinc's website at
www.zincmedia.com.
The Placing Shares and Retail Offer Shares, when issued, will be
fully paid and will rank pari passu in all respects with the
Existing Ordinary Shares, including the right to receive all
dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid after the
date of issue. If all of the Placing Shares and Retail Offer Shares
are placed, it would represent an increase of approximately 32.4
per cent. of the Existing Ordinary Shares.
Admission, settlement and CREST
Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for
admission of the New Ordinary Shares to trading on the AIM market
("AIM") of London Stock Exchange plc (the "London Stock Exchange")
("Admission").
It is expected that Admission will take place on or before 8.00
a.m. on 23 August 2022 and that dealings in the New Ordinary Shares
on AIM will commence at the same time.
The Fundraise is conditional upon, among other things, the
Resolutions required to implement the Fundraise being duly passed
by the shareholders of Zinc (the "Shareholders") at the General
Meeting proposed to be held at the offices of Singer Capital
Markets, 1 Bartholomew Lane, London, EC2N 2AX at 11.00 a.m. on 22
August 2022, upon Admission becoming effective and upon the placing
agreement between Zinc and Singer CM (the "Placing Agreement") not
being terminated in accordance with its terms. Following Admission,
assuming the full take up of the Placing Shares and Retail Offer
Shares pursuant to the Fundraise, and following issue of the
Initial Consideration Shares, Zinc will have 21,990,919 Ordinary
Shares in issue.
The Circular containing, amongst other things, the notice of the
General Meeting is expected to be published by Zinc on 4 August
2022.
This Announcement should be read in its entirety. In particular,
you should read and understand the information provided in the
"Important Notices" section of this Announcement.
The person responsible for releasing this announcement on behalf
of Zinc is Will Sawyer, a director of Zinc.
Expected Timetable for the Fundraise
2022
Announcement of the Acquisition 3 August
and the Placing
Announcement of the Retail Offer 3 August
Announcement of the results of the 3 August
Placing and the Retail Offer
Publication and posting of the Circular 4 August
Last date and time for receipt of 11.00 a.m. on 18 August
electronic proxy votes or completed
Forms of Proxy
General Meeting 11.00 a.m. on 22 August
Announcement of the results of the 22 August
General Meeting
Admission and dealings in the New 8.00 a.m. on 23 August
Ordinary Shares expected to commence
on AIM
Where applicable, expected date 23 August
for CREST accounts to be credited
in respect of the New Ordinary Shares
in uncertificated form
Where applicable, expected date by no later than 6 September
for despatch of definitive share
certificates for New Ordinary Shares
in certificated form
Each of the times and dates above refer to London time and are
subject to change. Any such change will be notified to Shareholders
by an announcement through a Regulatory Information Service. All
events listed in the above timetable following the General Meeting
are conditional on the passing of the Resolutions at the General
Meeting.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Background to and reasons for the Acquisition
Background to the Group
The Company is an award winning, critically acclaimed
television, brand and audio production business. It has two
divisions: Zinc Television and Zinc Communicate. Zinc Television is
an award-winning content producing group making a range of factual
TV programmes for UK and international broadcasters and OTT
platforms, operating under trusted production labels. Zinc
Communicate specialises in the creation of corporate films for
businesses, brands, advertisers and media owners and branded
entertainment for consumer brands and has a small but growing radio
and podcasting production offering.
The Group is targeting further revenue growth through both
organic means and complementary acquisitions.
Acquisitions Strategy
Acquisitions provide an opportunity for the Group to expand its
position across existing and adjacent markets in both of its
divisions, driving growth across its business. The Group has, and
will continue to consider, acquisition opportunities in line with
its strategy of increasing factual content for television channels,
and through expansion into other TV genres, along with expansion of
content for brands and businesses through branded entertainment and
corporate film, events and audio and podcasting, supporting its
strategy to increase scale and enhance shareholder value.
Organic Growth Strategy
The Group is well placed to grow organically. The Group launched
five new businesses during 2020 and 2021 to propel the Group into
new content creation areas which collectively generated GBP5
million, or 29 per cent., of Group revenue in 2021, and Zinc
Communicate grew by 87 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020. The Group
believes there are growth opportunities in both the UK and
internationally.
Rationale for the Acquisition
The Acquisition is expected to add scale to the existing Group
supporting long-term profitability. The Edge is one of the few
major players, within a UK brand and corporate production market
valued in excess of GBP1 billion per annum. ([3]) With revenues of
GBP8.2 million, The Edge is placed within the top 15 per cent. of
UK brand film businesses. ([4])
The Board believes the Acquisition is at a sensible valuation
multiple and expects the Acquisition to be earnings accretive in
the current and future financial years.
The addition of The Edge presents organic growth revenue
opportunities with attractive operational leverage providing the
Enlarged Group with opportunities to increase both revenues and
operating margins. The Edge will also provide significant scale as
well as expertise and resource to Zinc's existing small but fast
growing corporate and brand film making business.
The long-term client relationships that The Edge has provides a
good foundation for upsell and cross-sell opportunities for the
Enlarged Group. For the financial year ended 31 December 2021,
approximately 75 per cent. of The Edge's business was from repeat
customers. The Board considers that opportunities exist to exploit
Zinc's expertise in television and its growing presence in
podcasting production to open additional revenue streams from The
Edge's client relationships.
As a result of the Acquisition, the Board envisages that the
addition of The Edge will help drive significant revenue
diversification in the Group by increasing non-TV revenues as an
overall proportion of the Enlarged Group's revenues. The Directors
believe this will be beneficial for the Company, as brand film
revenues generate higher margins than TV and The Edge will also
provide the Enlarged Group with access to the high value e-Learning
market and potential further synergies and cross-selling
opportunities.
The Edge operates in complementary production markets to the
majority of the Group's existing businesses. The nature of The
Edge's business means that there will be synergies with Zinc'
Communicate in areas such as sales and business development,
production management, marketing, post-production and central
functions.
The Board expects that The Edge's management team will enhance
the overall operations and management of the Enlarged Group.
Current Trading and Prospects
The Company released on 22 April 2022 its final results for the
financial year ended 31 December 2021, in which it reported:
-- Revenues for the year to 31 December 2021 (" FY21 " ) of
GBP17.5 million (18 months ended 31 December 2020: GBP30.6
million), with H2 2021 revenues increasing by 50 per cent. to
GBP10.5 million (H1 2021: GBP7.0 million).
-- Adjusted EBITDA ([5]) loss for the year of GBP0.6 million (18
months ended 31 December 2020: GBP0.8 million loss), with H2 2021
Adjusted EBITDA profit of GBP0.5 million (H1 2021: GBP1.1 million
loss).
-- The Group generated Free Cash Flow ([6]) of GBP0.5 million in H2 2021.
-- The Group has continued to diversify its revenue base. Five
new businesses have been launched during 2020 and 2021 to propel
the Group into new content creation areas which collectively have
generated GBP5.0 million, or 29 per cent., of Group revenue in the
year.
-- Zinc Communicate accounted for 17 per cent. of Group reported
revenue in the year, almost double the proportion in FY20.
The Company released a trading update on 26 May 2022 which
reported revenue already booked for 2022 of GBP17 million, which
compares to reported Group revenues for the whole of 2021 of
GBP17.5 million.
Use of proceeds
The net proceeds of the Fundraise will be used by the Company
principally to finance the initial cash consideration due in
respect of the Acquisition, together with associated transaction
costs, totalling approximately GBP2.5 million, and to provide
additional growth capital for the Enlarged Group.
The additional growth capital is to help fund working capital
and provide additional investment capital to grow the Enlarged
Group, including:
-- Developing The Edge's business resource and capabilities in
Qatar and expanding its e-Learning capabilities;
-- Broadening The Edge's production capabilities including
animation resource, post production and filming equipment;
-- Enabling faster integration of The Edge within the Enlarged
Group to enable sharing of office and post production capabilities;
and
-- Accelerating investment into organic growth and acqui-hire
opportunities within the Enlarged Group in complementary markets
such as Brand Entertainment, Podcasting and Factual TV
Entertainment.
Acquisition agreement
The Company entered into the Acquisition Agreement pursuant to
which the Company has agreed, conditionally, to purchase the entire
issued and to--be issued share capital of The Edge from the
Sellers. The Initial Consideration payable is GBP1.56 million in
cash, and the allotment of new Ordinary Shares having an aggregate
value of GBP0.54 million, which consideration is to be satisfied on
completion of the Acquisition.
The Additional Consideration may be payable also under the
Acquisition Agreement to the Sellers, pursuant to the terms of an
agreed earn--out over the next three financial years, up to a
maximum amount of GBP3.875 million. The maximum Additional
Consideration that must be paid in cash is GBP0.30 million and, at
the discretion of the Company, the balance may be satisfied by a
combination of the allotment of new Ordinary Shares, payment in
cash and/or the issue of loan notes in the Company having an
aggregate maximum value of GBP3.575 million should The Edge
generate GBP5.0 million of EBIT (earnings before interest and tax)
over the course of the three year period ending 30 June 2025. The
Additional Consideration is expected to be funded by the Enlarged
Group's cash reserves and future cash flows.
In addition, an additional amount of deferred consideration (up
to an approximate amount of GBP0.73 million) may become payable in
cash to the Sellers following The Edge receiving the same amount
under an existing financial arrangement, at all times in accordance
with the terms of the Acquisition Agreement. As structured, and
being conditional on The Edge receiving the same amount first, this
is not considered an additional cost to the Company.
Completion of the Acquisition Agreement is expected to occur,
subject to satisfaction of the conditions, on the day immediately
following Admission.
The Acquisition is conditional, inter alia, on: (i) the Circular
being despatched to Shareholders of Zinc; (ii) the approval of
Shareholders of the Resolutions and (iii) the Placing Agreement
becoming unconditional in accordance with its terms (save for any
condition relating to the Acquisition Agreement becoming
unconditional).
The Acquisition will terminate, inter alia, if: (i) the
conditions referred to in the paragraph above are not satisfied by
31 August 2022 unless otherwise agreed by the Company and the
Sellers, (ii) the Company prior to completion of the Acquisition
becomes aware of a material breach of warranties and undertakings
and (iii) there is a Material Adverse Change (as defined in the
Acquisition Agreement).
The Acquisition Agreement contains certain customary warranties
and a tax covenant given by certain of the Sellers in relation to
The Edge and its business, subject to certain customary
limitations.
Directors' intentions
All of the Directors have indicated their intention to
participate in the Placing. Their proposed respective
participations would constitute related party transactions under
Rule 13 of the AIM Rules for Companies. Further details of any
participation by the Directors in the Company will be set out in
the announcement to be made summarising the results of the
Bookbuilding Process.
Voting intentions
Those Directors and their immediate families and connected
persons (within the meaning of section 252 of the Companies Act)
that hold Existing Ordinary Shares intend to vote in favour of the
Resolutions in respect of their respective entire holdings of
Existing Ordinary Shares representing, in aggregate, approximately
2.8 per cent. of the Existing Ordinary Shares.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE
PLACING. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (INCLUDING THE APPIX) AND THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN (TOGETHER, THIS "ANNOUNCEMENT") ARE
DIRECTED ONLY AT PERSONS WHOSE ORDINARY ACTIVITIES INVOLVE THEM IN
ACQUIRING, HOLDING, MANAGING AND DISPOSING OF INVESTMENTS (AS
PRINCIPAL OR AGENT) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THEIR BUSINESS AND WHO HAVE
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS AND ARE:
(1) IF IN A MEMBER STATE OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA ("EEA"),
QUALIFIED INVESTORS AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE 2(e) OF REGULATION (EU)
2017/1129 (THE "EU PROSPECTUS REGULATION"); (2) IF IN THE UNITED
KINGDOM, QUALIFIED INVESTORS AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE 2(e) OF
REGULATION (EU) 2017/1129 AS IT FORMS PART OF UNITED KINGDOM
DOMESTIC LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018
(THE "UK PROSPECTUS REGULATION"); WHO (A) FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5)
OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL
PROMOTION) ORDER 2005, AS AMED (THE "ORDER") (INVESTMENT
PROFESSIONALS) OR (B) FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(a) TO (d) (HIGH NET
WORTH COMPANIES, UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.) OF THE ORDER;
AND (3) OTHERWISE, PERSONS TO WHOM IT IS OTHERWISE LAWFUL TO
COMMUNICATE IT TO (ALL SUCH PERSONS TOGETHER BEING REFERRED TO AS
"RELEVANT PERSONS").
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION IN IT MUST NOT BE ACTED ON
OR RELIED ON BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS. PERSONS
DISTRIBUTING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT IT IS
LAWFUL TO DO SO. ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO RELEVANT PERSONS AND
WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT PERSONS. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT
DOES NOT ITSELF CONSTITUTE AN OFFER FOR SALE OR SUBSCRIPTION OF ANY
SECURITIES IN ZINC MEDIA GROUP PLC.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER OF SECURITIES FOR SALE INTO
THE UNITED STATES. THE PLACING SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE
REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMED
(THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR WITH ANY SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY
OF ANY STATE OR JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES, AND MAY NOT BE
OFFERED, SOLD OR TRANSFERRED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED
STATES (INCLUDING ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS, ANY STATE OF THE
UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) (THE "UNITED STATES" OR
THE "US") EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION
NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT
AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE
OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES. THE PLACING SHARES ARE
BEING OFFERED AND SOLD ONLY OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES IN
"OFFSHORE TRANSACTIONS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF, AND IN ACCORDANCE
WITH, REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND OTHERWISE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
The distribution of this Announcement and/or the Placing and/or
issue or sale of the Placing Shares in certain jurisdictions may be
restricted by law. No action has been taken by Zinc, Singer CM or
any of their respective affiliates, agents, directors, officers,
consultants, partners or employees ("Representatives") that would
permit an offer of the Placing Shares or possession or distribution
of this Announcement or any other offering or publicity material
relating to such Placing Shares in any jurisdiction where action
for that purpose is required. Persons into whose possession this
Announcement comes are required by Zinc and Singer CM to inform
themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.
This Announcement or any part of it is for information purposes
only and does not constitute or form part of any offer to issue or
sell, or the solicitation of an offer to acquire, purchase or
subscribe for, any securities in the United States, Australia,
Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other
jurisdiction in which the same would be unlawful. No public
offering of the Placing Shares is being made in any such
jurisdiction.
All offers of the Placing Shares in the United Kingdom or the
EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to
produce a prospectus under the UK Prospectus Regulation or the EU
Prospectus Regulation, as appropriate. In the United Kingdom, this
Announcement is being directed solely at persons in circumstances
in which section 21(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act
2000 (as amended) ("FSMA") does not require the approval of the
relevant communication by an authorised person.
Persons (including, without limitation, nominees and trustees)
who have a contractual right or other legal obligations to forward
a copy of this Announcement should seek appropriate advice before
taking any such action.
By participating in the Bookbuilding Process and the Placing,
each person who is invited to and who chooses to participate in the
Placing (a "Placee") by making an oral, electronic or written and
legally binding offer to acquire Placing Shares will be deemed to
have read and understood this Announcement in its entirety, to be
participating, making an offer and acquiring Placing Shares on the
terms and conditions contained herein and to be providing the
representations, warranties, indemnities, acknowledgements and
undertakings contained in the Appendix. Members of the public are
not eligible to take part in the Placing and no public offering of
Placing Shares is being or will be made.
This Announcement may contain, or may be deemed to contain,
"forward-looking statements" with respect to certain of Zinc's
plans and its current goals and expectations relating to its future
financial condition, performance, strategic initiatives, objectives
and results. Forward-looking statements sometimes use words such as
"aim", "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend",
"plan", "goal", "believe", "seek", "may", "could", "outlook" or
other words of similar meaning. By their nature, all
forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because
they relate to future events and circumstances which are beyond the
control of Zinc, including amongst other things, United Kingdom
domestic and global economic business conditions, market-related
risks such as fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates,
the policies and actions of governmental and regulatory
authorities, the effect of competition, inflation, deflation, the
timing effect and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or
combinations within relevant industries, the effect of tax and
other legislation and other regulations in the jurisdictions in
which Zinc and its affiliates operate, the effect of volatility in
the equity, capital and credit markets on Zinc's profitability and
ability to access capital and credit, a decline in Zinc's credit
ratings; the effect of operational risks; and the loss of key
personnel. As a result, the actual future financial condition,
performance and results of Zinc may differ materially from the
plans, goals and expectations set forth in any forward-looking
statements. Any forward-looking statements made in this
Announcement by or on behalf of Zinc speak only as of the date they
are made. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, Zinc
expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publish any
updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in
this Announcement to reflect any changes in Zinc's expectations
with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or
circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Singer Capital Markets Securities Limited and Singer Capital
Markets Advisory LLP are each authorised and regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA") in the United Kingdom and
are acting exclusively for Zinc and no one else in connection with
the Bookbuilding Process and the Fundraise, and neither will be
responsible to anyone (including any Placees) other than Zinc for
providing the protections afforded to their clients or for
providing advice in relation to the Bookbuilding Process or the
Fundraise or any other matters referred to in this
Announcement.
No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be
made as to, or in relation to, and no responsibility or liability
is or will be accepted by Singer CM or by any of its
Representatives as to, or in relation to, the accuracy or
completeness of this Announcement or any other written or oral
information made available to or publicly available to any
interested party or its advisers, and any liability therefor is
expressly disclaimed.
No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit
forecast or estimate, and no statement in this Announcement should
be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of Zinc for the
current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed
the historical published earnings per share of Zinc.
The price of shares and any income expected from them may go
down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount
invested upon disposal of the shares. Past performance is no guide
to future performance, and persons needing advice should consult an
independent financial adviser.
The Placing Shares to be issued or sold pursuant to the Placing
will not be admitted to trading on any stock exchange other than
the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
Neither the content of Zinc's website nor any website accessible
by hyperlinks on Zinc's website is incorporated in, or forms part
of, this Announcement.
Information to Distributors
UK product governance
Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements
contained within of Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Production
Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the "UK Product
Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability,
whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any
"manufacturer" (for the purposes of the UK Product Governance
Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Placing
Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has
determined that such securities are: (i) compatible with an end
target market of investors who meet the criteria of retail
investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional
clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in paragraph 3
of the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook; and (ii)
eligible for distribution through all distribution channels (the
"Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market
Assessment, distributors (for the purposes of UK Product Governance
Requirements) should note that: (a) the price of the Placing Shares
may decline and investors could lose all or part of their
investment; (b) the Placing Shares offer no guaranteed income and
no capital protection; and (c) an investment in the Placing Shares
compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income
or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an
appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating
the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient
resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom.
The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the
requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling
restrictions in relation to the Placing. Furthermore, it is noted
that, notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, Singer CM will
only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional
clients and eligible counterparties.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does
not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness
for the purposes of Chapter 9A or 10A respectively of the FCA
Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook; or (b) a recommendation to
any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or
take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Placing
Shares.
Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own Target
Market Assessment in respect of the Placing Shares and determining
appropriate distribution channels.
EEA product governance
Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements
contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in
financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"); (b) Articles 9 and
10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing
MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures in the European
Economic Area (together, the "MiFID II Product Governance
Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether
arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer"
(for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements)
may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Placing Shares have
been subject to a product approval process, which has determined
that the Placing Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target
market of (a) retail investors, (b) investors who meet the criteria
of professional clients and (c) eligible counterparties, each as
defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all
distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the "Target
Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment,
distributors should note that: the price of the Placing Shares may
decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment;
the Placing Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital
protection; and an investment in the Placing Shares is compatible
only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital
protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate
financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits
and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources
to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target
Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any
contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation
to the Placing. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the
Target Market Assessment, Singer CM will only procure investors who
meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible
counterparties.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does
not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness
for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any
investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take
any other action whatsoever with respect to the Placing Shares.
Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own Target
Market Assessment in respect of the Placing Shares and determining
appropriate distribution channels.
APPIX - TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PLACING
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INVITED PLACEES ONLY REGARDING THE
PLACING.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE
PLACING. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (INCLUDING THE APPIX) AND THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN (TOGETHER, THIS "ANNOUNCEMENT") ARE
DIRECTED ONLY AT PERSONS WHOSE ORDINARY ACTIVITIES INVOLVE THEM IN
ACQUIRING, HOLDING, MANAGING AND DISPOSING OF INVESTMENTS (AS
PRINCIPAL OR AGENT) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THEIR BUSINESS AND WHO HAVE
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS AND ARE
(1) IF IN A MEMBER STATE OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA ("EEA"),
QUALIFIED INVESTORS AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE 2(e) OF REGULATION (EU)
2017/1129 (THE "EU PROSPECTUS REGULATION"); (2) IF IN THE UNITED
KINGDOM, QUALIFIED INVESTORS AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE 2(e) OF
REGULATION (EU) 2017/1129 AS IT FORMS PART OF UNITED KINGDOM
DOMESTIC LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018
(THE "UK PROSPECTUS REGULATION"); WHO (A) FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5)
OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL
PROMOTION) ORDER 2005, AS AMED (THE "ORDER") (INVESTMENT
PROFESSIONALS) OR (B) FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(a) TO (d) (HIGH NET
WORTH COMPANIES, UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.) OF THE ORDER;
AND (3) OTHERWISE, PERSONS TO WHOM IT IS OTHERWISE LAWFUL TO
COMMUNICATE IT TO (ALL SUCH PERSONS TOGETHER BEING REFERRED TO AS
"RELEVANT PERSONS").
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION IN IT MUST NOT BE ACTED ON
OR RELIED ON BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS. PERSONS
DISTRIBUTING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT IT IS
LAWFUL TO DO SO. ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO RELEVANT PERSONS AND
WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT PERSONS. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT
DOES NOT ITSELF CONSTITUTE AN OFFER FOR SALE OR SUBSCRIPTION OF ANY
SECURITIES IN ZINC MEDIA GROUP PLC.
THE PLACING SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED
UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMED (THE
"SECURITIES ACT"), OR WITH ANY SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF
ANY STATE OR JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES, AND MAY NOT BE
OFFERED, SOLD OR TRANSFERRED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED
STATES EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION
NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT
AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE
OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES. THE PLACING SHARES ARE
BEING OFFERED AND SOLD ONLY OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES IN
"OFFSHORE TRANSACTIONS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF, AND IN ACCORDANCE
WITH, REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND OTHERWISE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
The distribution of this Announcement and/or the Placing and/or
issue or sale of the Placing Shares in certain jurisdictions may be
restricted by law. No action has been taken by Zinc, Singer CM or
any of its Representatives that would permit an offer of the
Placing Shares or possession or distribution of this Announcement
or any other offering or publicity material relating to such
Placing Shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is
required. Persons into whose possession this Announcement comes are
required by Zinc and Singer CM to inform themselves about and to
observe any such restrictions.
This Announcement or any part of it is for information purposes
only and does not constitute or form part of any offer to issue or
sell, or the solicitation of an offer to acquire, purchase or
subscribe for, any securities in the United States (including its
territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the
District of Columbia), Australia, Canada, the Republic of South
Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the same would
be unlawful. No public offering of the Placing Shares is being made
in any such jurisdiction.
All offers of the Placing Shares in the United Kingdom or the
EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to
produce a prospectus under the UK Prospectus Regulation or the EU
Prospectus Regulation, as appropriate. In the United Kingdom, this
Announcement is being directed solely at persons in circumstances
in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not require the approval of
the relevant communication by an authorised person.
Persons (including, without limitation, nominees and trustees)
who have a contractual right or other legal obligations to forward
a copy of this Announcement should seek appropriate advice before
taking any such action.
This Announcement should be read in its entirety. In particular,
you should read and understand the information provided in the
"Important Notices" section of this Announcement.
By participating in the Bookbuilding Process and the Placing,
each Placee will be deemed to have read and understood this
Announcement in its entirety, to be participating, making an offer
and acquiring Placing Shares on the terms and conditions contained
herein and to be providing the representations, warranties,
indemnities, acknowledgements and undertakings contained in this
Appendix.
EACH PLACEE SHOULD CONSULT WITH ITS OWN ADVISERS AS TO LEGAL,
REGULATORY, TAX, BUSINESS AND RELATED ASPECTS OF A SUBSCRIPTION FOR
PLACING SHARES.
In particular, each such Placee represents, warrants,
undertakes, agrees and acknowledges (amongst other things) to
Singer CM and Zinc that:
1. it is a Relevant Person and undertakes that it will acquire,
hold, manage or dispose of any Placing Shares that are allocated to
it for the purposes of its business;
2. in the case of a Relevant Person in the United Kingdom who
acquires any Placing Shares pursuant to the Placing:
(a) it is a Qualified Investor within the meaning of Article
2(e) of the UK Prospectus Regulation; and
(b) in the case of any Placing Shares acquired by it as a
financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the
UK Prospectus Regulation:
(i) the Placing Shares acquired by it in the Placing have not
been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view
to their offer or resale to, persons in the United Kingdom other
than Qualified Investors or in circumstances in which the prior
consent of Singer CM has been given to the offer or resale; or
(ii) where Placing Shares have been acquired by it on behalf of
persons in the United Kingdom other than Qualified Investors, the
offer of those Placing Shares to it is not treated under the UK
Prospectus Regulation as having been made to such persons; and
3. in the case of a Relevant Person in a member state of the EEA
(each a "Relevant State" ) who acquires any Placing Shares pursuant
to the Placing:
(a) it is a Qualified Investor within the meaning of Article
2(e) of the EU Prospectus Regulation; and
(b) in the case of any Placing Shares acquired by it as a
financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the
EU Prospectus Regulation:
(i) the Placing Shares acquired by it in the Placing have not
been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view
to their offer or resale to, persons in a Relevant State other than
Qualified Investors or in circumstances in which the prior consent
of Singer CM has been given to the offer or resale; or
(ii) where Placing Shares have been acquired by it on behalf of
persons in a Relevant State other than Qualified Investors, the
offer of those Placing Shares to it is not treated under the EU
Prospectus Regulation as having been made to such persons; and
4. it is acquiring the Placing Shares for its own account or is
acquiring the Placing Shares for an account with respect to which
it exercises sole investment discretion and has the authority to
make and does make the representations, warranties, indemnities,
acknowledgements, undertakings and agreements contained in this
Announcement; and
5. it understands (or if acting for the account of another
person, such person has confirmed that such person understands) the
resale and transfer restrictions set out in this Appendix; and
6. it (and any account referred to in paragraph 5 above) is
outside of the United States acquiring the Placing Shares in
offshore transactions as defined in and in accordance with
Regulation S under the Securities Act; and
7. Zinc and Singer CM will rely upon the truth and accuracy of
the foregoing representations, warranties, acknowledgements and
agreements.
No prospectus
The Placing Shares are being offered to a limited number of
specifically invited persons only and will not be offered in such a
way as to require any prospectus or other offering document to be
published. No prospectus or other offering document has been or
will be submitted to be approved by the FCA in relation to the
Placing or the Placing Shares and Placees' commitments will be made
solely on the basis of the information contained in this
Announcement and any information publicly announced through a
Regulatory Information Service (as defined in the AIM Rules for
Companies (the "AIM Rules")) by or on behalf of Zinc on or prior to
the date of this Announcement (the "Publicly Available
Information") and subject to any further terms set out in the
contract note, electronic trade confirmation or other (oral or
written) confirmation to be sent to individual Placees.
Each Placee, by participating in the Placing, agrees that the
content of this Announcement is exclusively the responsibility of
Zinc and confirms that it has neither received nor relied on any
information (other than the Publicly Available Information),
representation, warranty or statement made by or on behalf of
Singer CM or Zinc or any other person and none of Singer CM, Zinc
nor any other person acting on such person's behalf nor any of
their respective Representatives has or shall have any
responsibility or liability for any Placee's decision to
participate in the Placing based on any other information,
representation, warranty or statement (regardless of whether or not
such information, representation, warranty or statement was given
or made by or on behalf of any such persons) . Each Placee
acknowledges and agrees that it has relied on its own investigation
of the business, financial or other position of Zinc in accepting a
participation in the Placing. No Placee should consider any
information in this Announcement to be legal, tax or business
advice. Nothing in this paragraph shall exclude the liability of
any person for fraudulent misrepresentation.
Details of the Placing Agreement and the Placing Shares
Singer CM has today entered into a Placing agreement (the
"Placing Agreement") with Zinc under which, on the terms and
subject to the conditions set out in the Placing Agreement, Singer
CM, as agent for and on behalf of Zinc, has agreed to use its
reasonable endeavours to procure Placees for the Placing Shares.
The Placing is not being underwritten.
The Placing Shares will, when issued, be subject to the
memorandum and articles of association of Zinc be credited as fully
paid and will rank pari passu in all respects with the Existing
Ordinary Shares in the capital of Zinc, including the right to
receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or
paid in respect of such Existing Ordinary Shares after the date of
issue of the Placing Shares.
Lock-up
As part of the Placing, Zinc has agreed that it will not for a
period of 90 days after (but including) Admission, directly or
indirectly, issue, offer, sell, lend, pledge, contract to sell or
issue, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise
dispose of any Ordinary Shares (or any interest therein or in
respect thereof) or other securities of Zinc exchangeable for,
convertible into or representing the right to receive Ordinary
Shares or any substantially similar securities or otherwise enter
into any transaction (including derivative transaction) directly or
indirectly, permanently or temporarily, to dispose of any Ordinary
Shares or undertake any other transaction with the same economic
effect as any of the foregoing or announce an offering of Ordinary
Shares or any interest therein or to announce publicly any
intention to enter into any transaction described above. This
agreement is subject to certain customary exceptions and does not
prevent the grant or exercise of options under any of Zinc's
existing share incentives and share option schemes, or following
Admission the issue by Zinc of any Ordinary Shares upon the
exercise of any right or option or the conversion of a security
already in existence.
Application for admission to trading
Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for
admission of the Placing Shares to trading on AIM.
It is expected that Admission will take place on or before 8.00
a.m. on 23 August 2022 (or such later time or date as Singer CM may
agree with Zinc, being no later than 8.00 a.m. on 6 September 2022)
and that dealings in the Placing Shares on AIM will commence at the
same time.
The Bookbuilding Process
Singer CM will commence the Bookbuilding Process to determine
demand for participation in the Placing by Placees immediately
following the publication of this Announcement. This Appendix gives
details of the terms and conditions of, and the mechanics of
participation in, the Placing. No commissions will be paid to
Placees or by Placees in respect of any Placing Shares.
Singer CM and Zinc shall be entitled to effect the Placing by
such alternative method to the Bookbuilding Process as they may, in
their sole discretion, determine.
Principal terms of the Bookbuilding Process and Placing
8. Singer CM is acting as bookrunner to the Placing, as agent for and on behalf of Zinc.
9. Participation in the Placing will only be available to
persons who may lawfully be, and are, invited by Singer CM to
participate. Singer CM and any of its affiliates are entitled to
enter bids in the Bookbuilding Process.
10. The price per Placing Share (the "Issue Price" ) is fixed at
100 pence and is payable to Singer CM (as agent for Zinc) by all
Placees whose bids are successful. The number of Placing Shares
will be agreed between Singer CM and Zinc following completion of
the Bookbuilding Process. The number of Placing Shares will be
announced by Zinc (such announcement being the "Placing Results
Announcement" ) following the close of the Bookbuilding
Process.
11. To bid in the Bookbuilding Process, Placees should
communicate their bid by telephone or email to their usual sales
contact at Singer CM. Each bid should state the number of Placing
Shares which a Placee wishes to subscribe for at the Issue Price.
Bids may be scaled down by Singer CM on the basis referred to in
paragraph 9 below. Singer CM is acting as Bookrunner and arranging
the Placing as agent of Zinc.
12. The Bookbuilding Process is expected to close no later than
5.00 p.m. on 3 August 2022 but may be closed earlier or later
subject to the agreement of Singer CM and Zinc. Singer CM may, in
agreement with Zinc, accept bids that are received after the
Bookbuilding Process has closed. Zinc reserves the right (upon the
prior agreement of Singer CM) to reduce or seek to increase the
amount to be raised pursuant to the Placing, in its discretion.
13. Each Placee's allocation will be determined by Singer CM in
its discretion following consultation with Zinc (and in accordance
with Singer CM's allocation policy as has been supplied by Singer
CM to Zinc) and will be confirmed to Placees either orally or by
email by Singer CM. Singer CM may choose to accept bids, either in
whole or in part, on the basis of allocations determined at its
absolute discretion, in consultation with Zinc, and may scale down
any bids for this purpose on the basis referred to in paragraph 9
below.
14. Zinc will release the Placing Results Announcement following
the close of the Bookbuilding Process detailing the aggregate
number of the Placing Shares to be issued.
15. Each Placee's allocation and commitment will be evidenced by
a contract note, electronic trade confirmation or other (oral or
written) confirmation issued to such Placee by Singer CM. The terms
of this Appendix will be deemed incorporated in that contract note,
electronic trade confirmation or other (oral or written)
confirmation.
16. Subject to paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 above, Singer CM may choose
to accept bids, either in whole or in part, on the basis of
allocations determined at its discretion and may scale down any
bids for this purpose on such basis as it may determine or be
directed. Singer CM may also, notwithstanding paragraphs 4, 5 and 6
above, subject to the prior consent of Zinc:
(a) allocate Placing Shares after the time of any initial
allocation to any person submitting a bid after that time; and
(b) allocate Placing Shares after the Bookbuilding Process has
closed to any person submitting a bid after that time.
17. A bid in the Bookbuilding Process will be made on the terms
and subject to the conditions in this Appendix and will be legally
binding on the Placee on behalf of which it is made and except with
Singer CM's consent will not be capable of variation or revocation
after the time at which it is submitted. Following Singer CM's oral
or written confirmation of each Placee's allocation and commitment
to acquire Placing Shares, each Placee will have an immediate,
separate, irrevocable and binding obligation, owed to Singer CM (as
agent for Zinc), to pay to it (or as it may direct) in cleared
funds an amount equal to the product of Issue Price and the number
of Placing Shares such Placee has agreed to acquire and Zinc has
agreed to allot and issue to that Placee.
18. Except as required by law or regulation, no press release or
other announcement will be made by Singer CM or Zinc using the name
of any Placee (or its agent), in its capacity as Placee (or agent),
other than with such Placee's prior written consent.
19. Irrespective of the time at which a Placee's allocation(s)
pursuant to the Placing is/are confirmed, settlement for all
Placing Shares to be acquired pursuant to the Placing will be
required to be made at the same time, on the basis explained below
under "Registration and Settlement".
20. All obligations under the Bookbuilding Process and Placing
will be subject to fulfilment or (where applicable) waiver of the
conditions referred to below under "Conditions of the Placing" and
to the Placing not being terminated on the basis referred to below
under "Termination of the Placing".
21. By participating in the Bookbuilding Process, each Placee
agrees that its rights and obligations in respect of the Placing
will terminate only in the circumstances described below and will
not be capable of rescission or termination by the Placee.
22. To the fullest extent permissible by law and applicable FCA
rules and regulations, neither:
(a) Singer CM;
(b) any of its Representatives; nor
(c) to the extent not contained within (a) or (b), any person
connected with Singer CM as defined in the FSMA ((b) and (c) being
together "affiliates" and individually an "affiliate" of Singer
CM);
1. shall have any responsibility or liability (including to the
extent permissible by law, any fiduciary duties) to Placees or to
any other person whether acting on behalf of a Placee or otherwise.
In particular, neither Singer CM nor any of its affiliates shall
have any responsibility or liability (including, to the extent
permissible by law, any fiduciary duties) in respect of Singer CM's
conduct of the Bookbuilding Process or the Placing or of such
alternative method of effecting the Placing as Singer CM and Zinc
may agree.
Registration and Settlement
If Placees are allocated any Placing Shares in the Placing they
will be sent a contract note, electronic trade confirmation or
other (oral or written) confirmation which will confirm the number
of Placing Shares allocated to them, the Issue Price and the
aggregate amount owed by them to Singer CM.
Each Placee will be deemed to agree that it will do all things
necessary to ensure that delivery and payment is completed as
directed by Singer CM in accordance with either the standing CREST
or certificated settlement instructions which they have in place
with Singer CM.
Settlement of transactions in the Placing Shares (ISIN:
GB00BJVLR251) following Admission will take place within the CREST
system, subject to certain exceptions. Settlement through CREST is
expected to occur on 23 August 2022 (the "Settlement Date") in
accordance with the contract note, electronic trade confirmation or
other (oral or written) confirmation. Settlement will be on a
delivery versus payment basis. However, in the event of any
difficulties or delays in the admission of the Placing Shares to
CREST or the use of CREST in relation to the Placing, Zinc and
Singer CM may agree that the Placing Shares should be issued in
certificated form. Singer CM reserves the right to require
settlement for the Placing Shares, and to deliver the Placing
Shares to Placees, by such other means as it deems necessary if
delivery or settlement to Placees is not practicable within the
CREST system or would not be consistent with regulatory
requirements in the jurisdiction in which a Placee is located.
Interest is chargeable daily on payments not received from
Placees on the due date in accordance with the arrangements set out
above, in respect of either CREST or certificated deliveries, at
the rate of 3 percentage points above the prevailing base rate of
Barclays Bank plc as determined by Singer CM.
Subject to the conditions set out above, payment in respect of
the Placees' allocations is due as set out below. Each Placee
should provide its settlement details in order to enable
instructions to be successfully matched in CREST.
The relevant settlement details for the Placing Shares are as
follows:
CREST Participant ID of Singer CM: NNQAN
Expected trade time & date: 08.00 a.m. on 19
August 2022
-----------------
Settlement Date: 23 August 2022
-----------------
ISIN code for the Placing Shares: GB00BJVLR251
-----------------
Deadline for Placee to input instructions 11.00 a.m. on 22
into CREST: August 2022
-----------------
Each Placee is deemed to agree that, if it does not comply with
these obligations, Singer CM may sell any or all of the Placing
Shares allocated to that Placee on their behalf and retain from the
proceeds, for Singer CM's own account and benefit, an amount equal
to the aggregate amount owed by the Placee plus any interest due.
The relevant Placee will, however, remain liable for any shortfall
below the Issue Price and for any stamp duty or stamp duty reserve
tax (together with any interest or penalties) imposed in any
jurisdiction which may arise upon the sale of such Placing Shares
on its behalf. By communicating a bid for Placing Shares, such
Placee confers on Singer CM all such authorities and powers
necessary to carry out such sale and agrees to ratify and confirm
all actions which Singer CM lawfully takes in pursuance of such
sale.
If Placing Shares are to be delivered to a custodian or
settlement agent, Placees must ensure that, upon receipt, the
conditional contract note, electronic trade confirmation or other
(oral or written) confirmation is copied and delivered immediately
to the relevant person within that organisation. Insofar as Placing
Shares are registered in a Placee's name or that of its nominee or
in the name of any person for whom a Placee is contracting as agent
or that of a nominee for such person, such Placing Shares should,
subject as provided below, be so registered free from any liability
to United Kingdom stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax. If there
are any circumstances in which any United Kingdom stamp duty or
stamp duty reserve tax or other similar taxes or duties (including
any interest and penalties relating thereto) is payable in respect
of the allocation, allotment, issue, sale, transfer or delivery of
the Placing Shares (or, for the avoidance of doubt, if any stamp
duty or stamp duty reserve tax is payable in connection with any
subsequent transfer or agreement to transfer Placing Shares),
neither Singer CM nor Zinc shall be responsible for payment
thereof. Placees will not be entitled to receive any fee or
commission in connection with the Placing.
Conditions of the Placing
The Placing is conditional upon the Placing Agreement becoming
unconditional and not having been terminated in accordance with its
terms.
The obligations of Singer CM under the Placing Agreement are,
and the Placing is, conditional upon, inter alia:
(d) the Acquisition Agreement having been executed by all the
parties thereto, and not having been terminated or rescinded prior
to Admission;
(e) the Circular having been published by 6.00 p.m. on the
Business Day following the date of the Placing Agreement;
(f) the Resolutions having been passed at the General Meeting
(or at any adjournment thereof);
(g) none of the warranties on the part of Zinc contained in the
Placing Agreement being untrue, inaccurate or misleading on the
date on which the Placing Agreement is signed or Admission, by
reference to the facts and circumstances then subsisting;
(h) Zinc complying with its obligations under the Placing
Agreement to the extent that they fall to be performed on or before
Admission; and
(i) Admission having become effective at or before 8.00 a.m. on
23 August 2022 or such later time as Singer CM may agree with Zinc
(not being later than 8.00 a.m. on 6 September 2022),
(all conditions to the obligations of Singer CM included in the
Placing Agreement being together, the "Conditions").
If any of the Conditions are not fulfilled or, where permitted,
waived by Singer CM in accordance with the Placing Agreement within
the stated time periods (or such later time and/or date as Zinc and
Singer CM may agree), or the Placing Agreement is terminated in
accordance with its terms, the Placing will lapse and the Placee's
rights and obligations shall cease and terminate at such time and
each Placee agrees that no claim can be made by or on behalf of the
Placee (or any person on whose behalf the Placee is acting) in
respect thereof.
By participating in the Bookbuilding Process, each Placee agrees
that its rights and obligations cease and terminate only in the
circumstances described above and under "Termination of the
Placing" below and will not be capable of rescission or termination
by it.
Singer CM may, in its absolute discretion and upon such
conditions as it reasonably considers appropriate as it thinks fit,
waive fulfilment of all or any of the Conditions in whole or in
part, or extend the time provided for fulfilment of one or more
Conditions, save that certain Conditions including the conditions
relating to the Circular and Admission referred to, respectively,
in paragraphs (b) and (f) above may not be waived. Any such
extension or waiver will not affect Placees' commitments as set out
in this Appendix.
Singer CM may terminate the Placing Agreement in certain
circumstances, details of which are set out below.
Neither Singer CM nor any of its affiliates nor Zinc shall have
any liability to any Placee (or to any other person whether acting
on behalf of a Placee or otherwise) in respect of any decision any
of them may make as to whether or not to waive or to extend the
time and/or date for the satisfaction of any condition to the
Placing nor for any decision any of them may make as to the
satisfaction of any condition or in respect of the Placing
generally and by participating in the Placing each Placee agrees
that any such decision is within the absolute discretion of Singer
CM.
Termination of the Placing
Singer CM may, in its absolute discretion, by notice to Zinc,
terminate the Placing Agreement at any time up to Admission if,
inter alia:
(j) there has, in the good faith opinion of Singer CM, been a
breach of the warranties given to it;
(k) there has, in the good faith opinion of Singer CM, been a material adverse change;
(l) the Acquisition Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms;
(m) any statement contained in this Announcement, the Circular,
the Placing Results Announcement or any other document or
announcement issued or published by or on behalf of Zinc in
connection with the Placing is or has become or has been discovered
to be untrue or inaccurate in any respect or misleading in any
respect; or
(n) in the good faith opinion of Singer CM, there has been a force majeure event.
If the Placing Agreement is terminated in accordance with its
terms, the rights and obligations of each Placee in respect of the
Placing as described in this Announcement shall cease and terminate
at such time and no claim can be made by any Placee in respect
thereof.
By participating in the Bookbuilding Process, each Placee agrees
with Zinc and Singer CM that the exercise by Zinc or Singer CM of
any right of termination or any other right or other discretion
under the Placing Agreement shall be within the absolute discretion
of Zinc or Singer CM or for agreement between Zinc and Singer CM
(as the case may be) and that neither Zinc nor Singer CM need make
any reference to such Placee and that none of Zinc, Singer CM nor
any of their respective Representatives shall have any liability to
such Placee (or to any other person whether acting on behalf of a
Placee or otherwise) whatsoever in connection with any such
exercise. Each Placee further agrees that they will have no rights
against Singer CM, Zinc or any of their respective directors or
employees under the Placing Agreement pursuant to the Contracts
(Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 (as amended).
By participating in the Placing, each Placee agrees that its
rights and obligations terminate only in the circumstances
described above and under the "Conditions of the Placing" section
above and will not be capable of rescission or termination by it
after the issue by Singer CM of a contract note, electronic trade
confirmation or other (oral or written) confirmation confirming
each Placee's allocation and commitment in the Placing.
Representations, warranties and further terms
By submitting a bid in the Bookbuilding Process, each Placee
(and any person acting on such Placee's behalf) irrevocably
confirms, represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees (for itself
and for any such prospective Placee) with Zinc and Singer CM (in
its capacity as bookrunner and Placing agent of Zinc in respect of
the Placing) that (save where Singer CM expressly agrees in writing
to the contrary):
23. it has read and understood this Announcement in its entirety
and that its subscription for Placing Shares is subject to and
based upon all the terms, conditions, representations, warranties,
indemnities, acknowledgements, agreements and undertakings and
other information contained herein and that it has not relied on,
and will not rely on, any information given or any representations,
warranties or statements made at any time by any person in
connection with Admission, the Placing, Zinc, the Placing Shares or
otherwise, other than the information contained in this
Announcement and the Publicly Available Information;
24. it has not received and will not receive a prospectus or
other offering document in connection with the Placing and
acknowledges that no prospectus or other offering document:
(a) is required under the UK Prospectus Regulation, the EU
Prospectus Regulation or other applicable law; and
(b) has been or will be prepared in connection with the Placing;
25. the Ordinary Shares are admitted to trading on AIM, and that
Zinc is therefore required to publish certain business and
financial information in accordance with the AIM Rules and the
Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation No. 596/2014 as it applies
in the United Kingdom as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic
law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK
MAR" )), which includes a description of the nature of Zinc's
business and Zinc's most recent balance sheet and profit and loss
account and that it is able to obtain or access such information
without undue difficulty, and is able to obtain access to such
information or comparable information concerning any other publicly
traded company, without undue difficulty;
26. it has made its own assessment of the Placing Shares and has
relied on its own investigation of the business, financial or other
position of Zinc in accepting a participation in the Placing and
neither Singer CM nor Zinc nor any of their respective
Representatives nor any person acting on behalf of any of them has
provided, and will not provide, it with any material regarding the
Placing Shares or Zinc or any other person other than the
information in this Announcement or the Publicly Available
Information; nor has it requested Singer CM, Zinc, any of their
respective Representatives or any person acting on behalf of any of
them to provide it with any such information;
27. neither Singer CM nor any person acting on behalf of it nor
any of its Representatives has or shall have any liability for any
Publicly Available Information, or any representation relating to
Zinc, provided that nothing in this paragraph excludes the
liability of any person for fraudulent misrepresentation made by
that person;
28.
(a) the only information on which it is entitled to rely on and
on which it has relied in committing to acquire the Placing Shares
is contained in this Announcement and the Publicly Available
Information, such information being all that it deems necessary to
make an investment decision in respect of the Placing Shares and it
has made its own assessment of Zinc, the Placing Shares and the
terms of the Placing based on the information in this Announcement
and the Publicly Available Information;
(b) neither Singer CM, nor Zinc (nor any of their respective Representatives) have made any representation or warranty to it, express or implied, with respect to Zinc, the Placing or the Placing Shares or the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the Publicly Available Information, nor will it provide any material or information regarding Zinc, the Placing or the Placing Shares;
(c) it has conducted its own investigation of Zinc, the Placing
(including its terms and conditions) and the Placing Shares,
satisfied itself that the information is still current and relied
on that investigation for the purposes of its decision to
participate in the Placing; and
(d) it has not relied on any investigation that Singer CM or any
person acting on its behalf may have conducted with respect to
Zinc, the Placing or the Placing Shares;
29. the content of this Announcement and the Publicly Available
Information has been prepared by and is exclusively the
responsibility of Zinc and that neither Singer CM nor any persons
acting on its behalf nor any of their respective Representatives is
responsible for or has or shall have any liability for any
information, representation, warranty or statement relating to Zinc
contained in this Announcement or the Publicly Available
Information nor will they be liable for any Placee's decision to
participate in the Placing based on any information,
representation, warranty or statement contained in this
Announcement, the Publicly Available Information or otherwise.
Nothing in this Appendix shall exclude any liability of any person
for fraudulent misrepresentation;
30. neither it nor the beneficial owner of the Placing Shares
is, nor will, at the time the Placing Shares are acquired, either
of them be at resident of the United States, Australia, Canada, the
Republic of South Africa or Japan;
31. the Placing Shares have not been registered or otherwise
qualified, and will not be registered or otherwise qualified, for
offer and sale nor will a prospectus be cleared or approved in
respect of any of the Placing Shares under the securities laws of
the United States, or any state or other jurisdiction of the United
States, Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa or
Japan;
32. it may be asked to disclose in writing or orally to Singer
CM: (i) if he or she is an individual, his or her nationality; or
(ii) if he or she is a discretionary fund manager, the jurisdiction
in which the funds are managed or owned;
33. it has the funds available to pay for the Placing Shares for
which it has agreed to acquire and acknowledges and agrees that it
will pay the total subscription amount in accordance with the terms
of this Announcement on the due time and date set out herein,
failing which the relevant Placing Shares may be placed with other
Placees or sold at such price as Singer CM determines;
34. it and/or each person on whose behalf it is participating:
(a) is entitled to acquire Placing Shares pursuant to the
Placing under the laws and regulations of all relevant
jurisdictions;
(b) has fully observed such laws and regulations;
(c) has capacity and authority and is entitled to enter into and
perform its obligations as an acquirer of Placing Shares and will
honour such obligations; and
(d) has obtained all necessary consents and authorities
(including, without limitation, in the case of a person acting on
behalf of a Placee, all necessary consents and authorities to agree
to the terms set out or referred to in this Appendix) under those
laws or otherwise and complied with all necessary formalities to
enable it to enter into the transactions contemplated hereby and to
perform its obligations in relation thereto and, in particular, if
it is a pension fund or investment company it is aware of and
acknowledges it is required to comply with all applicable laws and
regulations with respect to its acquisition of Placing Shares;
35. it is not, and any person who it is acting on behalf of is
not, and at the time the Placing Shares are acquired will not be in
the United States, Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa
or Japan, and it acknowledges and agrees that the Placing Shares
have not been and will not be registered or otherwise qualified
under the securities legislation of the United States, Australia,
Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan and may not be
offered, sold, or acquired, directly or indirectly, within those
jurisdictions;
36. it will not distribute, forward, transfer or otherwise
transmit this Announcement or any part of it, or any other
presentational or other materials concerning the Placing in or into
the United States, Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa,
and Japan (including electronic copies thereof) to any person, and
it has not distributed, forwarded, transferred or otherwise
transmitted any such materials to any person;
37. none of Singer CM, Zinc nor any of their respective
Representatives nor any person acting on behalf of any of them is
making any recommendations to it or advising it regarding the
suitability of any transactions it may enter into in connection
with the Placing and that participation in the Placing is on the
basis that it is not and will not be a client of Singer CM and that
Singer CM has no duties or responsibilities to it for providing the
protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in
relation to the Placing nor in respect of any representations,
warranties, undertakings or indemnities contained in the Placing
Agreement nor for the exercise or performance of any of its rights
and obligations thereunder including any rights to waive or vary
any Conditions or exercise any termination right;
38. it will make payment to Singer CM for the Placing Shares
allocated to it in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Announcement on the due times and dates set out in this
Announcement, failing which the relevant Placing Shares may be
placed with others on such terms as Singer CM determines in its
absolute discretion without liability to the Placee and it will
remain liable for any shortfall below the net proceeds of such sale
and the Placing proceeds of such Placing Shares and may be required
to bear any stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (together with any
interest or penalties due pursuant to the terms set out or referred
to in this Announcement) which may arise upon the sale of such
Placee's Placing Shares on its behalf;
39. its allocation (if any) of Placing Shares will represent a
maximum number of Placing Shares which it will be entitled, and
required, to subscribe for, and that Zinc may call upon it to
subscribe for a lower number of Placing Shares (if any), but in no
event in aggregate more than the aforementioned maximum;
40. no action has been or will be taken by any of Zinc, Singer
CM or any person acting on behalf of Zinc or Singer CM that would,
or is intended to, permit a public offer of the Placing Shares in
the United States or in any country or jurisdiction where any such
action for that purpose is required;
41. the person who it specifies for registration as holder of the Placing Shares will be:
(a) the Placee; or
(b) a nominee of the Placee, as the case may be,
(c) and that Singer CM and Zinc will not be responsible for any
liability to stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax resulting from a
failure to observe this requirement. Each Placee and any person
acting on behalf of such Placee agrees to acquire Placing Shares
pursuant to the Placing and agrees to indemnify Zinc and Singer CM
in respect of the same on the basis that the Placing Shares will be
allotted to a CREST stock account of Singer CM or transferred to a
CREST stock account of Singer CM who will hold them as nominee on
behalf of the Placee until settlement in accordance with its
standing settlement instructions with it;
42. the allocation, allotment, issue and delivery to it, or the
person specified by it for registration as holder, of Placing
Shares will not give rise to a stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax
liability under (or at a rate determined under) any of sections 67,
70, 93 or 96 of the Finance Act 1986 (depository receipts and
clearance services) and that it is not participating in the Placing
as nominee or agent for any person or persons to whom the
allocation, allotment, issue or delivery of Placing Shares would
give rise to such a liability;
43. if it is within the United Kingdom, it and any person acting
on its behalf (if within the United Kingdom) falls within Article
19(5) and/or 49(2) of the Order and undertakes that it will
acquire, hold, manage and (if applicable) dispose of any Placing
Shares that are allocated to it for the purposes of its business
only;
44. it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any
Placing Shares to persons in the United Kingdom or a Relevant State
prior to the expiry of a period of six months from Admission except
to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring,
holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or
agent) for the purposes of their business or otherwise in
circumstances which have not resulted and which will not result in
an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of
section 85(1) of the FSMA or within the meaning of the UK
Prospectus Regulation, or an offer to the public in any member
state of the EEA within the meaning of the EU Prospectus
Regulation;
45. if it is within the United Kingdom, it is a Qualified
Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the UK Prospectus Regulation
and if it is within a Relevant State, it is a Qualified Investor as
defined in Article 2(e) of the EU Prospectus Regulation;
46. it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and it
will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or
inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of
section 21 of the FSMA) relating to Placing Shares in circumstances
in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not require approval of the
communication by an authorised person and it acknowledges and
agrees that this Announcement has not been approved by Singer CM in
its capacity as an authorised person under section 21 of the FSMA
and it may not therefore be subject to the controls which would
apply if it was made or approved as financial promotion by an
authorised person;
47. it has complied and it will comply with all applicable laws
with respect to anything done by it or on its behalf in relation to
the Placing Shares (including all relevant provisions of the FSMA
and the UK MAR in respect of anything done in, from or otherwise
involving the United Kingdom);
48. if it is a financial intermediary, as that term is used in
Article 5(1) of the UK Prospectus Regulation, the Placing Shares
acquired by it in the Placing will not be acquired on a
non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor will they be acquired
with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in the United
Kingdom other than Qualified Investors, or in circumstances in
which the express prior written consent of Singer CM has been given
to each proposed offer or resale;
49. if in the United Kingdom, unless otherwise agreed by Singer
CM, it is a "professional client" or an "eligible counterparty"
within the meaning of Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Conduct of
Business Sourcebook ( "COBS" ) and it is acquiring Placing Shares
for investment only and not with a view to resale or
distribution;
50. if it has received any inside information (for the purposes
of the UK MAR and section 56 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 or
other applicable law) about Zinc in advance of the Placing, it has
not:
(a) dealt (or attempted to deal) in the securities of Zinc or
cancelled or amended a dealing in the securities of Zinc;
(b) encouraged, recommended or induced another person to deal in
the securities of Zinc or to cancel or amend an order concerning
Zinc's securities; or
(c) unlawfully disclosed such information to any person, prior
to the information being made publicly available;
51. Singer CM and its affiliates, acting as an investor for its
or their own account(s), may bid or subscribe for and/or purchase
Placing Shares and, in that capacity, may retain, purchase, offer
to sell or otherwise deal for its or their own account(s) in the
Placing Shares, any other securities of Zinc or other related
investments in connection with the Placing or otherwise.
Accordingly, references in this Announcement to the Placing Shares
being offered, subscribed, acquired or otherwise dealt with should
be read as including any offer to, or subscription, acquisition or
dealing by, Singer CM and/or any of its affiliates acting as an
investor for its or their own account(s). Neither Singer CM nor
Zinc intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or
transaction otherwise than in accordance with any legal or
regulatory obligation to do so;
52. it:
(a) has complied with its obligations in connection with money
laundering and terrorist financing under the Proceeds of Crime Act
2002 (as amended), the Terrorism Act 2000 (as amended), the
Terrorism Act 2006, the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001,
the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds
(Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (as amended) and all
related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued,
administered or enforced by any government agency having
jurisdiction in respect thereof and the Money Laundering Sourcebook
of the FCA (together, the "Money Laundering Regulations");
(b) is not a person:
(i) with whom transactions are prohibited under the US Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or any economic sanction programmes
administered by, or regulations promulgated by, the Office of
Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury;
(ii) named on the Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions
Targets maintained by HM Treasury of the United Kingdom; or
(iii) subject to financial sanctions imposed pursuant to a
regulation of the European Union or a regulation adopted by the
United Nations or other applicable law,
(together with the Money Laundering Regulations, the
"Regulations") and if making payment on behalf of a third party,
that satisfactory evidence has been obtained and recorded by it to
verify the identity of the third party as required by the
Regulations and has obtained all governmental and other consents
(if any) which may be required for the purpose of, or as a
consequence of, such purchase, and it will provide promptly to
Singer CM such evidence, if any, as to the identity or location or
legal status of any person which it may request from it in
connection with the Placing (for the purpose of complying with the
Regulations or ascertaining the nationality of any person or the
jurisdiction(s) to which any person is subject or otherwise) in the
form and manner requested by Singer CM on the basis that any
failure by it to do so may result in the number of Placing Shares
that are to be acquired by it or at its direction pursuant to the
Placing being reduced to such number, or to nil, as Singer CM may
decide at its sole discretion;
53. in order to ensure compliance with the Regulations, Singer
CM (for itself and as agent on behalf of Zinc) or Zinc's registrars
may, in their absolute discretion, require verification of its
identity. Pending the provision to Singer CM or Zinc's registrars,
as applicable, of evidence of identity, definitive certificates in
respect of the Placing Shares may be retained at Singer CM's
absolute discretion or, where appropriate, delivery of the Placing
Shares to it in uncertificated form may be delayed at Singer CM's
or Zinc's registrars', as the case may be, absolute discretion. If
within a reasonable time after a request for verification of
identity Singer CM (for itself and as agent on behalf of Zinc) or
Zinc's registrars have not received evidence satisfactory to them,
either Singer CM and/or Zinc may, at its absolute discretion,
terminate its commitment in respect of the Placing, in which event
the monies payable on acceptance of allotment will, if already
paid, be returned without interest to the account of the drawee's
bank from which they were originally debited;
54. its participation in the Placing would not give rise to an
offer being required to be made by it, or any person with whom it
is acting in concert, pursuant to Rule 9 of the City Code on
Takeovers and Mergers;
55. any money held in an account with Singer CM on behalf of the
Placee and/or any person acting on behalf of the Placee will not be
treated as client money within the meaning of the relevant rules
and regulations of the FCA made under the FSMA. The Placee
acknowledges that the money will not be subject to the protections
conferred by the client money rules; as a consequence, this money
will not be segregated from Singer CM's money in accordance with
the client money rules and will be used by Singer CM's in the
course of its business; and the Placee will rank only as a general
creditor of Singer CM's;
56. Singer CM may choose to invoke the CASS Delivery Versus
Payment exemption (under CASS 6.1.12R and 7.11.14R within the FCA
Handbook Client Assets Sourcebook) with regard to settlement of
Placing Shares and/or funds, in connection with the Placing, should
it see fit;
57. neither it nor, as the case may be, its clients expect Singer CM to have any duties or responsibilities to such persons similar or comparable to the duties of "best execution" and "suitability" imposed by the COBS, and that Singer CM is not acting for it or its clients, and that Singer CM will not be responsible for providing the protections afforded to clients of Singer CM or for providing advice in respect of the transactions described in this Announcement;
58. it acknowledges that its commitment to acquire Placing
Shares on the terms set out in this Announcement and in the
contract note, the electronic trade confirmation or other (oral or
written) confirmation will continue notwithstanding any amendment
that may in future be made to the terms and conditions of the
Placing and that Placees will have no right to be consulted or
require that their consent be obtained with respect to Zinc's or
Singer CM's conduct of the Placing;
59. it has knowledge and experience in financial, business and
international investment matters as is required to evaluate the
merits and risks of acquiring the Placing Shares. It further
acknowledges that it is experienced in investing in securities of
this nature and is aware that it may be required to bear, and is
able to bear, the economic risk of, and is able to sustain, a
complete loss in connection with the Placing. It has relied upon
its own examination and due diligence of Zinc and its affiliates
taken as a whole, and the terms of the Placing, including the
merits and risks involved;
60. it irrevocably appoints any duly authorised officer of
Singer CM as its agent for the purpose of executing and delivering
to Zinc and/or its registrars any documents on its behalf necessary
to enable it to be registered as the holder of any of the Placing
Shares for which it agrees to acquire upon the terms of this
Announcement;
61. Zinc, Singer CM and others (including each of their
respective Representatives) will rely upon the truth and accuracy
of the foregoing representations, warranties, acknowledgements and
agreements, which are given to Singer CM on its own behalf and on
behalf of Zinc and are irrevocable;
62. it is acting as principal only in respect of the Placing or,
if it is acquiring the Placing Shares as a fiduciary or agent for
one or more investor accounts, it:
(a) is duly authorised to do so and it has full power and
authority to make, and does make, the foregoing representations,
warranties, acknowledgements, agreements and undertakings on behalf
of each such accounts; and
(b) will remain liable to Zinc and Singer CM for the performance
of all its obligations as a Placee in respect of the Placing
(regardless of the fact that it is acting for another person);
63. time is of the essence as regards its obligations under this Appendix;
64. any document that is to be sent to it in connection with the
Placing will be sent at its risk and may be sent to it at any
address provided by it to Singer CM;
65. the Placing Shares will be issued subject to the terms and
conditions of this Appendix; and
66. the terms and conditions contained in this Appendix and all
documents into which this Appendix is incorporated by reference or
otherwise validly forms a part and/or any agreements entered into
pursuant to these terms and conditions and all agreements to
acquire Placing Shares pursuant to the Bookbuilding Process and/or
the Placing and all non-contractual or other obligations arising
out of or in connection with them, will be governed by and
construed in accordance with English law and it submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts in relation to any
claim, dispute or matter arising out of such contract (including
any dispute regarding the existence, validity or termination or
such contract or relating to any non-contractual or other
obligation arising out of or in connection with such contract),
except that enforcement proceedings in respect of the obligation to
make payment for the Placing Shares (together with interest
chargeable thereon) may be taken by Zinc or Singer CM in any
jurisdiction in which the relevant Placee is incorporated or in
which any of its securities have a quotation on a recognised stock
exchange.
By participating in the Placing, each Placee (and any person
acting on such Placee's behalf) agrees to indemnify and hold Zinc,
Singer CM and each of their respective Representatives harmless
from any and all costs, claims, liabilities and expenses (including
legal fees and expenses) arising out of or in connection with any
breach of the representations, warranties, acknowledgements,
agreements and undertakings given by the Placee (and any person
acting on such Placee's behalf) in this Appendix or incurred by
Singer CM, Zinc or each of their respective Representatives arising
from the performance of the Placee's obligations as set out in this
Announcement, and further agrees that the provisions of this
Appendix shall survive after the completion of the Placing.
The rights and remedies of Singer CM and Zinc under these terms
and conditions are in addition to any rights and remedies which
would otherwise be available to each of them and the exercise or
partial exercise or partial exercise of one will not prevent the
exercise of others.
The agreement to allot and issue Placing Shares to Placees (or
the persons for whom Placees are contracting as agent) free of
stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax in the United Kingdom relates
only to their allotment and issue to Placees, or such persons as
they nominate as their agents, direct by Zinc. Such agreement
assumes that the Placing Shares are not being acquired in
connection with arrangements to issue depositary receipts or to
transfer the Placing Shares into a clearance service. If there are
any such arrangements, or the settlement related to any other
dealings in the Placing Shares, stamp duty or stamp duty reserve
tax may be payable. In that event, the Placee agrees that it shall
be responsible for such stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax and
neither Zinc nor Singer CM shall be responsible for such stamp duty
or stamp duty reserve tax. If this is the case, each Placee should
seek its own advice and they should notify Singer CM accordingly.
In addition, Placees should note that they will be liable for any
capital duty, stamp duty and all other stamp, issue, securities,
transfer, registration, documentary or other duties or taxes
(including any interest, fines or penalties relating thereto)
payable outside the United Kingdom by them or any other person on
the acquisition by them of any Placing Shares or the agreement by
them to acquire any Placing Shares and each Placee, or the Placee's
nominee, in respect of whom (or in respect of the person for whom
it is participating in the Placing as an agent or nominee) the
allocation, allotment, issue or delivery of Placing Shares has
given rise to such non-United Kingdom stamp, registration,
documentary, transfer or similar taxes or duties undertakes to pay
such taxes and duties, including any interest and penalties (if
applicable), forthwith and to indemnify on an after-tax basis and
to hold harmless Zinc and Singer CM in the event that either Zinc
and/or Singer CM have incurred any such liability to such taxes or
duties.
The representations, warranties, acknowledgements and
undertakings contained in this Appendix are given to Singer CM for
itself and on behalf of Zinc and are irrevocable and will survive
completion of the Placing.
Singer Capital Markets Securities Limited and Singer Capital
Markets Advisory LLP are each authorised and regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA") in the United Kingdom and
are acting exclusively for Zinc and no one else in connection with
the Bookbuilding Process and the Fundraise, and neither will be
responsible to anyone (including any Placees) other than Zinc for
providing the protections afforded to their clients or for
providing advice in relation to the Bookbuilding Process or the
Fundraise or any other matters referred to in this
Announcement.
Each Placee and any person acting on behalf of the Placee
acknowledges that Singer CM does not owe any fiduciary or other
duties to any Placee in respect of any representations, warranties,
undertakings, acknowledgements, agreements or indemnities in the
Placing Agreement.
Each Placee and any person acting on behalf of the Placee
acknowledges and agrees that Singer CM may (at its absolute
discretion) satisfy its obligations to procure Placees by itself
agreeing to become a Placee in respect of some or all of the
Placing Shares or by nominating any connected or associated person
to do so.
When a Placee or any person acting on behalf of the Placee is
dealing with Singer CM, any money held in an account with Singer CM
on behalf of the Placee and/or any person acting on behalf of the
Placee will not be treated as client money within the meaning of
the relevant rules and regulations of the FCA made under the FSMA.
Each Placee acknowledges that the money will not be subject to the
protections conferred by the client money rules; as a consequence
this money will not be segregated from Singer CM's money in
accordance with the client money rules and will be held by it under
a banking relationship and not as trustee.
References to time in this Announcement are to London time,
unless otherwise stated.
All times and dates in this Announcement may be subject to
amendment. Placees will be notified of any changes.
No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit
forecast or estimate, and no statement in this Announcement should
be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of Zinc for the
current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed
the historical published earnings per share of Zinc.
The price of the Placing Shares and any income expected from
them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the
full amount invested upon disposal of the Placing Shares. Past
performance is no guide to future performance, and persons needing
advice should consult an independent financial adviser.
The Placing Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing will not
be admitted to trading on any stock exchange other than the AIM
market of the London Stock Exchange.
Neither the content of Zinc's website nor any website accessible
by hyperlinks on Zinc's website is incorporated in, or forms part
of, this Announcement.
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply throughout this Announcement
unless the context otherwise requires:
"Acquisition" the proposed acquisition by the Company
of the entire issued and to be issued
share capital of The Edge, pursuant
to the Acquisition Agreement
"Acquisition Agreement" the share purchase agreement dated
3 August 2022 relating to the Acquisition
made between the Company and the
Sellers
"Act" the Companies Act 2006 (as amended)
"Admission" admission of the New Ordinary Shares
to trading on AIM becoming effective
in accordance with the AIM Rules
"AIM" AIM, a market of that name operated
by the London Stock Exchange
"AIM Rules" the AIM Rules for Companies and the
AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers,
as applicable
"AIM Rules for Companies" the rules for AIM companies published
by the London Stock Exchange, as
amended or re--issued from time to
time
"AIM Rules for Nominated the rules for nominated advisers
Advisers" to AIM companies published by the
London Stock Exchange, as amended
or re--issued from time to time
"Board" or "Directors" the directors of the Company, whose
names are listed in the Circular
"Business Day" a day (other than Saturdays, Sundays
or public holidays in the United
Kingdom) on which banks are generally
open in London for the transaction
of business
"Certificated" or "in certificated the description of a share or other
form" security which is not in uncertificated
form (that is, not in CREST)
"Company" or "Zinc" Zinc, a company incorporated in Scotland
with registration number SC075133
with its registered office at C/O
CMS CMNO LLP 4th Floor, Saltire Court,
20 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, United
Kingdom, EH1 2EN
"CREST" the computerised settlement system,
facilitating the paperless settlement
of trades and the holding of uncertificated
shares administered by Euroclear
UK & Ireland Limited, the operator
of CREST, pursuant to the CREST Regulations
"CREST Regulations" the Uncertificated Securities Regulations
2001 of the UK (SI 2001/3755)
"EBIT" earnings before interest and tax
"EBITDA" earnings before interest, tax, depreciation
and amortisation
"The Edge" The Edge Picture Co Limited, a private
company limited by shares incorporated
in England with registered number
02557058 with its registered office
at 20-22 Shelton Street, Covent Garden,
London, WC2H 9JJ
"Enlarged Group" the Company and its subsidiary undertakings
immediately following completion
of the Acquisition
"Existing Ordinary Shares" the 16,200,919 Ordinary Shares in
issue as at the date of this announcement
"FCA" the United Kingdom Financial Conduct
Authority
"FSMA" the UK Financial Services and Markets
Act 2000 (as amended) including any
regulations made pursuant thereto
"Fundraise" the Placing and the Retail Offer
"General Meeting" the general meeting of the Company
which has been convened for 11.00
a.m. on 22 August 2022 (or any adjournment
thereof), notice of which will be
set out at the end of the Circular
"Group" the Company and its subsidiary undertakings
from time to time
"Initial Consideration Shares" the 540,000 new Ordinary Shares to
be issued under the terms of the
Acquisition Agreement as part of
the initial consideration due in
respect of the Acquisition
"Intermediaries" any financial intermediary appointed
by the Company in connection with
the Retail Offer and "Intermediary"
shall mean any one of them
"Issue Price" the price of 100 pence per New Ordinary
Share
"London Stock Exchange" London Stock Exchange plc
"New Ordinary Shares" together, the Placing Shares, the
Retail Shares and the Initial Consideration
Shares
"Ordinary Shares" ordinary shares in the share capital
of the Company each with a par value
of 0.125 pence
"Placing" the conditional placing of the Placing
Shares at the Issue Price pursuant
to the Placing Agreement
"Placing Agreement" the conditional agreement dated 3
August 2022 and made between the
Company and Singer Capital Markets
Securities Limited relating to the
Placing
"Placing Shares" the 5,000,000 new Ordinary Shares
proposed to be issued by the Company
pursuant to the Placing
"Prospectus Rules" the prospectus regulation rules made
by the FCA pursuant to the section
73A of the FSMA
"Regulatory Information one of the regulatory information
Service" services authorised by the FCA to
receive, process and disseminate
regulatory information
"Resolutions" the resolutions to be proposed at
the General Meeting
"Retail Offer" the offer for subscription of new
Ordinary Shares made to private retail
investors on the REX portal by Intermediaries
"Retail Shares" up to 250,000 new Ordinary Shares
proposed to be allotted and issued
pursuant to the Retail Offer
"REX" the Peel Hunt Retail Capital Markets
'REX' portal
"Securities Act" the United States Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder
"Sellers" those persons as so defined in the
Acquisition Agreement
"Shareholders" holders of the Ordinary Shares from
time to time, each individually being
a "Shareholder"
"Singer Capital Markets" Singer Capital Markets Securities
Limited, acting as bookrunner and
broker to the Company in connection
with the Placing
"uncertificated" or "uncertificated recorded on the relevant register
form" of the share or security concerned
as being held in uncertificated form
in CREST and title to which may be
transferred by of CREST
"United Kingdom" or "UK" the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland
"GBP" and "pence" or "p" pounds and pence sterling, the lawful
currency of the United Kingdom
[1] Source: Brand Film Industry Report 2020
[2] Source: Brand Film Industry Report 2020
[3] Source: Brand Film Industry Report 2020
[4] Source: Brand Film Industry Report 2020
[5] Adjusted EBITDA defined as EBITDA before share based payment
charge, loss on disposal of fixed assets and exceptional items
[6] Free Cash Flow defined as operating cashflow less capital
expenditure
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END
MSCFFFLVTRIFIIF
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August 03, 2022 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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