Evraz Ready To Raise Free Float To Meet FTSE-100 Rules -CEO
December 12 2011 - 9:55AM
Dow Jones News
U.K.-listed, Russian steelmaker Evraz PLC (EVRZ.LN) is prepared
to raise its free float in accordance with any changes to the
free-float requirement on the FTSE-100 index, the company's chief
executive said Monday.
The FTSE Group is considering strict enforcement of a 25%
minimum free-float requirement for U.K.-listed companies, according
to people familiar with the matter. If imposed, six current FTSE
100 companies --Fresnillo PLC (FRES.LN), Essar Energy PLC (ESS.LN),
Eurasian Natural Resources Corp. PLC (ENRC.LN), Ferrexpo PLC
(FXPO.LN), Evraz and Glencore International PLC (GLEN.LN)-- would
have to raise their free floats. Evraz has a 24.8% free float at
the moment.
"If this regulation is imposed, we could place a very small
stake into the market and be compliant. It's not an issue,"
Alexander Frolov told journalists in a press briefing at the LSE
following the FTSE Group's announcement that Evraz will enter the
FTSE-100 index. "For us, the difference is pretty much cosmetic,"
he added.
Evraz began its first day of unconditional trading in London on
Nov. 7 and last week was granted entry into the coveted FTSE-100
index. It will formally enter the FTSE-100 index on Dec. 19.
Frolov said the company decided to seek a primary listing in
London and entry into the FTSE-100 index to widen its investor
base, which will increase its share liquidity and create a stronger
currency with which to pursue acquisitions in the future.
Several Russian companies have listed in the U.K., including
Polymetal International PLC (POLY.LN), this year to tap deeper
pools of liquidity and gain a better valuation, which would allow
them to issue new debt or equity more easily and cheaply to pursue
growth opportunities.
-By Alex MacDonald and Francesca Freeman, Dow Jones Newswires;
+44 (0)20 7842 9328; alex.macdonald@dowjones.com (Andrew Peaple in
London contributed to this story.)