THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE,
PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR FORWARDING, IN WHOLE OR IN PART,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA,
CANADA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY
OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR
DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT
AN OFFER OF SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION. PLEASE SEE THE
IMPORTANT NOTICES AT THE END OF THIS
ANNOUNCEMENT.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES
OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014 (AS AMENDED) AS IT
FORMS PART OF THE DOMESTIC LAW OF THE UNITED KINGDOM BY VIRTUE OF
THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 (AS AMENDED)
("MAR").
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 November 2024
boohoo group
plc
("Boohoo",
the "Group" or the
"Company")
Result of significantly
oversubscribed Placing and Subscription
Boohoo Group plc (AIM:BOO) a leading online fashion
group, announces that, further to the Company's "Proposed
Fundraise" announcement that was released at 5:23 p.m. on 13
November 2024 (the "Launch Announcement"), it has successfully
conditionally completed and closed the ABB process in relation to
the Placing and Subscriptions for gross proceeds of approximately
£39.3 million.
The Placing and Subscriptions were
significantly oversubscribed at the Issue Price of 31 pence per
share, a 3.3 per cent. premium to the closing share price of 30
pence per share on 12 November 2024.
The Company has raised gross
proceeds of £33.3 million through the Firm Placing of, and a
Subscription for, an aggregate of 107,553,604 New Ordinary Shares
at the Issue Price, and gross proceeds of £6.0 million, subject to
clawback under the Retail Offer, through the Clawback Placing of,
and a Subscription for, an aggregate of 19,354,838 New Ordinary
Shares at the Issue Price.
In addition to the Placing and
Subscription, the Company is providing shareholders with the
opportunity to subscribe for up to 19,354,838 Retail Offer Shares
at the Issue Price pursuant to the Retail Offer via BookBuild, to
raise up to approximately £6.0 million.
To the extent that valid
applications are received for Retail Offer Shares under the Retail
Offer and accepted by the Company, the Clawback Placing and a
portion of the Subscription will be proportionally reduced so that
the total amount raised by the Company through the Retail Offer,
the Subscription and the Placing is approximately £39.3
million in aggregate. No part of the Placing or the
Subscription is conditional on the Retail Offer proceeding or on
any minimum take-up on the Retail Offer.
A further announcement will be made
in due course regarding the Retail Offer, detailing its terms. It
is expected that the Retail Offer will launch later today and will
close at 5:00 p.m. on 15 November 2024.
As noted in the Launch Announcement,
the issuance of the New Ordinary Shares under the Placing,
Subscription and Retail Offer is conditional upon, amongst other
things, obtaining the consent of its majority lenders under its
Facilities Agreement ("Lender Consent").
It is expected that Admission will
occur, and that dealings will become effective on or around 8:00
a.m. on 26 November 2024. The New Ordinary Shares will be issued
fully paid and will rank pari
passu in all respects with the Company's existing Ordinary
Shares, including the right to receive all dividends or other
distributions made, paid or declared in respect of such
shares.
Dan
Finley, Group CEO, commented: "We are pleased with the
level of support from our existing shareholders for the business in
its next stage of growth. We trust that the Retail Offer provides
smaller shareholders the opportunity to participate
also."
Related Party
Transactions
Mahmud Kamani, being a Director of the Company,
together with his close relatives and related trusts, has
conditionally agreed to participate in the Fundraise, subscribing
for 49,904,675 New Ordinary Shares (the "Director Participation"),
part of which is subject to clawback under the Clawback Placing.
This constitutes a related party transaction under the AIM Rules
for Companies. The directors of the Company, other than Mahmud
Kamani, (the "Independent Directors") are deemed to be independent
of the Director Participation. Accordingly, the Independent
Directors (for the purposes of AIM Rule 13) consider, having
consulted with the Company's nominated adviser, Zeus Capital
Limited, that the terms of the Director Participation are fair and
reasonable insofar as Shareholders are concerned.
Frasers Group plc ("Frasers")
holds an interest in more than 10 per cent. of the
Company's existing Ordinary Share capital and is therefore
considered a related party of the Company under the AIM Rules.
Frasers has conditionally agreed to subscribe for 39,119,788 New
Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Fundraise ("Frasers'
Participation"), part of which is subject to clawback under the
Clawback Placing. The directors of the Company are deemed to be
independent of Frasers' Participation. Accordingly, the directors
of the Company (for the purposes of AIM Rule 13) consider, having
consulted with the Company's nominated adviser, Zeus Capital
Limited, that the terms of Frasers' Participation is fair and
reasonable insofar as Shareholders are concerned.
Admission
Application will be made to London
Stock Exchange plc for admission of the New Ordinary Shares to
trading on AIM ("Admission"). It is expected that, subject to the
Company obtaining Lender Consent, Admission will become effective
and dealings in the New Ordinary Shares will commence at 8:00 a.m.
on 26 November 2024.
Admission is conditional,
inter alia, upon (i)
Lender Consent, (ii) Admission becoming effective, and (iii) the
Placing Agreement not having been terminated and becoming
unconditional.
Capitalised terms used but not defined in this announcement
have the meanings given to them in the Launch Announcement unless
the context provides otherwise.
Enquiries
|
|
boohoo group plc
|
|
Stephen Morana, Chief Financial
Officer
|
Tel: +44 (0)161 233 2050
|
Mike Cooper, Head of Investor
Relations
|
Tel: +44 (0)161 233 2050
|
|
|
Zeus - Joint Financial Adviser,
Nominated adviser, Joint Broker and Sole Bookrunner
|
Nick Cowles / Dan Bate / James Edis
|
Tel: +44 (0)161 831 1512
|
Benjamin Robertson
|
Tel: +44 (0)20 3829 5000
|
|
|
HSBC - Joint Financial Adviser and
Joint Broker
|
|
Anthony Parsons / Alex Thomas /
Chloe Ponsonby / James Hopton
|
Tel: +44 (0)20 7991 8888
|
|
|
Headland -
Financial PR Adviser
|
|
Susanna
Voyle / Will Smith
|
Tel: +44
(0)20 3725 7514
|
Important information:
Certain statements in this
Announcement are forward-looking statements with respect to the
Company's expectations, intentions and projections regarding its
future performance, strategic initiatives, anticipated events or
trends and other matters that are not historical facts and which
are, by their nature, inherently predictive, speculative and
involve risks and uncertainty because they relate to events and
depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future.
All statements that address expectations or projections about the
future, including statements about operating performance, strategic
initiatives, objectives, market position, industry trends, general
economic conditions, expected expenditures, expected cost savings
and financial results, are forward-looking statements. Any
statements contained in this Announcement that are not statements
of historical or current fact are, or may be deemed to be,
forward‐looking
statements. These forward-looking statements, which may use words
such as "aim", "anticipate", "believe", "could", "intend",
"estimate", "expect", "may", "plan", "project", "target", "goal" or
words or terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof, are not
guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and
unknown risks and uncertainties. There are a number of factors
including, but not limited to, commercial, operational, economic
and financial factors, that could cause actual results, financial
condition, performance or achievements to differ materially from
those expressed or implied by any of these
forward‐looking
statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors
that are beyond the Company's ability to control or estimate
precisely, such as changes in taxation or fiscal policy, future
market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behaviour of other
market participants, the actions of governments or governmental
regulators, or other risk factors, such as changes in the
political, social and regulatory framework in which the Company
operates or in economic or technological trends or conditions,
including inflation, recession and consumer confidence, on a
global, regional or national basis. Given those risks and
uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place specific reliance
on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak
only as of the date of this Announcement. Each of the Company and
Zeus Capital Limited expressly disclaims any obligation or
undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise
unless required to do so by applicable law or
regulation.
The information contained within
this Announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside
information as stipulated under Article 7 of the Market Abuse
Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 (as amended) as it forms part of the
domestic law of the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union
(Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended). Upon the publication of this
Announcement via the Regulatory Information Service, this inside
information is now considered to be in the public
domain.
This Announcement is for information
purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to buy, sell,
issue, or subscribe for, or the solicitation of an offer to buy,
sell, issue, or subscribe for any securities, nor shall there be
any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction
in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unauthorised or
unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the
securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Any failure to comply
with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the
securities law of any such jurisdiction.
This Announcement is not an offer of
securities for sale in or into the United States. The New Ordinary
Shares have not been and will not be registered under the US
Securities Act 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or with any
securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction
of the United States and may not be offered, sold, delivered or
transferred, directly or indirectly, in or into 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. There will be no public
offer of the New Ordinary Shares in the United States.
This Announcement does not contain
an offer or constitute any part of an offer to the public within
the meaning of Sections 85 and 102B of the FSMA or otherwise. This
Announcement is not an "approved prospectus" within the meaning of
Section 85(7) of the FSMA and a copy of it has not been, and will
not be, delivered to the FCA in accordance with the Prospectus
Regulation Rules or delivered to any other authority which could be
a competent authority for the purpose of the Prospectus Regulation
(EU) 2017/1129 (the "EU Prospectus Regulation") or Prospectus
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of UK domestic law by
virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended (the
"UK Prospectus Regulation"). Its contents have not been examined or
approved by the London Stock Exchange, nor has it been approved by
an "authorised person" for the purposes of Section 21 of the FSMA.
This Announcement is being distributed to persons in the United
Kingdom only in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA
does not apply.
This Announcement is directed only
at: (a) persons in member states of the European Economic Area who
are qualified investors within the meaning of article 2(e) of the
EU Prospectus Regulation and (b) if in the United Kingdom, persons
who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to
investments who fall within the definition of "investment
professionals" in article 19(5) of the Financial Services and
Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the
"Order"), or are high net worth companies, unincorporated
associations or partnerships or trustees of high value trusts as
described in article 49(2) of the Order and (ii) are qualified
investors as defined in article 2(e) of the UK Prospectus
Regulation and (c) otherwise, to persons to whom it may otherwise
be lawful to communicate it (all such persons together being
referenced to as "Relevant Persons"). Any investment in connection
with the Fundraise will only be available to, and will only be
engaged with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant
Person should not act or rely on this Announcement or any of its
contents.
This Announcement has been issued by
and is the sole responsibility of the Company. 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 or on behalf of Zeus or its advisers (apart from the
responsibilities or liabilities that may be imposed by the FSMA or
other regulatory regime established thereunder) or by any of its or
their affiliates or agents as to, or in relation to, the accuracy,
adequacy, fairness 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 or any other
statement made or purported to be made by or on behalf of Zeus
and/or any of its affiliates and/or by any of its representatives
in connection with the Company, the Fundraise and any
responsibility and liability whether arising in tort, contract or
otherwise therefore is expressly disclaimed by both the Company and
Zeus. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by
Zeus and/or any of its affiliates and/or any of its representatives
as to the accuracy, fairness, verification, completeness or
sufficiency of the information or opinions contained in this
Announcement or any other written or oral information made
available to or publicly available to any interested party or their
respective advisers, and any liability therefor is expressly
disclaimed by both by the Company and Zeus.
Zeus, which is authorised and
regulated in the United Kingdom by the FCA, is acting as nominated
adviser, broker and sole bookrunner exclusively for the Company and
for no-one else in connection with the Fundraise or any other
matter referred to in this Announcement, and Zeus will not regard
any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement)
as a client in relation to the Fundraise and, will not be
responsible to anyone (including the placees) other than the
Company for providing the protections afforded to its clients or
customers or for providing advice to any other person in relation
to the Fundraise or any other matter referred to herein. The
responsibilities of Zeus, as nominated adviser, are owed solely to
London Stock Exchange plc and are not owed to the Company or to any
director or any other person and accordingly no duty of care is
accepted in relation to them. No representation or warranty,
express or implied, is made by Zeus as to, and no liability
whatsoever is accepted by Zeus in respect of, any of the contents
of this Announcement (without limiting the statutory rights of any
person to whom this Announcement is issued).
HSBC Bank plc ("HSBC") is authorised
by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated in the United
Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential
Regulation Authority. HSBC is not acting on the Fundraise and
will not be responsible to anyone for providing the protections
afforded to clients of HSBC, or for providing advice in connection
with the matters referred to herein. Neither HSBC nor any of its
group undertakings or affiliates owes or accepts any duty,
liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect,
whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any
person who is not a client of HSBC in connection with this
announcement any matter referred to herein."
The distribution of this
Announcement and the offering of the New Ordinary Shares in certain
jurisdictions may be restricted by law. No action has been taken by
the Company or Zeus or any of their respective affiliates, or any
of its or their respective directors, officers, partners,
employees, advisers and/or agents that would permit an offering of
such shares or possession or distribution of this Announcement or
any other offering or publicity material relating to such shares in
any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Persons
into whose possession this Announcement comes are required to
inform themselves about, and to observe, such
restrictions.
The Announcement does not constitute
a recommendation concerning any investor's options with respect to
the Fundraise. The New Ordinary Shares to which this Announcement
relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their
resale. Prospective purchasers of the New Ordinary Shares should
conduct their own due diligence, analysis and evaluation of the
business and date described in this Announcement, including the New
Ordinary Shares. The pricing and value of securities can go down as
well as up. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
The contents of this Announcement are not to be construed as
financial, legal, business or tax advice. If you do not understand
the contents of this Announcement you should consult an authorised
financial adviser, legal adviser, business adviser or tax adviser
for financial, legal, business or tax advice.
The information in this Announcement
may not be forwarded or distributed to any other person and may not
be reproduced in any manner whatsoever. Any forwarding,
distribution, dissemination, reproduction, or disclosure of this
information in whole or in part is unauthorised. Failure to comply
with this directive may result in a violation of the Securities Act
or the applicable laws of other jurisdictions.
Further information in respect of
the Company can be found on the Company's website accessible at
https://www.boohooplc.com/ (including copies of its latest annual
report and audited accounts).
Neither the content of the Company's
website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on the Company's
website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this
Announcement.
A copy of this Announcement has been
delivered to the registrar of companies in accordance with Article
5 of the Companies (General Provisions) (Jersey) Order 2002, and
the registrar has given, and has not withdrawn, consent to its
circulation. The Jersey Financial Services Commission has given,
and has not withdrawn, its consent under Article 2 of the Control
of Borrowing (Jersey) Order 1958 to the issue of securities in the
Company. It must be distinctly understood that, in giving these
consents, neither the registrar of companies nor the Jersey
Financial Services Commission takes any responsibility for the
financial soundness of the Company or for the correctness of any
statements made, or opinions expressed, with regard to it. If you
are in any doubt about the contents of this Announcement you should
consult your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or
other financial adviser. The directors of the Company have taken
all reasonable care to ensure that the facts stated in this
Announcement are true and accurate in all material respects, and
that there are no other facts the omission of which would make
misleading any statement in the Announcement, whether of facts or
of opinion. All the directors accept responsibility accordingly. It
should be remembered that the price of securities and the income
from them can go down as well as up.