Progen to propose M&A deal or return of all capital 11:30, Monday, 24 November 2008
Sydney - Monday - November 24: (RWE Australian Business News) - Progen Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:PGL) chairman Dr Mal Eutick told this morning's annual meeting that the company would announce, within 45 days from today, terms of an M&A transaction able to deliver a value to shareholders in excess of a $1.10 per share. This would be prior to January 14 and was likely to require shareholder approval. "At this point, we envisage that part of any deal would involve a capital return to shareholders," he said. "Should this not occur, the board will recommend that the entire capital of the company (less liabilities and allowances for the continuing statutory and other costs) be returned to shareholders. "This is a sum we currently estimate by February to be approximately $70m, or about $1.10 per share," Dr Eutick said, adding that this would also require shareholder approval. "This places a considerable time pressure on the company to aggressively bring possible M&A opportunities to this stage and for us to be able to convince you, our shareholders, that such an M&A transaction is in your best interest. "To ensure that all of this is done quickly, we are able to announce today the appointment of PriceWaterhouseCoopers as our advisers for this task," he told the meeting.
PGL Price at posting:
70.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held