Document 6572576
Transcription
Document 6572576
SARAWAK CABLE BERHAD (“SCB” OR “COMPANY”) PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF 100% EQUITY INTEREST IN UNIVERSAL CABLE (M) BERHAD AND LEADER CABLE INDUSTRY BERHAD FROM HNG CAPITAL SDN. BHD. FOR A PURCHASE CONSIDERATION OF RM210,000,000 (“PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS”) 1. INTRODUCTION On 16 June 2014, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Sarawak Cable Berhad (“SCB” or “Company”) (“Board”), Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga”) announced that the Board has accepted a conditional offer ("Conditional Offer") from HNG Capital Sdn Bhd (“HNG” or “Seller”) for the acquisition of 100% equity interest ("Sales Shares") in Universal Cable (M) Bhd ("UCMB") and Leader Cable Industry Berhad ("LCIB") (collectively referred to as the “Target Companies”) from HNG for an indicative purchase consideration of RM210,000,000 to be settled via a combination of cash, assumption of liabilities and the issuance of new ordinary shares of RM0.50 each in SCB (“Shares”). On 12 September 2014, on behalf of SCB, Kenanga announced that SCB had paid an earnest deposit of RM2.1 million ("Deposit") pursuant to the Conditional Offer with the intention of finalising the terms and conditions of the Proposed Acquisitions and to enter into a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA” or "Agreement") on or before 13 October 2014. Subsequently, on 13 October 2014, Kenanga had on behalf of SCB, announced that SCB had requested for an extension until 20 October 2014 to finalise the SPA. Kenanga is pleased to announce that SCB had on 20 October 2014 entered into the SPA with HNG to effect the Proposed Acquisitions. 2. THE PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS 2.1 Background The Proposed Acquisitions will involve the acquisition by SCB of the entire and issued paidup share capital of the Target Companies, comprising 62,503,214 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each in UCMB ("UCMB Shares") and 27,799,707 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each in LCIB ("LCIB Shares") for an aggregate purchase consideration of RM210,000,000 (“Purchase Consideration”) from HNG to be satisfied in the following manner:RM (i) Deposit (paid on 12 September 2014) (ii) Issuance of 37,600,000 new ordinary shares of RM0.50 each in SCB (“SCB Shares”) (“Consideration Shares”) at an issue price of RM1.3318 per Consideration Share (“Issue Price”), representing 11.86% of the enlarged paid up share capital of SCB 50,075,680 (ii) Assumption of liabilities via set-off against advances made by the Target Companies to HNG (“Assumption of Liabilities”) 49,600,000 (iv) Balance payable by cash on completion (“Cash Consideration”) Total 2,100,000 108,224,320 210,000,000 Upon completion of the Proposed Acquisitions, UCMB and LCIB will become wholly owned subsidiaries of SCB. The Proposed Acquisitions are subject to the terms and conditions of the SPA, the salient terms of which are set out in Section 2.7 of this announcement. -1- 2.2 Background information on Target Companies The Target Companies are two (2) major cable manufacturers in Malaysia and have been involved in the manufacturing of power and telecommunication cables for more than thirty (30) years, producing an extensive range of power and telecommunication cables. Over the years, the Target Companies have also completed various turnkey projects for the designing, manufacturing, supplying, laying, trunking and erecting of power and telecommunication cables throughout Malaysia including the 132kV underground power cables in Kulim Hi-Tech Industrial Park and Cyberjaya, as well as supplying to Malaysia's Light Rail Transit's cable signalling system. 2.2.1 UCMB UCMB was incorporated in Malaysia under the Companies Act, 1965 (“Act”) on 3 March 1967 as a public limited company. The authorised, issued and paid-up ordinary share capital of UCMB comprise of 200,000,000 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each in UCMB of which 62,503,214 has been issued and fully paid-up. UCMB is a wholly owned subsidiary of HNG. The directors of UCMB, all of whom are Malaysians and their shareholdings in UCMB are as follows:Direct Indirect No. of UCMB Shares % No. of UCMB Shares % Tan Kok Hong - - - - Azman Bin Yusoff @ Mukhlis - - - - Directors Datin H’ng Hsieh Ling Note: (1) - - (1) 62,503,214 100.0 Deemed interested by virtue of Datin's interest in HNG pursuant to Section 6A of the Act. The principal activities of UCMB are the manufacture and sale of telecommunication 1 1 and power cables, including low voltage ("LV") , medium voltage ("MV") and high 1 2 3 4 5 voltage ("HV") cables, bare conductors , ACSR , pilot cables , XLPE , instrumentation and control cables as well as housing wires for domestic and export markets. 1 LV, MV and HV are power cables and wires made of copper or aluminium and are capable of carrying power up to 1 kilo Volt ("kV") for LV, over 1kV to 33kV for MV and in excess of 33kV for HV. 2 Bare Conductors are materials such as copper or aluminium, which allow electricity to flow through them. Good conductors allow electricity to flow through them with minimum resistance. Conductors may consist of a solid core of multiple strands of conducting materials, such as aluminium or copper wires, to form a core conductor. 3 ACSR stands for Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced is an aluminium bare conductor clad or bunched together in steel wires to strengthen the whole cable. They are used as mass conductors and reinforcement of aluminium conductors for overhead lines as well as the armouring of optical ground wires due to its good electrical conductivity and have high tensile strength that is equivalent to steel. 4 Pilot Cable is cable which is usually applied to conductors that convey voltage or current signals from one point to another for comparison with other voltage or current signals as part of a protection scheme. It may also be used to transfer switching signals from one point to another. 5 XLPE is formed into tubing, and is used predominantly in building services pipework systems, hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems, domestic water piping, and insulation for high tension (HV) electrical cables. It is also used for natural gas and offshore oil applications, chemical transportation, and transportation of sewage and slurries. -2- UCMB operates four (4) plants located in Pandan, Tampoi, Plentong (all in Johor) and Nilai (Negeri Sembilan). A summary of the financial information on UCMB for the past three (3) years for the financial year ended (“FYE”) 31 December 2013 is set out in Appendix I. 2.2.2 LCIB LCIB was incorporated in Malaysia under the Act on 30 March 1976 as a public limited company. The authorised, issued and paid-up ordinary share capital of LCIB comprise of 50,000,000 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each in LCIB of which 27,799,707 has been issued and fully paid-up. LCIB is a wholly owned subsidiary of HNG. The directors of LCIB, all of whom are Malaysians and their shareholdings in LCIB are as follows:Direct No. of LCIB Shares Directors Indirect % No. of LCIB Shares (1) % Dato’ H’ng Chun Hsiang - - Kon Ted Liuk - - - - Azhar Bin Ariffin - - - - Note: (1) 27,799,707 100.0 Deemed interested by virtue of Dato' interest in HNG pursuant to Section 6A of the Act. The principal activities of LCIB are the manufacture and sale of telecommunications 6 cables, including LV / MV / HV, bare conductors, ACSR, XLPE and OPGW cables for domestic and export markets. LCIB operate three (3) plants, of which two (2) are located in Tikam Batu (Kedah) and one (1) in Meru (Selangor). A summary of the financial information on LCIB for the past three (3) years for the FYE 31 December 2013 is set out in Appendix II. 2.3 Background information on Seller HNG was incorporated in Malaysia under the Act on 27 September 2011 as a private limited company under the name of Vector Dimension Sdn Bhd and assumed its present name since 17 October 2011. The principal activity of HNG is investment holding. The authorised, issued and paid-up ordinary share capital of HNG comprise of 25,000,000 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each in HNG (“HNG Shares”) of which 25,000,000 has been issued and fully paid-up. [ The rest of this page is intentionally left blank ] 6 OPGW cable stands for OPtica-fiber composite overhead Ground Wire) is a type of cable that is used in the construction of electric power transmission and distribution lines. Such cable combines the functions of grounding and communications. -3- The substantial shareholders of HNG, all of whom are Malaysians and their shareholdings in HNG are as follows:Direct Indirect No. of HNG Shares % No. of HNG Shares % Dato’ Seri H’ng Bok San (“Dato’ Seri H’ng”) 7,500,000 30.0 - - Dato’ H’ng Chun Hsiang 10,000,000 40.0 - - Datin H’ng Hsieh Ling 7,500,000 30.0 - - Shareholders The directors of HNG, all of whom are Malaysians and their shareholdings in HNG are as follows:Direct 2.4 Indirect Directors No. of HNG Shares % No. of HNG Shares % Dato’ Seri H’ng 7,500,000 30.0 - - Dato’ H’ng Chun Hsiang 10,000,000 40.0 - - Datin H’ng Hsieh Ling 7,500,000 30.0 - - Basis at arriving at the Purchase Consideration The Purchase Consideration was arrived at on a willing buyer-willing seller basis after taking into consideration the following:(i) The assets backing of the Target Companies The Purchase Consideration is at a 33.5% discount to the aggregate audited net assets of the Target Companies as at 31 December 2013 of RM316.01 million. (ii) The Profit Guarantee by HNG HNG guarantees that the aggregate profit before taxation (“PBT”) of the Target Companies for the financial year ending 31 December 2014 shall be not less than RM21,000,000 (“Profit Guarantee”). The Purchase Consideration is at a Priceearnings multiple ("PER") of ten (10) times on the Profit Guarantee. (iii) 2.5 The financial and operational track records of the Target Companies. Justifications for the Purchase Consideration In justifying the Purchase Consideration, the Board had taken into consideration the trading parameters of other companies listed on stock exchanges in the South East Asia region and whose manufacturing of cable and wires contributed more than 50% of their revenue (“Comparable Companies”). There are no Comparable Companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad ("Bursa Securities"). -4- A brief description of their principal activities are set out below:Comparable Companies Country Principal Activities Tai Sin Electric Limited (“Tai Sin”) Singapore Cable and wire manufacturer and dealer in such products. The subsidiaries are principally involved in electrical switchboards feeder pillars and components manufacturers and dealer in such products and distributor of electrical products. Charoong Thai Wire and Cable Public Limited Company ("Charoong") Thailand Manufactures aluminium electrical wire, copper electrical wire, high voltage power cable, telephone cable, fiber optic cable and enamelled wire. Its electrical wires, cables and fiber optic cable are sold to the state enterprises in charge of public utilities and infrastructures such as the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Provincial Electricity Authority and Metropolitan Electricity Authority. KMI Wire and Cable Tbk PT ("KMI") Indonesia Manufactures aluminium and copper cables and wires as well as other raw materials, and all its components, spare parts, related accessories and equipments, including engineering techniques and cable installation. The Company is one of the suppliers of power cord to Perusahaan Listrik Negara, the state owned electricity company of Indonesia. Supreme Cable Manufacturing and Commerce Tbk PT ("Sucaco") Indonesia Manufactures various kinds of cables, cable related products, raw materials, and various kinds of melamine products. Its products include telecommunication cables, electrical cables and enamel wires. Voksel Electric Tbk (“Voksel Electric”) Indonesia Primarily engaged in the manufacture of bare copper conductor, bare aluminium conductor, power cable, communication cable and optical fiber cable. (Source : Annual Reports of the Comparable Companies) The trading parameters of the Comparable Companies are set out below:- Comparable Companies Price @ (a) 17.10.2014 (RM) Market Capitalisation (RM'm) Trailing (b) PER (times) (d) PBR (times) EV/ EBITDA (e) (times) Tai Sin 0.98 428.5 9.20 1.95 4.35 Charoong 1.13 450.9 16.96 1.01 8.20 KMI 0.04 149.3 9.86 0.51 4.12 Sucaco 1.05 216.5 8.65 0.92 5.71 Voksel Electric 0.20 168.3 * (12.42) High Simple average 0.84 7.42 16.96 1.95 8.20 6.45 1.05 5.96 (12.42) 0.51 4.12 High 16.96 1.95 8.20 Simple average 11.17 1.05 5.96 8.65 0.51 Low Excluding outliners marked * Low (c) Target Companies 210.0 13.33 (Sources : Bloomberg and Annual Reports of the Comparable Companies) -5- 0.66 4.12 (f) 6.61 Notes:(a) being the market day immediately preceding the signing of the SPA (b) Based on the cumulative profit after taxation ("PAT") for the latest four (4) financial quarters as extracted from Bloomberg and adjusted for the differential in trading parameters in PER between Malaysia and the respective countries in the following manner:Adjusted = PER PER of the foreign x Comparable Company PER multiple of FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index PER multiple of Foreign Stock Exchange Index (c) Computed based on the Purchase Consideration divided by the assumed PAT of RM15.75 million (being the Profit Guarantee adjusted for a corporate tax rate of 25%) (d) Based on latest audited net assets and adjusted for the differential in trading parameters in Price to Book Ratio (“PBR”) between Malaysia and the respective countries in the following manner:Adjusted = PER (e) Adjusted = EV/EBITDA (f) PBR of the foreign x Comparable Company PBR multiple of FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index PBR multiple of Foreign Stock Exchange Index Based on the Earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA") of the latest available audited financial statements and adjusted for the differential in trading parameters in Enterprise value ("EV")/ EBITDA multiple between Malaysia and the respective countries in the following manner:EV/EBITDA of the foreign x Comparable Company EV/EBITDA multiple of FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index EV/EBITDA multiple of Foreign Stock Exchange Index Computed based on the Purchase Consideration divided by the EBITDA of the Target Companies for the FYE 31 December 2013 Premised on the above, (i) On the PER multiples, the Purchase Consideration represents a PER of 13.33 times based on the assumed PAT of the Target Companies of RM15.75 million (based on the Profit Guarantee less corporate rate of 25%) for the financial year ending 31 December 2014 which falls within the range of the trailing 12-month PER ("Trailing PER") of the Comparable Companies of 8.65 times to 16.96 times; (ii) On the PBR multiples, the Purchase Consideration represents a PBR of 0.66 times or a discount of approximately 33.5% from the audited NA of the Target Companies as at 31 December 2013 of RM316.01 million. The PBR is within the range of PBR of the Comparable Companies of 0.51 times to 1.95 times and lower than the average of 1.05 times; and (iii) On the EV/ EBITDA multiples, the Purchase Consideration represents a EV/EBITDA multiple of 6.61 times which is within the range of the EV/EBITDA multiples of the Comparable Companies of between 4.12 times to 8.20 times. Based on the above and taking into consideration the preliminary evaluation of the Independent Adviser (as set out in Section 15 of this announcement), the Board is of the view that the Purchase Consideration is fair and reasonable. [ The rest of this page is intentionally left blank ] -6- 2.6 Basis at arriving at and justification of the Issue Price As part payment for the settlement of the Purchase Consideration, SCB will issue 37,600,000 new SCB Shares, representing 11.86% of its enlarged issued and paid-up share capital upon completion of the Proposed Acquisitions, to conserve the cashflow of SCB and its subsidiaries (collectively "SCB Group" or the "Group") as well as to minimise the quantum of borrowings required to finance the Proposed Acquisitions. The Issue Price of RM1.3318 is based on the five (5) days volume weighted average market price ("VWAMP") of SCB Shares up to and including 17 October 2014, being the market day immediately preceding the signing of the SPA. In arriving at the Issue Price, the Board had taken into consideration the following and deemed the Issue Price to be fair and reasonable:- 2.7 (i) The Issue Price represents a Trailing PER of 161.9 times based on the cumulative PAT of SCB Group for the latest four (4) financial quarters up to 30 June 2014 of RM0.82 million, which is higher than the range of the Trailing PER of the Comparable Companies (as set out in Section 2.5 of this announcement) of 8.65 times to 16.96 times; and (ii) The Issue Price represents a PBR of 1.6 times based on the audited NA per Share of SCB Group of RM0.81 as at 31 December 2013, which is within the range of PBR of the Comparable Companies (as set out in Section 2.5 of this announcement) of between 0.51 times to 1.95 times. Salient Terms of the SPA The salient terms of the SPA are as follows:For purpose of this Section 2.7, "Companies" refer to the "Target Companies" and "Purchaser" refers to "SCB". 2.7.1 Purchase Consideration (a) The Purchase Consideration shall be satisfied as follows: (i) the payment of Deposit (which was paid on 12 September 2014); (ii) the payment of Redemption Amount of RM108,224,300 (i.e. the Cash Consideration); (iii) the assumption of Intercompany Advance by the Purchaser, which will be set off against the Purchase Consideration (i.e. the Assumption of Liabilities); 7 8 7 UCMB Shares and LCIB Shares are charged by HNG to its financiers. The Redemption Amount will be paid to the security agent, being OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad ("Security Agent") to procure the release of the security interest created by the Seller on UCMB Shares and LCIB Shares in favour of SCB on the completion of the SPA. 8 The intercompany advances amounting to Ringgit Malaysia Forty Nine Million and Six Hundred Thousand (RM49,600,000) as owing to the Target Companies by HNG ("Intercompany Advances"). SCB shall at the completion of the SPA procure the Target Companies to issue a written confirmation that HNG is finally and fully released and discharged from the Intercompany Advance, which debt is assumed fully by SCB following the novation agreement for the novation of the Intercompany Advances from the HNG to SCB at the completion of the Proposed Acquisitions ("Novation Agreement"). -7- (iv) (b) 2.7.2 the allotment and issuance to the Seller of the Consideration Shares, credited as fully paid and valued for this purpose at RM1.3318 per Consideration Share and quoted and listed on the Bursa Securities. The Consideration Shares will rank pari passu in all respects with the SCB Shares save that they will not rank for any dividend or other distribution of the SCB declared by reference to a record date prior to their date of issue. 9 In the event that the Purchaser undertakes an Adjustment Event at any time from financial year 2014 onwards and the record date in respect of such Adjustment Event falls on a date prior to the date on which the Seller becomes the registered owner of the Consideration Shares, the Seller and SCB (collectively the "Parties") agree that the Seller shall be entitled to all the benefits of such an Adjustment Event as if the Seller is already a shareholder of the Purchaser on the relevant record date, and the Parties shall agree on an equitable mechanism by adjusting the number of Consideration Shares, in a manner reasonably acceptable to both Parties, to the intent that the Seller’s position after an Adjustment Event is no worse off than the position it is in immediately before the occurrence of the Adjustment Event. Conditions Precedent 2.7.2.1 Conditional Completion The completion of the Proposed Acquisitions shall be conditional upon the fulfilment of the following conditions precedent on or before the date falling 120 days from the date of the SPA or such other date as the Parties may mutually agree in writing: (a) the delivery by HNG to SCB of the written consents (on terms satisfactory to the Purchaser, acting reasonably) of the financial institutions in relation to the banking facilities affecting the Target Companies to which consent is required for the Proposed Acquisitions, in accordance with the terms of the SPA; (b) the legal and beneficial ownership in the shares in New Malaysian 10 International Construction Sdn Bhd ("NMIC") having been transferred to the Seller or a nominee of the Seller out from LCIB; (c) the Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser the following in respect of the 11 Meru Land : (i) the withdrawal of the lien holder's caveat lodged by United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd over the Meru Land and the delivery of the land title for the Meru Land to LCIB and an instrument of transfer (Form 14A) duly executed in favour of LCIB as the transferee; or 9 Adjustment Event means (a) any share splits, share consolidation, share dividends, cash dividends, options or warrants or other similar instruments convertible into new shares or capital distributions of the Purchaser; and (b) any rights issuances of new shares or options or warrants or other similar instruments convertible into new shares, any dividend reinvestment plan or any other issuances of new shares at a reference price or price (as the case may be) per share of the Purchaser below (i) the VWAP of the shares of the Purchaser for the 5 Market Days immediately prior to the price-fixing date for such issuance or (ii) the Issue Price. 10 LCIB currently owns 100,000 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each in NMIC. 11 LCIB and Leader Properties Sdn. Bhd. entered into a sale and purchase agreement in 2012 for the sale of the piece of land held under GRN 68913, Lot 43816, Mukim Kapar, Daerah Klang, Selangor ("Meru Land") by Leader Properties Sdn Bhd to LCIB. LCIB has yet to be registered as the owner of the Meru Land due to an existing facilities take under the name of Leader Properties Sdn. Bhd. -8- (ii) the original issue document of title with LCIB’s name endorsed thereon as the registered proprietor; (d) the issuance and delivery of the Redemption Statement by the Chargee to SCB confirming, amongst others, the Redemption Amount and that such amount is not more than Ringgit Malaysia One Hundred and Eight Million Two Hundred Twenty Four Thousand and Three Hundred Twenty (RM108,224,320); (e) the notification by the Target Companies to Ministry of International Trade and Industry and Malaysian Investment Development Authority of the proposed changes in the shareholding structures of the Target Companies; (f) the passing at an extraordinary general meeting ("EGM") of SCB of: (i) an ordinary resolution approving the execution and performance of the obligations of SCB under the SPA and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereunder; and (ii) an ordinary resolution approving the allotment and issuance of the Consideration Shares to HNG; (g) the approval-in-principle for listing of and quotation for the Consideration Shares being obtained from Bursa Securities subject to the terms of the SPA; (h) the execution of Novation Agreement between HNG, SCB and the Target Companies for the novation of Intercompany Advance from HNG to SCB; and (i) the execution of a licensing agreement between SCB and HNG upon terms mutually acceptable to the Parties for the use of the "Leader since 1957" trademark by LCIB on a royalty-free basis, up to a period of twelve (12) months only from the completion of Proposed Acquisitions. (Sections 2.7.2.1 (a) to (i) of this announcement shall individually and collectively be referred to as the "Conditions Precedent") 2.7.2.2 Waiver of Conditions Precedent Save for the Conditions Precedent in (e) and (h) which may only be waived by mutual agreement in writing of the Parties, SCB may in its absolute discretion waive all or any of the Conditions Precedent at any time by notice in writing to HNG. The Parties acknowledge that the Conditions Precedent (f)(i) and (ii) and (g) cannot be waived even with mutual consent. 2.7.3 Profit Guarantees (a) HNG is providing a profit guarantee such that the PBT of the Target Companies for the financial year ending 31 December 2014 ("FY 2014 PBT") shall not in aggregate be less than RM21,000,000. (b) In the event that the FY2014 PBT is less than the Profit Guarantee, HNG shall, upon written demand by SCB, pay to SCB an amount in cash equal to such shortfall within ninety (90) days from the signing of the audited accounts of the Target Companies by the respective auditors of the Target Companies for the financial year ending 31 December 2014. -9- 2.7.4 (c) The Parties agree that the FY2014 PBT shall be based on the aggregated profit before tax of the Target Companies less any inter-company adjustments, particularly any unrealised profits between the Target Companies and as determined by the respective auditors of the Target Companies as soon as practicable after the end of the financial year ending 31 December 2014 and in any event no later than 31 March of the following financial year, based on accounting principles, procedures and practices adopted in the audited accounts of the Target Companies applied on a consistent basis and in accordance with the Act and in accordance with the relevant Accounting Standards. (d) If there is any dispute in relation to the FY2014 PBT, the disputing party may, within seven (7) days from the signing of the audited accounts of the Target Companies for the financial year ending 31 December 2014 refer the determination of FY2014 PBT to an expert selected among PriceWaterhouseCoopers, KPMG or Deloitte by agreement between the Parties, or failing agreement, nominated of an expert by the President of the time being of the Institute of Malaysian Accountants on the application of any of the Parties. (e) The disputing party shall, at its own costs, procure the expert to determine the FY2014 PBT in accordance with the relevant Accounting Standards within 30 days from the date of instructing the expert (or such other date as the Parties may mutually agree in writing). (f) The decision of the expert shall be final and binding on the parties hereto, manifest errors excepted, and the expert shall be deemed to act as an expert and not as an arbitrator. Indemnity and Tax Covenants 2.7.4.1 Subject always to completion of the Proposed Acquisitions having occurred, the Seller shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless SCB, for itself and as agent and trustee for the Target Companies, from and against any losses, which SCB or the Target Companies incurs, and resulting from or arising out of: (a) LCIB's interest in NMIC; (b) LCIB and UCMB not having in its possession physical copies of the approved building plans for factory and office building with the land particulars as stated in the SPA; and (c) LCIB's lease of H.S. (D) 2/1977, Mukim Pekula, Daerah Kuala Muda, Kedah, being a Malay-reserved land, from Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah. 2.7.4.2 Tax Covenants. (a) For purposes of construing the Tax Covenants section in the SPA, the following definitions are used: (i) “Event” includes any omission, event, action or transaction, which occurs on or before the completion of the Proposed Acquisitions; - 10 - (b) (ii) “relief” includes any relief, allowance, credit, set off, deduction or exemption for any Tax purpose; (ii) reference to income or profits or gains earned, accrued or received shall include income or profits or gains deemed to have been or treated as or regarded as earned, accrued or received for the purposes of the relevant Tax legislation; (iii) reference to any “Tax liability” shall include any liability of the Companies to make payment of Tax arising as a result of an Event and any loss or reduction in the amount of a right to repayment of Tax which has been treated as an asset of the Companies in preparing the Accounts. In such instances the amount of Tax found to be payable by the Companies (calculated by reference to the rates of Tax in force at the date of this Agreement) or the amount of repayment which the Companies would otherwise have obtained, shall be treated as the amount of the Tax liability but excludes any such Tax liability arising as a result of, or such loss or reduction suffered as a result of, changes to Tax laws regulations directives or rulings or its interpretation thereof after the completion of the Proposed Acquisitions with retrospective effect; and (iv) reference to a payment in respect of Tax includes (without limitation) a payment for the surrender of any relief or other entitlement, a repayment of any such payment and a payment by way of reimbursement, recharge, indemnity or damages. Subject to the terms in the SPA and completion of the Proposed Acquisitions, HNG covenants with and undertakes to pay to SCB a sum equal to the amount of, amongst others: (i) any Tax liability of the Target Companies resulting from or by reference to any profits or gains earned accrued or received on or before the completion of the Proposed Acquisitions or any Event but excluding any Tax liability resulting from or by reference to any income or as the result of the realisation by the Company of trading stock or work in progress or otherwise in the ordinary course of its business; and (ii) any Tax liability of the Target Companies that would not have been payable had there been no breach of any Tax Warranties and which is not the subject of the covenants in paragraph (i) above; and; and (iii) all costs and expenses which are incurred by SCB or the Target Companies as agreed by HNG in connection with any of the matters referred to in the Tax Covenant clauses in the SPA or in taking or defending any action under the covenants contained in the Tax covenant clauses in the SPA (including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, all legal and other professional fees and disbursements) in relation to an Event. - 11 - 2.7.5 SCB's Rights to Terminate SCB may by written notice given to HNG any time prior to the completion of the Proposed Acquisitions terminate the SPA if any fact, matter or event (whether existing or occurring on or before the date of the SPA or arising or occurring afterwards) comes to the notice of SCB at any time prior to completion of the Proposed Acquisitions which constitutes: 2.7.6 (a) a material breach by the Seller of this Agreement (including any material breach of the covenants or other obligations of HNG contained or referred to in the SPA), which has not been remedied by HNG fourteen (14) days after a written notice of such breach has been given to HNG; (b) a material breach of any of the warranties given by HNG in the SSA; or (c) a material adverse event of any Target Companies. HNG's Rights to Terminate HNG may by written notice given to the SCB any time prior to completion of the Proposed Acquisitions terminate the SPA if any fact, matter or event (whether existing or occurring on or before the date of the SPA or arising or occurring afterwards) comes to the notice of HNG at any time prior to completion of the SPA which constitutes:- 2.8 (a) a material breach by SCB of the Agreement (including any material breach of the covenants or other obligations of SCB contained or referred to in the SPA), which has not been remedied by SCB fourteen (14) days after a written notice of such breach has been given to SCB; (b) a material breach of any of the warranties given by SCB; or (c) a material adverse event of SCB. Ranking and Listing of the Consideration Shares The Consideration Shares shall, upon allotment and issuance, rank pari passu in all respects with each other, save and except that they shall not be entitled to any dividends, rights, allotment and/or other distributions, which may be declared, made or paid to shareholders, the entitlement date of which precedes the date of allotment of the Consideration Shares. An application will be made to Bursa Securities for the listing of and quotation for the Consideration Shares on the Main Market of Bursa Securities. 2.9 Liabilities to be assumed, Estimated Additional Financial Commitments Save for the Assumption of Liabilities, there are no other liabilities, including contingent liabilities and guarantees to be assumed by SCB Group pursuant to the Proposed Acquisitions. SCB does not expect to incur any additional financial commitment to put the businesses of the Target Companies on-stream as the businesses of the Target Companies are currently operational and profit making. - 12 - 2.10 Source of Funding The Cash Consideration to part satisfy the Purchase Consideration will be funded from borrowings (90% of the Cash Consideration) and the balance from the internally generated funds of SCB. 2.11 Original cost and date of investment The original cost and date of investment in the Target Companies by HNG are as follows:- Date of investment UCMB 7 May 2012 123,621 LCIB 7 May 2012 55,250 Total 3. Original Cost of Investment (RM’000) Target Companies 178,871 RATIONALE FOR THE PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS The SCB Group is an integrated manufacturing and engineering solutions provider for the power transmission industry in Malaysia. Its operations include the manufacturing and sale of power cables and conductors, fabrication and galvanising of steel structures and transmission towers, and the supply, construction, installation and commissioning of transmission line projects. In addition, the Group has also ventured into Indonesia's power generation sector in 2012 via its subsidiary, PT Inpola Mitra Elektrindo's proposed mini hydro power plant in the North Sumatra area. The Board envisages that the Proposed Acquisitions will bring forth the following benefits to the SCB Group:(i) Minimise opportunity costs The Proposed Acquisitions will give the SCB Group immediate access to the manufacturing facilities, technology know-how, branding, customer base (including foreign customers) and marketing network as well as human resource of the Target Companies. In comparison, if the Group were to set up manufacturing facilities of similar capacity as the Target Companies', the management of SCB Group estimates that it would cost the Group not less than RM250 million and require two (2) to three (3) years for the construction of the factories and commissioning of the machineries. In addition, the SCB Group may need a longer time frame to achieve the same level of production and administrative efficiency and technical know-how as the Target Companies, and to establish the level of customer base required to support the current scale of operations of the Target Companies. More importantly, the SCB Group will be in competition with the more established market players, including the Target Companies, for the same business segment in Malaysia and abroad. Thus, it is not compelling for the Group to embark on this route. The Proposed Acquisitions will allow the Group to minimise the above mentioned opportunity costs which would otherwise be incurred should the Group decide to expand organically via the setting up of new manufacturing facilities. - 13 - (ii) Enlarge its manufacturing capacity and geographical expansion The Proposed Acquisitions will give SCB the opportunity to expand its power cables manufacturing base to Peninsular Malaysia through the Target Companies' manufacturing bases in the states of Selangor, Kedah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan. Post completion of the Proposed Acquisitions, the SCB Group will expand its cable manufacturing capacity by multi-fold and, by leveraging on the production facilities of the Target Companies, the enlarged SCB Group will become one of the leading manufacturers of cables and conductors in Malaysia and this will provide the SCB Group with the manufacturing base to capture opportunities in the power transmission industry in Malaysia and abroad. (iii) Enhance its manufacturing capability Currently, the SCB Group manufactures two (2) types of power cables and wires, namely LV power cables and wires and HV bare conductors. LV power cables and wires such as single core power cables and wires and multi-core power cables and wires are principally used in power distribution lines, as well as inside end-user homes, offices and factories. HV bare conductors are typically used in overhead power transmission lines and distribution lines. At present, the SCB Group also purchases power cables from other manufacturers (one (1) of its major suppliers being UCMB) for it to supply a comprehensive range of cables as a one-stop supply centre of power cables and wires in Sarawak. These external products are primarily MV and HV power cables which are not economical for the SCB Group to manufacture in-house due to limitations in its production capacity. Following the Proposed Acquisitions, SCB Group will have the facilities and technology know-how for the manufacturing of the higher margin MV and HV power cables to broaden its product offerings to satisfy the requirements of its customers. (iv) Enhance market positioning The Proposed Acquisitions will further enhance SCB Group’s position as an integrated one-stop manufacturing base and solutions provider in the power transmission industry and will benefit the SCB Group in the following manner:(a) At present, the Target Companies supply their products to Tenaga National Berhad (“TNB”) while the SCB Group only provide its engineering services for the installation of transmission line projects to TNB. Following the completion of the Proposed Acquisitions, the enlarged SCB Group will be in a position to offer its full spectrum of products and services as turnkey contractors to TNB; (b) The SCB Group will be able to tap on the Target Companies' existing customer bases in Malaysia and overseas to expand the reach of the Group's products and services and to venture into new markets in the region; and (c) Enhance SCB Group’s competitive edge and market position in the power transmission industry as the Proposed Acquisitions complement SCB Group’s ability to provide one-stop in-house products and services to customers at competitive pricing as well as better logistical support to ensure timely completion of projects. - 14 - The Board views the Proposed Acquisitions as a synergistic and strategic move by SCB to strengthen its manufacturing base and market position within the power transmission industry by immediately tapping on the Target Companies' proven track record as one of the leading manufacturers of power and telecommunication cables in Malaysia with established operations and customer base. Post acquisition, the enlarged SCB Group with its enlarged capacity and capability as well as enhanced efficiency and technical capability will be able to embark on projects of increasing scale and complexity in Malaysia and abroad. 4. RISK FACTORS IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS The Proposed Acquisitions are not expected to materially affect the business and operational risk profile of the SCB Group as the SCB Group is already exposed to similar business and operational risks as those inherent in the Target Companies business' operations, such as labour supply shortage, increase in labour, logistical and overhead costs, changes in general economic, business and credit conditions, the entry of new players, changes in customers’ preference and technological advances, and changes in the legal and environmental framework within which the Target Companies operate. These risks include but not limited to the following:- 4.1 Business Risks The business activities of the Target Companies are subject to the risks inherent in the cable manufacturing business. These risks include, but not limited to, changes in the economic condition and demand for power cables and wires in Malaysia and other markets where the Target Companies' products are exported to. Factors that may affect demand for power cables and wires include the performance of the power industry, property development industry and building and construction industry, which are beyond the control of the SCB Group. The SCB Group's operations are primarily derived from Sarawak and the Board has always been seeking to expand its manufacturing operations beyond Sarawak. The Proposed Acquisitions allow SCB Group to establish its market reach to Peninsular Malaysia as well as overseas market such as South East Asia, Hong Kong, Maldives, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand. Upon completion of the Proposed Acquisitions, the Board believes that the Target Companies' established market presence in Peninsular Malaysia and overseas will further enhance the business operations of the enlarged SCB Group. 4.2 Dependence on Key Customers The Target Companies are primarily involved in the sales of power cable and conductors, and are thus dependent on TNB which is the sole entity responsible for the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. TNB has been the Target Companies' customers for more than thirty (30) years and have contributed between 27% and 36% of the Target Companies' revenue for the past three (3) financial years up to FYE 31 December 2013. TNB has been the Target Companies' customer for more than 30 years and the Board is of the opinion that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Target Companies will continue to maintain this long-term and cordial business relationship with TNB in view of their proven sales record with TNB, quality of their products and timely delivery. Save for risks inherent in general political, economic and regulatory environment and foregoing factors, the Board is of the opinion that there are no specific factors which could potentially have an adverse impact on the relationship between the Target Companies and TNB post completion of the Proposed Acquisitions. - 15 - 4.3 Dependence on availability of raw materials at competitive prices Cable manufacturing operations rely on a sustainable supply of raw materials such as copper rods, aluminium rods, steel plates, steel coils, zinc blocks and optical ground wires. For the FYE 31 December 2013, purchases of copper rods and aluminium rods comprise approximately 50% of total purchases and these materials are mainly sourced from Leader Universal Aluminium Sdn Bhd and Alpha Industries Bhd, both are companies related to the Seller. The Target Companies monitor the price and inventory level of their raw materials and take measures such as increasing inventory levels or using hedging mechanism if a shortage of supply or unfavourable price movement is anticipated through its purchasing department and hedging desk. This is in line with SCB Group’s existing practice of closely monitoring the prices and supply of the required raw materials and takes measures such as increasing inventory levels if a shortage of supply or unfavourable price movement is anticipated. The Board is of the opinion that the enlarged SCB Group will continue to get the support of Leader Universal and Alpha Industries for the supply of copper rods and aluminium rods. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the SPA, the Target Companies will enter into supply agreements with Leader Universal Aluminium Sdn Bhd and Alpha Industries Bhd to secure the supply of the copper rods and aluminium rods before the completion of the Proposed Acquisitions. Notwithstanding the above, the SCB Group maintains a diversified supplier base and do not depend on any single supplier for the purchase of raw materials. As copper rods and aluminium rods are commodities traded on the London Metal Exchange whereby their prices are subjected to world supply and demand, all manufacturers that use these materials in their production are equally affected. In most situations, SCB Group is able to pass on fluctuations in the prices of raw materials to its customers resulting in minimal impact on its profit margins. Upon completion of the Proposed Acquisitions, the enlarged SCB Group will be able to share its supplier base for raw materials and also leverage on larger scale of operations for better raw materials pricing when engaging with its suppliers. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Group's business operations and financial performance will not be adversely affected if there is a prolonged shortage in the supply or adverse long-term price movement in the abovementioned raw materials. 4.4 Dependence on key personnel The knowledge and experience of the key existing personnel is crucial in maintaining the continuing operations and success of the Target Companies. SCB Group intends to retain the existing staffs of the Target Companies and ensure there is continuity in the management of the Target Companies as the loss of such key personnel could adversely affect the operations of the Target Companies. SCB Group will also take appropriate measures to attract, retain and motivate talented individuals to ensure, on a larger extent, a continuing succession plan for key management positions in the enlarged SCB Group. However, there can be no assurance the departure of any key personnel will not have an adverse effect on the enlarged SCB Group. - 16 - 4.5 Financial Risk The Proposed Acquisitions will be partly funded by bank borrowings from a financial institution. The total borrowing of SCB Group will increase from RM83.0 million as at 31 December 2013 to RM420.9 million upon completion of the Proposed Acquisitions. Fluctuations in the overnight policy rate determined by Bank Negara Malaysia will impact interest rates charged by financial institutions and result in changes the interest charges incurred on new borrowings and existing borrowings of the SCB Group and the Target Companies. SCB Group will continuously ensure prudent financial management such as monitoring its future cash flow and to take appropriate steps in the event any shortfall may be detected. However, there can be no assurance that SCB Group’s ability to meet its financial obligations will not be jeopardized in the event its operations and cash flows are affected in any manner whatsoever due to internal or external shocks to its businesses. 4.6 Non-Completion Risk of the Proposed Acquisitions The completion of the Proposed Acquisitions is subject to certain conditions such as the approvals from the shareholders of SCB and from the relevant authorities. In the event any of the conditions precedent as set out in the SPA is not fulfilled, the SPA will be terminated and become null and void. Under the terms of the SPA, SCB will be able to recover the Earnest Deposit paid to HNG in the event the termination of the SPA is through no fault of SCB. SCB however will take all reasonable and necessary steps to ensure that all the conditions precedent is met to ensure the completion of the Proposed Acquisitions to realise the benefits to the SCB Group as envisaged in Section 3 of this announcement. 5. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW AND PROSPECTS 5.1 Overview and Outlook of the Malaysian economy The Malaysian economy is expected to expand further by 5% - 5.5% in 2014 (2013: 4.5% 5%), supported by favourable external environment. Growth will be private-led, supported by strong private capital spending while private consumption continues to be resilient. Although some degree of uncertainty exists in the global environment due to the volatility of capital flows associated with the possibility of reduced global liquidity, Malaysia's external sector is expected to improve. This is in tandem with the continued recovery of growth across advanced economies as well as stronger regional trade activities which is evident in the second half of 2013. The better outlook of Malaysia's external sector is premised upon China's real Gross Domestic Product growth, which is expected to be sustained at around 7.5%, while global trade will continue to grow at a steady pace of 5% in 2014. Domestic demand is expected to continue its strong growth momentum, driven mainly by the private sector. Strong domestic fundamentals, including low unemployment, rising household income and sustained consumer confidence, will support the continued expansion of private consumption. Growth in private investment is expected to remain strong in line with improving external demand and increasing domestic activity. Public expenditure will be largely underpinned by increased spending on supplies and services. - 17 - Malaysia's macroeconomic fundamentals are expected to remain strong. Of significance, labour market conditions are expected to be favourable with the unemployment rate at 3.1%. The labour market is expected to be supported by increased employment, particularly in the services-related industries and export-oriented manufacturing industries in tandem with strong domestic consumption and improving external demand. Headline inflation is expected to remain manageable at 2% - 3% in 2014. The increase in the consumer price index (CPI) largely reflects fuel price adjustment in September 2013. Domestic demand-driven inflation is expected to remain modest, amid increased capacity expansion and improved productivity. On the supply side, major economic sectors are expected to record netter performance in 2014 supported by strong domestic fundamentals and improving external demand. The export oriented manufacturing sector is expected to benefit from improving external demand with higher manufacturing activity. Growth in the construction sector will be driven by acceleration in the implementation of civil engineering projects in the transport, utility and oil and gas segments. The outlook for the manufacturing sector is expected to improve, given the continued recovery in manufacturing activity, partiality the electrical and electronics ("E&E") subsector. In line with the gradual pickup in the global economy and improving intra-regional trade, export economy and improving intra-regional trade, export-oriented industries such as E&E, chemicals and resource-based industries are likely to provide support to growth. Likewise, domestic-oriented industries such as construction-related materials, transport equipment and food subsectors are also expected to remain resilient. The manufacturing sector is projected to grow 3.8% in 2014 (2013: 3.2%). (Source: Economic Report 2013/2014) 5.2 Prospects and Outlook of the Power Cables and Wire Industry The prospects and outlook of the business segment in which the Target Companies operate in will depend on the growth and prospect of the power industry as well as the infrastructure development sectors in Malaysia. Notable key growth drivers for these industries include the following: TNB incurred capital expenditure of RM8.5 billion for the FYE 31 August 2013, which was an increase of 16.4% of the incurred capital expenditure of RM7.3 billion for the FYE 31 August 2012. The authorised capital expenditures and other commitments of TNB for the next five (5) years as at 31 August 2013 is RM22.41 billion. This represents an increase of 26.3% based on its five (5) years capital and other commitments of RM17.74 billion as at 31 August 2012 and this is in line with TNB’s plan in enhancing its generating capacity potential, transmission efficiency and distribution reach. (Source: TNB Annual Report dated 31 August 2013) The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (“SCORE” of "Corridor") focuses on developing the energy sector and targets ten (10) high impact priority industries that will complement the development plan and also provide downstream opportunities for small and medium enterprises and is in line with the State of Sarawak’s ninth Malaysia plan to capitalize on the State of Sarawak’s energy resources (Source: www.recoda.com.my) Investments totalling RM334 billion will be required by the year 2030, in order to realise the full potential of the SCORE initiative. It is estimated that RM267 billion worth of private investments – representing roughly 80% of the total investments for the Corridor – will be for the development of industries (RM200 billion) and the power sector (RM67 billion), with RM67 billion or 20% of the total investments – from the public sector – targeted for the development of vital infrastructure within SCORE (Source: Annual Report 2013 of Regional Corridor Development Authority ("Recoda")). - 18 - In 2013, domestic investment activity was boosted by the launch of the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (“RAPID”) project in Pengerang, Johor under the Economic Transformation Plan. The RAPID project will enable Malaysia to become a major global player in the oil and gas downstream industry as well as create various economic opportunities for the local community. These would include construction of new roads, installing a comprehensive network of power, telecommunications and water supplies, upgrading roads to highways to facilitate movements of goods and services and a centralised management of industrial waste products from the complex. (Source: Ministry of Finance Malaysia, Economic Report 2013/2014 and Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation website www.mprc.gov.my/our-businesses/pengerang-integrated-petroleum-complex-pipc) The capital investment by TNB, SCORE, RAPID and other infrastructure developments will act as a catalyst to spur the growth in the demand for power cable, transmission line and ancillary engineering services which could bring forth growth in the power cable and wire industry. 5.3 Prospects of Target Companies Over the years, the Target Companies have focused on improving its technical capability to manufacture cables of increasing complexity to capture markets once dominated by imported cables. At the same time, the Target Companies has also expanded its export markets (export sales made up approximately 19% of sales for the FYE 31 December 2013) and its products are currently sold to neighbouring countries including Australia and New Zealand. Recently, UCMB successfully complete the testing for its 275kV cable, which once commercialised, will give UCMB an opportunity to capture new markets locally and aboard which are currently fulfilled by such cables imported from overseas. The Target Companies, with its established track record associated with quality products and technical capability is well position to benefit from the increased demand for power cables in the future arising from the capital investment by TNB, SCORE, RAPID and other infrastructure development in Malaysia in the future. In addition, the Target Companies' manufacturing base will support the SCB Group's aspiration of becoming a sizeable one-stop solutions provider in the power transmission industry in Malaysia, with the capacity and capability to expand regionally where opportunities arise. With the intention to expand their business locally and internationally, the Target Companies plan to increase efficiency in manufacturing capacity and enhancement in products quality. The co-operation and support between the existing project management and technical team of the Target Companies together with the current team in SCB Group will enable the Target Companies to manufacture, supply and provide power cables and wires as an integrated solution for infrastructure projects. This will build a strong platform for the SCB Group to participate in future infrastructure projects in Malaysia and overseas. Currently, SCB has not identified the financial resources required to execute the plans as the financial resources required is dependent on the type and size of the projects awarded to SCB. (Source: Management of SCB) - 19 - 6. EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSALS 6.1 Share Capital The proforma effects of the Proposed Acquisitions on the issued and paid-up share capital of SCB are as follows:- As at 17 October 2014 Consideration Shares to be issued Enlarged issued and paid-up share capital after the Proposed Acquisitions 6.2 No. of SCB Shares Share Capital (RM'000) 279,450,000 139,725 37,600,000 18,800 317,050,000 158,525 Earnings and earnings per share (“EPS”) The Proposed Acquisitions are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014 and will have a dilutive impact on the EPS of SCB Group for the financial year ending 31 December 2014 as a result of an increase in the number of SCB Shares in issue as a result of issue of Consideration Shares upon completion of the Proposed Acquisitions. Notwithstanding this, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Proposed Acquisitions are expected to contribute positively to the future earnings and EPS of the SCB Group. 6.3 NA and gearing The effects of the Proposed Acquisitions on the NA and gearing of the SCB Group are set out below:Audited 31 December 2013 RM'000 After Proposed Acquisitions Share Capital 139,725 158,525 Reverse acquisition reserve (37,300) (37,300) Share premium 46,354 77,630 Foreign currency translation reserve (1,196) Revenue reserves 76,126 (1,196) (a) 179,534 Shareholders’ Funds 223,709 377,193 No. of Shares (‘000) 279,450 317,050 0.80 1.19 83,302 420,905 0.37 1.12 NA per Share (RM) Total borrowings Gearing (times) Note:(a) After netting off estimated expenses in relation to the Proposed Acquisitions of approximately RM2.6 million. The illustration set out above is for illustrative purpose only and may not represent the true financial position of the SCB Group after the completion of the Proposed Acquisitions. There may be differences due to amongst others, the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the Target Companies acquired and accounting adjustments which may be undertaken upon completion of the Proposed Acquisitions in accordance with the Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards issued by the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board. - 20 - 6.4 Convertible securities There are no options, warrants or convertible securities issued by SCB. 6.5 Substantial Shareholders’ Shareholdings The effects of the Proposed Acquisitions on the substantial shareholders’ shareholdings of SCB are set out below:Existing Direct After Proposed Acquisitions Indirect Substantial Shareholders No. of SCB Shares % Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib 57,825,000 20.69 Sarawak Energy Berhad (“SEB”) 52,397,996 18.75 Toh Chee Ching 38,591,996 13.81 Central Paragon Sdn Bhd (“CPSB”) 34,182,000 12.23 9,855,000 3.53 (3) 52,397,996 18.75 52,397,996 18.75 Yek Siew Liong No. of SCB Shares Direct (1) No. of SCB Shares % Indirect No. of SCB Shares % 34,182,000 12.23 57,825,000 18.24 - - 52,397,996 16.53 2,394,000 0.86 38,591,996 12.17 - - 34,182,000 10.78 34,182,000 12.23 9,855,000 3.11 - (2) (1) 34,182,000 10.78 - - 2,394,000 0.76 - - (3) 34,182,000 10.78 - (4) 52,397,996 16.53 - (4) 52,397,996 16.53 - (1) 34,182,000 10.78 34,182,000 10.78 (2) State Financial Secretary Sarawak - - (4) Delegateam Sdn Bhd - - (4) - (1) 34,182,000 12.23 - - (5) UF Jaya Sdn Bhd - 34,182,000 12.23 - % Baodi Development Sdn Bhd - - (5) Yek Min Ek Sdn Bhd - - (6) 34,182,000 12.23 - - (6) 34,182,000 10.78 Tan Sri Dato Sri Yit Ming Yik @ Yek Min Ek - - (3) 34,182,000 12.23 - - (3) 34,182,000 10.78 Puan Sri Datin Sri Ting Phik Chai - - (3) 34,182,000 12.23 - - (3) 34,182,000 10.78 HNG - - - - 37,600,000 11.86 - - Dato’ Seri H’ng 237,240 Dato’ H’ng Chun Hsiang Datin H’ng Hsieh Ling Notes: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) - 0.08 - - - - - - 237,240 - 0.07 (7) 37,600,000 11.86 - (7) 37, 600,000 11.86 - (7) 37, 600,000 11.86 Deemed interested by virtue of their interests in CPSB pursuant to Section 6A of the Act. Deemed interested by virtue of his interest in Greatwall Tyre & Battery (Kuching) Sdn Bhd and his spouse’s interest pursuant to Section 6A and Section 134(12)(C) of the Act. Deemed interested by virtue of their interests in CPSB via Yek Min Ek Sdn Bhd pursuant to Section 6A of the Act. Deemed interested by virtue of their interests in SEB pursuant to Section 6A of the Act. Deemed interested by virtue of its interest in CPSB via UF Jaya Sdn Bhd pursuant to Section 6A of the Act. Deemed interested by virtue of its interest in CPSB via Baodi Development Sdn Bhd pursuant to Section 6A of the Act. Deemed interested by virtue of their interest in HNG pursuant to Section 6A of the Act. - 21 - 7. APPROVALS REQUIRED The Proposed Acquisitions are conditional upon the following approvals being obtained:(i) shareholders of SCB at an EGM to be convened; (ii) Bursa Securities for the listing of and quotation for the Considerations Shares; (iii) any other relevant parties and/or authorities, if necessary. The Proposed Acquisitions are not conditional upon any other corporate exercises undertaken or to be undertaken by SCB. 8. INTEREST OF DIRECTORS, CONNECTED WITH THEM MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND/OR PERSONS Dato’ Seri H’ng, who is an existing director of SCB is also a director and a controlling shareholder via his and his family’s shareholdings in HNG and is deemed to be interested in the Proposed Acquisitions. Accordingly, Dato’ Seri H’ng have abstained and will continue to abstain from deliberation and voting at the Board meetings of SCB in respect of the Proposed Acquisitions. Dato’ Seri H’ng will also abstain and have also undertaken to ensure that persons connected to him will also abstain from voting in respect of their respective direct and/or indirect shareholdings in SCB, if any, on the resolution pertaining to the Proposed Acquisitions at the forthcoming EGM. Other than disclosed above, none of the other directors, major shareholders of SCB and/or persons connected to them have any interest, whether direct or indirect, in the Proposed Acquisitions. 9. DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT The Board, save for Dato’ Seri H’ng, having considered all aspects of the Proposed Acquisitions including the rationale for the Proposed Acquisitions and the immediate and future prospects of the Target Companies, and the advice of the Independent Adviser, namely TA Securities Holdings Berhad is of the opinion that the Proposed Acquisitions 10. (i) are fair, reasonable and on commercial terms; (ii) are in the best interest of SCB; and (iii) are not detrimental to the interests of the minority shareholders of SCB. AUDIT COMMITTEE STATEMENT The Audit Committee of SCB, after having considered all aspects of the Proposed Acquisitions including the rationale for the Proposed Acquisitions, the immediate and future prospects of the Target Companies, and the advice of the Independent Adviser, namely TA Securities Holdings Berhad, is of the view that the Proposed Acquisitions:(i) are fair, reasonable and on commercial terms; (ii) are in the best interest of SCB; and (iii) are not detrimental to the interests of the minority shareholders of SCB. - 22 - 11. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTY FOR PAST TWELVE (12) MONTHS SCB Group has not entered into any other transactions outside the ordinary course of business with HNG for the twelve (12) months preceding the date of this announcement. 12. APPLICATION TO THE AUTHORITIES The applications to the relevant authorities pertaining to the Proposed Acquisitions shall be submitted to Bursa Securities within two (2) months from the date of this announcement. 13. HIGHEST PERCENTAGE RATIO The highest percentage ratio applicable to the Proposed Acquisitions pursuant to Paragraph 10.02 (g) of the Main Market Listing Requirements is 814.6%, based on the latest audited financial statements of SCB for the FYE 31 December 2013. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Securities Commission of Malaysia's Equity Guidelines, as the highest percentage ratio for the Proposed Acquisitions exceeds 100%, the Proposed Acquisitions might be deemed an acquisition resulting in a significant change in business direction and policy of the SCB Group which would require the approval of the Securities Commission of Malaysia. The Securities Commission of Malaysia has vide its letter dated 20 October 2014 concurred that the Proposed Acquisitions would not result in a significant change in the business direction and policy of the SCB Group. 14. ADVISERS Kenanga has been appointed as the Principal Adviser for the Proposed Acquisitions. TA Securities Holdings Bhd has been appointed as the Independent Adviser in view that the Proposed Acquisitions are related party transactions pursuant to Paragraph 10.08 (2) of the Main Market Listing Requirements of Bursa Securities to undertake the following in respect of the Proposed Acquisitions:- 15. (i) Comment as to whether the Proposed Acquisitions are fair and reasonable so far as the minority shareholders of SCB are concerned and also whether the Proposed Acquisitions is to the detriment of the minority shareholders of SCB and such opinion must set out the reasons for, the key assumptions made and the factors taken into consideration in forming that opinion; (ii) Advise the minority shareholders of SCB whether they should vote in favour of the Proposed Acquisitions; and (iii) Take all reasonable steps to satisfy itself that it has a reasonable basis to make the comments and advice in paragraphs (i) and (ii) above. PRELIMINARY EVALUATION BY INDEPENDENT ADVISER TA Securities Holdings Bhd is of the opinion that the Proposed Acquisitions are fair and reasonable and are not detrimental to the minority shareholders of SCB, based on its preliminary evaluation of the Proposed Acquisitions. The final recommendation from TA Securities Holdings Bhd will be set out in its Independent Advice Letter to be despatched to the minority shareholders and directors of SCB in due course. - 23 - 16. ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETION Barring any unforeseen circumstances and subject to all required approvals being obtained, the Proposed Acquisitions are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2014. 17. DOCUMENTS FOR INSPECTION The SPA will be made available for inspection during normal business hours at the Registered Office of SCB at Lot 767, Block 8, Muara Tebas Land District, Demak Laut Industrial Estate Phase III, Jalan Bako, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak from Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays) from the date of this announcement up to and including the date of the EGM of SCB to be convened in relation to the Proposed Acquisitions. This announcement is dated 21 October 2014. - 24 - APPENDIX I - FINANCIAL SUMMARY OF UCMB FINANCIAL SUMMARY The table below sets out the audited financial performance of UCMB from the FYE 31 December 2011 to 31 December 2013:(RM'000) Revenue FYE 31.12.2011 1,120,914 FYE 31.12.2012 FYE 31.12.2013 517,201 417,490 PBT 11,278 1,043 2,003 Profit after tax and minority interest 24,018 39,865 1,445 Paid-up capital 62,503 62,503 62,503 No. of shares in issue ('000) Shareholders’ fund / NA 62,503 62,503 62,503 155,046 210,560 214,773 Current ratio (times) Total Borrowings 1.10 210,168 Gearing (times) 1.36 1.28 1.31 163,936 121,725 0.78 0.57 Gross EPS (sen) 18.04 1.67 3.20 Net EPS (sen) 38.43 63.78 2.31 2.48 3.37 3.44 NA per share (RM) Notes:(a) there were no exceptional and / or extraordinary items reported in the financial statements of UCMB for the period under review and the said financial statements were not subject to any audit qualification. (b) there are no accounting policies adopted by UCMB that are peculiar to the nature of the business or the industry that it is involved in. Commentaries on financial performance FYE 31 December 2011 During the FYE 31 December 2011, the aluminium rod division of UCMB (which was subsequently disposed in FYE 31 December 2012) contributed 52.0% of revenue while the cable division contributed the remaining 48%. For the cable division, MV/HV power cables, LV power cables and conductors contributed approximately 16.6%, 19.9% and 7.0% of total revenue respectively. Revenue increased by approximately 53.1%, however PBT recorded a slight decrease of 9.4% during the financial year as compared to the FYE 31 December 2010 due to the generally weak global economic condition in 2010/2011 and cable manufacturers were offering lower margin to secure contracts to cover fixed operating overheads. UCMB recognised deferred tax assets amounting to RM13.05 million during the FYE 31 December 2011 due to tax exemptions granted on export allowances for achieving substantial increase in exports sales. FYE 31 December 2012 UCMB recorded significant decrease in revenue for the FYE 31 December 2012 mainly due to the disposal during the year of its aluminium rod division, which had previously contributed approximately RM583.0 million to revenue for FYE 31 December 2011 as compared to RM44.4 million during the FYE 31 December 2012. - 25 - APPENDIX I - FINANCIAL SUMMARY OF UCMB Sales of MV/HV power cables, LV power cables and conductors contributed approximately 39.1%, 35.3% and 10.6% of total revenue respectively. Significant decrease for PBT for the FYE 31 December 2012 was mainly due to competitive pricing contracts secured during the second half of FYE 31 December 2011, during the weak global economic environment which had significantly lower margins as well as a manpower rationalisation exercise undertaken. These competitive pricing contracts were all near completion in 2012. UCMB recognised additional deferred tax assets amounting to RM39.28 million during the FYE 31 December 2012, which was underprovided in relation to the tax exemptions granted on export allowances as part of incentive for winning the brand excellence award for fiscal year 2011. FYE 31 December 2013 Revenue for the FYE 31 December 2013 recorded a decrease of approximately 19.3% as compared to FYE 31 December 2012 partly due to the slight decrease in volume and also decrease in base metal prices which resulted in a corresponding drop in the selling prices of UCMB's products. Sales of MV/HV power cables, LV power cables and conductors contributed approximately 38.7%, 47.9% and 9.8% of total revenue respectively for the FYE 31 December 2013. Although sales has decreased, PBT has increased mainly due to the completion of the competitive pricing contracts and undertaking of better margin contracts in the current year and also cost savings from the manpower rationalisation exercise undertaken. (Source : Financial statements of UCMB for the period under review and discussion with management) [The rest of this page is intentionally left empty] - 26 - APPENDIX II - FINANCIAL SUMMARY OF LCIB FINANCIAL SUMMARY The table below sets out the audited financial performance of LCIB from the FYE 31 December 2011 to 31 December 2013:(RM'000) Revenue FYE 31.12.2011 462,671 Profit/(loss) before tax No. of shares in issue ('000) Shareholders’ fund / NA 379,113 FYE 31.12.2013 389,067 1,623 (14,842) 7,066 891 (10,660) 6,448 27,800 27,800 27,800 27,800 27,800 27,800 101,065 92,065 101,235 Profit/ (loss) after tax and minority interest Paid-up capital FYE 31.12.2012 Current ratio (times) 0.84 0.85 118,497 127,758 119,038 Gearing (times) 1.17 1.39 1.18 Gross EPS (sen) 5.83 (53.39) 25.42 Net EPS (sen) 3.20 (38.35) 23.19 NA per share (RM) 3.64 3.31 3.64 Total Borrowings 1.02 Notes:(a) there were no exceptional and / or extraordinary items reported in the financial statements of LCIB for the period under review and the said financial statements were not subject to any audit qualification. (b) there are no accounting policies adopted by LCIB that are peculiar to the nature of the business or the industry that it is involved in. Commentaries on financial performance FYE 31 December 2011 During the FYE 31 December 2011, revenue increased by approximately 36.2%, however PBT recorded a significant decrease of 88.4% as compared to FYE 31 December 2010. This was mainly in line with the decrease recorded by UCMB mainly due to the generally weak global economic condition in 2010/2011 where cable manufacturers were very cautious with pricing of contracts just to ensure sufficient revenues to spread fixed operating overheads and these cables contracts were generally secured at lower margins. Sales of MV/HV power cables, LV power cables, telephone cables and conductors contributed approximately 52.3%, 23.6%, 10.9% and 8.5% of total revenue respectively. FYE 31 December 2012 LCIB recorded an 18.1% decrease in revenue and also a loss before tax of RM14.8 million for the FYE 31 December 2012. Gross profit margin had further decreased from 4.8% for FYE 31 December 2011 to 4.1% for FYE 31 December 2012. This was mainly competitive pricing contracts secured during the second half of FYE 31 December 2011, during the weak global economic environment which had significantly lower margins as well as a manpower rationalisation exercise undertaken. These competitive pricing contracts were all near completion in 2012. Compounding to the losses before tax were increase from RM8.8 million in FYE 31 December 2011 to RM14.4M in FYE 31 December 2012 for selling and distribution expenses and this is mainly relating to carriage expenses for export sales due to increase in freight charges. In addition, retrenchment benefit, which was a oneoff scheme undertaken, amounting to approximately RM3.0 million was incurred. Sales of MV/HV power cables, LV power cables, telephone cables and conductors contributed approximately 66.7%, 17.0%, 6.8% and 6.8% of total revenue respectively. - 27 - APPENDIX II - FINANCIAL SUMMARY OF LCIB FYE 31 December 2013 Revenue for the FYE 31 December 2013 was generally stable with a slight increase of 2.6% as compared to FYE 31 December 2012. Sales of MV/HV power cables, LV power cables, telephone cables and conductors contributed approximately 61.2%, 17.9%, 9.8% and 2.8% of total revenue respectively for the FYE 31 December 2013. LCIB has recovered from its loss making position in the previous financial year and recorded a PBT of RM7.1 million mainly due to general increase in the gross profit margin from 4.1% in FYE 31 December 2012 to 6.1% for FYE 31 December 2013. Export sales have also decreased from 20.1% of total revenue in FYE 31 December 2012 to 6.2% of total revenue for FYE 31 December 2013. This in turn, had significantly reduced selling and distribution expenses, from RM14.4 million for FYE 31 December 2012 to RM7.8 million for FYE 31 December 2013. The retrenchment exercise undertaken in 2012 has also contributed to a decrease in administrative expenses (namely employee salaries), resulting in improved results of LCIB. (Source : Financial statements of LCIB for the period under review and discussion with management) [The rest of this page is intentionally left empty] - 28 -