Quarterly Report for the period ended 31 March 2009
April 30 2009 - 1:21AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMDON
DiamonEx Limited
AIM Release
30 April 2009
QUARTERLY REPORT
FOR THE QUARTER ENDING 31 MARCH 2009
- Diamonex Botswana Limited placed under Judicial Management
- Suspension in trading of DiamonEx Limited ("DiamonEx" or the
"Company") Shares
- On going work being done on formal agreement for sale of majority
interest of Diamonex Botswana Limited
- Lerala mine and plant on care and maintenance
Diamonex Botswana Limited under Judicial management
As announced on 3 November 2008, the prices obtained from the sale of
DiamonEx's rough diamond product were severely impacted by the global
financial crisis. In January 2009 it was evident that prices for
rough diamonds were unlikely to increase in the short term. The Board
then investigated various alternatives to address the operational
funding requirements of Diamonex Botswana Limited (DBL), DiamonEx's
fully owned subsidiary.
A decision was made to apply to the High Court of Botswana for DBL to
be placed under Judicial Management. . The first hearing seeking the
Judicial Management Order took place on Friday, 23 January 2009
(Botswana time). The Judicial Management Order was granted by the
Court. The making of the Judicial Management Order may place DiamonEx
in breach of covenants with a number of its borrowers. However, the
order for judicial management provides DBL with a period of immunity
from claims from its creditors.
Suspension of Trading
Upon obtaining the Judicial Management Order, application was made to
the Australian Securities Exchange, the Botswana Stock Exchange and
the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange to
suspend trading in DiamonEx's shares.
Sale of Majority Interest In Diamonex Botswana Limited
Since the granting of the Judicial Management Order, DiamonEx has
investigated numerous alternatives to position DiamonEx for the
future and address the finance problems incurred through the
operations of DBL.
As announced on 20 March 2009, the key terms of a conditional
agreement for the sale of 80% of the shares in DBL were finalised.
The agreement is with Fleming Asset Management Botswana acting on
behalf of the DiamonEx Convertible Bond Holders and DiamonEx.
The agreement provides for the transfer by DiamonEx of 80% of the
shares in DBL to a special purpose vehicle (Purchaser). Additionally,
DiamonEx will transfer its diamond exploration tenure in the USA to
the Purchaser. Completion of the sale transaction (Transaction) is
dependent on a number of matters, including agreement of future
repayment terms under the finance agreements between DBL and its
bankers. Discussions with these lenders are ongoing and the outcome
is uncertain at this time.
The Future
Continued work is being undertaken by the Directors in order to
facilitate the negotiations between all stakeholders to the proposed
sale and thus ensure that the Transaction is completed.
On successful completion of the Transaction, DiamonEx will manage its
20% investment in DBL and restructure the company to pursue other
exploration and development opportunities. Once the Transaction has
been completed it is the Directors' intention to seek re-instatement
to trading of DiamonEx's shares on the ASX, the Botswana Stock
Exchange and the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock
Exchange, however this will be subject to DiamonEx having complied
with the relevant exchange's requirements. ASX has advised that prior
to re-instatement it will require DiamonEx to disclose its future
plans and strategy for its continued operation as a viable business
and demonstrate that it has met all ASX Listing Rules requirements.
Lerala under care and maintenance
Currently the Lerala diamond mine is under care and maintenance,
supervised by the court appointed judicial manager.
Exploration
Owing to financial constraints, DiamonEx has allowed tenure on its
exploration properties in Botswana to lapse. Selected parts of this
exploration portfolio will be re-applied for.
OUTLOOK FOR THE NEXT QUARTER
The focus for the current quarter will be finalising the arrangements
to complete the Transaction, on developing a funding strategy for
DiamonEx that will provide a stable financial basis and in acquiring
a suitable development project to take DiamonEx forward.
For and on behalf of the Board
Paul Crawford
Company Secretary
For further information contact:
Dan O'Neill
Managing Director
Tel: +61 7 3720 8944
Mob: +61 407 596 942
Email: diamonex@diamonex.com.au
Greg King
Chairman
Tel: +61 7 3720 8944
Mob: +61 41 473 730
Email: diamonex@diamonex.com.au
Will Souter or Rob Adamson
RFC Corporate Finance Ltd (Nomad)
Tel: +61 2 9250 0050
+61 2 9250 0041
Email: will.souter@rfc.com.au
rob.adamson@rfc.com.au
Fox-Davies Capital Ltd (AIM Broker)
Tel: +44 20 7936 5200
=--END OF MESSAGE---
This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is
solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Diamonex (LSE:DON)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2024 to Nov 2024
Diamonex (LSE:DON)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2023 to Nov 2024