Bernard Whimp targets DNZ investors again
DNZ chairman Tim Storey has described Bernard Whimp's latest unsolicited offer to DNZ shareholders as "predatory."
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DNZ chairman Tim Storey has hit out at Bernard Whimp after he targeted DNZ investors with another unsolicited “low-ball” offer to buy their shares through his limited partnership Energy Securities.
Last August he successfully bought 2.2 million DNZ Property Fund shares at 60c shares of DNZ Property Fund. Those shares most recently traded at $1.22.
The share price being offered by Mr Whimp is $1.65, however, if accepted this will not be paid in one lump sum at the time of purchase.
Instead, shareholders will be paid in equal instalments over a 10-year period. Also, all future dividends are foregone by the selling shareholder during that 10 year period.
And DNZ has warned shareholders that over the 10 year period, there can be no certainty that the instalments will in fact be paid.
Mr Storey said, “The 10 year payment period means that the actual real value being received by shareholders who accept the offer is significantly less than the face value of the Whimp-associated offer and also to the current market price for DNZ shares.
“I strongly recommend that the DNZ shareholders who have been approached seek independent financial advice prior to responding to this offer from Energy Securities LP.
Mr Storey said he was “astounded” that DNZ shareholders are again being targeted by Mr Whimp.
“The headline offer price is clearly preying on less sophisticated investors who may not see the 10 year payment period in the fine print of the offer, or understand its affect on the actual price of the offer.
"While this offer is predatory, and we believe misleading to shareholders, it does seem the offer is most likely ineffective as it incorrectly states the name of the company.”
DNZ has referred the matter to the Securities Commission and is seeking legal advice as to the implications of the offer.
Parliament is looking at a law change to target low-ball share offers from the likes of Mr Whimp.
NBR staff
Wed, 16 Mar 2011
Wed, 16 Mar 2011
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Bernard Whimp targets DNZ investors again
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